Osprey Observer Valrico December 2022

Valrico

23

December 2022

Volume 19, Issue 12

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CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS

BRENDA WADE TEAMS WITH DURANT BOOSTER CLUB HOSTS ANNUAL CALENDAR GIRL PAGEANT COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO IN FRONT OF SOLD-OUT CROWD DONATE $10,000 TO A KID’S PLACE

By Lily Belcher

By Marie Gilmore

Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596

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For its 10th derful opporannual ‘Parttunity to come ners in Giving’ alongside of event on Nofamilies in vember 1, the times of need.

Brenda Wade This year, we Real Estate are partnering Team and its with a wondercommuniful community ty partners cornerstone were able to that serves come togethboth children er and raise and families $10,000 for in need right A Kid’s Place The Brenda Wade Team and its ‘Partners in Giving’ event here in our lodonated $10,000 to A Kid’s Place. foster home cal communiin Brandon. ty.”

This donaWade is tion will go thankful to a long way, her business according partners, who to Samanoffered their tha Mellen, support not d eve l o p m e n t only to her clispecialist at ents but to the A Kid’s Place. community as “This donawell. The busition will feed nesses she has all 60 of our worked with kids for two this year inmonths and it clude the Law makes a huge Office of Rory difference for our organization,” she Weiner, Complete Choice Insurance, said.

Meek Insurance Group, CrossCountry Through the years, the Brenda Wade Mortgage, United Mutual Funding CorTeam, the top real estate agent in Hill- poration, the Home Loan Expert, The sborough County and one of the top 50 Rice Financial Group, CertaPro Painters, real estate teams in the USA, has donat- All American Title Company and Osprey ed more than $110,000 to local chari- Observer Newspapers. ties.

“When we work together, we can “Each year, I match the amount of make a difference,” she said. money our partners donate,” said BrenFor more information about A Kid’s da Wade, president and CEO of the team, Place, visit www.akidsplacetb.org. For “so we truly are partnering together. We more information about the Brenda help families, day in and day out, as they Wade Real Estate Team, visit https:// buy and sell homes, so this was a won- brendawade.com/.

Durant her father, High School who passed senior Gaaway in briella Alba April 2020. was named “I just the 2023 started Covergirl thinking on Novemabout how ber 15 after proud he competing would have in the annubeen of me al Calendar for being in Girl Pagthe pageant, eant. Twelve other contestants but I took a short pause were chosen to represent each and regrouped myself, month on the calendar. and reminded myself that Anniston Griffin, Addison he is still watching me evGriffin, Elyse Maramara and ery step of the way,” said Skylar Sewell will represent Alba.

January through April on the This is the second year 2023 calendar. Kennedie Clinthe competition has been ton, Annika Legg, Faith Sata fundraiser for the Durant terfield, Molly Rice and Molly Booster Club, but this year Usher will be on May through it was hosted in front of a Gabriella Alba wa s named the September. October will be sold-out crowd. cover girl of Dura nt’s calendar. represented by Emma Kimes, “The program was susand Leah Greenwell and Anna Shamblin will pended in 2021 due to be on the calendar for November and De- COVID and then the booster club was invitcember. ed to pick up the mantle in 2022. We hope Alba is very involved at Durant High to continue to grow the pageant next year, School as a member of Durant Theatre Com- maximizing the opportunity for girls to parpany, Durant’s Show Choir, Science National ticipate and the amount of money raised,” Honor Society and English National Honor said booster club member Jen Moreno.

Society. She holds leadership roles on DuThis year’s contestant application was rant’s Senior Council, Impact Club, National online, and all 40 spots filled up within nine Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. minutes of opening. While three contestants “I was incredibly surprised and couldn’t did end up dropping out at the last minute, believe that I did that well in my first pag- 37 girls competed and raised funds for the eant,” said Alba. “I had always wanted to do booster club. A combination of advertisesomething like that since I was a little girl ments and tickets sold by the contestants and thought it would just be a fun experi- led to the booster club raising over $20,000 ence to take part in.” in November.

The competition involved two rounds For more information, visit www.durantfor the contestants. During the first round, boosters.com. contestants walked across the stage while a short biography was read, and they were judged on poise, natural beauty and physical appearance. The second round gave contes- ANGEL FOUNDATION ....................... PG 3 tants the opportunity to answer a question NEW DRONE PARK ............................ PG 7 from the judges.

EYE ON BUSINESS ..........................PG 25 Alba said the most difficult part was the MENORAH LIGHTING ........... ........PG 26 second round of the competition when she answered the question by talking about ADOPT A PET .....................................PG 27

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Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 12

Valrico Edition

December 2022

Page 3

ANGEL GIFT SHOP SUPPORTS THE NEWSOME’S STUDENTS SUPPORT MISSION OF THE ANGEL FOUNDATION EMPLOYEE DURING CHALLENGES

By Kathy L. Collins

The Angel Foundaities for children. We tion FL is a local nonalso brought in local profit organization. artisans who creatIts mission is to parted tumblers, jewelry, ner with businesses journals and more.” and individuals to be According to Brewa caring resource for er, “The purpose of families in our comthe Angel Gift Shop is munity experiencing to support the founa temporary crisis dation. It provides a due to a life-threatconsistent stream of ening illness or catarevenue so we are not strophic event. dependent on events The Angel Foundato raise all of our tion FL raises funds funds.” for its mission in a The Angel Foundavariety of ways. This tion FL holds two sigincludes the running nature events each The Angel Foundation FL, a local nonof a gift shop at HCA year. In addition, it Florida Brandon Hos- profit, operates the Angel Gift Shop located runs the Junior Angel within HCA Florida Brandon Hospital. pital, located at 119 Foundation.

VolunThe gift shop stocks a variety of items that Oakfield Dr. in Bran- someone might need during a hospital stay teers are needed for don. The gift shop events, the gift shop or visit. The gift shop, run by volunteers, recently reopened and the Junior Angel provides a consistent revenue stream for in August after beFoundation.

Volunthe foundation. ing closed due to the teers are given an oripandemic. entation and can work as many hours as The gift shop is open Tuesday through they like.

Friday from 1-5 p.m. There are several Brewer said, “Our desire is to reach days each week where the gift shop is more families in crisis. Our work is done opened earlier or closed later. inside the home with families. The more Liz Brewer, CEO of the Angel Founda- people who hear about us will give us the tion FL, said of the gift shop, “The foun- opportunity to serve even more in the dation was given an empty space and was years ahead. Being inside the hospital altasked with stocking the inventory and lows us to be more visible to the commudesigning the showroom. The Angel Gift nity we serve.”

Shop is managed solely by the foundation Since its inception, the Angel Foundastaff and our volunteers.” tion FL has served more than 785 families Brewer added, “We carry a wide selec- through more than 567 volunteers, and it tion of items that one would need during has raised over $2 million. a hospital stay. These include items for For more information on the Angel babies, ladies and men. We have inspi- Foundation FL, please visit https://angelrational gifts, candles, snacks and activ- foundationfl.com/.

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By Lily Belcher

Newsome their head High School’s custodian in student body any way poscame togethsible. During er to support the final week their head of Novemcustodian ber, students ahead of the collected doholidays after nations from hearing about parents and the chalstudents in lenges she the Newsome was going car line. through out- Newsome High School’s student government raised money “I didn’t to support head custodian Wanda Butler. side of work. realize there W a n d a were so many Butler has worked at Newsome for 22 people that cared that would do this for years. Earlier this year, her husband me and my husband,” said Butler. was diagnosed with stage-four metOther students were going home to astatic lung and brain cancer and the their families, asking their parents to Butlers heard that the home they had help them make a donation to support been renting was being sold and so they the Butlers as well. had to move out by the first of the new “Wanda means so much to this school. year.

She’s been here for 20 years and she’s Bearing the full weight of these chal- always providing dedication and love,” lenges, Wanda confided in friend and said SGA President Yasmine Ofiara. coworker Corynn Cusson.

The money will be given to Wanda as “When I found out about her hus- her husband undergoes cancer treatband, I just felt like she was such a ments and they search for a new home. big support to me that I needed to be Wanda said one of their priorities is to supportive of her as well because that’s buy a house so they no longer have to what good friends do,” said Cusson. deal with the challenges of renting.

Moved to help her friend of three “Don’t bottle it up. Talk to somebody,” years, Cusson started a GoFundMe advised Wanda to others who are dealpage and shared a little of Wanda’s ing with challenges in their personal story on Facebook. The link was shared lives. “Because if you express what sitwith the faculty and staff at Newsome uation you are in to at least one person, High School and eventually reached the that one person will pay it forward to Student Government Association (SGA) the next person.” sponsor.

To read Wanda’s story or donate to When the student government stu- the fundraiser, visit www.gofundme. dents found out, they wanted to help com/f/rally-for-the-butlers.

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Valrico Edition

NEW YBOR CLUB PTL IS HOME TO CIRQUE CABARET SHOW PSIDIUM

By Libby Hopkins

PTL has joined the Ybor underrated in taste of muCity community. No, not the sic, virgin market in a much PTL that Jim and Tammy more diverse and modern Faye Baker started in the sophisticated taste. Ybor is ’80s. PTL stands for Powan entertainment district er, Truth and Love, and it’s attracting diversity. Even Ybor’s newest destination though a music-focused designed toward elevating club, the core of business Tampa’s dance and elecmodel and values is hostric music scene. “PTL was pitality-centric and findfounded about a year ago ing the right combination when a group from New to appeal to both Ybor York came to Florida to look community but to push for investment opportunithe boundaries to show a ties,” said PTL’s PR managmuch more modern and PTL has joined the Ybor City er, Danielle Cheatham. “Inisophisticated taste.” community. PTL stands for tially, they looked in Miami Power, Truth and Love, and it’s The club recently added for different hospitality cona weekly burlesque show Ybor’s newest destination decepts but came to Tampa to signed toward elevating Tampa’s to their entertainment explore investment worthy dance and electric music scene. lineup. Psidium is set in the spots.” roaring ’20s era, inspired The group noticed Tampa had a ton of by Ybor City’s history. “The show came from growth, such as newer residents moving into factual events as well as our own spin,” said the city and growth in income and diversity. Kaley Eckersdorff, owner of Aerial Dragons, “They discovered the property on 7th Ave., which is the dance troops who will be perwhich had a great location and potential forming Psidium. “It’s not so much a burright away,” Cheatham said. “Ybor has the lesque show, more of a cirque cabaret, very potential to also change and grow to appeal circus influenced and sultry vibe. Acro, aerial to a much more modern demographic. They arts, acting, singing, live musicians, specialwanted to go for a nightclub-and-restaurant ty acts to keep it fresh. Great date night for combo. In Ybor, a more modern restaurant locals or a girl’s night out, bachelor parties, wouldn’t have worked due to foot traffic and bachelorette parties. Standing and sitting current demographics. The nightclub then seats. Very interactive show. It utilizes sevbecame an essential part of the business en spaces in the venue as a stage, so at some concept, giving people from outside of Ybor point everyone will get front row action. Ima purpose to come to Ybor.” mersive experience. Shows run every Friday Destination events have something to and Saturday night starting at 8 p.m.” center nightlife activity around. This became If you’d like to learn more about PTL, you the business model in which PTL’s investors can visit its website at www.sevenrooms. were pursuing. “They want the nightclub to com/events/ptlybor/ or call PTL at 850-771represent more of an elevated taste of what 6542. PTL is located at 1507 E. 7th Ave. in Tampa offers,” Cheatham said. “Tampa is Ybor City.

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Volume 19, Issue 12

JESSE DINKINS DONATES ANIMAL SHELTER FOR EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

By Lily Belcher

BloomingdaLithia, has le High School taught him student Jesse better time Dinkins comand financial pleted his Eamanagement. gle Scout projBoth of these ect for Troop improved 665 to help skills were H o r s e Po w e r showcased in for Kids. For his the process project, Dinkins of completdesigned and ing his Eagle constructed a Scout project. new pig house Dinkins was for the orgaassisted by Jesse Dinkins designed and constructed a new pig house for HorsePower for Kids. nization, as it Eagle Scout was in need of Sam Bristow a new shelter for one of their animals. in the actual construction process.

Dinkins’ mother, Ilona Blake, found the “To be a Boy Scout is to kind of fend for Tampa nonprofit organization on Facebook yourself but also learn about the outdoors, and visited HorsePower for Kids with Din- to learn about yourself and to be friends kins. They found a need for the new pig with others,” said Dinkins. house after employees explained that two After completing the project on Novempigs could no longer share the existing pig ber 12, Dinkins delivered the pig house to house.

