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May 2016 1 5
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Volume 13, Issue 5 Ph: 657-2418 P U B L I S H I N G
Classic Car Show, Crafts Coming To Bay Life Church
By Libby Hopkins
Osprey Observer 918 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Brandon, FL 33511-6121
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Florida.” The car show and craft fair will feature more than 400 show cars, trucks and custom cars. The group Legacy will provide live music in addition to the Bay Life DJ playing classic rock, county and oldies. Crafts will be on display for sale from many local crafters and artisans. There will be a special opening celeOn Saturday, May 28, Bay Life Church in Brandon will host its bration performed by annual car show and craft fair on the church grounds. the Color Guard and There is something about sitting National Anthem to honor our country. behind the wheel of an exotic sports car The church’s Mission Café will be providor a classic muscle car that makes your ing the food at the car show and craft fair. adrenaline race. Car shows are also a All the proceeds raised at the car show great way to bring the community togethand craft fair will go to support the er for a good cause. On Saturday, May church’s missions. 28, Bay Life Church in Brandon will host “Bay Life Church Missions and its annual car show and craft fair on the Student Ministries send several trips church grounds from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. throughout the U.S. and internationally to “The Bay Life car show originally support our mission partners,” Stough began as a community outreach to do said. “Every penny raised from food and something fun and involve our local car beverage sales, raffles and donations aficionados,” said Bay Life Church’s goes to support Bay Life Global Communications Director, Stephen Missions.” Stough. “Steve Hardy, the long time Bay Stough hopes the car show and craft Life maintenance supervisor, took the inifair will be a fun filled day for everyone tiative to organize our first event.” Over who attends. “It’s amazing, each year we the years, other Bay Life members got see three or four generations enjoy the involved and the event grew into a day where everyone in the family has fundraiser for the church’s missions. something for them,” Stough said. “Our “Robert De’Angelo, who has been hope remains that our community grows our lead volunteer since the very beginstronger, that lifelong friendships are ning, is the reason our car show and craft forged, and that our community sees that fair is one of the largest in the state,” Bay Life is here to support them on their Stough said. “Robert and his volunteer journey.” team attend car shows and carry the Visit www.baylife.org. Bay Life news of Bay Life all around the state of Church is located at 1017 Kingsway Rd.
Photo by Tamas Mondovics
Dorothy Wilder Alster, 87, widow of Sergeant Ben P. Wilder, Jr. is joined by Sheriff David Gee during the grand opening of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office History Center. Dorothy donated a number of items to be displayed at the museum, including the uniform of her late husband who was killed in July 1962 while making an arrest. Read full story on page 5 in this edition.
P O S I T I V E
See Page 30 C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
County Begins $1.2M Bryan/Brooker & Durant/Valrico Intersection Traffic Signal Projects
By Tamas Mondovics
months. Construction work for both projects is expected to take place on weekdays between 8 a.m.-5 p.m., but officials are promising the work will generate only standard construction noise. While temporary traffic lane closures may be necessary and traffic delays may occur, access to businesses will be maintained throughout Installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Durant construction.Drivers are Road and Valrico Road in Valrico is now underway. cautioned to observe all It is safe to say that when it comes traffic control measures for the safety of to traffic improvements there is no shortworkers, pedestrians, and other age of trouble spots throughout motorists. Hillsborough County. Aside from some of Additional roadway and intersection the roadway improvements and interimprovement projects that are currently section projects in Valrico, such as the testing residents and motorists’ patience much-needed culvert and drainage in and around Valrico include the upgrade just south of Valrico Road and Bloomingdale Avenue and Culbreath State Road 60 intersection, County offiRoad intersection. Although a bit later cials have scheduled two new intersecthan expected, the $1.4 million project tion traffic signal installation projects began earlier this year with an expected south of East Lumsden Road. competition sometime later this summer. To improve safety, motorists will For more information on the above soon see the installation of the first new projects, visit traffic signal at the intersection of Durant www.HillsboroughCounty.org/CountyProj and Valrico roads. The $590,000 project ects, under the Transportation Projects was scheduled to begin this month, link. including construction of enhanced pedestrian features and drainage improvements at the intersection. In This The second new traffic signal and Issue improvement project at the intersection of Bryan and Brooker roads near Burns HOA HOT TOPICS..................................PG 6 Middle School is to begin once the school year ends. The project cost is MOSI RELOCATION...............................PG 8 $565,000. TOASTMASTERS CLUB.......................PG 12 County officials are confident that upon completion, both traffic signal BEVERAGE STARTUP WEEKEND........PG 13 installations and intersection enhancements will improve safety and operations SUMMER MOVIE PROGRAM..............PG 18 for motorists and pedestrians. The CHALKLINES.......................................PG 28 Durant and Valrico intersection project and the Bryan and Brooker Intersection ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT..................PG 41 project are both funded through the SPORTS CONNECTION.................PGS 42‐43 Public Works Capital Transportation Program. All installations and improveREAD MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE ments at both sites are expected to be www.ospreyobserver.com completed in approximately eight
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Valrico Edition
Volume 13, Issue 5
May 2016
Page 3
Valrico Edition
Florida Orchestra Musicians Association Announces Young Artist Competition Winners
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Junior Instrumental Division. Chapalamadugu studies with Yan Jiang Lu, violinist with the Florida Orchestra. Myra Sexton, 11, is a Photo courtesy Pedro Castellano The Florida Orchestra is dedicated to bringing music to all people and student at Stowers nurturing the next generation of classical musicians. Elementary. She Each year, the Florida Orchestra is a resident of Lithia. Sexton also plays Musicians Association holds the Justine the violin. She placed honorable mention LeBaron Young Artist Competition. This in the Junior Instrumental Division. year, the competition was held in April at Sexton studies with Lauren Murphy, forthe Music Center on the Gibbs Campus merly with the Florida Orchestra. of St. Petersburg College. Sexton said, “I am so grateful to the The competition is named in rememFlorida Orchestra for providing young brance of the former principal French musicians like myself the opportunity to horn of the Florida Orchestra. This year’s build our confidence and develop our competition involved 32 young classical skills through the feedback of the judges. music students from Hillsborough, I am already looking forward to next Pinellas and Pasco counties. The stuyear’s competition.” dents competed in the senior and junior William Mickelsen, principal tuba for divisions in piano and instrumental catethe Florida Orchestra, is also the competigories. The competition is open to stution organizer. Mickelsen said, “I have dents up to the age of 22. Winners been so impressed by the high level of received cash prizes totaling $5,200. talent, even the very young ones. For Locally, three students placed in their many students, their goal is to be just like respective categories. Joshua Cessna, us in the orchestra, and this competition 22, is a student at the University of gives us a chance to nurture and encourTampa and a resident of Valrico. Cessna age that talent. But these students also placed third in the Senior Division of recognize that studying classical music piano. Cessna studies with Grigorios will help them no matter what they do, in Zamparas at the University of Tampa. concentration, focus, dedication and motiKarishma Chapalamadugu, 13, is a vation.” student at Williams Middle School and a For more information on the group, resident of Valrico. Chapalamadugu, who visit www.floridaorchestramusicians.biz. plays the violin, placed second in the
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Valrico Edition
Volume 13, Issue 5
Sea Tow Boat Service Promotes Peace Of Mind On The Water During National Boating Safety Month
By Tamas Mondovics
boaters in the Tampa and St. Petersburg area waters, and is urging all boaters to be prepared and put safety first while enjoying themselves out on the bay area waterways. “Our mission and goal is to provide peace of mind on the water as we provide our members commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, which has Sea Tow of Tampa Bay (from left) Raul and Cile Moreno, Captain Erich and Abby Jaeger provide helped make us one of the leading assistance for boaters around the bay. and most respected marine assisIt is safe to say that the start of the tance provider in the world,” said Sea 2016 summer boating season is a great Tow of Tampa Bay Owner Cile Moreno, opportunity for experienced, new and who with the support of several family prospective boaters to invest the time and members and a five-member team of effort in some education, reminders and USCG licensed, trained and qualified services that may come in handy while captains are standing by to assist boaters on the water. in need. For this reason, the month of May “People go out on the water unprehas been annually designated as pared, which often means missing the National Boating Safety Month, encourbasics and the required equipment aging and assisting recreational boaters including life jackets, anchors, a horn or to have their vessels inspected through a sound-producing device, fire extinguishVessel Safety Check (VSC) and to make ers and a brief description of its operation sure their boats are safe and have the (P.A.S.S.) and flares or other visual disproper safety equipment. tress signals just to mention a few,” Cile According to the U.S. Coast Guard said. Just having a simple checklist on Boating Safety Division, and the Florida hand is a great start and can save a life.” Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC), the Cile and her staff operate five vesstate continues to lead the nation with sels to be able to quickly assist those in nearly a million recreationally registered need within both sides of the bay and vessels, and hundreds of boating accinearby waterways. dents, coupled with a great number of The company currently offers annual fatalities each year. memberships at $179, which Cile said, To help promote boating safety this “Beats the average one-time cost of $750 boating season, Sea Tow of Tampa Bay, per tow.” To get or renew a Sea Tow a local franchise of the boat service commembership, contact (727) 547-1868, or pany, is standing by 24-hours a day, tampabay@seatow.com or visit seven days a week to assist any and all www.seatow.com/local/tampabay/.
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Page 5
Valrico Edition
Sheriff’s Office Celebrates Law Enforcement History 170 Years In The Making
By Tamas Mondovics
Standing in front of a large crowd with a giant pair of scissors at hand, Sheriff David Gee officially cut the ribbon on the front doors of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) History Center, located at 2001 N. 19th St. on the corner of Ninth Avenue and 19th Street in Ybor City. The opening of the History Center earlier this month was more than just an outlet to display the various aspects of sheriff's office history. To those that worked on the project, making the museum a reality was also a celebration of 170 years of law enforcement excellence. The facility will now showcase the evolution of the Department of Detention Services, historical uniforms, law enforcement technologies and equipment, and a Fallen Heroes room, in addition to an extensive badge collection and hundreds of photographs. "We've been diligently working to make this a reality," Deputy Jerry Carey said just before Gee cut the ribbon. Carey emphasized that the History Center is an opportunity to interact with the community when he said, “It is a great place for people to visit and to share their experiences.” First inside the renovated and tastefully decorated building, Gee spoke proudly about the making and seeing the project become a reality as he welcomed local residents, friends, and fellow officers along with members of the media. “It is neat to see this project now
(Right) Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee cuts the ribbon on the department’s brand new History Center now open on the corner of Ninth Avenue and 19th Street in Ybor City. (Above) Uniforms on display at the museum. (Right) Former HCSO Major Ron Hartley points to an old friend on a photograph on display at the center.
ready to be enjoyed by the community as it is a great reflection on the history of Hillsborough County,” Gee said, adding that over the years artifacts and photographs, old uniforms, equipment, badges and jail logs have just been laying around or being collected, but are now on display. To gather 170 years of history and pack them into an approximately 1,200 sq. ft. museum was not an easy task, but thanks to a dedicated team of retired and current deputies led by HCSO Captain Jim Bradford, it is now a part of HCSO’s
history. “The project took five years and everyone who had something to share was more than willing to contribute,” Bradford said. “We are very pleased with how the center turned out and are looking forward to adding to the collection and to our County’s law enforcement history.” The opening celebration would not have been complete without the presence of many who have been making history including former HCSO Major Ron Hartley, who worked for the Sheriff's
Office for four decades. As he made his way through the Center, Hartley, 64, visibly took delight in recognizing old friends and recalling various incidents triggered by the photographs scattered throughout the various rooms. “Things were a bit different back then,” Hartley said, adding, “Times have sure changed, over the years.” Perhaps one of the most sobering display was the Fallen Heroes room, featuring Sergeant Ben P. Wilder, Jr., who was killed while making an arrest in July, 1962. Sgt. Wilder’s uniform—donated to the museum by his widow 87-year-old Dorothy Wilder Alster,—is now on display behind glass. Wilder was 39 years old. “I am glad that I was able to donate this uniform to the museum,” Dorothy said. “The Sheriff’s Office has done a wonderful job of making sure that Ben is remembered.” HCSO hopes to continue collecting artifacts and to bring new displays to the center in the future. The history center is open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information about the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, visit www.hcso.tampa.fl.us.