HorsePower for Kids. He was given the “I just love animals in general, so I kind opportunity to meet and shake hands with of wanted to do something that involved HorsePower for Kids’ owner, Armando animals for my Eagle project,” explained Gort.

Dinkins.

“Jesse has come a long way to become In April, the 17-year-old began planning an Eagle Scout. It took a lot of dedication, the pig house. The biggest challenge, he leadership training and hard work to get to said, was the design process and obtaining this point,” said Blake. “Jesse is looking to the necessary materials before they could continue to be a part of Scouting as a junior begin construction. When the pig house leader after he finishes his journey to be an was completed, Dinkins had around $200 Eagle Scout.” left in his budget for the project, so he was HorsePower for Kids is a nonprofit orgaable to donate the leftover funds to the or- nization that serves as an animal sanctuary ganization. for abandoned animals in need. For more Dinkins stated that his seven years of information on the organization, visit www. being a Boy Scout in Troop 665, based in horsepowerforkids.com.

Valrico Edition

December 2022

Page 5

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INFINITI Q50 SPORT SEDAN IS A COOL PICK! Last year, we and daytime test-drove the running lights.

Q50 Red Sport Dual chrome version of this exhaust tips midsize luxury deck the rear. sport car from If anyone tells Infiniti with you that the In400 horsepowfiniti cabin isn’t er. For 2023, on par with the carmakits German rier dispatched vals, point out over the lessthe top-notch er-trim Senmaterials and Q50 SENSORY (AWD) sory model boasting gloss levels. The InTires: P245/40R19 300 hp at 6,400 Touch infotainment Wheelbase: 112.2 inches rpm. Both have the system, which comes Length: 189.6 inches same 3.0-liter V6 with dual 8 and Width: 71.8 inches twin-turbocharged 7-inch touch screens Weight: 3,966 pounds engine under the atop each other, hood. But kid you is functional. Also Fuel capacity: 19 gallons not, the sedan didn’t standard are leathCity: 19 mpg feel much different er, heated, eight-way Highway: 27 mpg on the road, navigatpower front seats; Base price: $50,350 ing sharp curves and dual auto AC; 60/40 Website: www.infiniti.com turns with self-asrear seats; overhead surance and grace. sunglass holder; And, except for adding the Premium Care Bose audio with 16 speakers; aluminum maintenance program (three years of oil sill plates with an ‘Infiniti’ insignia; and changes, tire rotations and inspections), power-tilt/telescopic steering column and the Q50 maintains its status quo. moonroof. But the 13.5-cubic-foot trunk Putting out 295 pounds-feet of torque could use with slightly more space. at 5,200 rpm and available as a rear-wheel Standard safety features include dual or all-wheel drive, the lively midsize sedan front and side airbags; side curtain airbag; is coupled with a slick seven-speed auto four-wheel antilock brakes; vehicle dynamgearbox. An independent double-wish- ic and traction controls; front seat belts bone front and a multilink rear suspension with pretensioners; remote keyless entry; ensure safety for occupants in adverse rearview camera; zone body construcroad/weather conditions. Credit for the tion; blind-spot, lane-departure and forsuperbly accurate steering goes to a pow- ward-collision warnings; rear cross-traffic er-assist, rack-and-pinion system. Behind alert; auto brakes with pedestrian detecthe wheels hide large rotors: a front dual tion; hill-start assist; energy-absorbing piston, 12.6 inches, and rear single pis- steering column; tire-pressure monitoring ton, 12.1 inches, to inspire confidence in system; and daytime running lights. the driver. Lest we forget, you can enjoy A clever and fine choice for a potenthe Q50 in personal, eco, snow, sport and tial sport sedan buyer, the Q50 displays standard modes. impressive handling, superb grip and a Up front, the double-arch grille and wide strong steering feel. And it is a head-turnhood are surrounded by LED headlights er ride to boot.

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Page 6

Valrico Edition

OUR LADY’S PANTRY

A HUB OF CARING IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Staff Report

Fighting hunger is a food to those in need as community-wide pasquickly as possible.” sion in the SouthShore Sue Jobson, from area of Hillsborough Wings of Love, said County, said Tom BulWings of Love feeds laro. Bullaro, who is the about 30 men, women, director of Our Lady’s and children in Ruskin, Pantry with his wife, Wimauma and RiverAnita, said that the view about three times pantry is like a hub of a week.

Director of Our Lady’s Pantry Tom Bullaro sorts with food coming Vicki Shaffer, from and his wife, Anita, work both at the and going to and from pantry and behind the scenes to serve the Street Angels Ministry, many sources. said the ministry serves hundreds of men, women and children “People know we are about 150 homeless who come for food. here,” he said. “It’s not men, women and chilunusual for various clubs and neighborhoods dren every Thursday evening in Gibsonton, to take up a collection and bring surplus Tampa and Ybor City. food to us. Just today, in fact, we received a Among other things, Bullaro often gets trunk full of food from Florida Acecapaders, frozen cuts of meat from supermarkets that a 55-plus mobile community in Lithia.” are too large for his regular clients. These “We are just passing it forward,” said Glo- groups, however, are able to use these cuts, ria Welch and Kathy Ferguson, who kindly which they cook to prepare hot, nutritious delivered the food from their friends. food for those in their care.

“It’s like manna from heaven,” Bullaro Jobson speaks for the many good-hearted said, referring to the many kind donations people who care for those struggling with he receives. food insecurity and especially the homeless.

A special concern, however, is what to do “I can’t sit down at my dinner table knowwith surplus perishable foods sometimes ing others are hungry,” she said. “I see the donated early in the week. Often, it won’t smiles on their face, and it is so rewarding.” keep until Saturday when Our Lady’s Pantry In addition to working with Wings of opens for clients.

Love and Street Angels Ministry, Our Lady’s “The overflow of fresh foods must be used Pantry also delivers food and beverages to quickly,” and so he used to be worried, he veterans in New Beginnings of Tampa every said. “Then unexpectedly, I got a call from Saturday after the pantry closes.

Wings of Love and Street Angels Ministries To learn more about any of these groups, asking if we could share any of our food with please visit: them. Both groups feed the homeless and • Wings of Love: https://wolmm88.org/. other disadvantaged families throughout • Street Angels Ministry: www.streetanHillsborough County. gelsministry.org.

“I said, yes — and we’ve been helping ever • New Beginnings: www.newbeginningsince. We also share surplus perishable foods softampa.org. with our local pantries, and they share with • Our Lady’s Pantry: www.ourladyspantry. us. We do everything we can to get fresh com.

12/31/2022

12/31/2022

Volume 19, Issue 12

OPERA TAMPA 2023 SEASON MASTERPIECES BY BELLINI, LEONCAVALLO AND SONDHEIM Staff Report The exciting 2023 on April 21, 2023, at season of Opera Tam8 p.m. and April 23, pa 2023 at the Straz 2023, at 2 p.m. in FerCenter features the guson Hall. work of Bellini, LeonCasts, conductors cavallo and Sondheim. and other creative A woman scorned team members for to the brink of insanthe 2023 Opera Tamity. A jilted, homicidal pa season will be anclown. A barber who nounced at a later date. butchers as well. OpIn addition to the era Tampa’s upcoming Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci on March three mainstage perseason doesn’t lack for 10, 2023, at 8 p.m. and March 12, 2023, at formances, and with mayhem. The Straz’s health and safety con2 p.m. in Ferguson Hall. opera company will ditions permitting, the navigate the twisted relations and dou- Opera Tampa season also incorporates a ble-crosses of Bellini’s Norma, the raging variety of special events, including perjealousies of Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci and the formances by the Opera Tampa Singers, gruesome business model of Sondheim’s pre and post-performance receptions, the Sweeney Todd. popular open rehearsals and informative “Opera brings the most basic human Discover Opera programs and the elegant emotions to the stage, where they will echo Opera Tampa Grand Gala Opera, which is in a much grander, bigger, fuller way,” said scheduled for May 13, 2023. Information Judy Lisi, Straz Center president and Op- on these programs, including dates, times, era Tampa general director. “Opera Tampa’s prices, etc., will be announced later.

2023 season will resonate with those emoPatrons can sign up now to become tions, as our productions amplify romance, new season ticket holders. Prices for the betrayal, despair and revenge. Our lineup three-show season package range from should appeal to seasoned opera fans and $90-$349.59. For more information, visit curious newcomers alike.” www.strazcenter.org or call the Straz CenUnder the guidance of artistic and man- ter Ticket Sales Office at 813-229-STAR aging director Robin Stamper, the 2023 (7827) or outside the Tampa Bay area at Opera Tampa season includes: 800-955-1045. Individual opera tickets • Vincenzo Bellini’s Norma on February will go on sale at a later date.

10, 2023, at 8 p.m. and February 12, 2023, For more information about Opera Tamat 2 p.m. in Ferguson Hall. pa and its upcoming events, please visit • Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci on www.operatampa.org.

March 10, 2023, at 8 p.m. and March 12, Events, days, dates, times, performers 2023, at 2 p.m. in Ferguson Hall. and prices are subject to change without • Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd notice.

Valrico Edition

December 2022

HOW TO HEAR GOD

PASTOR JOMO COUSINS RELEASES HIS NEWEST BOOK

By Kelly Wise Valdes Dr. Jomo Cousins, answered, would you founder and pastor want it?” at Love First ChrisCousins’ other tian Center, has just books include Prayer released a new book Life: The Convertitled How To Hear sation, The ABC’S God. Cousins is a reof Success, Fully tired NFL defensive Equipped: God’s Total end for the New York Package, Watch Your Giants and the AriMouth The Work zona Cardinals and Book, and 60 Prayers has become an active in 60 Seconds: Strictleader in the southly Business. Through ern Hillsborough his books, Dr. Cousins community, providing remains committed outreach programs, to the growth and seminars, various development of God’s Dr. Jomo Cousins, pastor at Love First life groups and youth kingdom and His peoChristian center in Riverview, has just partnership pro- released his sixth book titled How To Hear ple. grams.

According to CousGod. How To Hear God is ins, Love First ChrisCousins’ 6th book and is appropriately tian Center is also in full construction titled after a personal experience with mode. The church has more than 1,700 God. “I had an encounter with God, and in-person weekly church goers as well I realized He was real and wanted to as 1,500 people that watch from home. talk with me,” said Cousins. “And that With the numbers on the rise after the made me wonder how many other peo- pandemic, Love First is ready to acple would like to hear from God.” Cous- commodate its growing numbers. “God ins goes on to explain that God wants to is continuing to do great things,” said speak to all of his children directly.

Cousins.

The book gives readers an easy-to-folLove First Christian Center is located low blueprint on tuning into the voice of at 12847 Balm Riverview Rd. in RiverGod. The book explains that God wants view. For more information about the to communicate with us as He did with church, visit www.lfcc.tv or call 671Adam in the Garden of Eden. It asks 2009. Cousins’ can be heard on his the readers to examine real-life ques- weekly radio programming including tions such as, “If God had some infor- podcasts and social media outlets. For mation that could change your life for more information or to purchase Cousthe better, would you want it? If God ins’ books, visit www.jomocousins.com had answers to questions, you needed or www.amazon.com.

Page 7

DRONE ENTHUSIASTS HAVE A PLACE TO CALL HOME AT COUNTY PARK

By Brad Stager

Flying drones recreational is a hobby that facilities is prohas become hibited. popular in reThe drone cent years and park is an as the pastime example of takes off more H i l l s b o ro u g h people want County’s plan to know where to create ‘desthey can safely tination parks’ and legally fly that serve the their remotely varied interDrone enthusiasts now have a place to get airborne in piloted model Hillsborough County’s drone park at the Mango Park & ests of resiaircraft. dents who may Recreation Center.

Hillsborough find it worth County Parks the drive from and Recreation Apollo Beach to provides such a Mango, for explace, complete ample, if it meets with course obtheir recreational stacles and a needs. County ofshaded area for drone operators to work ficials also cited the drone park’s value as from. making use of land that would not likely The drone park is located at the west be developed for another purpose. end of Mango Park & Recreation Center, Cigar City Multirotor Club is a local oradjacent to Mango Road. ganization that promotes drone and modIt encompasses a clear area for drones el aviation activities in the Tampa Bay to fly and includes obstacle-course fix- area and was involved in designing the tures and gates to sharpen the skills re- park. quired to deftly maneuver the remotely Jason Mackenzie is Hillsborough Councontrolled aircraft that can reach speeds ty’s park planner and development manof up to 90 mph. Drone pilots can operate ager. He says in a video on the county’s their aircraft via handheld controls from YouTube channel that the park is inclusive under a canopy that offers necessary pro- for all levels of skill in flying drones. tection from the sun. Some pilots wear “We always want to make sure our special goggles while flying their drones parks are a place where people can find so they can view video streams of their equal ground and equal footing so that flights, creating an immersive, first-per- when you come to the drone park there is son view of the action for them. something for everyone,” said Mackenzie.

Adherence to applicable Federal AviThe drone park is open from sunrise to ation Administration regulations is re- sunset at the Mango Park & Recreation quired and flying in airspace above areas Center, located at 11717 Clay Pit Rd. in such as the adjacent dog park and other Seffner.

FINANCIAL FOCUS

COLA IS SWEET FOR SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS If you receive Social Security, you’ve probably already heard that your checks in 2023 will be bigger – considerably bigger, in fact. How can you make the best use of this extra money?

Here’s what’s happening: For 2023, there’s an 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits – the largest increase in 40 years. Also, the monthly Medicare Part B premiums are declining next year, to $164.90/month from $170.10/month, which will also modestly boost Social Security checks for those enrolled in Part B, as these premiums are automatically deducted.

Of course, the sizable COLA is due to the high inflation of 2022, as the Social Security Administration uses a formula based on increases in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). So, it’s certainly possible that you will need some, or perhaps all, of your larger checks to pay for the increased cost of goods and services. But if your cash flow is already relatively strong, you might want to consider these suggestions for using your bigger checks: • Reduce withdrawals from your investment portfolio.

When you’re retired, you will likely need to withdraw a certain amount from your portfolio each year to meet your expenses. A boost in your Social Security may enable you to withdraw less, at least for a year.

This can be particularly advantageous when the markets are down, as you’d like to avoid, as much as possible, selling investments and withdrawing the money when investment prices are low. And the fewer investments you need to sell, the longer your portfolio may last during your retirement years.

• Help build your cash reserves. When you’re retired, it’s

a good idea to maintain about a year’s worth of the amount you’ll spend from your portfolio in cash, while also keeping three months’ of your spending needs in an emergency fund, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. Your higher Social Security checks could help you build these cash reserves. (Also, it’s helpful to keep another three to five years’ worth of spending from your portfolio in short-term, fixed-income investments, which now, due to higher interest rates, offer better income opportunities.)

• Contribute to a 529 plan. You could use some of your extra Social Security money to contribute to a tax-advantaged 529 education savings plan for your grandchildren or other family members.

• Contribute to charitable organizations. You might want to use some of your Social Security money to expand your charitable giving. Your generosity will help worthy groups and possibly bring you some tax benefits, too.

While it’s nice to have these possible options in 2023, you can’t count on future COLA increases being as large. The jump in inflation in 2022 was due to several unusual factors, including pandemic-related government spending, supply shortages and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It’s quite possible, perhaps even likely, that inflation will subside in 2023, which, in turn, would mean a smaller COLA bump in 2024.

Nonetheless, while you might not want to include large annual COLA increases as part of your longterm financial strategy, you may well choose to take advantage, in some of the ways described above, of the bigger Social Security checks you’ll receive in 2023.

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Valrico Edition

FLORIDA TRADE ACADEMY OFFERS NEW PROGRAMS FOR YOUTHS IN THE COMMUNITY

By Libby Hopkins

Florida Trade Academy welcomed its first cohort of 22 students earlier this month and held its ribbon-cutting ceremony in October.

This past October, Florida Trade Academy launched a pre-apprenticeship program to help open the door for untrained workers entering the construction industry.

Ninety-three percent of construction firms are reported to have open positions, according to a survey taken by the Associated General Contractors prior to Hurricane Ian. The pre-apprenticeship program will help address Florida’s skilled laborer shortage, which was exacerbated by post-Ian rebuilding efforts.

Chris and Bernadette Pello are the couple who started Florida Trade Academy and they are thrilled to see Florida Trade Academy’s pre-apprenticeship program come to life. “Chris and I were honored to have so many people from the community attend our ribbon-cutting,” Bernadette said. “The potential collaborations with community organizations are endless.”

The introductory program combines hands-on training with classroom-based instruction taught both virtually and in-person. Students try out a range of trade specialties before homing in on their chosen field, including electrical, HVAC, plumbing, sheet metal, sprinkler fitting, roofing, car-

pentry and pipe fitting. “There is a growing shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry as many talented individuals struggle to get their foot in the door.” said Chris Pello, CEO of Florida Trade Academy. “This program offers that firststep solution by providing trainees with the skills and connections to find employment and transition into a registered apprenticeship.”

The organization welcomed its first cohort of 22 students earlier this month and held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 26 at its East Tampa classroom. Upon completion of the nine-month program, FTA will help place students in jobs in their chosen field where they can then enroll in an apprenticeship, having already completed several prerequisite courses.

Florida Trade Academy is sponsored by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, which operates the apprenticeship program across the Gulf Coast region. “Florida Trade Academy fills an important gap in training the next generation of skilled workers,” said Steve Cona, CEO of ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. “The program is structured to improve productivity, reduce turnover and lower recruitment costs for employers.”

The program is open to high school graduates entering the workplace for the first time, professionals seeking a career alternative and individuals interested in learning technical skills. If you would like to learn more you can visit its website at https:// floridatradeacademy.org/. FTA is located at 410 S. Ware Blvd. in Tampa.

Volume 19, Issue 12

LOCAL 8-YEAR-OLD FUNDRAISES FOR THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

By Ariana Pedraza

This month, thing. It was 8-year-old a very supLindsey Baxter portive enshowed that vironment,” it is never too explained Baxearly to start ter’s father. giving back to The Ronthe community. ald McDonald A student House takes at Stowers in families Elementary from all over School, Baxter the world, started a snow and meals are cone stand made by the from which all communities profits went to for those staythe Ronald Mc- Lindsey Baxter is very grateful to everyone for their support. ing.

Donald House Baxter’s in Tampa. family moved The Ronto Florida from ald McDonald Virginia in July, House is imand this is the portant to Baxsecond time ter’s family as she has hosted she was born a snow cone with a heart stand to raise condition called money.

Last congenital diaApril in Virphragmatic hernia, CDH, which means her ginia, she raised $311, and this November heart is on the right side of her body and in FishHawk she made $561. She was very is flipped in the opposite direction, and it excited to be able to help others, and even will remain that way for the rest of her life. bought the supplies herself.

Her family took her to the best doctors they Baxter’s mother gushed, “It’s hard to could find in Ohio away from their home and come by that kind of empathy in a kid. It is spent the time that Baxter was in the NICU great to see her be not only a great friend in the Ronald McDonald House. and daughter but also have such a great “The Ronald McDonald House was a place heart.” to rest our heads and recharge before getWhen she is not running her snow cone ting back to her bedside. They did not ask us stand, Baxter enjoys playing with her for a penny, and we were surrounded by par- friends, doing math and tumbling. She plans ents who give up a lot for their kids. Every- on running another fundraiser very soon and one there is there for their child, and regard- is very grateful for all of the community supless of who they are they all want the same port.

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Valrico Edition

December 2022

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY OPENS PEBBLE PARK IN RIVERVIEW

By Kathy L. Collins

Hillsborough Milligan Studios County recently in collaboration celebrated the with artists and opening of one of craftspeople of its newest conthe Seminole servation parks, Tribe. The comknown as Pebble pletion target Park, which is date for the located at 9955 statue, known as Riverview Dr. in Hillsborough County celebrated the opening of its new- ‘Sovereign: The Riverview. The est park, Pebble Park, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Unconquered,’ is The park is conveniently located in Riverview. opening was late December/ commemorated early January. with a ribbon-cutThe land was ting and attended owned by Mosaic by approximately but never mined.

50 people on NoHowever, the name vember 17.

‘Pebble Park’ comes Those attending from the material the ribbon-cutmined by Mosaic ting included Hillknown as phossborough County phate pebbles. The Conservation and Environmental Lands land where Pebble Park now sits was purManagement Director Forest Turbiville, Hill- chased by Hillsborough County in 2018 as a sborough County Board of County Commis- part of the Capital Improvements Program. sioner Stacy White and Mosaic Vice PresiPebble Park is a delightful addition to Hilldent Joe Wolf. sborough County’s long list of neighborhood According to Todd Platt with Hillsbor- parks, nature parks and conservation parks. ough County, “Pebble Park is a good exam- Before I participated in my first Hillsborple of passive preservation for community ough County Hiking Spree in 2020, I never use. Pebble Park has about three-fourths of knew just how many parks we had in the a mile of paved and natural trails, a butter- area. Pebble Park is one of the locations on fly garden, three pavilions, restrooms, park- this year’s Hiking Spree, which runs through ing and is a beautiful site along the Alafia March 2023.

River.”

The Hillsborough County Hiking Spree is The Butterfly Garden was built by local an opportunity for all residents to get out Brownie Girl Scout Troop 33133. The troop and explore the tranquility of nature and is located in Riverview. The project also earn a prize. includes approximately 500 native trees For more information on Pebble Park and and plants. A boardwalk near the river is all of the other parks you can visit in Hillsplanned for the site. borough County, or to register for the HikMoreover, Pebble Park will soon include a ing Spree, please visit www.hillsboroughNative American-inspired statue created by county.org.

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Page 9

LIBRARY CELEBRATES 4 YEAR OLD WHO READS MORE THAN 2,000 BOOKS

By Brad Stager For all the high-tech ble and wherever else gadgetry that people we decide to read that use to learn and stay day,” Corinne said, and informed, 4-year-old she added that this is Liandromeda Sternnot the first time Lian emann has embraced has completed the the printed word to a thousand book prodegree that doubles a gram and that her parnational reading goal ticipation continues. for pre-kindergartenThe 1,000 Books ers.

Foundation is a nonprofThe 1,000 Books it public charity that Before Kindergarworks with like-minded ten national reading partners to promote litcampaign operates eracy through various Liandromeda Sternemann displays her through participatprograms and reading certificate of completion in the 1,000 ing local libraries to challenges. Its website Books Before Kindergarten initiative at encourage literacy in SouthShore Regional Library in Ruskin. provides tips on enyoung children, from couraging reading at an infants to toddlers. early age. It also breaks Lian has read more down what might seem than 2,000 books as a to be a formidable goal participant in the proto what can be achieved gram’s current campaign. While there are by reading one book a day. Such a book-adevelopmental reasons to encourage read- day approach means the thousand book ing by kids, Lian said her purpose is more goal can be reached within three years. straightforward and routine.

Andrew Breidenbaugh, director of library “I love books. I read every day,” she said, services for Hillsborough County, said it is adding that spending time with books has worth the effort to pick up a book. been beneficial and joyful. “They are fun sto“When children spend time with books, ries. I learn about stuff.” this exposes them to the text and images Reading to and with children is an import- that will become the backbone of lifelong ant piece of the thousand books program learning. It also promotes reading and and Lian appreciates mother Corinne’s in- builds quality family time,” Breidenbaugh volvement when reading favorites like Pete said. the Cat and Hello World!

For more information about Tampa-Hill“Mom makes funny noises,” Lian said. sborough County Public Library’s 1,000 According to Corinne, encouraging read- Books Before Kindergarten program, please ing can start with having books within easy visit the Hillsborough County Public Library reach of a child’s curious mind.

Cooperative’s website at https://hcplc.

“We have books everywhere; living room bibliocommons.com/ and the 1,000 Books table, dining room, and two bookshelves in Foundation’s website at https://1000booksLian’s room, not to mention the kitchen ta- beforekindergarten.org/.

Page 10

Valrico Edition

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR OFFICE WINS 2022 NATIONAL TOP WORKPLACES CULTURE EXCELLENCE AWARD(S)

Staff Report

Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan announced today that the office has earned 2022 National Top Workplaces Culture Excellence recognition for a woman-led business and for diversity, equity and inclusion practices.

Issued by Energage, the research company with more than 16 years of experience surveying over 27 million employees at 70,000 organizations, Top Workplaces awards are based solely on employee feedback.

Top Workplaces Culture Excellence awards celebrate organizations that excel in specific areas of workplace culture. The DE&I Practices Top Workplaces award celebrates organizations who are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive place to work, no matter one’s background. This commitment is shared by all levels of the organization and is felt by employees. The Woman-led Top Workplaces award celebrates outstanding organizations whose most senior leader is a woman. These women have fostered and built stand-out workplace cultures that perform.

“Since I took office in 2021, we have worked diligently to foster a strong workplace culture that is results-driven,

inclusive, and represents the diverse community we serve,” said Millan. “Knowing this award is based solely on employee feedback makes it even more meaningful as it shows our work is truly impactful.