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Page 6
Volume 13, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
By Nicole Heubusch
Starting A Neighborhood Watch It’s not hard to start a Neighborhood Watch program in your HOA community, but it does take some time and effort. In this article, we will provide a few tips on how your HOA can begin to implement a program.
Step 1: Research
Visit different National Neighborhood Watch program websites to find information to help you get started such as www.nnw.org, This website has plenty of materials for your HOA community to use. In addition to finding information online, determine the area you want to organize. The whole neighborhood? If you have a larger neighborhood, more than 150 homes, you might want to divide the area into two watch programs. Use the HOA Board’s resources to reach out to the community members to see who would like to volunteer for the Neighborhood Watch program. A good ratio of volunteers is one person for every eight to 10 households. The HOA board can determine a night to present their Neighborhood Watch plan to inform the community of the program. Another idea is to set up a watch website. This will make it easier to coordinate and communicate with volunteers and residents.
Step 2: Contact The Sheriff’s Office
We recommend contacting your local
sheriff’s office to schedule guest speakers at your Neighborhood Watch presentation. The best way to get the word out to residents about the presentation is to have your neighbor volunteers distribute invitations door to door.
Step 3: Prepare A Neighborhood Map
Prepare a Neighborhood Watch map that shows the entire area involved in the watch program. Show names, phone numbers, and street numbers of each household.
Step 4: The Presentation
At the community presentation, you will identify all resident concerns and develop an action plan. Go over crime prevention techniques and how to report any suspicious activity. This is where neighbors can meet each other and establish a communication network (i.e., a telephone tree).
Step 5: Keep Everyone’s Interest
It can be hard to keep everyone interested in a project after its initial start. You want residents to keep vigilance with the Neighborhood Watch Program. There are a few ways to keep everyone involved, such as planning neighborhood outings, meetings, summer picnics, and a monthly Neighborhood Watch Newsletter. Does your HOA community have a Neighborhood Watch Program? Email nicoleh@ospreyobserver.com to be featured in next month’s edition.
Residents Turn Out In Numbers As Commissioner Stacy White Hosts Community Office Hours
By Tamas Mondovics
Valrico area resimented on his support dents demonstrated their of the county’s new ongoing interest in how mobility fees structure, things are going in their which will replace the neighborhood and surold impact fee arrangerounding communities ment and ensure that by showing up in great the money from new building projects and numbers to speak to businesses will be used their County and spent within the disCommissioner Stacy R. from which it is coltrict White, District 4. As it is Hillsborough County District 4 Commissioner Stacy White lected. As an example, done by his fellow comaddresses a crowd gathered at a such projects include a missioners, White’s new development. future 160,000 sq. ft. recent visit with his conBayCare Wellness Campus now planned stituents at the Bloomingdale Regional to be built on a 21-acre parcel east of the Public Library in Valrico was scheduled corner of Bloomingdale Avenue and Lithia as the kickoff for his Community Office Pinecrest Road behind the Former Hours, allowing residents a one-on-one Alberston’s Plaza in Valrico. time with their commissioner without havWhite said that the mobility fees of ing to travel to County Center in downsome $1 million from the BayCare project town Tampa. will help greatly to balance its transporta“We had a much larger crowd than we had originally anticipated,” White said, tion impact on the community. White joined forces with adding that the sizable turnout is a great Commissioners Sandra Murman, Victor sign of people’s interest and desire to Crist, and Al Higginbotham last month to engage in community issues. shut the doors on a proposed 30-year, White acknowledged that meeting half-cent sales tax option to reach voters with members of the community on a in November. more informal setting is a great platform In his routine online letter to the comto discuss a variety of topics and issues, munity, White makes mention of his but he was not surprised by the majority of residents’ showing concern over issues recent tour of Valrico areas with County involving transportation, traffic and growth Administrator Mike Merrill, which gave an opportunity to draw Merrill’s attention to a management. “much-needed construction on Valrico “I am working hard to address these Road, south of the State Road 60 interissues and to bring reform to benefit our section.” White is pleased to see conresidents,” White said, adding that rezonstruction in the often impassable intersecing and land use issues are on the top of tion due to flooding. Visit www.hillsborhis agenda. In a post event interview, White com- oughcounty.org or call 272-5740.
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May 2016
East Hillsborough Art Guild Celebrates Successful Year With Annual Banquet
By Kathy L. Collins
Lulei said, "The scholarships have been a tremendous success. We recently decided to offer a scholarship two times a year." The first scholarship awarded this year was given to Jessica Bradley, a 19-year-old comic artist. Bradley explained that she used the scholarship The East Hillsborough Art Guild installed the Board of money to pay for a booth at Directors for the 2016-2017 year at its annual banquet. MegaCon, the second Earlier this month, the East largest convention in the U.S. that caters Hillsborough Art Guild (EHAG) gathered to comic and animation artists. for its Annual End of the Year "Garden "To be able to exhibit there and get Art" Banquet held at the Plant City your work seen by thousands of people is Woman's Club in historic downtown Plant an amazing opportunity,” Bradley said. City. At the annual affair, the members of Lulei said, ”Bradley was only 17 the EHAG board were installed, and a when we met. She was so driven and Fine Art Scholarship was presented. This dedicated to her artwork. This is the kind is the time that the arts organization of person to whom we should be giving thanks the hardworking members of the scholarships." guild and recognizes those who will serve At the banquet, the second scholarthe organization in the upcoming year. ship was presented to the MacDonald Installed as president is Paula Andra Training Center. Lulei said, "This organiAigner, as vice president is Loretta Burns, zation reaches so many people and as recording secretary is Pam West, as enriches their lives through art." corresponding secretary is Colleen Justin, Rita Hattab, director of development, as treasurer is Christine Wynne. The said, "Our organization has been in exisremaining board members are Joyce tence for 50 years, and the studio for 10 Boner, Rebecca Keller, Gay Nell Lewis years." and Eleanore McDade. Hattab brought two students to be Members of EHAG run the Fine Arts recognized. John Quinones has been an Show at the Florida Strawberry Festival artist since the studio opened, and each year. The proceeds from the fine Douglas Spiers is a new artist. Hattab arts show and other events fund scholarexpressed her appreciation for the continships for emerging artists and organizaued support from EHAG. For more infortions. Deborah Lulei is Scholarship Chair. mation, visit www.ehagfinearts.com.
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Valrico Edition
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Local Student Competes In Truffle Themed Cooking Contest In Italy
By Kathy L. Collins
A love of cooking Davis said, “I really is what drives Seffner enjoyed the trip. My native and current favorite part was going Plant City resident truffle hunting and Devin Davis, a student spending a day at the at The Art Institute of Urbani Tartufi factory Tampa. Davis was and their truffle acaderecently invited to parmy.” ticipate in a two week Davis is in his sectraining in Italy and ond year at The Art compete in a truffleInstitute. He is working themed culinary contowards a Bachelor of test. The contest chalArts degree in restaulenged culinary sturant management. He dents to create original hopes to one day be a ideas that feature trufchef/owner of a Tampa fles as a main ingredirestaurant which focusent. es on fine dining and Davis and his farm to table offerings. teammate, Kirsten “My love for food Mathers, were one of Devin Davis of Seffner and Plant City and cooking started at seven finalist teams was awarded a scholarship to travel home with my mom to Italy and compete in a truffle who were awarded and grandmothers. I themed culinary contest. scholarships by the am very blessed and Paolo Urbani Foundation. While in Italy, attribute my abilities to God and my family they recreated their truffle-themed who supports me in everything I do. My recipes, which were judged by a jury of passion for cooking is driven by the love chefs and professionals. The team of of food and ingredients as well as being Davis and Mathers came in second. able to share that passion of cooking for According to Davis, “The whole others. My philosophy on food is simple: premise of the competition was to use no matter what you cook, make it deliand highlight black truffles. We made an ciously and put the same amount of pasentrée (rabbit prepared two ways) and a sion into it as if you were cooking for your tasting dessert (sweet truffle soufflé). The family,” David said. dishes were delicious and complemented The Art Institute of Tampa is a branch each other well. We believe that our origi- of Miami International University of Art nality gave us an edge coupled with the and Design and is located at 4401 N. fact that we highlighted the unique flavor Himes Ave. in Tampa. For more informaof the truffles.” tion, visit www.artinstitutes.edu.