I am deeply honored by this recognition from Top Workplaces,” she continued.

Top Workplaces awards are based on a research-backed, 24item employee engagement survey.

“Top Workplaces is a beacon of light for organizations as well as a sign of resiliency and impressive performance,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “When you give your employees a voice, you come together to navigate challenges and shape your path forward. Top Workplaces draw on real-time insights into what works best for their organization so they can make informed decisions that have a positive impact on their people and their business.”

Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan’s office is located on the 14th floor of the Frederick B. Karl County Center at 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa. For more information or customer service, call her office at 813-635-5200 or visit www.hillstax.org.

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Volume 19, Issue 12

FLORIDA SPECIAL OLYMPICS RECOGNIZES

MARY FRANCES SMITH FOR HER

EXTRAORDINARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

By Lily Belcher

Mary Frances one can acSmith, a Brancomplish. Spedon resident, cial Olympics has been an has given Mary active and deFrances the opvoted member portunities to of the Florida excel and the Special Olymconfidence to pics since she accomplish so was 9 years old. much. She is an Now, 24 years inspiration to later, she coneveryone she tinues to serve meets,” said the organization Judith Moore Mary Frances Smith was named Florida Special Olymand won the on her nomipics Athlete of the Year because of her dedication to the program and her teammates.

Florida Special nation form for Olympics Athlete of the Year award for her the Athlete of the Year award. efforts.

Outside of her involvement with the Spe“The way she goes about the competition cial Olympics, Smith is active in her comand the playing and the interacting with munity, serving in TRIDENT and the Nativother athletes [has impressed me most]. ity Catholic Church PB&J Ministry. One of She encourages everyone to do their best, Smith’s defining qualities is her leadership which is essentially what Special Olympics skills, encouraging TRIDENT classmates to stands for,” said mother Audrey Smith. join the PB&J Ministry and supporting her Smith, who has Down syndrome, joined teammates on the Special Olympics team. the Special Olympics and began participatSmith is learning American Sign Laning in track and field. Smith has also played guage to communicate with her nonvertennis, bowling and swimming with the bal teammates so they feel included and Special Olympics and played soccer with supported in their own accomplishments the TOPS Soccer League. Smith has been through the Special Olympics. She has an active member of Tennis for Fun and has worked to include all her teammates and been involved with the organization since coworkers and support them in their ac2003. complishments as well.

Now, Smith is a part of the University of “You have given me a place where I feel Tampa’s Unified Flag Football team. She is included and respected and I can’t tell you also trained and certified in the Athletic how important that is to me and all my Leadership Program and is a health mes- fellow athletes,” said Smith at the Orlando senger. award gala on October 22.

“Mary Frances is a motivator and an For more information on the Florida Speexcellent example to other [intellectually cial Olympics, visit its website at www.spedisabled] individuals about the possibilities cialolympicsflorida.org.

Valrico Edition

December 2022

THANK YOU GIFTS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY HOSTS Staff Report The holiday season brings parties and gatherings galore — and with that the question of what to bring your host(s). Whether it is joining them for an open-housestyle party, a full meal or an overnight visit, you don’t want to show up empty-handed.

A gesture of thanks in the form of a note and/or small gift shows your host that you appreciate their efforts and hospitality.

Your first question may be, “How much should I spend?” A good rule of thumb is about $15-$20 for a dinner or party; if it is a more formal affair, a close friend or if you are planning an extended visit, maybe more. But ultimately, it is the thought that counts, and you should stick to the budget that works for you. It is also important to include a note, even if it is just a quick signature of thanks.

So, now what to bring? There are many thoughtful, simple and budget-friendly ways to show your appreciation. A candle tied with a ribbon and a nice note is almost always ‘safe’ (and easy to keep extra on hand for unexpected plans). You can even find some funny, quirky, unique candles that are beyond the basic if you plan ahead.

A pair of candlesticks is a nice variation on a candle gift; look for a pair of honeycomb/ beeswax candlesticks or fun seasonal ones.

If you like wine and know your host also appreciates a nice wine, don’t just regift a cheap one you have been given, but instead opt for a favorite and sign the label or write a note about why it is a favorite. A bottle of liquor works too if you know what your hosts like, or purchase your favorite and attach a yummy cocktail recipe for a personal touch.

Artisan jams and jellies, clever cocktail napkins, gourmet teas and coffee, boxed sweet treats, succulents in whimsical containers and seasonal or silly dish towels are all budget-friendly items that offer fun variations from candles and wines.

Look for small, locally owned gift boutiques in your area that carry treasures you may not find in a big-box store. Just a few of our local area go-to shops include South Shore Boutique, Cottonseed Marketplace, the gift shop at Center Place, White Oak Cottage, Lena Maxey and The Green Boutique. Seasonal pop-up gift markets are also a great place to find unique and handmade or personalized gifts.

Presentation is important too, so make the effort to find a nice gift bag or box, even for the wine.

Whatever you decide, know that your hosts will appreciate the consideration behind the gift.

Thank You For Being An Awesome Host

Page 11

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RHEUMATOLOGY PAIRS CUTTING-EDGE SCIENCE WITH PERSONALIZED CARE

By Madeline Gardner

Finding a medical team who goes beyond just getting to know your condition can be tricky. At Southwest Florida Rheumatology however, professionals such as Dr. Priya Reddy and her staff make it their mission to not only address diseases but also build a connection with their patients through shared decision-making.

“We really want to partner with our patients to make sure we’re not just hitting our targets for improvement but their targets for their lives,” said Dr. Reddy.

Southwest Florida Rheumatology treats common diseases such as gout and osteoarthritis as well as diseases that are not very common among the general population. The path to treatment through Dr. Reddy and her team begins with patient consultations to determine the nature of symptoms before proceeding to labs, X-rays and physical exams that conclude with a solid diagnosis.

The Southwest Florida Rheumatology team also includes Dr. Gina Prakash, Dr. Atefeh Vafa and physician assistant Teena Lukose. Additionally, the scope of their offerings now includes access to point-ofcare ultrasound (POCUS) examinations, in-office infusions and increased lab biomarkers and diagnostics. The newest development has been Southwest Florida Rheumatology’s involvement in clinical research trials, which are opportunities to collect information about patients with active diseases who have not yet found success with medications currently on the market.

Since opening Southwest Florida Rheumatology in 2010, Dr. Reddy has remained active in the medical community through her work as the faculty and curriculum coordinator for Brandon Regional Hospital Residency Program - USF, giving lectures at the hospital and offering internal medicine residents the opportunity to come to her office to observe physical findings.

She is also involved as the president-elect for the Florida Society of Rheumatology (FSR) and is the secretary/ treasurer for the Association of Women in Rheumatology (AWIR).

Additionally, her practice is part of the American Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates, (AARA/Bendcare) as she acts as a member of the board of directors. Dr. Reddy maintains that involvement in these other professional roles allows herself and her staff to continue dedicating themselves to helping patients find the best possible solutions.

“I think it’s an honor and a privilege to be a doctor. Patients are very generous in spending that time and sharing these issues that they’re facing with us. I think our patients are really our best barometer of success,” said Dr. Reddy.

For more information, please visit www. swflrheum.com or call 813-672-2243. Located at 11954 Boyette Rd. in Riverview, Southwest Florida Rheumatology is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. More information about its office hours for satellite branches in Sun City Center and Wesley Chapel can be found on its website.

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Page 12

Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 12

20 YEARS AFTER THE FIRE, CAMPBELL’S CHARCUTERIE BUILDING FOR THE DAIRYLAND IS GOING STRONG HOLIDAYS FROM DAVENPORT’S DAILY

By Taylor Wells DELIGHTS On November a small play area

By Peggy Davenport

The December holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for entertaining — and nothing completes your table setup better than a charcuterie board. Listed below are some helpful hints from Davenport’s Daily Delights (DDD) to help you build the perfect charcuterie board.

DDD was a leader in bringing charcuterie boards to our area and we have perfected the art. It’s easier than you think if you follow these tips.

First, you want your board to look completely full, so start with the right size board for your gathering; a full grazing table works well for a large crowd. You can also include and/or use small plates, ramekins, etc. as needed. A smaller surface or board works just as well as a full table spread and will be as elegant and jaw dropping; the trick is to have it overflowing.

The best rule of thumb is to have at least three cheeses and three meats, but more is always better. Davenport’s always has at least one soft cheese, like brie, camembert or even Boursin cheese. You should also include hard cheeses; some favorites are Spanish manchego, Italian parmesan and sage Derby cheese. The sage Derby is perfect for the holiday season — the beautiful green color stands out. Strategically place the cheeses

on the boards, usually whole for the wow factor, then fill in with your cured meats — prosciutto is always the first to go but there are beautiful salamis to use as well. You can even add meatballs, sliced steak, grilled chicken, etc. Artfully arrange the meats, draping them in piles, forming a rosette or even lining them up snakelike across the boards.

Once that is done, next comes the fun part with all the accompaniments, including crackers, bagel chips, breadsticks and sliced baguettes, to name a few. Some of our favorites are Thinsters, because they are sweet and savory, and almond crackers for the gluten intolerant. We suggest four to six different types of crackers; place them both on the board (lined up or standing up) and in cracker trays. Add some dried fruits, honey and jams and assorted nuts as well. Cornichons, pickles and/or olives are a must. And to round it all out, add a little bit of sweet — we tend to use the Lindt chocolate candies because they are wrapped, but you can personalize and make it festive with seasonal treats as well. Finish it off with spreaders, forks and honey pots and you are good to go.

While you’re at it, try your hand at the next big thing, butter boards, but more on that next time. Be sure to check us out at www.davenportsdailydelights.com.

- Happy Holidays!

8, 2002, Campfor kids outside. bell’s Dairyland, It began as co-owned by Jay founder Boyd Paules, Jill Paules, Campbell sellLeesa Lee and ing chili dogs James Lee, sufat local events, fered fire damagusing a five-genes totaling around eration-old fam$250,000, which ily recipe for the The co-owners of Campbell’s Dairyland, from left to the Osprey Ob- right: Jay Paules, Jill Paules, Leesa Lee and James Lee. chili. In 1985, server covered he and his wife, in our December 2002 Pam Campbell, bought an FishHawk edition. Jay ice cream location, then was alerted of the fire at named Dairy Isle, and around 1 a.m. and rushed began selling chili dogs to his restaurant, but the alongside the ice cream. It damage was done. became Campbell’s DairyIt took eight months land in 1993, yet it’s such and eight days, but it a popular community fixcame back as a missed ture that some customers part of the communistill call it Dairy Isle. In ty. After learning of its 1998, the Campbells sold return date, Campbell’s the restaurant to their Dairyland entered a float in the Brandon daughters, Jill and Leesa, and it continued Fourth of July parade to announce it and on to now. celebrate, receiving much support and “What’s really neat is, I’ve been here for cheers.

30 years,” Jay said. “I’ve seen people that I “I remember the very first customers took their order from when they were little that I got to take their order was a mother kids coming in with their parents, and now and two young children, a boy and a girl, … they’re coming in here with their own kids and the little boy was the younger of the — they’re parents themselves, so I’m seetwo, and after I took their order, he looks ing these second generations with my own at me very sincerely and says, ‘Thank you eyes, and it’s really gratifying and humbling for opening back up!’ I ain’t going to lie, I to see.” shed a tear,” Jay said.

Campbell’s Dairyland is located at 200 The family-owned restaurant special- S Parsons Ave. in Brandon. It’s currentizes in sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and ly seeking employees, so if you’d like to of course ice cream and ice cream-related become one, please contact the restauitems, along with options like salads, bat- rant. For more information, visit www. tered veggies, seafood and over 30 milk- facebook.com/people/campbells-dairyshake flavors. Plus, it has indoor and out- land/100063697802657/ or call 813-685door sit-down dining, a drive-through and 1189.

December 2022

Valrico Edition

Page 13

Happy Holidays From The Tony Baroni Team We’re very thankful for having the ability to serve all of Central Florida with your real estate needs. We have the best clients in the world and we appreciate all of you!

“Chris Jossi made our first home buying experience unforgettably easy! We made a decision to move to Florida from the Midwest buying a house sight unseen only because Chris provided the quality of service and dedication to us to ensure we could make the right decision. So grateful to have worked with the Tony Baroni team and even more grateful to have a great friend in Chris!”

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Page 14

Valrico Edition

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES OFFERS PERFECT HOLIDAY TREATS FOR EVERY SEASON Staff Report classic.

Cakes and festive toppers are available for holiday parties in addition to birthdays, graduations and weddings. Plus, Nothing Bundt Cakes offers online ordering and third-party delivery, making it easy for residents to enjoy.

The holidays are a great time to treat yourself and your friends, and Nothing Bundt Cakes, located in Winthrop Town Centre, has the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

With 10 delicious flavors and options ranging from single-serving Bundtinis to 10-inch cakes, Nothing Bundt Cakes has something for everyone, even those whose diet is restricted to gluten-free foods.

Owner Rob Shuffield, a Brandon High School graduate, grew up in the area and was thrilled to open the Winthrop location four years ago.

“I love the Brandon community and am proud to offer the quality and flavors of Nothing Bundt Cakes through our store here,” said Shuffield. “Winthrop has been such a great location for us, and we are so thankful to John Sullivan for his vision for such a great community center.”

According to Shuffield, the most popular flavors at the location are chocolate chocolate chip, red velvet and white chocolate raspberry, but he encourages shoppers to look for seasonal choices like peppermint chocolate chip in December — a holiday

As Nothing Bundt Cakes is very popular for gifts and holiday gatherings, Shuffield recommends that residents order online in advance to ensure the availability of their favorite flavors.

The website also offers information on fundraising with Nothing Bundt Cakes and the opportunity to sign up for the Nothing Bundt Cakes eClub, which offers a free birthday treat.

“Stop by and try our products,” said Shuffield. “Our general manager, Noelle, and the team would love to meet you.”

Nothing Bundt Cakes is located at 11238 Sullivan St. in Riverview and can be reached at 813-409-2394. To learn more or order online, visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com.

Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Volume 19, Issue 12

CASK SOCIAL KITCHEN: BRUNCH, BBQ, ATMOSPHERE, CRAFT COCKTAILS & MORE

By Libby Hopkins When local executive chef to show in the menu Chris Burkey, Steve Bishop, items.”

Adam Itzkowitz and Lithia Cask Social is a CPA John Zelatis met to talk product of The Soabout barbecue and grilling, cial Kitchen Compathe meeting turned into an ny. Under the direcinstant bonding of friends, tion of Burkey, Cask business partners and barstrives to serve the becue. “When Steve Bishop, best in new AmeriAdam Itzkowitz and I get can fare and handtogether, it’s a total foodie crafted cocktails. gathering,” Zelatis said. “You Boasting an extenhave to see us sit down at sive whiskey menu, food tasting, it’s the most local craft beer ofhysterical thing you will Craft A’fare Social Kitchen (Cask) is a ferings and handproduct of The Social Kitchen Comever see. Then we met Chris crafted cocktails, its pany. Under the direction of executhis past January to hang tive chef Chris Burkey, Cask strives to bar staff are ready to out and barbecue. By the serve the best in new American fare satisfy any taste. end of the day, we were Locals from all and handcrafted cocktails. spoon-feeding each other. over the bay area All of us have a lot of passion can wind down for food.” their workdays with It was this food passion Cask’s happy hour between the four men that every week, Tueshelped to make Craft A’fare day through Friday.

Social Kitchen (Cask) more During Cask’s poputhan just the number one lar Friday, Saturday brunch spot in Tamand Sunday brunch pa. They have takservices, Cask is the en the restaurant ultimate South Tamto the next level, pa location to eat, which is a dinner drink and be social. destination in South Tampa. “We have If you would like to learn more about always been known as the best brunch Cask or check out its new menu options, restaurant in Tampa,” said Burkey. “On visit https://casksocial.com/. Cask Social the weekends, you couldn’t get a seat in is located at 208 S. Howard Ave. in Tamthe restaurant, but during the week it was pa. Reservation are encouraged and can very slow. Once John; Steve; Cask’s sous- be made through Cask’s website or by chef, Kyle; and I got together, we got our calling the restaurant at 813-251-0051. inspiration for our new dinner menu from The restaurant is closed on Monday. Its Cask itself. It was all what we feel Cask hours of operation the rest of the week is about and the vibe of Cask. The name are Tuesday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; has a Southern feel to it and we’re known Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; and for the vibe and feel, so what wanted it Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

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Valrico Edition

Page 15

THE COOKIE LADY LAUNCHES FIRST BOOK, GOD HAS A SWEET TOOTH

By Libby Hopkins LeAnne Crabtree her thriving cookie is known in the Branbusiness more sucdon area and beyond cessful. as “The Cookie Lady.”

“When Steve and I She is the owner of met, he told me one LeAnne’s Old Fashion of the requirements Cookies and her rise for all his clients to the prestigious was that they had to title as “The Cookie write a book,” CrabLady” has been quite tree said. “I told him, the journey.

‘I can’t write a book’ As a Finance major and he said, ‘Yes you at the University of can.’”

Central Florida, one Crabtree can now of Crabtree’s required add ‘author’ as she marketing projects just released her was to plan and set LeAnne Crabtree is the owner of LeAnne’s book, God Has a Old Fashion Cookies. She recently wrote a up a business, keep Sweet Tooth. “This book about her journey to be known in the accurate records and book has been in the community as “The Cookie Lady.” report any profits or making for about losses her ‘cookie busithree years,” Crabtree ness’ generated. said. “This is a story of “My cookies were persistence and persean instant hit with the verance in the face of college students, proadversity. It’s a story fessors, neighbors and of holding true to your friends, who were anxious to buy all the faith no matter what may come your way cookies I could make,” Crabtree said. “ and overcoming all obstacles on the jourMy ‘cookie business’ immediately made ney to success.” a profit and the overwhelming demand In God Has a Sweet Tooth, Crabtree for my cookies continued even after my tells the powerful stories of LeAnne’s Old professor gave me a ‘C’ on the project. He Fashioned Cookies and the valuable lesemphatically stated, ‘People are becoming sons learned along the path to building an too health conscious and will no longer eat empire. cookies; therefore, this business will not “This book will inspire you to fight for be a success”. what you desire, love with all your heart Ignoring her professor’s harsh criti- and never give up on your dreams.” cism and the ‘C’ on her project, Crabtree’s If you would like to learn more about “cookie business” has continued to pros- LeAnne’s Old Fashion Cookies or if you’d per for more than 25 years. like to purchase her new book, God Has a Crabtree had attended a few of business Sweet Tooth, you can visit her website at coach, Steve Hooper’s events and she de- www.leannescookies.com or call 1-888cided to have Hooper coach her on making 651-0045.

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Page 16

Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 12

Valrico Edition

December 2022

Page 17

MAKING GIFT-GIVING LISTS HELP MAY THE FORCE INSPIRE YOU TO CREATE STRESS-FREE HOLIDAYS GIVE BACK DURING THE HOLIDAYS

By Libby Hopkins

By Erica Burruezo, Orderly Owl Organizing

Let’s be real, the holiday season can be stressful. The last few months of the year are packed with a lot of holidays and celebrations. It’s a joyous time of year, sure, but there is so much to do in a short period of time. I would love to share some tips to help you have a smooth holiday season this year and for years to come.

One good thing you can do is to give your home’s holiday hot spots a good declutter before more gifts come in. That will help you keep your belongings at bay. If you have children, take the time to declutter broken or unused toys. New year, new you? Go ahead and get rid of those clothes that ‘new you’ won’t be wearing. Make room for your seasonal favorites in the pantry and check to see if you have that oncea-year ingredient you always accidentally buy a duplicate of. You don’t want to buy a fifth jar of nutmeg when you already have four sitting in the back of your spice cabinet right? While you’re in the pantry, make note of what is needed so you can get it now and not at the last minute.

Throughout the year, try making a list

of who you are buying for, any ideas you might have for them, and budget accordingly. Keep it on your phone for easy access when you may be out shopping. As you purchase gifts, mark off who they were purchased for and what they are. This will keep you from trying to memorize everything and make sure you stay on track with gift giving. We don’t want to miss anyone nor buy duplicates either. Speaking of gifts, spare yourself some headaches and come up with some specific gift ideas for you and your family so when you are asked you can give some suggestions.

Fortunately, this fun will come back around next year. As you clean up and prepare for a new year, take note of what worked well this year and what didn’t. Leave ‘future you’ some nicely organized holiday bins to pull out next year and keep the gift list for next year as a starting point.

If you would like to learn more or would like some professional help getting organized before or after the holidays, feel free to contact us at www. orderlyowl.com.

Jessica and Brylight display websites, ant Bell are originally including The Holiday from New Jersey but Atlas,” Jessica said. moved to Lithia five “We spent our nights years ago. The couple and weekends updatgrew up loving the ing and improving the Star Wars movie franshow throughout that chise. “We both grew entire season. By the up on the Star Wars end of the 2020 holfranchise and are then iday season, we had we raised our boys to verbal commitments love and appreciate it from about 75 percent the way we do,” Jessi- Lithia couple Jessica and Bryant Bell host of our cul-de-sac to ca said. “I also have a a yearly Star Wars-themed Christmas light participate the followminor obsession with show, Merry Sithmas. This year, their light ing year.” show hopes to help raise money for victims Christmas decor, trees With the recent of Hurricane Ian. in particular. I have 12 damage Hurricane Ian fully decorated trees in my house at Christ- caused to many areas of Florida, the coumas time, so this was a natural progres- ple decided they wanted to do some good sion.” during the holidays for those who were In 2019, the couple discovered that their affected by the hurricane. “This year, we new neighbors had the same Star Wars- are supporting the Florida Disaster Fund, themed Christmas decorations, which led which is run by Volunteer Florida,” Jessito a conversation about coordinating their ca said. “We have a GoFundMe set up to displays. “We came home one night and benefit them directly. There is no fee to see saw our neighbors’ had an AT-AT Walker in- the display; however, we are strongly enflatable, with his legs tied up on the ground, couraging donations towards our charity and we looked at each other and said, ‘I this year if people enjoyed the show. We think we found our people,’” Jessica said. are very aware of how lucky we were this “Fast-forward to 2020, socializing with year after Hurricane Ian while many of said neighbors, all of our normal Thanksgiv- us have friends and family who were not ing travel plans were canceled and we were so lucky, so, in the spirit of the season, we looking for a creative outlet. My husband, really hope to raise a lot of money for this Bryant, said that he would one day love to worthy cause.” They hope to raise $5,000 have one of those Christmas light displays for Volunteer Florida. set to music and our neighbors, Dan Cheney The Bells’ Merry Sithmas show started and Kelly Cheney, immediately said, ‘We’re on Thanksgiving night and runs nightly at in!’”

6 p.m. until New Year’s Day. If you’d like to As more neighbors noticed the Star learn more about the Bells’ Merry Sithmas, Wars Christmas decorations of their fellow you can visit their Facebook page @merneighbors, they wanted to join in with all rysithmasfromquintessalane. If you would Force fun. “Our first year, we only had three like to donate to their GoFundMe page, visit houses, but we were featured on multiple www.gofund.me/7cce31ca.

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Page 18

Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 12

FRIENDS, SPECIALLY FIT, THE HIVE INCLUSIVE AND HUG TEAM UP FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ADULT ACTIVITIES

Staff Report

As a young at 12 Noon. Speadult, it’s taken for cially Fit is also granted that you part of Special can participate Olympics, and in a few rites of its athletes parpassage, such as ticipate in powsocializing with er lifting. Oliver friends, going out also is the owner to dinner and goof several group ing on your first homes, and his Photo courtesy of FRIENDS. date, but for adults residents are part Adults enjoying a picnic on World Down Synwith special needs of FRIENDS dancdrome Day in March this year. it’s an entirely difes and parties. ferent scenario. After high school, special The Hive Inclusive’s Tonya Whitlock needs adults have very few choices. Some hosts support groups and get-togethers attend a day program (if they can afford in Tampa. It has instructor-led classes, it or are on the Medicaid waiver), some social events and support groups for inare lucky enough to get a part-time job dividuals with disabilities, caregivers and if they find a supportive workplace that siblings. RSVP for events at www.theinwill work within their limitations, but clusivehive.org. most special needs adults sit at home, HUG offers a free website that shares isolated, lonely and shut off from soci- social events and activities in Tampa Bay ety. If they can get out, they must rely on that cater to people of all age groups their parents or siblings for transporta- that live with disabilities. HUG organiztion. As they get older, some adults move es adaptive, inclusive community events into group homes, and it becomes worse from 90+ local organizations in the Pias they live on a very limited income, and nellas and Hillsborough County areas the staff who care for them must look for into a simple, easy-to-use calendar. The low-cost activities that the adults can af- HUG website can be used by people with ford. special needs, parents, caregivers and orFRIENDS (Families, Respect, Inspire, ganizations that host events. Check out Education, Networking, Down syndrome, HUG’s community calendars full of free Special needs) realizes just how difficult or low-cost activities for children, teens it is and has teamed up with Specially and adults with disabilities at www.helFit, The Hive Inclusive and HUG (Help Us pusgather.org.