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Volume 13, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
Grace Christian School Launching New Programs To Serve More Students
By Andria Barrios
few students as possible, and provide as many as possible with well-rounded, Christian educations. “I had a strong burden to start a program for kids with special needs for two years and ignored it,” Rebecca said. “Finally, the Lord sent a boy who desperately wanted to be at our school, but we couldn't New and exciting programs and outreaches have taken accommodate him. It was place at Grace Christian School within the past year, so sad and that moment I including hockey which is offered as a competitive sport felt we needed to start this for grades three to eight. program.” New and exciting programs and outHockey is another exciting program reaches have taken place at Grace now being offered as a competitive sport Christian School within the past year, campus. Experienced coach, Michael on including an on-campus dual enrollment Capiello, conducts practices for students program, a customized education progrades three to eight in the school in gram for special needs students, the gym’s synthetic hockey rink, as well as at added sports competition of ice hockey the Ice Forum in Brandon. and even some renovations. President “We will play as a club for about and Vice President Barry and Rebecca three years and then hope to compete in McKeen couldn’t be more enthused the high school hockey league,” said about the progress. Barry. The growing popularity of the sport “Our Student Outreach And in the area will no doubt ensure its sucResources program, also called SOAR, is at Grace. cess a pull out program for students who have “We have tried to observe what proan Individual Education Plan or 504 plan grams and sports are mostly absent in for special needs accommodations,” Christian Schools,” he concluded. explained Barry. Each school day, qualiof these new undertakings, the Because fied children participate in regular class school anticipates the greatest enrollment sessions and later spend set aside time in history next year in its 41st numbers to work on individual needs. annual year. It is located at 1425 N. “The program launched in August Valrico Rd. Visit www.gracechristianand has given us an incredibly successful school.co or www.facebook.com/ year,” he continued. The outreach was GraceChristianSchoolValricoFlorida/. part of the school’s goal to turn away as
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As a veteran of multiple projects to design and build major new hospitals, MOSI Board Chair Mike Schultz, president and CEO of Florida Hospital’s West Florida Region, will lead the task force. “We are going to work with the best and brightest minds available to truly reinvent MOSI and its role in our community,” Schultz said. In addition, MOSI will take MOSI is currently located at 4801 E Fowler Ave. in these next steps: Launch a Tampa. Ziplining is just one of the many activities. strategic planning process to Launching a project that will create chart the future of MOSI as a reinvented, an iconic institution and a beacon for vibrant, future-focused science center, learning in Tampa’s cultural core, the lead community conversations to discover Museum of Science & Industry’s (MOSI) what the people of Tampa Bay want from board of directors voted Tuesday to begin their new, innovative institution, and planning to relocate and reinvent MOSI in engage a specialized team of professiona new home in Downtown Tampa. als to begin the design, planning, and The vote follows the board’s review fundraising for a world-class science cenof a feasibility study that projects promister. ing attendance and finances in a new The planning effort is expected to location, as well as pledges of support take up to a year and will identify the feafrom key partners in Hillsborough County tures, exhibits, and programs offered in a and Strategic Property Partners, the new science center; an exact location group leading the effort to redevelop the and size; and the costs and funding area around Amalie Arena. sources involved. A new facility presents a path to fiscal “Our planners will be seeking out sustainability for MOSI, and that sustaininnovative designs and exciting ways to ability will power its vital, unique blend of touch the future. And we’ll also be elevatfun and STEAM (Science, Technology, ing key elements of MOSI’s existing proEngineering, Arts, and Math) learning for grams – exploring space, understanding generations to come. health sciences, and connecting with MOSI will now bring together a task tomorrow,” said MOSI President and force of community partners, land use CEO Molly Demeulenaere. “In the year experts, philanthropists, museum master ahead, MOSI will move from a focus on planners, scientists, and educators to being the largest science center in the lead the relocation and reinvention of the Southeast to becoming one of the finest science center. in North America.” Visit www.mosi.org.
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May 2016
Page 9
Valrico Edition
Latino’s Supermarket Expands With Newly Opened Latino’s Fresh Market
By Tatiana Ortiz
Owner of Latino’s Supermarket, William Guzman, recently expanded his business with a new building, Latino’s Fresh Market.
Are you in the mood for a tasty and enjoyable experience with a diverse ethnic appeal? Owner William Guzman from the Latino’s Supermarket in Valrico has recently expanded his business and recently opened an additional building, Latino’s Fresh Market, right around the corner. Latino’s Supermarket has been in business since 1995 and is not a franchise. “It is the only one in the area,” said Guzman. The supermarket currently has fresh produce, fresh meat, grocery, deli, a bakery and Latin hot foods. Seating is available for those who choose to dine in. Customers from various backgrounds can get a glimpse of what it is like to be back in their own country while shopping, conversing or grabbing a bite to eat. “I want customers to know that this is a place where they can feel welcome and at home,” said Guzman. Not only is it a supermarket, but the
business provides various services for its customers such as catering for weddings, birthdays, etc. There is an area of the store which sells jewelry. Customers can order products online and have them delivered to their house with a minimum purchase of $40, along with up to a $20 delivery depending on the traveling distance. Customers can purchase food items for the holidays as well. Furthermore, the expansion of the market creates better parking for its customers, along with a fresh fish market and other services. “We plan on having car insurance and health insurance that customers can obtain,” said Guzman. Along with that, the store has better wholesale and retail prices for customers. ”The expansion incorporates one bakery that will reflect an array of Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican Republic, Colombian, and Mexican food products,” said Guzman. Latino’s Fresh Market is now open. Visit www.latinossupermarket.biz or call 685-9110. Located at 1608 E. SR 60 in Valrico, the hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Call 685-9110.
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Page 10
Volume 13, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
By Tamas Mondovics
Murder Suspect Arrested, Detectives Offering $3,000 For Suspects At Large Dover Murder Suspect Returned To Hillsborough County After Arrest In Kentucky
deceased inside a shed located on the property, their death declared a homicide. Detectives obtained a search warrant and based on the investigation a warrant was issued for the arrest of Herald, who was reportedly hired by the couple as their handyman. On Thursday, May 5, Herald arrived back in Hillsborough County from Kentucky. He is in the Hillsborough County Jail.
Michael Anthony Herald, 48, a suspect in the double murder of an elderly Dover couple, was arrested in Hazard, Kentucky by state police and returned to Hillsborough County to face charges earlier this month. Herald, a former Kentucky State inmate, was caught and charged with Plant City Detectives two counts of first-degree Seeking Assistance In murder as well as armed Search For Elderly burglary of a dwelling as he Shooting Victim was driving out of a county Plant City Police are park in the 2015 Ford seeking the public’s support Explorer that belonged to in their search for three male John Engelhart, 76, and suspects they say were Nancy Engelhart, 73. involved in a shooting of a Authorities said that the couple were found dead on Michael Herald was arrest- 72-year-old man as he exited in connection with a ed his vehicle after pulling Thursday, April 14, a day double murder of an elderinto his driveway in the 500 prior to Herald’s arrest by ly couple in Dover. block of Allen Street in Plant Hillsborough County City. deputies during a welfare check at their According to Plant County Public home on McIntosh Rd. in Dover. Information Officer Al Van Dyne, the The call to check upon the couple’s attempted armed robbery, which occurred home was promoted by a neighbor staton Thursday, May 5 at approximately ing that the Engleharts had not been 11:50 p.m. was not a random act of vioseen for awhile and that their mail was lence. stacked up on top of the mail box. The “Three male subjects wearing ski couple's vehicle was also missing from masks exited what was believed to be a the carport. black vehicle and shouted at the victim, Upon arrival, deputies met with ‘Give it up’ as they approached him,” Van neighbors and soon discovered the two Dyne said.
Authorities said that as the elderly the scene in what was described by witman ran toward his house to escape, the nesses as a dark colored van, possibly a suspects fired multiple times striking the late model Honda Odyssey. victim who then was hospitalized. The The incident occurred on victim has since left the hospital and is Wednesday, May 4 at approximately doing well. 10:14 p.m. Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is Plant city Police PIO Al Van Dyne offering a reward of up to $3,000 for infor- said that the suspects are believed to be mation that leads to black males. One susthe identification and pect was described as being approximately arrest of the unknown suspects in this case. 6'0", 250 lbs. and was wearing what Anyone with any inforappeared to be a mation regarding the black leopard hoodie identity of the suspect with a red logo on the and who wants to be left sleeve, dark coleligible for a cash ored pants and a ball reward is asked to call cap with a red bill. Crime Stoppers at 1The second suspect 800-873-TIPS (8477), was described as report anonymously Detectives are seeking help finding two being 6’2", 170 lbs. online at suspects in regards to an armed rob- and was wearing a www.crimestopperbery of a Publix in Plant City. dark colored hoodie stb.com or send a and light colored pants. mobile tip using the P3 Tips Mobile appliCrime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is cation, which is a free download for offering a reward of up to $3,000 for inforiPhones and Droids. Crime Stoppers mation that leads to the identification and must be contacted first in order to be eliarrest of the unknown suspects in this gible for a cash reward. case. Anyone with any information Detectives Seek Information On regarding the identity of the suspect and Publix Armed Robbery who wants to be eligible for a cash reward is asked to call Crime Stoppers at Plant City detectives are also reach1-800-873-TIPS (8477), report anonying out to Valrico and surrounding area mously online at residents to identify two armed robbery www.crimestopperstb.com or send a subjects who were wearing stocking masks and gloves while they forced open mobile tip using the P3 Tips Mobile application, which is a free download for the front doors to the Publix located at iPhones and Droids. Crime Stoppers Thonotosassa Road in Plant City. must be contacted first in order to be eliInvestigators said that once inside, gible for a cash reward. one of the armed suspect's held the For more information regarding the employees at bay while the other armed suspect forced another employee into the specific case, contact the Plant City Police Department Public Information money vault. The suspects obtained cash then fled Office at 757-9200.
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May 2016
Page 11
Valrico Edition
Buddy Cruise Raising Funds, Awareness For Down Syndrome
By Pamela Arnoldson
Buddy Buddy Cruise is a Cruise was Lithia based founded in charity serving 2008 and individuals provides and families educational with special resources, needs. It had advocacy a record and awarebreaking conness for ference in individuals 2015 and and famihopes to top it lies with in 2016. Photo Courtesy BlueLuna special Last year A Halloween costume contest took place on the 2015 needs. In Buddy Cruise. Buddy Cruise addition to hosted its annual event on board Royal the cruise, Buddy has events scheduled Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas across the country. In the coming with over 350 in attendance. months, it will be taking part in conferWhile sailing, the group visited St. ences in Montreal, Canada, Orlando, Kitts, St. Maarten and San Juan, Puerto Florida, and Spearfish, South Dakota. It Rico. The week was packed with workwill host its first charity golf tournament shops, activities, and excursions. It even in Boston, Massachusettes and will be hosted the first ever Halloween carnival the recipient of a fundraising event genat sea. There was something for all erously arranged by Chef Robert Irvine. ages and abilities. This annual Jorge Arnoldson, director and Lithia Buddywalk at Sea, to raise awareness resident, also invites you to become a for Down syndrome, had over 800 peoBuddy Cruiser for Life. ple participating. “We already have our 2017 event This October Buddy Cruise sets sail on the books for Monday, October 30, It on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Sea. will be an exciting Halloween sailing,” he “We invite everyone to join us said. whether they have a loved one with To join in the fun, or any other special needs or not. You will have an Buddy Cruise, the only way to reserve is amazing time. It’s a life-changing event,” by calling 877-239-2789. For more inforsaid former Donald Trump Apprentice mation about Buddy Cruise, email joistar and current Buddy Cruise Director nus@buddycruise.org. Visit buddyTroy McClain. “Join us once and you cruise.org for more information on will become a Buddy Cruiser for life.” Buddy Cruise.