Gather) to bring special needs adults toFRIENDS offers two dances a month: gether to meet others, make new friends one at the Hilton Garden Inn in Riverview and enjoy time together. and one at the Holiday Inn Express in Specially Fit CEO Mark Oliver hosts a Clearwater. For more information about free weekly exercise program at BayCare FRIENDS, please visit www.friendssupon Bloomingdale Avenue every Saturday port.org.

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December 2022

Valrico Edition

CARS 4 HEROES BECOMES CAR SANTAS FOR THOSE IN NEED

By Libby Hopkins For millions of Ameryears later, Franz icans, the availability got out of Car Biz of public transportaand started Cars 4 tion is the determining Christmas full time, factor in their ability earning him the nickto access jobs and any name ‘Car Santa.’ As care they require. For time would go on, he a lot of those people, saw the need in Kanthey either live outside sas City increasing the range of public more and more, and transit or the places that is where Cars 4 they need to go to are Heroes came from. outside of public tranNow, Car Santa gives sit zones, making them away over 300 cars a miss those opportuniyear just in the Kanties and forcing them sas City metro alone. to walk for miles to “On Veterans Day, Cars 4 Heroes is a Kansas City, Missouget where they need ri-based nonprofit that helps veterans with we awarded nine transportation issues. This past Veterans to go. Since 1996, vehicles in three citCars 4 Heroes has Day, it awarded three Tampa veterans with ies,” Franz said. “We vehicles. been addressing that awarded vehicles to need. “We are trying three local Tampa to raise awareness about our veterans this past Veterans program to hopefully help Day at the American Lemany in Florida in the future,” gion on Kennedy Boulevard said Terry Franz, co-founder in Tampa, and they were of Cars 4 Heroes. “I travel to Natalie Marcano, Jonathan Florida a lot because I love it, Fernandez and Freddy Asenand we also want to make the cio. We have done this for 27 community aware of what we years and award about 300 do for our veterans.” vehicles a year across the nation and now Franz and fellow co-founder Mike Van in Tampa.”

Noy owned Car Biz, a used-car lot in KanCars 4 Heroes’ cause is to repair donatsas City, Missouri. There had been a lot of ed vehicles and provide them to people people looking to purchase a car, only to in need. “We take vehicles of all makes, be turned down by credit companies be- models and ages,” Franz said. “It is easy cause they were out of work due to med- to donate a car, truck or van to Cars 4 ical emergencies, family issues or other Heroes online or by phone.” circumstances in life.

If you would like to learn more about It was Christmas time when Franz and Cars 4 Heroes, you can visit its website Van Noy gave away six cars to families at www.cars4heroes.org or call Franz at that in the past had been denied. A few 913-244-0582.

Page 19

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA NAMES NEW CELLO LEAD

Staff Report

For the first time in el, former principal nearly 35 years, The cellist of Symphony Florida Orchestra has in C in New Jersey named a new principal and former associcello. Yoni Draiblate ate principal of the won the highly comAnnapolis Symphopetitive blind audition ny Orchestra. He and will lead the cello also appeared as a section of the largest guest principal celprofessional orcheslist with the Princtra in Florida, under eton Symphony the artistic leadership Orchestra. Before of internationally acmoving to Florida, claimed music direche was a full-time tor Michael Francis. member of the CoDraiblate has toured lumbus SymphoPhoto courtesy of TFO. the United States, Euny Orchestra. For Yoni Draiblate, who was named The Florrope and South Amerimore on Draiblate, ida Orchestra’s new principal cello. Photo ca with orchestras and visit https://floridcourtesy of The Florida Orchestra. has appeared on presaorchestra.org/mutigious stages such as Carsicians/yoni-draiblate/. negie Hall in New York, the Draiblate succeeds Royal Albert Hall in London, James Connors, TFO’s esthe Teatro Colón in Argenteemed principal cellist tina, the Philharmonie Bersince 1988, who is preparlin and many more. He is ing to retire at the end of one of eight new musicians this season in May 2023.

TFO welcomes this season.

TFO will perform more The Florida Orchestra emthan 100 concerts this ploys 71 full-time professional musicians season in venues throughout Tampa and conductors.

Bay, including a wide range of classical, “I am incredibly honored to fill this popular, film, rock and family-friendly role in The Florida Orchestra. I’ve lived music. The Raymond James Pops series and performed all over the world, but includes blockbusters such as Holiday my colleagues here have quickly made Pops, Harry Potter vs Star Wars, and me feel at home,” Draiblate said. “I am the Beatles’ iconic Abbey Road album. lucky to be part of an orchestra that The orchestra’s 55th Celebration convalues the highest level of excellence, cert featuring legendary violinist Itzhak both onstage and in our community and Perlman will be on March 11, 2023 at the schools.”

Mahaffey Theater. If you would like to Draiblate is a former principal cellist purchase tickets to the concerts, please of the Haifa Symphony Orchestra in Isra- visit https://floridaorchestra.org/.

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Page 20

Mini Holiday Camp, Christmas Horse Photos & More...

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Hanukkah Menorah To Light Up Sun City Center

Chabad of Brandon & SouthShore will light a 9-foot public Hanukkah menorah in front of Club Car in Sun City Center on Sunday, December 18 at 5 p.m. the first night of the eight-day Festival of Lights. The event will feature the traditional latkes, doughnuts and chocolate gelt free of charge for all in attendance. There will be New York deli kosher sandwiches available for purchase. Complimentary Hanukkah menorahs and candles will be distributed for participants who need one to kindle at home. “Everyone is excited about Hanukkah,” said Rabbi Mendel Rabashkin of Chabad of Brandon & SouthShore. “People are preparing to celebrate with family and friends, to fill their homes with the light of Hanukkah, and there’s a palpable joy.”

Holiday Mini Camp For Artists

Center Place Arts & Civic Association Inc. is hosting a Holiday Mini Camp for children from ages 8-13. The camp is a fun drawing camp where the campers will grow their skill set and sharpen their creative vocabulary. It will run Monday through Friday, December 2630 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and the cost is $125; all art supplies are included. For more information or to register for the camp, call 813-685-8888 or visit its website at www.centerplacebrandon.com. Center Place Arts & Civic Association is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon.

Valrico Edition

2022 HARVEST AWARDS PRESENTED

Tampa Dynamo Winter Academy

AT HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIR

Tampa Dynamo youth soccer is holding a fourweek (twice a week) training-only program this winter.

The program is run by the club and its competitive coaches who deliver quality, planned sessions over eight training days.

It gives players and parents an understanding of the level of training provided at the competitive level to prepare the players for tryouts for the following season. The sessions will take place on Mondays and Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. starting January 16, 2023, and finishing February 9, 2023. All sessions will be held at the Summerfield Elementary School campus in Riverview. For more information and to register for the winter academy, visit www. tampadynamofc.com.

Horse Christmas Photo Fundraiser

A Horse’s Touch will be raising funds this holiday season by having a horse and barn-themed Christmas photograph event and party. Sessions are available on Saturday and Sunday, December 17 and 18 at the barn in Wimauma; they are $25 and include the party. A Horse’s Touch exists to provide therapeutic horsemanship instruction and is affiliated with numerous 501(c)(3) charities, including Horses4Heroes. For more information and to book your session, please email mmbarn4@gmail.com.

Introductory Tai Chi Sessions

Tai chi is an internal martial art and a form of moving meditation that can help you achieve balance and strength, relieve stress and pain as well as lift your spirit. The Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA is holding introductory sessions at the Brandon Christian Church, located at 910 Bryon Rd. in Brandon, starting on January 3, 2023, from 10-11 a.m.

For additional information, please contact 727-7340929 or email info@taoisttaichi. org.

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By Kathy L. Collins On November 3, the in 1963.

Hillsborough County The Outstanding Fair was kicked off Woman in Agriculwith the 2022 Harvest ture was given by Awards Presentation Jackie Barron of and Luncheon. Jake Mosaic to Michelle and Melissa Rayburn Williamson. She is acted as masters of the operations manceremonies. Melissa ager for G&F Farms. said, “Over the years, She is also the I have watched the secretary for the county fair grow. This Southwest Florida is an opportunity to Water Management The 2022 Farm Family of the Year was celebrate people who District Governing presented to Sammy and Jeff Busciglio have done some exBoard. Williamson is at this year’s Harvest Awards. The presentraordinary things in active in promoting tation was made at the Harvest Awards the areas of agriculall areas of agriculon November 3. This event kicks off the ture and farming.” ture and farming.

Hillsborough County Fair each year.

The Farm Family The Outstanding of the Year was presented by Hillsbor- Young Farmer was awarded to Joshua ough County Board of County Commis- Griffin by Simon Bollin, agriculture indussion Commissioner Stacy White and was try development manager. Young started awarded to Sammy and Jeff Busciglio. in farming at the age of 7 when he enSixty-seven years ago, the Busciglio tered his first swine at the Florida State family started Tower Dairy in Palm Riv- Fair. He has travelled the world promoting er. Back then, Hillsborough County was agriculture and will receive his bachelor’s home to 60 dairy farms, and now there degree this fall. are none. The Busciglio family has relocatThe Outstanding Public and Community ed to Georgia. Tower Dairy was the last Service Award was given to St. Vincent dairy farm in Hillsborough County. For de Paul Faith & Grace Garden in Temple their support of youth involved in farming, Terrace. The award was presented by the family was given this year’s award.

Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera, who Next, the Lifetime Achievement in Ag- grew up in Temple Terrace. Ground was riculture was awarded to Helen Parke by broken on the garden in 2019. It is 100 Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chro- percent volunteer operated and serves nister, who said, “It is an honor to present 600 families each month. this award to an amazing lady and iconic In addition to these awards, Memorial figure, the matriarch of the Parke family Tributes were given to Al Berry, Vernon dynasty.” Chronister added, “Even in her Blackadar, Perry Buttram and Bruce and 90s, the farm spirit emerges. She remains Susan Harrell. Finally, Greg Messick, Hillsactive.” The Parkesdale Farm Market, borough County Fair president, presented which Parke helped build, was established 11 Friends of the Fair awards.

December 2022

Valrico Edition

Page 21

Page 22

Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 12

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SELECT KEN HAGAN AS NEW BOARD CHAIR, APPOINT POSITIONS ON BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS Staff Report The Hill— Myers. sborough • EnviC o u n ty ronmental Board of Protection C o u n ty CommisCommission — sioners Wostal and (BOCC) Cohen. today se• Hillslected Comborough missioner Area ReKen Hagan g i o n a l as chair Tra n s i t Commissioner Michael Owen Commissioner Gwendolyn ‘Gwen’ W. Commissioner Harry Cohen Commissioner Ken Hagan and ComAuthoriDistrict 4 Myers, District 3 District 1 District 2 missioner ty — MyGwendolyn ers, Owen, ‘Gwen’ W. Myers as vice chair Kemp and Wostal. during its annual organization• Hospital Authority — Haal meeting. Commissioner Dongan and Cepeda. na Cameron Cepeda will serve • Juvenile Justice Board — as chaplain.

Cepeda.

The organizational meet• Port Authority — Owen. ing followed a ceremony this • Tampa Bay Area Regional morning in which three returnTransit Authority — Kemp. ing commissioners and three • Tampa Bay Regional Plannewly elected commissioners ning Council — Member, Cotook the oath of office. hen; alternate, Cepeda.

Newly elected commission• Tampa Bay Water Board Commissioner Pat Kemp Commissioner Joshua Wostal ers include Commissioner Mi- Commissioner Donna Cameron Cepeda of Directors — Cohen and District 6 - Countywide District 7 - Countywide District 5 - Countywide chael Owen, District 4; ComWostal. missioner Cepeda, District 5 • Tampa Hillsborough Ecosince 2002. This is his sixth term as board on the various boards, committees and countywide; and Commissioner Joshua chair. He has served as the Board of County councils on which they serve. nomic Development Corp. — Hagan.

Wostal, District 7 countywide.

• Transportation Planning Organization Commissioners’ representative on key ecoReelected commissioners include Com- nomic development boards, including Visit — Cohen, Myers, Owen, Wostal, Kemp and Some of the positions include: missioner Harry Cohen, District 1; Commis- Tampa Bay, Tampa Hillsborough Expressalternate Hagan.

• Affordable Housing Advisory Board — sioner Hagan, District 2; and Commissioner way Authority and the Tampa Sports Au- Myers.

• Tampa Sports Authority — Hagan.