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Page 12
Valrico Edition
Volume 13, Issue 5
Freedom To Walk Foundation Become A Better Public Speaker At Breckenridge Toastmasters Club Seeks Sponsors For Fall Gala By Kathy L. Collins Staff Report The Freedom to muscles involved in liftWalk Foundation was ing the front part of the founded four years ago to foot necessary for peohelp improve the lives of ple to walk. It causes a children and adults with a person to either drag the walking impairment called foot and toes or engage Foot Drop, due to in a high-stepping walk Multiple Sclerosis, called steppage gait. Cerebral Palsy, stroke, The WalkAide, spinal cord injury and approved by the U.S. traumatic brain injury. Food and Drug To help educate and Administration, is an assist them with the fundelectronic device that ing for the purchase of when worn on the calf, WalkAides, the 501(c)(3) sends electric impulses non-profit is hosting its to the affected foot, Fourth Annual One Step causing the foot and leg At A Time Gala on to lift and follow through Last year’s Gala WalkAide recipi- as they would with a natSaturday, October 1 at ent, Caleb, and family. the Centre Club at 123 S. ural gait, but most insurWest Shore Blvd. in Tampa from 6-11 ance companies will not cover the cost of p.m. Sponsors to date are Hanger Clinic, about $5,000 per unit. American Dream Home Mortgage, The “You can help change the lives of Realty Group, The Miss Buckle-Up children and adults who will greatly benePrincess Foundation, CMIT Solutions of fit from this much needed device by supBrandon, Montefu Consulting Inc., and porting and participating in the foundaDelta Credit Restoration Inc. tion’s Fourth Annual Gala. Because of the The community is invited to attend sponsorships, we will be able to provide a the gala, which will feature fine dining, WalkAide to two recipients, so we are music, dancing, raffles, and silent auction. urging sponsors to support us on different Keynote Speakers are Ron Klein, levels,” said Daisy Vega, founder and Inventor of the Magnetic Strip on the president of Freedom to Walk Credit Card, Developer of Computerized Foundation, who has Multiple Sclerosis Systems for Real Estate (MLS) Multiple and has benefitted from the use of the Listing Services; and David Kauffman, WalkAide which she purchased. Vega is Ziglar Legacy Certified seeking sponsors who have until Friday, Speaker/Trainer/Coach. September 2 to register. Contact 546Foot Drop is a condition character2329 or Daisy.Vega@FreedomToWalk ized by weakness or paralysis of the Foundation.com. Visit bit.ly/1VQKci2.
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Members of the club are encouraged to visit with other clubs. Many who visit are working to progress through the Toastmasters curriculum and speech manuals, and they earn recogniThe members of the Breckenridge Toastmasters Club are tion for their accomplishdiverse, but all have one goal in mind to strive to be peak ments. These include performers and the very best versions of themselves. but are not limited to If you would like the opportunity to Competent Communicator, Advanced gain confidence and learn to speak articu- Communicator Bronze and Distinguished lately and eloquently, then you should Toastmaster. consider joining Toastmasters. Locally, At the recent meeting of the the Breckenridge Toastmasters, a place Breckenridge Toastmasters club, their “where leaders are made,” meets on the guest speaker was Mark Gai. He utilized second and fourth Friday of each month. the opportunity to speak before the club They meet at the Brandon Chamber of in order to perfect the delivery of a conCommerce, located at 330 Pauls Dr. in test speech, “Speak Up.” Gai was preparBrandon from 6:30-7:45 p.m. ing to have the speech delivered and According to Cate Baierlein with the judged at a conference. Breckenridge Toastmasters, “We have an Also at the meeting were several offiopen door policy. There is no prerequisite cials from Toastmasters District 48 which to joining our club, and we welcome serves all of the West Coast of Florida everyone to visit the club to determine Toastmasters Clubs and Chapters. Lynn whether it is a good fit.” If you decide to Perry, the Club Growth Director for District join, there is a short application process 48 said, “Being a member of and once a member of the local club, you Toastmasters is like taking a master’s become a member of Toastmasters class in communications.” International. Barrington Williams of Riverview is Baierlein said, “Many people, includthe president of the Breckenridge ing prominent public figures and movie Toastmasters Club. Williams said, “I have stars, credit Toastmasters as the foundabeen a member for 10 years, but I really tion to their success. The reasons people got into it about three years ago. I wanted join are highly individualized. Our memto fake it until I make it as a competent, bers achieve their personal and profesoutgoing and poetic speaker.” sional development goals because of the Visit breckenridge.toastmastersupport we provide each other.” sclubs.org or follow them on Facebook.
May 2016
Page 13
Valrico Edition
Beverage Startup Weekend Seeking Local Entrepreneurs
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Thomas Edison around those once said, “The value of ideas and work to an idea lives in the using develop a working of it.” Many people have prototype, demo, ideas about starting a or presentation by business, but many Sunday evening,” never come to life. This Steinhoff said. “On happens because they Sunday evening may not know how to they pitch their express their ideas or new business to a know how to start their panel of esteemed own small business. profesTrey Steinhoff is Trey Steinhoff gradsionals hosting Startup uated from the from Weekend Tampa: University of South around Beverage Edition on May 20-21. Florida in May of 2015. the He works for a local startup company area.” called Kite Desk in Ybor City. Steinhoff and his colleagues really “I studied economics and entreprewanted to celebrate the local beverage neurship,” Steinhoff said. “There I was scene in Tampa, so they are hosting exposed to entrepreneurship in a class Startup Weekend Tampa: Beverage called creativity and innovation in entreEdition on May 20-21 at the preneurship that was taught by a couple Entrepreneurial Collaborative Center of incredible locals, Brent Britton and located in Ybor City. Reuben Pressman. They recommended I “We have so many awesome brewattend my first startup weekend in the eries, coffee shops, tea lounges and new summer of 2014 and I fell in love.” drink joints popping up in Tampa, it Startup weekends started back in seemed like a great idea,” Steinhoff said. July of 2007 in Boulder, Colorado when “People have told us that startup weekAndrew Hyde brought together 70 entreend was a life changing experience. preneurs to try to create a startup in just There is something electric about bringing 54 hours. Since then startup events have together passionate people and then taken place in over 135 countries, involvwatching them tackle a challenge head ing more than 210,000 entrepreneurs. on in just 54 hours.” “These days, startup weekends are To be a part of Startup Weekend 54-hour weekend events, during which Tampa: Beverage Edition, visit groups of developers, business manbit.ly/1VCbkBg or email Steinhoff at agers, startup enthusiasts, marketing trey.cas3@gmail.com. The gurus and graphic artists pitch ideas for Entrepreneurial Collaborative Center is new startup companies, form teams located at 2102 E. Palm Ave. in Ybor City.
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Page 14
Volume 13, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
Nelson Elementary Kindergarten Student Raises $1,000 For Those With Heart Diseases
By Michelle Colesanti
For the last 10 years, Jump Rope for Nelson Elementary School Heart has been around has participated in Jump for about 35 years. Rope for Heart. According Thanks to the support to Nelson’s Physical of teachers and parents Education Coach Leslie who help to run these Wheeler, over the years events, the American students at the school Heart Association has have raised $30,321. This been able to impact year alone $6,372.53 was many lives. Money raised. raised is used for Kindergarten student research and has even Avery Rozados enjoyed funded scientists who the moment when Coach went on to eventually Wheeler presented her win Nobel Prizes for Nelson Elementary School with a medal for raising their work. Kindergarten Student Avery the most money at school. Rozados proudly raised $1,000 for The American the American Heart Association in Heart Association According to her mom, the school’s recent Jump Rope for Wendy Kuhast, Avery was works with health care Heart event. proud to help raise money providers to reduce to help other kids who have a sick heart. the number of people who die from heart Avery, along with the help of her mom, disease and stroke by 25 percent. raised $1,000 in just five days. With the According to the American Heart help of technology; email and Facebook, Association, some heart attacks are sudthey were able to raise the money by den and intense where no one doubts reaching out to friends and family around what's happening. But most heart attacks the country. Everyone knows someone start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. that has been affected by heart disease Often people affected are not sure what is and Kuhast found that people would wrong and wait too long before getting rather donate to something as important help. Signs that can mean a heart attack as this rather than buying chocolate bars is happening include chest discomfort; or wrapping paper from students. discomfort in other areas of the upper “I feel pretty passionate about helping body such as one or both arms, back the community,” she noted. This is someneck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath thing close to her heart as she knows with or without chest discomfort; other family and friends dealing with the dissigns may include breaking out in a cold ease in some way. Kuhast also said, “I sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. used this as an opportunity to teach my For more information on the daughter the importance of helping othAmerican Heart Association, visit ers.” www.heart.org.
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May 2016
Page 15
Valrico Edition
BOCC Passes Mobility Fee Ordinance, Shuts Door On Half-Cent Transportation Sales Tax
By Tamas Mondovics
Sun City resident and supporter of the new fee, Jim Duffy had a chance to address the board first. “My greatest fear is that if you fail to come to an agreement, nothing will be done to improve our traffic and transportation issues,” he said. The board set a schedule to conduct an annual review of the level of fees for the first five years. After a motion by Commissioner Members of the Hillsborough Board of County Commission listen to comments from residents Stacy White, the board also set a about a proposed new mobility fees ordinance dursingle schedule on the phasing of ing a public hearing at East Bay High School. the fees, starting at 40 percent and Members of the Hillsborough Board increasing gradually over the five-year of County Commission faced residents period. during two pubic hearings last month to “The money collected from the mobildecide on the county’s transportation ity fees might be lower than the current future. The two issues on the table includ- impact fee program,” White said adding, ed whether to implement a new mobility “We must do a better job. That is why I fees ordinance, charging developers to am supporting the mobility fees.” pay more of the impact or transportation Drilling County Administrator Mike costs stemming from residential and com- Merrill, White, and Commissioner Kevin mercial projects, followed by what was a Beckner made sure that under the ordimore controversial decision: whether to nance the fee money will be spent in the put a half-cent sales tax to fund decades district from which it is collected. of transportation improvements on the With the passing of the new fees November ballot. structure, Duffy got half of his wish as the The first of the two hearings was held county commission rejected the proposed at East Bay High School, resulting in the 30-year, half-cent sales tax, refusing to BOCC’s unanimous vote on passing a put it on the November ballot and letting new mobility fees ordinance, which will voters decide. The decision to shut down impose a one-time capital charge on the tax hike came at the end of a four developers based on land use and size. hour debate thanks to four “no” votes by The new fee structure will replace the cur- Commissioners White, Murman, Crist, rent impact fee schedule, which was last and Higginbotham to three “yes” votes by updated in 1989. The fees differ from Commissioners Hagan, Miller, and impact fees since they can be applied to Beckner. For more information, visit cover several modes of transportation. www.hillsboroughcounty.org.
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Page 16
Volume 13, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
Florida Leads Nation With Over 10,000 Guardian Ad Litem Volunteers
Staff Report
MIL S. LER RD
Dr. Branning Hollis, O.D. Dr. Mona Kardani, O.D. FAAO
RD EST ECR PIN HIA LIT
2016 revealed that 10,056 Florida GAL citizen volunteers are trained and certified to work with children who are removed from their parents due to safety concerns. Most volunteers represent two or more abused children, visiting them at least once a month, and advising child welfare judges on options for assuring the child’s best interests. “Our dedicated volunteers A group of people were recently sworn in as Guardian are the heart and soul of the Ad Litem citizen volunteers. Thousands of children still GAL Program,” Abramowitz need a voice and more volunteers are needed. explained. “They speak for vulnerable, innocent children Florida Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and hold government and private sector Executive Director, Alan Abramowitz, agencies accountable for their safety, revealed that Florida’s GAL Program has security and best interests. Our volunexceeded its goal of 10,000 volunteers teers receive nothing in return but the who advocate for abused, neglected and knowledge that they are making a differabandoned children in courts throughout ence in the lives of children.” the state. Abramowitz made the Abramowitz explained that anyone announcement in recapping the agency’s age 18 or older can become a volunteer, success during the recently adjourned simply by participating in a local training Florida Legislative Session. Although course and meeting other qualifications. most states have a GAL Program of “A typical volunteer is as unique and some kind, Florida’s success in recruiting diverse as our state’s population. We volunteers sets the record for the nation. have doctors, students, special education Chester W. Spellman, Volunteer teachers, Home Depot supervisors, stayFlorida CEO stated that, “Volunteer at-home moms, restaurant cooks, FBI Florida applauds Guardian ad Litem’s agents, UPS delivery drivers, ages 21, achievement of engaging 10,000 volun68, 32, 76, 44, 28, 57, 24, male, female, teers. Guardian ad Litem continues to anyone.” successfully leverage the human capital There are thousands of children who of volunteers to serve Florida’s most vulnerable children. We are proud to support still need a voice. To learn more about the Guardian ad Litem Program, or to their efforts.” become a volunteer, visit www.Guardian Abramowitz reported that a count of adLitem.org or call 1-866-341-1GAL. total volunteers at the end of February
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Page 17
Valrico Edition
Local Charities To Benefit From Upcoming 2016 Brandon Mayor’s Race Events
By Michelle Colesanti
The Community Roundtable email cburgess@mybsac.org. of Brandon has held its annual Honorary Mayor’s race since George Shea 1959. That first year, Nat Storms Shea is a Realtor with took the top honor after raising Signature Realty. His charities $500. This year three local geninclude the Newsome Band tlemen contenders are running Boosters, Campo YMCA and for the coveted title and hope to Seeds of Hope. raise a lot of money to benefit “My goals as Honorary their chosen local charities. Mayor are to raise as much According to Community money as possible for my chariRoundtable President Janine ties. Everyone can make a difNickerson, “Candidates begin ference by the selfless act of givraising money on June 1 and ing. I want to give amazing stop at 8 a.m. on July 4. The opportunities to individuals who funds are tallied and the new don’t have all the resources to mayor is announced. A convert(From left) Craig Beckinger, Chuck Burgess and George Shea are running for 2016 Brandon Honorary Mayor. obtain them on their own,” Shea ible waits to transport the new said. is the beginning of change.” Bill Carey Brandon Boys and Girls Club. mayor through the Fourth of July Shea’s Race Kick-Off is planned for His upcoming events include a According to Burgess, “My main Parade.” Friday, June 3 at a location to be deterKickoff Party on Wednesday, June 1; goals are to bring more awareness, expo- mined. He will have plenty of choice Last year, Michelle Hernandez set a sure and resources to the missions and Hawaiian Luau on Saturday, June 4; new record for females raising over events through the month of June. Events causes of my selected charities. Also, I Drag Queen Bingo, Thursday, June 9; $55,500 for local non-profits. The 2016 include Softball Tournament, Saturday, want to connect with other people and ABC Event Planning Ribbon Cutting on Brandon Mayor's Race will be a contest June 4; Wine Tasting Event, Thursday, organizations to better learn their needs Thursday, June 16; Purse Bash on among Craig Beckinger, Chuck Burgess, June 9; Coach Bingo, Thursday, June 16; and challenges while always striving to Tuesday, June 21; Bunco at The Bridges and George Shea. The candidates look Family Carnival/Food Truck Rally, make Brandon an even better communion Thursday, June 23; Clay Shoot on forward to a lot of community support at Saturday, June 18; Battle of the Bands, ty.” Saturday, June 25; Bridal Show on all of their events. Friday, June 24 at World of Beer; Bunco His upcoming events include a Wine Sunday, June 26 and Pinot’s Pallette on Night, Thursday, June 30, and Casino & Cheese Soiree, Friday, June 3; a Monday, June 27. Craig Beckinger Night, Friday, July 1. Community Kick Ball Tournament on For more information, visit Beckinger, founder of An ABC Event, For more information on his events, Saturday, June 4; Family Laser Tag, Craig For Honorary Mayor of Brandon on Inc., is campaigning for The Outreach visit George Shea for Honorary Sunday, June 5; Honorary Mayor Movie Facebook or email Clinic, ECHO of Brandon and the Trey Mayor of Brandon on Facebook or email Night; Clay Shoot, Saturday, June 11; cab92807@gmail.com. Curry Foundation. georgesheateam@hotmail.com. Underground Dance Party, Friday, June “My goal is to help bring dreams to The Community Roundtable will Chuck Burgess 17; Golf Tournament, Saturday, June 18, life one donation at a time. I have selectbring awareness to the race hosting an and a Run/Barbecue/Concert, Saturday, Burgess is the executive director at ed these non profits, which cover a wide additional After Hours event with the June 25. Brandon Sports & Aquatics Center variety of needy people in the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce For more information on Burgess’ (BSAC) in Brandon. He is campaigning to Brandon Community. My dream is to on Thursday, May 26 from 5:30-7:30 upcoming events, visit his raise funds for BSAC, the Brandon have all of the people in Brandon that p.m. For more information, visit Burgess4Brandon Facebook page or need help to be able to receive help. This Rotary Club Charity Fund and also for the www.thecommunityroundtable.org.
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Page 18
Volume 13, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
Donate Your Old Phone To Help A Soldier
By Renee Hobbs
erans transition back into civilian life. Taylor said the program began with two kids concerned about a news story that stated a soldier owed an $8,000 phone bill. CPFS was founded in 2004 by Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, who were 12 and 13 at the time. One local collection site is the Live and Learn Compound Pharmacy at 13224 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. Pharmacist Leott Wydetic said she discovered this organization a few years ago when she realized she had a drawer full of old phones and she wanted to do something worthwhile with them. Wydetic said she researched CPFS and decided she wanted to be a part of this endeavor and has been involved ever since. The pharmacist went on to say that as of now she has over 30 lbs. of phones to ship to CPFS. Live and Learn Compound Pharmacy in “People bring them in by the bagRiverview is a collection site for Cell Phones For Soldiers. fuls,” she laughed. Contemplating what you should do In 2015 CPFS helped troops stay in with your old cell phone? You can now touch with family and friends who were donate it and help our troops. Cell deployed in more than 25 countries. Also Phones For Soldiers (CPFS) is a national that year, CPFS distributed over 76,000 nonprofit organization helping troops and international calling cards, which equaled veterans with free communication servicmore than 4.6 million minutes of talk time. es and emergency funds. Chief Operating The group was also able to help over Officer Charles Taylor said, “We are 1,300 veterans with emergency aid in always in need of smart phones, which 2015. CPFS shipped about 1,500 calling we repurpose or recycle. The proceeds cards a week last year. More than 8,300 from that allow us to purchase phone were sent to soldiers in Afghanistan, the cards.” most of any country. Service members in There are two programs within Iraq received the second highest number, CPFS. Minutes That Matter is to help 2,300. service people call home for free. The For more information about this proother program is Helping Heroes Home. It gram, visit cellphonesforsoldiers.com or is one time emergency grants to help vet- liveandlearnpharmacy.com.
AMC Teams With Holmberg Chick-fil-A For Summer Movie Camp Program
By Marie Gilmore
This summer, campaign. children in sum“This is a mer camps will great way that we enjoy cool morncan partner with ings in the air conthe local movie ditioning and a theatre to do a choice of two great great campaign feature length and do something movies on the big good for the comscreen during the munity at the same annual School’s time,” said Tammy. Out For The Last year, Summer Chick-filthree local chariA Summer Fun ties, including Flicks to benefit Brandon Meals on Derrick Brooks Wheels and Charities, Campo Y received SafetyNet and checks for more Metropolitan than $4,000 from Ministries. the campaign. For nine Kavita Tuesdays over the AMC and Chick-fil-A have partnered again Marballi, Y this summer to offer the Summer Fun Flicks. Associate summer, camps, organizations and groups can buy tickets Membership Director/Silver Sneakers for kids to see the movies for $1. Coordinator, was thrilled with the check Each Tuesday of the program, the presentation last year and said, “As part movie will start at 10 a.m. with doors of our summer camp program, this donaopening at 9 a.m. tion allowed us to create a curriculum so The Summer Fun Flicks is hosted at the children could make a story together, AMC Regency 20 Theaters at 2496 W. adding their own imagination. They would Brandon Blvd. in Brandon. Tickets can be then write their part on a page and draw purchased in advance. In addition, AMC a picture to go with it. We then put all the Kids pack popcorn and a drink are availpages together for a book.” able for a special price of $4.48 including Camps and programs should plan to tax, only during the Summer Fun Flicks. purchase tickets in advance and tickets Chick-fil-A Lake Brandon Village and will be available at the AMC Regency box Westfield Brandon owners Paul and office. Groups purchasing 25 tickets or Tammy Holmberg are happy to partner more will receive reserved seating. For with AMC Brandon General Manager Hal more information, call 685-3396. Garrett for another Summer Fun Flicks
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Page 19
Valrico Edition
Alzheimer’s Seminar, Summer Camps & More…
ent a special Alzheimer’s and demenCompiled by Michelle Colesanti, michelle@ospreyobserver.com tia seminar for health HCC Summer Camp Open House care professionals, caregivers, and Due to popular demand there will senior advocates. This will take place be another Kids' College Open on Wednesday, June 22 from 9 a.m.House event at the HCC Brandon 5 p.m. and is free for caregivers. Call Campus on Saturday, May 21 with 677-1400 or visit the best deal of the season, BOGO. www.regonline.com/suncity2016. Learn more about HCC Kids College summer camp programs, meet some 2016 USTA Florida Adult 7.0 of the staff and volunteers, receive Women - 65 & Over Tennis Team registration assistance, or just enjoy The Brandon 7.0 Women's 65 & a day of fun with our incredible USTA Florida Tennis Team from Over instructors. The Open House will Buckhorn Springs Tennis Club in include camp discounts, instructor Valrico were finalists in the Florida demonstration, games, face painting, Sectionals. The team qualified by bouncing house, live DJ, popcorn winning the Hillsborough Region and more. league. Each HCC Brandon team from the Campus is Brandon and located at Valrico area 10414 E. lost their Columbus Dr. matches in a in Tampa. third set Call 259-6010. tiebreaker matches. The Alzheimer’s & team ended Dementia their season as Seminar second in the Nationally USTA Florida renowned competition. dementia expert Teepa 2016 USTA Snow is comFlorida Adult ing to Kings Men 8.0 65 & Point Veterans 2016 USTA Florida Adult 7.0 Women - 65 & Over Over Team Tennis Team players in the picture include Theater at 1900 Barbara Jones, Sharon Bortner, Betsy Assing, The Club House Dr. Sandy Pike, Judy Whittier, Marilynn Madson Brandon tennis in Sun City (Captain) and Rosemary Savill. Not pictured are team from Karen Montgomery, Arlene Maloney and Carole Center to presHaywood. Buckhorn
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Page 20
Volume 13, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
Coin Club Seeks Members, Garage Sale & More…