Myers, District 3. thority, as well as the Florida Association • Arts Council of Hillsborough County — Commissioner Pat Kemp continues to of Counties and the Hospital Authority.

For a complete list and more informaKemp. serve District 6 countywide. tion, please visit the Hillsbourough County After choosing leadership positions, • Aviation Authority — Cohen.

Hagan has served as a commissioner members of the BOCC selected positions website at www.hcflgov.net/bocc.

• Children’s Board of Hillsborough County

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Valrico Edition

December 2022

DANCING FOR A DIFFERENCE OWNER WINS MISS RIVERVIEW, GOES ON TO COMPETE FOR MISS FLORIDA

By Madeline Gardner

On a mission to pair her Dancing for a Difference investment in the arts with has participated in for the her love for her communipast four years. ty, Sara Battaglia, founder While devoting her and owner of Dancing for time to these projects, a Difference, is no strangBattaglia has also worked er to the idea of making towards finalizing prepaa difference and helping rations for the weekend fulfill the dreams of othof May 12 through May ers. Achieving one of her 14, 2023, when the Miss own goals on October 18, Florida pageant officially With strong ties to her community, Sara Battaglia was awarded the Battaglia’s evening gown for the Miss begins. To acquire more title of Miss Riverview, an Florida pageant is sponsored by Satin practice in public speakhonor she earned without & Lace Bridal Boutique and Flower Me ing, she will be present Tampa Décor and Rentals. prior pageant experience. at the Valrico FishHawk “I saw it as a fun opporChamber’s Midday Powtunity and a good way to er Hour sessions on give back to my commuWednesday, December nity more than I already 21 from 11 a.m.-12 Noon. do,” said Battaglia. “I will Receiving further support be available to the comfrom the surrounding munity to volunteer and community, she has also help wherever needed.” secured sponsorship from Sara Battaglia is both the founder and With a history of help- director of Dancing for a Difference in local businesses Satin & ing her students prepare Lace Bridal Boutique and Brandon. for their own pageants, Flower Me Tampa Décor Battaglia began her journey by filling out an and Rentals for her evening gown. online form with information about her ed“Hopefully, it will inspire young girls and ucation as well as accomplishments to the boys that they will be able to do whatever Girlbossing Inc. Florida USA Organization. they set their minds to,” said Battaglia. “And Battaglia received her sash shortly after even though you don’t necessarily have exher acceptance of the Miss Riverview USA perience in something, there’s always a first title. time for everything, and you should try it if The core responsibility of holding this po- that’s what you want to do.” sition is to maintain an active presence in For information about Dancing for a Difthe area, a duty that allows Battaglia to be- ference, visit https://dancing4adifference. come involved in opportunities such as help- com/, call 813-601-3009 or email danceing #HashtagLunchbag feed the homeless 4donations@gmail.com. Dancing for a Difin downtown Tampa. Battaglia has since ference is located at 1076 E. Brandon Blvd., also volunteered with Small but Mighty Ste. 109 in Brandon.

Heroes, an organization that works with More info about her participation in the children and families dealing with childhood Miss Riverview and Miss Florida pageants cancer, and the Great American Teach-In can be found on her Instagram page at at DeSoto Elementary School, a program www.instagram.com/mypointeofview.

Page 23

BLOOMINGDALE ART STUDENTS PAINT COMPANY WINDOWS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

By Lily Belcher The Bloomingshow support to dale High School our local school by Art Club painted showcasing these festive holiday talented students’ designs on the artwork with windows of the hopes that as a reFarmers Insurance sult it helps draw Valentino Agency new potential cuson November 5 as tomers’ eyes to our a service project Seven Bloomingdale High School students painted colorful windows for the students. and draws them fall designs on the windows of the Farmers Insurance Valentino Agency.

Art teacher Painto our office to mela Reeves and hear about our seven of her stuproducts that we dents visited the have to offer,” company on Fishsaid LaRosa. hawk Boulevard in The BloomingLithia and painted dale Art Club has fall designs on the been a part of windows. Art club the school since students painted it was foundpumpkins with ed, but this is the names of the Reeves’ first year Farmers Insuras the teacher. ance agents, surReeves was a rounded by detailed leaves, flowers and a student and vice president of the art club cornucopia on the door. in 1990 when they had a local window “Our FishHawk office understands how painting contest. Now, she is trying to reimportant it is to support local business- vive the program and is hoping to start a es and encourage education so we can be Bloomingdale window-painting contest afsuccessful together as a community,” said ter the new year.

Colleen LaRosa.

“Bloomingdale Art Club has been around LaRosa, Valentino Agency employee and since the start of school. I recently moved mother of an art club student, approached to Bloomingdale to become the art teacher, Reeves with the idea of having Blooming- so we are trying new things,” said Reeves. dale High School students paint the winThe Bloomingdale Art Club is willing to dows in October. The Valentino Agency paint additional windows for companies purchased the art supplies and donated that are looking to bring some holiday to the club before getting their windows cheer to their business. painted by the students.

For more information on the Blooming“It meant so much to me personally that dale High School Art Club or to have comthe Valentino Agency could partner with pany windows painted, email Reeves at pathe Bloomingdale High School Art Club to mela.reeves@hcps.net.

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Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 12

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Valrico

December 2022, Vol. 19, Iss. 12

COMING SOON MARCH 2-12 Pediatric Care Offered 24/7 At HCA Florida Brandon Hospital Florida Brandon Hospital is excited to announce that Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital specialty physicians are now providing pediatric hospitalist care to patients admitted to HCA Florida Brandon Hospital’s pediatric unit 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “We are pleased to have the Johns Hopkins All Children’s specialty physicians here to support our inpatient services for children and provide highly specialized care for our pediatric patients,” said Tripp Owings, chief executive officer at HCA Brandon Hospital. “Through this partnership, Brandon Hospital pediatric patients now have access to expert care at any time of day.”

about what you have and how much they are worth. Corbin’s Stamp & Coin is located at 209 N. Kings Ave. in Brandon. For more information, call 813-651-3266.

Drive, an opportunity for the local community to participate in providing at-risk and underprivileged kids with items on their Christmas lists this holiday season.

Guests can make holiday wishes come true by sponsoring a letter to Santa written by a local child in need, purchasing the items listed and bringing the unwrapped gifts back to the Sincerely, Santa booth in the Dillard’s court. All gifts will be delivered to each child’s home in time for Christmas.

The event lasts through Sunday, December 18, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. in the booth at Westfield Brandon, located at 459 Brandon Town Center Dr. in Brandon. For more information, visit www.westfield.com/brandon/event-detail/ sincerely,-santa-toy-drive.

Twisted Sugar Satisfies Sweet-tooth Cravings Tw i s t e d Sugar is a bakery and specialty drink shop with locations all over the country. The newest location is in Riverview at 13159 S. U.S. Hwy. 301 and offers a variety of goodies for those who enjoy something sweet. The cookies are baked fresh daily and feature a variety of unique combinations, including its namesake cookie topped with coconut frosting and a lime wedge, a peanut butter Nutella cookie and a banana cream pie cookie. Twisted Sugar also offers bombshell drinks, beginning with a base soda of your choice followed by add-ins, such as cherries, peach puree, pineapple, etc. With so many combinations available to enjoy, the possibilities to delight your taste buds are endless. To learn more about Twisted Sugar, visit its website at www. twistedsugar.com.

Corbin’s Stamp & Coin Offers Christmas Coins Corbin’s Stamp & Coin has been Brandon’s source for rare coins and precious-metal bullion for 30 years.

Each year, the store offers silver Christmas coins that are timeless, unique gifts for both collectors and noncollectors. Corbin’s also buys and sells coins, both old and new; if you are a coin collector or an investor in physical gold and silver, Gift Boxed or Ornaments it has what you want. If you have old coins and don’t know what Stamp & Coin 209 N. Kings Ave., Brandon, FL 33510 they are, Corbin’s 813-651-3266 can educate you corbincoin@verizon.net

Hillsborough County Buys Land To Expand Wildlife Corridor Hillsborough County is buying a nearly 500-acre cattle ranch to help create a critical environmental corridor in fast-growing South County. The tract connects 9,000 acres of county preservation along the Little Manatee River with 3,000 acres protected by the state. Acquiring the property brings significant environmental benefits, including allowing the county and state preserves to function as a wildlife corridor. The property will also help mitigate the impact of floodwaters, and the pasture areas will

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Amani MedSpa Moves To New Location Amani MedSpa celebrated moving to its new location at 1102 Bloomingdale Ave. Valrico with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce. Whether you are considering laser skin resurfacing, skin tightening, weight loss or simply want to erase the signs of time with Botox or dermal fillers, Amani MedSpa takes the time to ensure that your treatment is a rewarding one. You can book your appointment by calling 813-685-6111 or visiting its website at www.amanimedspa.com.

Pigtails & Crewcuts: Haircuts For Kids Opens With A Ribbon-cutting Pigtails & Crewcuts: Haircuts for Kids is now open and recently celebrated with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce. Located at 2174 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, kids can enjoy their haircut experience with themed chairs and toys. It offers kids haircuts, braids, first-haircut packages, cute accessories and more. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, visit its website at www.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com/valrico.

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Page 26

Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 12

CHABAD OF BRANDON & SOUTHSHORE OFFERS PUBLIC MENORAH LIGHTINGS

Revolutionize Your Workout with 5 Gears of Health:

By Kathy L. Collins

Chabad of Brandon & Rabbi Mendel RubashSouthShore will celebrate kin said, “Everyone is Hanukkah with several excited about Hanukkah. events around the area People are preparing to this year. All events are celebrate with family free and open to the puband friends, to fill their lic. homes with the light of a First, Chabad of BranHanukkah, and there is a don & SouthShore will palpable joy. The public light a 9-foot Menorah Hanukkah celebration is on Sunday, December 18 about sharing this light at 5 p.m. in front of Club and joy with the broader Join Chabad of Brandon & Car of Sun City, located at community.”

SouthShore as they celebrate Ha1651 Sun City Center Pla- nukkah at one of several locations Hanukkah recalls the za. This is the first night victory of a militarifor a festive menorah lighting. of the eight-day Festival ly weak Jewish people Events will be held in Sun City of Lights, as Hanukkah is Center, FishHawk and Plant City. who defeated the Syriknown. an-Greeks who had overThe Sun City Center run ancient Israel. Jews event will feature tracelebrate Hanukkah for ditional latkes (potato eight days by lighting an pancake), doughnuts and eight-branched candelachocolate gelt. These are brum known as a menofree. In addition, there rah. will be New York deli Chabad of Brandon & sandwiches available for SouthShore offers Jewpurchase. Complimentary ish education, outreach Hanukkah menorahs and and social service procandles will be distributed gramming for families for those who need them and individuals of all at home. ages, backgrounds and Then, on Monday, December 19 at 5 affiliations. Chabad of Brandon & Southp.m., a Menorah will be lit at Park Square Shore offers synagogue services, classin FishHawk. On Tuesday, December 20, es, Sunday school and hospital visits. It a ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. in front also has a food fund which is specifically of the Robert A. Willaford Railroad Mu- designated for those who need help with seum, located at 102 N. Palmer St. in his- buying kosher food. toric downtown Plant City. This ceremoRabbi Rubashkin said, “We are here to ny will include music, lattes, doughnuts, help in any way we can. We are not exchocolate gelt and crafts for children. clusive to helping the Jewish community The menorah at this location will stay only.” up throughout the eight-day Festival of For more information, please visit Lights. www.jewishbrandon.com.

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Valrico Edition

December 2022

TRUE LIES FISHING COMPANY OFFERS INSHORE CHARTERS & SUNSET CRUISES

By Libby Hopkins

Captain Branden McMcCorkle has his Corkle grew up on the own business, True waters of Tampa Bay Lies Fishing Comin the Ruskin/Apollo pany.