third Tuesday of each month at St. Compiled by Michelle Colesanti, michelle@ospreyobserver.com Andrews Church, Garage Sale Benefits Brandon Lions located at 3315 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. Club New members are welcome. The next The Brandon Lions Club will hold its meeting will be held on Tuesday, May semi-annual Garage Sale on Saturday, 17. Both youth (ages 6 and up) and May 21 from 8 a.m.-12 Noon at the adults are welcome. There is an educaLions Club House, located at 610 tional program during each meeting with Limona Rd. in Brandon. The Brandon youth and adult auctions held at the end Lions Club performs many civic funcof the night. Call 719-5192 or email tions such as providing glasses and BrandonCoinClub@yahoo.com. hearing aids for those who cannot afford them and helping provide guide dogs for Democratic Women's Club Hosts the blind in cooperation with State President Southeastern Guide Dogs. It proudly The Democratic Women’s Club of supports such activities as the Conklin SE Hillsborough County recently Center for the Blind, Brandon Outreach, received its charter from Dr. Maureen Cystic Fibrosis, ECHO, Brandon Youth McKenna and District 5 Chair Mary Soccer Freeman in League, April at the Diabetes DWCF Board America, meeting in the Don Ocala. On Bishop hand to accept Track Meet the charter and the were Gwen Lavoy Szafranski and Exceptional Joan Center for Gatewood, the Blind. Eleanor Saunders, executive director of ECHO, receives president and donations from members of the Democratic Women's The Club of SE Hillsborough at April meeting. treasurer, Brandon respectively, of Lions club new club. the is the oldest service organization in Since its inception in November Brandon. It was chartered in 1954 and it 2015, the local organization has grown is currently seeking new members. Call to 24 members and has provided 812-7152. informative programs on campaign strategies for 2016, voters’ rights issues, Brandon Coin Club Seeks New and voter registration training. Most Members recently, members welcomed Eleanor The Brandon Coin Club meets the Saunders, executive director of ECHO,
who discussed the many outreach prooring U.S. veterans with 50 percent grams ECHO of Brandon offers to suroff up to six single-day admission rounding communities. tickets to the park. Qualified veterans The club meets from 6-7:30 eligible for the offer include active, p.m. the first Thursday of the month at retired, honorably-separated officers the Bloomingdale Regional Library, and enlisted personnel of the U.S. located at 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in military. Valrico, and wel“This specomes other likecial offer is a minded women in small way of Southeast saying thank Hillsborough you to those who serve and County to join the have served group. Scheduled our country,” for its Thursday, June 2 meeting is said Jim Andrew Warren, Dean, Busch running for state Gardens attorney, and Rena Tampa Upshaw-Frazier Bay park presand Naze ident. “It is an Sahebzamani, honor to be both vying to be (From left) Exalted Ruler Nicki Wells; Veterans able to host the Democratic members of Affairs - George Scribner, Jack Daniels - Elks District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler SW candidate for state the military District; CEO Liberty Manor for Veterans Connie representative Lindsay and David Lindsay VP Liberty Manor for and their families in our park from District 59. Veterans. and this offer Call 654-7464. is a small token of our appreciation.” Brandon Elks Donate Van To Eligible veterans should Liberty Manor Veterans visit buschgardenstampa.com for more information and to register, using Liberty Manor for Veterans was the the ID.me verification system. Tickets benefactor of a 15-seat passenger van must be purchased and used by members of Brandon Elks Lodge Tuesday, May 31. by #2383. The van will be used at the Elks convention and also to transport the vetBrandon MS Support Group Meets erans that reside at Liberty Manor to all the events they are invited to, in addiThe Brandon MS Support Group tion to the monthly dinner hosted by meets the fourth Monday of each Brandon Elks on the first Wednesday of month from 7-9 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Regional Library, locateach month. ed at 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., in U.S. Military Veterans Receive Busch Valrico. Contact 454-7585 or Gardens Discount Through May BrandonMSsupportGroup@gmail.com . Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is hon-
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Page 21
Valrico Edition
Local Missionary Building Wells In Zambia By Bonnie Mentel Local resident water or any help. If Howard Fox first heard they do, they come to about Overland the water projects Missions when the team,” Fox said. CEO and Founder, Once an area is Philip Smethurst, spoke located, the team travat his church. els about 5-10 hours to “I was at my get to the village. The church, the River team prefers to find an Church of Tampa Bay, area where five or six when Phil came and wells can be drilled. spoke at a college servEach well costs $6,800, ice about Overland; including installation, how they go out and which is funded by preach the gospel to donors. The water the unreached gospel teams also fix hand groups,” said Fox. pumps that are in need After finishing his Local missionary Howard Fox works of repair. to repair a well in Zambia. degree in Mechanical Drilling a well can Engineering at USF, as well as Bible take between eight hours to a couple of School at his church, Fox traveled to days. There are times during drilling Zambia on a short-term mission trip. He when the surface begins to cave-in. This plans to travel back there soon. halts the excavation process and requires The mission’s main base is located in a section of temporary steel casing to be Zambia. Along with preaching Jesus to installed at the top of the well. Fox had the unreached people, they also provide experience installing a drill last year when safe drinking water by drilling wells there. he visited Zambia for four months. This The organization provides humanitar- year, the Zambia team plans to drill six ian aid within Zambia, Tanzania, new wells and fix 20 hand pumps. The Mozambique, Angola, the Democratic wells are drilled through an aquifer. Republic of Congo, Cambodia, Brazil, Fox plans to go back to Zambia as and Argentina. soon as he gets fully funded. His current “We’re going into different villages budget is $4,500 per month. This will that we’ve already started relationships include buying a truck for his drilling work. with, through either outreaches, like twoHe will also need money for food, plane week mission trips, Bible Studies, or tickets, gas and vehicle repairs. through missionaries that have gone conFor more info about Overland sistently and made relationships with vilMissions, visit www.overlandmissions. lage leaders or headmasters of different com. To support Fox, visit www.howardschools. After we’ve established relationfox.me, find him on Instagram ships with them, we ask if they need any @Howardfox3 or call him at 454-7836.
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Volume 13, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
Local Julliard Music School Alumna Seeks Performance Opportunities
HCSO Celebrates Grand Opening Of Homeless Initiative Community Outreach Center
By Andria Barrios
Lalan Parrott, one of the youngest students accepted to Julliard Music School, resides in Brandon and is seeking performance opportunities.
It may be a surprise to discover that one of the youngest students ever accepted into Julliard Music School resides right here in Brandon. Though she was born in Oklahoma City, educated in New York City, and performed in both New York City and Colorado for several years, life has brought Lalan Parrott to the local community where she desires to continue performing piano. “My first musical experience came when I heard a tune on the radio and subsequently played it by ear on the neighbor’s piano,” said Parrott. “This was around age three.” Her family, raised in the Depression era, recognized her talent at a young age and she was instructed by a local piano teacher who, after years of study, arranged a Julliard audition. The school then had a committee who frequently
travelled across the country in order to recognize talent in faraway regions. When they came to Parrott’s town and heard her performance, they accepted the young student at the age of 17 in 1947. At Julliard, Parrott sat under many teachers from the famous Olfa Samaroff to Rosina Lhevinne. In 1953, she graduated with a Master’s to pursue a career as a concert pianist. Playing for Radio City Music Hall was her first gig, including playing for the Rockettes’ rehearsals. Parrott’s impressive New York career lasted over 60 years. Then, because of her passion for the Midwest, she relocated to Colorado where she formed a chamber music society called the “Roaring Fork Chamber Players.” Many other renowned concerts and collaborations even led her to perform for President Carter at the White House in 1980, and again at the U.S. Capitol in 1990. Throughout her career, Parrott performed at the 1988 Olympic games in Seoul, Korea, played for Broadway, as well as worked for various ballet companies. She also played in jingles and worked on film soundtracks. The musician enjoys her life outside of music including her family of two children and seven grandchildren, jogging and outdoor activities. With the Brandon area as her current home, Parrott is eager to continue playing any genre of music for local functions and parties. “She is starving for opportunities to play,” said Rebecca Douglas, daughter-inlaw. To arrange this or to inquire about taking advanced private lessons from Parrott, contact giftofpiano@aol.com.
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Community district in the county,” members, local govBrown said, adding ernment officials and that while working in members of the conjunction with sevHillsborough County eral social agencies, Sheriff’s Office the program has (HCSO) staff were assisted more than on hand last month 500 homeless indito celebrate the viduals to be placed in temporary housing grand opening of a or shelters and have brand new Homeless permanently housed Outreach Center. more than 200 Located at 3671 W. homeless individuals Waters Ave. in the with their family Fountain Oaks HCSO Major Chad Chronister thanks members. Plaza in Tampa, the local organizations at the grand opening Brown mennew facility will be of its new Homeless Outreach Center. tioned that a great staffed with deputies number of homeless individuals were and social service workers to provide a home base to connect homeless individ- able to be reunited with their families as uals with the right people in order to help the program covered their travel needs by means of the purchase of airline and them get back on their feet. bus tickets. “On behalf of the more than 4,000 Currently HCSO has five deputies employees of the sheriff’s office, I want that are working out of each of the to thank each and every one of you for agency’s four district offices covering the everything that you contribute,” said HCSO Major Chad Chronister during his entire county. Deputies daily assist the homeless with identification and birth opening comments to a sizable crowd certificates, applications and services for that gathered in support of HCSO’s iniSocial Security, food assistance, healthtiative, which began in 2010 after Sheriff care, mental health care and substance David Gee’s vision to do more for the abuse. homeless in the community. “To see the support of the various HCSO Colonel Greg Brown shared private organizations and individuals Gee’s vision and immediately volunteered to take upon himself the daunting who are interested in helping us and the county is just overwhelming,” Brown task of making an impact in the commusaid, while he also praised local resident nity. whom he called true volunteers as they “This program started with just one went out of their ways on a personal deputy, Steve Donaldson, who took this individual basis to support the homeless. overwhelming project and built it to what For more information, visit it is today, including the five deputies the www.hcso.tampa.fl.us. Sheriff has now assigned to cover every
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May 2016
Valrico Edition
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Volume 13, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
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Valrico
May 2016
Volume 13, Issue 5
Ph: 657-2418
InThis Section
CHALKLINES..........................................PG 28 HEY BIRD GUY!....................................PG 37 FLORIDA URBAN ORGANICS................PG 38 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT....................PG 41 SPORTS CONNECTION..................PGS 42‐43
Mobile Pet Grooming
Ashley Boyd is the owner of Paw Envy, a new mobile grooming van, which will come to you and your pet. Paw Envy offers full grooming, baths, flea and tick, nails, de-shed, de-mat and more. You can now enjoy more free time doing what you love and not have to worry about having your pet picked up from the groomers. Paw Envy mobile pet grooming van will take care of all your grooming needs in the comfort of your driveway. It is available weekdays and weekends. Visit www.pawenvy.com or call 447-6388.
Help For Pelvic Health Conditions
Clothing Sale At Inna’s Alterations And Repairs
In April, the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, located at 2874 Providence Lakes Blvd. in Brandon. Owners Adam, Ian and JRay Lieberman welcomed their family and chamber members to join in this momentous occasion. This Brandon location is their 90th location in the U.S. with corporate headquarters in Ft. Worth, Texas. Call 324-7177.
Dr. Armas, a physician specialist, will host a free seminar on various treatment Fundraiser For Foster Children options available for women with incontiJoin in for a wine and cheese ladies nence and other pelvic floor issues. This night out on Tuesday, May 24 from 7-9 will take place p.m. benefitting local at St. Joseph’s foster children at Hospital-South, What’s In Family Franciscan Consignment, located Conference at 3220 Lithia Room, 6901 Pinecrest Rd. in Simmons Valrico. Tickets cost Loop, in $5 and are available Riverview, on at the store. See store Thursday, May for list of vendors par26 from 11:30 ticipating. The event is a.m.-12:30 sponsored by What's Paw Envy is a new mobile grooming van for p.m. In Family your pet. Registration Consignment, Rodan required. Call 443-3046 or visit and Fields skin care, and Traci Lynn jewBayCareEvents.org. Parking is free and elry. Proceeds go to local Guardian Ad light refreshments will be served. Litem. Call 643-7393.
TNT Termite And Pest Control Celebrates Five Years
Bonnie and Ed Tekampe, owners of TNT Termite and Pest Control, are proud to serve the local community. They recently celebrated their fifth year in business. Many homes in Eastern Hillsborough County are protected from ants, spiders, roaches, and termites by TNT Termite and Pest Control, which provides a quarterly service for residential home owners and custom services for its commercial customers. They are now looking to add a fourth member to the team. Contact 7169196 or 760-2691. Visit www.TNTtermiteandpestcontrol.com.
Inna’s Alterations and Repairs is now offering a lot of clothing for sale at 20-50 percent off until the supply is gone. Inna’s has something for every member of the family. Store hours are Tuesday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Inna’s is closed on Sunday and Monday. Inna has over 25 years of experience in alterations and repairs and is located in the Bloomingdale Professional Center (next door to Bloomingdale High School) at 1548 Bloomingdale Ave. E. Call 651-4416.
Lynette Silon-Laguna Two Years AIOFLA’s 10 Best In Florida For Client Satisfaction
The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys (AIOFLA’s) has recognized the exceptional performance of Florida’s Family Law Attorney Lynette SilonLaguna as Two Years 10 Best Family Law Attorney for Client Satisfaction. The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys is a thirdparty attorney rating organization that publishes an annual list of the Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in each state. Attorneys who are selected to the "10 Best" list must pass AIOFLA's rigorous selection process, which is based on client and/or peer nominations, thorough
Continued on next page
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Volume 13, Issue 5
women’s clothing boutique in Brandon, ally by the United States Golf Association. will celebrate its six year anniversary Streamsong Resort is located at 1000 on Saturday, Streamsong Dr. in By Michelle Colesanti June 4. A Bowling Green. Call research, and AIOFLA’s independent open two additional Smoothie King Mystery Sale (888) 294-6322 or visit evaluation. Selection criteria focus on Locations in area, communities yet to be will be held www.streamsongreattorneys who demonstrate the highest determined. Burden’s Smoothie King that day which sort.com. standards of Client Satisfaction. Contact Location will open at 3429 Lithia will equal a Silon-Laguna directly at 375-0539 or Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. He feels the Local Dance Studio multitude of store’s close proximity to fitness centers www.familymaritallaw.com. Wins Top Awards savings. The and the local YMCA will provide a nutriboutique speThe Way 2 inRsite Computer Becomes inRsite IT tious post-workout meal option, as the cializes in likeDance, a Brandon brand emphasizes the ability to help Solutions new and new swing, ballroom and guests achieve their health goals while For the past six years inRsite clothing for Salsa dance studio, living a healthy and active lifestyle. Locals Computers has provided top-tier computwomen of all The Way 2 Dance proudly displays awards recently earned top in Valrico and surrounding communities er repair services to the Brandon and earned at the Sarasota Challenge, a ballroom honors at the Sarasota sizes carrying can stop to try out Smoothie King’s dance competition. Riverview name brand Challenge, a ballroom fresh, expansive menu with options areas. What clothing such as Chico’s, Liz Claiborne, dance competition held at the Hyatt of extras and enhancers as a meal retail cusJones NY, INC, Nine West, Ralph Lauren, Regency in Sarasota. "This weekend was replacement or healthy on-the-go tomers may Talbot’s, Avenue, Lane Bryant, Ann the fulfillment of many years and hunsnack. not know is Taylor, Tommy Hilfiger, Ann dreds of hours of lessons and training at that it has Klein and more for 50-80 The Way 2 Dance," said Tatyana Frost, also supported many local small and mid- Steve Moran Is Keller percent off regular retail. All studio owner, teacher, and pro Williams Top Agent 12 sized businesses by providing Managed merchandise accepted is of competitor. Years In A Row IT Services, essentially becoming their IT high quality and is affordably Two amateur competitors won top in Steve Moran with Keller department. The company has shifted to priced. Diva Consignment class awards, John Ware for Top Male Williams Suburban Tampa focus solely on Managed IT Services for Boutique is open Tuesday Bronze and Missy Ide for Top Female has finished as the Top businesses. This change has allowed the through Saturday from 10 Newcomer. In addition, Vince Individual Agent. Moran had company to devote all resources and a.m.-5 p.m. Consignors can Harwood earned second and third in over $18 million in written knowledge to provide clients with superior bring in clothing any time Men's Championship along with first volume for 2015. He finished support and faster response times while during normal business place in many different categories. Jerry as the number one single saving time and money. hours. Spring and summer Burgin and Barbara Ware brought home agent out of 900 agents in InRsite also provides Voice Over IP, clothing is now being accept- first and second placement in their dance Keller Williams Chadwick the Cloud Server Hosting, Virtual Desktops, ed. Clothing must be no categories. Steve Moran with Keller HIPAA/PCI Security Consulting as well as Group, which includes older than two years old, Both Tatyana Frost and David Orcutt Williams Suburban Tampa Hillsborough and Pinellas Website design and hosting services. was awarded as the Top clean, pressed and on hangwon in the Top Teacher category and The Individual Agent for 12 ers. The consignment period County. He received the Visit www.inRsite.com or call 661-8324. Way 2 Dance took home the coveted Top years in a row. award at the annual Keller is 60 days, and consignors Large Studio trophy. "My husband and I Williams award ceremonies at the Tampa Children’s Gala Raises $4,000 receive 40 percent of the sale of their began taking lessons at The Way 2 in downtown Tampa. Moran has Theatre More than 350 kids and parents merchandise. Purses, belts, scarves, hats Dance two years ago when we wanted came to MOSI in early May for a different been with Keller Williams for 12 years and newer looking shoes are also accept- lessons in social dancing and neither of after spending 11 years with Re/Max kind of gala. They ate dessert first and ed. Visit www.divaconsignmentfl.com or us knew a single step," stated Missy Realty. Call 661-2476. showed off the piggy banks they decoratcall 681-5500. Ide. "I fell in ed to raise money and help other kids just love with the Orange Home like them. The Media Day studio, with Accessories MOSI Celebrated Tatyana and Raises Money Children’s Upcoming U.S. my other For Family Gala presentWomen’s teachers, and Promise ed by PNC Amateur Four with dancing Orange Bank is part Ball itself. They Home of MOSI’s encouraged In April, Accessories Give Change me to reach Streamsong held its to Make higher than I Resort hosted a Welcome Spring Change camhad ever Media Day for the event in April for paign. PNC dreamed and 2016 U.S. Family Promise Children’s decorated and filled Piggy Banks which Bank providdancing has Women’s Amateur culminated at a Children’s Gala held at MOSI. of Greater ed thousands become a Four-Ball of piggy banks that kids adopted, decorat- Brandon. Everyone enjoyed live music by part of my Championship. Ella and Jazz Pianist Jimmy Silva, along ed, and named, including Albert Einlife. I'm honThe U.S. Women’s with wine and appetizers, raffles and speswine and Piggy deGrasse Tyson. All of ored to have Amateur Four-Ball, cials. A total of $1,000 was raised for the proceeds from the piggy banks go won this trowhich will be Latino’s Fresh Market recently celebrated its grand phy and Family Promise. toward providing scholarships for underplayed on opening with a ribbon cutting. The market is now Orange is a home décor and gift served kids to attend MOSI’s Science Streamsong Blue open at 1608 S.R. 60 E. in Valrico. Hours of opera- helped The store that specializes in well-designed Camps. This year’s total reached tion are 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday Way 2 Dance on Saturdayand 7 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday. Call 685-9110. pieces that are artful and functional. It is $4,007.06. Donate to support MOSI’s earn the Wednesday, May open Monday through Friday from 10 Give Change to Make Change campaign recognition 21-25, is one of 13 a.m.-6 p.m. and on Saturday at MOSI.ORG. they so greatly deserve." national championships conducted annufrom 10 a.m.-5 p.m. It is located at 1046 Smoothie King To Open Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico In Valrico (in Plaza Bella). Call 681A new Smoothie King 8686. recently opened in Valrico. Franchisee Shane Burden Mystery Sale Brings Six has always wanted to own Year Anniversary Savings a business, and he is At Diva Consignment enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring the brand to the com- Boutique Diva Consignment Boutique, a stylish munity. Burden has also signed on to
Business Column Continued.............
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May 2016
Valrico Edition
Page 27
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Valrico Edition
Volume 13, Issue 5
Story by Tamas Mondovics
Annual Student Food Tasting Expo, District Honors Teachers & April Terrific Kids Salad, and a Chicken & Pesto Piada.” During the event, students were to rate each item on a scale of Love It, Like It, or Dislike It based on the item’s appearance, smell, and taste. “The purpose of the tasting is to help Student Nutrition Services provide healthy menus that are based on student preferences,” Arja said. This year a group of parHillsborough County Public School students taste poten- ents were also invited to be tial menu items during a past food tasting expo. taste testers and participate in District Hosts 7th Annual Fresh a question and answer session about Flavors Student Food Tasting Expo school meal initiatives with Student Nutrition Services General Manager Dr. The Hillsborough County Public Mary Kate Harrison. Schools Student Nutrition Services Student Nutrition Services operates Department hosted its 7th Annual Fresh as a self-supporting, $125 million dollar Flavors - Food for Body and Mind Expo enterprise. Each day, close to 1,400 earlier this month at TPepin’s Hospitality employees serve more than 214,000 Centre in Tampa. Approximately 200 stumeals to students. Visit dents from around the district had a chance to taste and rate new menu items www.sdhc.k12.fl.us. for the 2016-2017 school year menu. “We had every grade level represent- RCMA Wimauma Academy Recognizes Terrific Kids For April ed by the students who were ready to test the various potential future menu Redlands Christian Migrant items,” said Tanya Arja with the district Association (RCMA) Wimauma and communications office. “Twenty-one new Leadership Academies Principal Mark menu items were tested, including Gyro Haggett was pleased to proudly share a Flatbread Sandwich, Funfetti Quinoa photo of a dozen of his students who
have been chosen as Terriffic Kids for the month of April. Students Tania Castro, Santiago Aguirre, Greydis Hernandez, Blanca Cruz, Berenice Antonio, Giovani Espinoza, Elizabeth Hernandez, Adrian San Juan, Marbella San Juan, Yaritza Santizo, David Lopez and Nancy Garcia (not pictured) were joined by Haggett along with Kiwanis members, Marie Ware, Kiwanis member Helen Halm. RCMA boasts of serving Florida as the largest non-profit child-care provider and a leader in high-quality early childhood services. The Academy’s Terrific Kids recognition, which promotes character development, self-esteem and perseverance, is supported by the Kiwanis Club program. “Terrific” is an acronym for Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Responsible, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive and Capable. Students work with their classroom teacher to establish goals to improve behavior, peer relationships, attendance or school work. All students who achieve their goals after a specified time are rec-
ognized as Terrific Kids. Student recognition includes the Terrific Kid title as well as a pizza, ice cream or other food-themed party along with a presentation of certificates and other giveaways. Visit www.kiwaniskids.org.