Beach area. Convincing True Lies Fishhis grandmother at 12 ing is an inshore years old that he needcharter company ed a boat, which was a specializing in the 1969 Boston Whaler, Tampa Bay region his summers as a teen with a target catch were spent chasing of snapper, grousnook, trout and redfish per, snook, trout in the back bays and and redfish. “We flats along SouthShore. offer Ruskin, ApolLearning from his dad, lo Beach or Litand some of the best tle Harbor fishing guides in the Tampa Captain Branden McCorkle grew up on the charters and sunset Bay area. “I’ve been waters of Tampa Bay in the Ruskin/Apollo cruises,” McCorkle Beach area. fishing all my life,” Mcsaid. “Quality and Corkle said. “My dad a personalized would take me out experience is our fishing whenever he specialty. Whethcould. I was out there er you are a seawith him inshore, offsoned pro or new shore; wherever we to fishing, this is could find a place to your trip. Getting fish, we would fish.” on the fish and At a young age, McCorkle was certain knowing what the fish want is what we do that fishing and being a charter captain for our customers.” was exactly what he wanted to do. “Since Captain McCorkle feels awesome that I grew up around charter captains,” Mc- he gets to fish every day as his job. “I love Corkle said. “One of the charter captains being around the people who take charter was our neighbor, and I would fish off his with us every day,” McCorkle said. “What dock as a kid. I hung with him a lot as a makes my charter business different from kid too. I saw what he did, and I fell in others is that we fish in a lot of shallow love with it, so I knew it was something I water and we do a lot of site fishing. A lot wanted to do when I grew up.” of our men clients like to get a big group In 2018, he received a job offer from of guys together to have a party and fish Billy Nobles, the captain he grew up idol- all day.” izing, watching on TV and asking as a kid, If you’d like to learn more about True “When can I be your mate?” “That was a Lies Fishing Company, visit McCorkle’s dream come true for me,” McCorkle said. website at www.trueliesfishingcompany.

In addition to working offshore for Nobles, com or call 813-480-5111.

Page 27

CAN YOU MAKE THE HOLIDAYS BRIGHT FOR A HILLSBOROUGH PET? Staff Report The holidays are in full swing, and Hillsborough County is asking residents to consider making room at the table for a rescue pet this year.

Whether it’s because of the economy, lingering effects from the pandemic or some other reason, pet shelters across the country have been overflowing for months. At the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center, the dog population has been well over capacity all year. Many wonderful, adoptable dogs — through no fault of their own — have been at the shelter for more than 100 days. Shelters are meant and designed to be shortterm homes for pets; longer stays create an inevitable toll on pets’ physical and emotional health.

Adopting or fostering a dog from the Pet Resource Center will not only make a great addition to the home but will also help make room for the next pet that needs help. Those interested in adopting can visit the center at 440 N. Falkenburg Rd. in Tampa or search online at https:// public-solutions.hillsboroughcounty.org/ enterprise/f?p=236. All adoption fees are currently waived.

The shelter also has a robust foster program that allows residents to take a pet home for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. All foster pets are up Regular Hours: Mon. - Sat. 11am - 8pm Closed Sunday

to date on shots a n d medical treatments.

The resi d e n t provides a temporary, safe place to live by giving love, food and care to a pet that just needs a chance.

The Pet Resource Center is the only open-admission shelter in Hillsborough County, meaning it accepts dogs and cats regardless of breed, size or medical condition. Adoption hours are 10 a.m.5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit https://www. hillsboroughcounty.org/en/locations/ pet-resource-center.

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Page 28

Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 12

HELP YOUR KIDS LEARN TO COUNT AND ORIGINALLY FROM VALRICO, DREAM OF TAMPA AND CHRISTMAS ERIK HESSON CREATES ART AND WITH THESE TWO BOOKS MUSIC IN ST. PETERSBURG

By Kathy L. Collins Erik Hesson is a tiple digital streaming fine artist and singplatforms. He releaser-songwriter. While es his music indehe now resides in St. pendently, and he curPetersburg, he grew rently has eight songs up in the Valrico area. out, including SomeHesson’s original thing Magic, Halo and art is called Linear Everytime I Close My Perspectivism. He exEyes. He plans to replained, “What Cublease a new song evism did to the cube, ery 60 days.

Linear Perspectivism Hesson said of his does to linear permusic, “My songs can Fine artist and singer-songwriter Erik spective. Instead of honestly be played in linear perspective Hesson grew up in Valrico. He now resides almost any style, but reimagining just an in St. Petersburg, where he creates his art my personal style is and music. His music can be found on underlying design elkind of a fusion of multiple digital streaming platforms. You ement, I feature it to can meet Hesson and see his art during his folk, pop, hip-hop, create the main aes- exhibits at the Dalí Museum on Saturday soul, reggae and rock. thetic and construct Throw those all in a afternoons. my compositions with blender and you will this in mind.” be in my realm musically.”

Hesson’s medium of choice is oil on Hesson has been playing the guitar for canvas. However, when he is creating about 10 years and the piano for about art featuring styles such as Cubism and four years. He said, “I realized a couple of his Faces of Dali Collection, his medium years ago that I have a gift for channelis digital painting. For that, he uses Clip ing piano melodies off the top of my head.

Studio Paint.

I then started organizing them into song Hesson has a solo exhibit each Saturday format, and then one day I had an epiphfrom 1-4 p.m. on the patio of the Dalí Mu- any about writing songs.” Hesson added, seum, located at 1 Dali Blvd. in St. Peters- “All of my songs are written as converburg. You can also purchase framed giclée sational dialogue with either another perprints and limited editions on his website. son, myself or society.”

Hesson is a self-taught artist. He said, Hesson has written about 40 songs and “I have been learning through a rigorous created around 100 visual pieces of art and persistent process of ‘trial and error’ in the last few years. He said, “I have a and ‘trial and success’ for the past 22 gift for turning struggle/pain into beauty years.” through creative works.”

If you are into music, you should check For information, visit www.uniquemodout Hesson’s, which can be found on mul- ernart.com.

By Taylor Wells

Countdown pirate ship — children’s books representing the are great for bay’s Gasparilla helping kids learn celebration. The count from 10 10 subjects also to 1 and easing make for great them into bedspots to visit time, and two rewith your kids as cently published Dreaming of Tampa and Dreaming of Christmas, il- they learn about

by Arcadia Chil- lustrated by Nathan Heinze and published by Arcadia where they live, Children’s Books. dren’s Books are and there’s a fun perfect for the map at the end Christmas season and the loshowing approximately cal area. Dreaming of Christwhere each subject is. mas and Dreaming of Tampa Heinze, along with beare board books illustrated ing an illustrator, is also a

by Oldsmar resident Nathan writer, designer, fine artist, Heinze, and his creative, coloccasional music producer orful art will inspire wonder and more who’s passionate in children while teaching about all forms of creativthem about Tampa and all ity and is glad to do what the fun and magical parts he loves. While illustrating that make up Christmas. the books, Heinze received With Dreaming of Christmuch help from his daughmas, kids will be counting Nathan Heinze, illustrator of ter, who is very artistic, and Dreaming of Christmas and down to Santa’s visit. From his son gave his opinions as Dreaming of Tampa.

10 caroling carolers to one well, both telling him what twinkling star atop the Christmas tree, they liked most and acting as his editors. His they’ll learn about what makes Christmas children are even featured in the swimming and the leadup to it special — as well as sea creatures page of the Tampa book. take part, such as finding out the names “They were my very small test market, my of Santa’s nine reindeer and baking seven two kids,” Heinze joked. “My daughter got cookies with their parents. This book is the very specific: ‘Yeah, the pink’s a little too hot perfect introduction and gift for a child’s here, you should calm it down,’ or, ‘I think first Christmas, and it’s great for little ones the sun needs to be bigger here,’ … she’s very looking forward to the holiday. particular.”

Dreaming of Tampa is great for anyone To learn more about Heinze, visit https:// wanting to explore and discover the area nathanheinzeart.com/. The Dreaming of with their children. Have fun counting down books are available at www.arcadiapublisharound the town from the 10 rising arches ing.com/, on Amazon and at other places of the Tampa Union Station to one sleepy books are sold.

Valrico Edition

December 2022

Page 29

SEVEN BLOOMINGDALE STUDENT-ATHLETES SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT

Bloomingdale High School hosted another successful National Signing Day, in which seven athletes committed to their future schools. Six baseball players, including Trey Wilson (State College of Florida), Dawson Harman (High Point University), Bobby Rossi (Greensboro College), Alex Vazquez (Greensboro College), Tyler Clinton (Daytona State College) and Jake Magadan (Barry University), as well as girls soccer player Aubrey Cripe (Newberry College), all signed.

Wilson signed with the State College of Florida and will earn his A.A. degree.

“I chose that school because I really like the coaching staff there, and when I went on my visit, it was everything I was looking for. It is in a great part of

town, and the location of the school lets me enjoy my hobby of fishing while being close to school,” said Wilson. “I would like to thank my parents and brothers for pushing me through this whole process, my coaches for making me the player I am today, Randy Sullivan, Amy Marsh and all the employees at Florida Baseball Armory for helping me perfect my craft of pitching to make me the best pitcher I can be. Go Bulls.”

Dawson Harman will attend High Point University and major in sports management.

“It was the best feeling of my life,” said Harman. “I had a major setback in my recruiting process sophomore summer and that definitely made me work hard-

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er on the comeback. I had a chip on my shoulder, and I wanted to prove everyone wrong, so to have done that really makes me feel good, but the grind never stops.”

Rossi chose Greensboro College and will major in business administration and management.

“To achieve my dream almost felt unreal,” said Rossi. “I will be attending Greensboro college. It was the right fit for me because the school was a smaller, beautiful campus and I loved the coaches. I want to shout out all my boys who signed with me. I’ve known all these kids for a long time and I’m very proud and happy for them.”

Clinton signed with Daytona State College and will major in business.

“My goals for college baseball next year are to get an opportunity to play at a bigger school after my two years and help my team win,” said Clinton.

“My goals for my last high school season are to win a state championship and to get better every day.”

Magadan will attend Barry University and major in sports medicine.

“I felt that all my hard work paid off and I was very relieved to have signed with a college,” said Magadan. “Shout out to coach Wilken and coach Jimmy for helping me along the way.”

Vazquez will join his teammate Rossi at Greensboro College and major in exercise science.

“I would like to thank my parents for helping me through this journey and doing whatever it takes to help me get better,” said Vazquez. “As for my coaches, I would also like to thank you for all the help through this journey and helping me get better as a baseball player and human being. Let’s go Bulls.”

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Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 12

December 2022

Valrico Edition

Page 31

FOUR DURANT HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS SIGN NATIONAL LETTERS OF INTENT IN NOVEMBER

By Lily Belcher

Four Durant High School on the field,” Valdes said humbly. seniors signed National Let“I just provide the facilities and ters of Intent on November 9. support. Most of the credit goes Three baseball players, Dylan to my coaching staff.”

Lapointe, Jeremy Ortiz and Valdes said Ortiz has already Preston Rogers, signed, and played a huge role on both offense soccer player Emma Harnage and defense in his first year at Ducommitted to a university as rant. Like Ortiz, Rogers joined the well. team in the fall but has made a “They set up a table with great impact on Durant’s baseball multiple chairs for the athorganization. letes on the stage in the au“[Starting catcher Dylan ditorium and had a cake and LaPointe has] been a key part of photographer. Our [principal], our team for four years. He is defiMr. Graham, was also there nitely one of the major leaders for to introduce every athlete Durant,” added Valdes about his and give a little speech about third signee. how they have impacted DuHarnage was Durant’s only socrant athletics,” said Ortiz. cer player to sign during the NaPrior to the signing day, Dutional Signing Day event. Harnage rant’s former athletic direcwill continue her academic and tor, Candace Culpepper, left. athletic goals in North Carolina.

However, Durant’s coaches She has played on Durant’s varsiworked with the booster club ty squad since her freshman year, Durant had four athletes sign National Letters of Intent on November 9. Durant baseball players Dylan Lapointe, Preston to host the signing event in scoring 35 points and 17 goals in the auditorium with the help Rogers and Jeremy Ortiz committed to universities in November. Emma Harnage represented Durant’s soccer team, signing with her 35 career games played.

Mount Olive University. of Principal Gary Graham.

For more information on DuValdes has been one of the best coaches I’ve make sure they are respectful young men “Mrs. Culpepper was the rant’s athletic department, visit AD at the time. The booster club spearhead- ever played for, in the sense that he makes both on and off the field. These young men the athletic department’s at www.hillsbored the entire event. Mr. Graham was kind you feel that it’s OK to make mistakes. It was showcase themselves every time they step oughschools.org. enough to allow us to have it in the auditori- really easy to feel comfortable playing for um,” explained baseball coach Butch Valdes. him, and I feel like I could just be myself,” Each player sat at the front of the auditori- said Ortiz.

Valdes led Durant’s team to a 18-9 overum surrounded by balloons, representing the all record during the 2022 season and will college where they will continue their athletcontinue to lead the team during the 2023 ic pursuits. season, which starts in the spring. Three of The athletes that committed this year his players committed to play at a university were led to their athletic successes by Valdes in November as they look forward to a promand soccer coach Melissa Brown. ising senior year.

“This is my first year playing for Durant, “My contribution is minimal. My job is to but in the short time I’ve been here, coach

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Volume 19, Issue 12