District Honors Educators During National Teacher Appreciation Week
Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) boasts of more than 25,000 employees, of those nearly 16,000 are teachers who help prepare students for life. The district—which is the eighth largest in the country—boasts of educating more than 205,000 students from grades Pre-K to 12 and adult at 230 plus school site locations, keeping teachers busy. In an online statement, HCPS Superintendent Jeff Eakins wished a happy National Teacher Appreciation Week to all the teachers and spoke highly of what has been accomplished throughout the district so far this season. For more information about HCPS, visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.org.
May 2016
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rship o W n e p O don n a r B , e c n Experie rs Club & Newcome re... Mo ti, Colesan helle d by Mic rver.com e il p m o C obse @osprey michelle
Open Worship Experience
Flow is an open worship experience. It is a free concert featuring local bands and will take place on Saturday, May 21 from 6-8 p.m. at Quest, located at 501 S. Kingsway Rd. in Seffner. Enjoy this time, place and opportunity to encounter God through music, dancing, or any other way that resonates with you. No preaching or asking for money. Visit facebook.com/flowforreal or call 444-9121.
Tehila focuses on the Hebrew foundation of Christian beliefs, and works to create a community and environment that teaches these beliefs. American Parks Company’s professional installation crew finished the playground with engineered wood fiber as the safety surface of the playground. The congregation is pleased with its brand new playground equipment and has already begun to incorporate it into church events. For more information, visit topraise.net or call 654-2222.
Brandon Newcomers Meet
The Brandon Newcomers Club will meet Wednesday, May 18 at the Brandon Community Center at 502 E. Sadie St., in Brandon. Each month, an interesting program is presented, and after the meeting, those who wish to, go to lunch at a local New eatery. A Playground variety of At Beit social gathTehila erings are The playheld ground prothroughout fessionals at the month American including Parks Bunco, Gals Company Night Out, were conAmerican Parks Company recently installed a new play- Out and tacted by the ground at Beit Tehila Congregation in Brandon. About, Book planners of Club, and Beit Tehila church in Brandon to facil- more. Dues are $20 annually. Call itate the purchase and installation of 643-3281. new playground equipment. Beit
MADD Seeks Changes To State’s Ignition Interlock Law To Affect All Offenders
By Tamas Mondovics
News of traffic fataliAccording to MADD’s ties involving wrong way National Director of State drivers, including the one Government Affairs Frank that took the life of Harris, currently 26 states Hillsborough County require interlocks for all Sheriff’s Deputy John R. offenders with a BAC of .08 or greater, not including Kotfila Jr., of Valrico, is Florida. In Florida interlocks making headlines. are required for repeat and According to the Sheriff’s first-time offenders with a Office backed by local BAC of .15, and national data, a resulting the majority of wrong way halting of traffic crashes are caused 49,126 by drunk drivers, as was attempts to the case of Deputy Mothers Against drive drunk (.08 Kotfilla, whose watch Drunk Driving is BAC or more) ended last month when seeking support to change Florida’s curand 632,460 he was killed by a rent ignition interlock law. attempts to start wrong-way drunk driver with a .27 blood alcohol content (BAC) on a vehicle with a .025 BAC. “License suspension is not enough the Crosstown Expressway. as they are often ignored,” Harris said, Mothers Against Drunk Driving referring to a recent letter by Colleen (MADD), one of the most influential nonprofit organizations in America, is clear on Sheehey-Church, MADD National President, to lawmakers. its view of such violent crimes and the Aside the BAC criteria, under current organization’s commitment to “end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support law offenders must also wait until conviction before using an ignition interlock— the victims of these violent crimes and and in many cases long after conviction. prevent underage drinking.” “The sooner an interlock is installed True to its mission, MADD is seeking after a drunk driving offense the more support for a recent legislative amendeffective it is,” Harris said. “Florida’s igniment to require ignition interlocks for all tion interlock law can be strengthened by first-time DUI offenders. An ignition interremoving the long wait between an arrest lock is a device about the size of a cell and use of these devices.” The proposed phone that is wired into the ignition sysamendment from MADD would also allow tem of a vehicle. A convicted drunk driver the option of interlock prior to conviction. must blow into the device in order to start MADD urges residents to let their their vehicle. To date, 1.77 million drunk legislators know that they want this law driving attempts were prevented by this passed. Visit www.madd.org/interlock. device in the United States.
Lake Brandon Village (813) 655-1237 | Westfield Brandon Mall (813) 654-6769
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for supporting our Local Businesses! They are the reason we can provide you with Positive, Local News each month!
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Valrico Edition
Established Home Remodeling Company Offers Quality Workmanship
By Andria Barrios
Innovative Residential Remodeling LLC offers professional personalized service to its customers.
Home renovations is something that one local business never fails to take seriously. Innovative Residential Remodeling LLC has operated for years under professional management to produce many satisfied customers. This established home remodeling company offers customized service and quality workmanship, while ensuring that the customer’s experience is everything they desire. Pablo Laise, head residential contractor, operates with over 20 years of experience in the industry, from building to remodeling. He began his career building custom homes with Leone Homes in Ohio, but soon moved to Brandon where he operates locally. Though several trade specialists assist with every job, Laise is onsite with every project making sure that each task is completed properly from beginning to end. “Speedy without sacrificing quality, is how I stay focused to complete the job,” said Laise. Innovative Residential Remodeling specializes in kitchen and bathroom
remodels as well as cabinet door re-facing, interior painting and other major repairs like window, door and floor installation. The company is experienced in completing everything from tub to shower conversion to tile replacement to trim and custom wainscoting. Whether customers have a small bathroom remodeling in mind or a huge renovation of their entire home, Innovative Residential Remodeling takes pride in its expertise and passion to get the job done in a smart, efficient and sustainable way. The company also offers free onsite visits and estimates and guides clients through every step of the project while keeping budget, deadlines and quality top of the mind. It additionally offers a complimentary one year labor warranty with every job. “Innovative Residential Remodeling did an excellent job of remodeling our kitchen as well as re-flooring and painting other areas. Everyone who worked in our home was very professional. They were always concerned with the cleanup after each transition of the project and made sure our space remained livable while taking the utmost care of other areas. We’re very pleased with our new kitchen and would highly recommend Pablo Laise,” said Mary Tamargo of Sun City. Clearly, the professionalism and personal service offered by this company throughout the years have contributed greatly to their success as well as that of the surrounding community. To request an estimate, call 813-3919644. Visit www.innovativeresidentialremodeling.com or on Facebook.
Enter to win an Uncle Mike’s Gift Certificate
Winners will receive a $10 gift certificate to Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill in Plant City! 1. What is the headline from one story on page 8? 2. What is one menu item you want to try from Uncle Mike’s?
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Volume 13, Issue 5
Florida Medical Clinic Makes Home In Former Borders Location
By Sharon Still
cology and dermatology services and ongoing management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis. While specializing in a comprehensive range of healthcare services representing 35 primary care and specialty disciplines, Florida Medical Clinic’s clinically integrated network streamlines all aspects of healthcare. Owned by 300 of the area’s Florida Medical Clinic recently expanded its services in leading doctors, there are 51 the Brandon area with a new multi-specialty campus locations that serve more than located in front of Westfield Brandon Mall. 3,000 patients per day from Following its vision “to be the best infants to seniors. choice for healthcare in our community,” In south Hillsborough, in addition to Florida Medical Clinic recently opened a the new multi-specialty campus located at new 24,000-sq.-ft multi-specialty campus 2020 Town Center Blvd., Florida Medical in the building that used to house Clinic has a behavioral health facility on Border’s bookstore in Brandon. Oakfield Drive in Brandon and two loca“The new facility will provide many tions in Riverview, on U.S. Hwy. 301 and patient services including diagnostic lab in Winthrop. and radiology services. Our specialties “In order to make things easier for include family medicine, allergy, asthma our patients and doctors, we offer online and immunology, cardiology, gastroenappointment requests 24 hours a day, terology, interventional pain management, seven days a week; as well as access to orthopaedics, otolaryngology and pulour secure patient portal and electronic monology and sleep disorders and urolohealth records,” said Eramo. gy,” said Florida Medical Clinic’s Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Administrative/Marketing Assistant Monday through Friday for most areas of Heather Eramo. practice while Family Medicine and Auto While preventative care to help keep Accident Care office hours are 7 a.m.-7 its patients healthy is key, primary care p.m. Monday through Friday and services include physical exams, urgent Saturday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. New patients are care appointments for non-life-threatening being accepted. Visit www.floridamedicalinjuries and illnesses, cancer screenings, clinic.com for more information or to minor surgical procedures, routine gynerequest an appointment.
May 2016
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Valrico Edition
Neal Communities Breaks Ground On New Villas At FishHawk Ranch
Staff Report
split-plan with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a den and a two-car garage. The Crystal Sand is an open-concept plan with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a twocar garage. “Neal Communities is an outstanding addition to FishHawk Ranch,” said Pam Parisi, vice presiAn artist’s rendering of upcoming Crystal Sand dent of marketing at Newland villa by Neal Communities at FishHawk Ranch. Communities. “With their solid repuNewland Communities is pleased to tation and exceptionally-built homes, they welcome Neal Communities, one of will be an excellent complement to our Southwest Florida’s leading homefamily of builders.” builders, to FishHawk Ranch. Neal “We’re excited to bring our quality Communities has broken ground on two homes to the beautiful FishHawk Ranch villa model homes, and will construct a community,” said Michael Storey, presitotal of 76 low-maintenance villas in the dent of Neal Communities. “The market is gated neighborhood of Sagewood in this prime for this innovative master-planned award-winning, master planned commucommunity that hosts resident events and nity. provides homeowners a connection to The villas mark Neal Communities’ nature. We look forward to introducing the first entrance in FishHawk Ranch. Neal Communities brand to this commuFishHawk Ranch is owned in a joint nity and offering homeowners a diverse venture partnership between NORTH lineup of quality homes with the Neal AMERICA SEKISUI HOUSE, LLC knack for quality, design and excellent (NASH), the U.S. business unit and full value.” subsidiary of SEKISUI HOUSE, LTD., FishHawk Ranch, which boasts 25 Japan’s largest homebuilder and leading miles of nature trails, is the first certified diversified developer, and Newland Real green new-home community in Estate Group, LLC, whose development Hillsborough County. The community has business, Newland Communities, is the 1,300 acres of preserved and rehabilitatmaster developer of the community. It is ed wetlands and wildlife spots. Villa resione of more than 30 communities the dents will also be able to utilize the outNASH-Newland partnership owns togeth- standing amenities that FishHawk Ranch er in 11 states across the United States. offers, including The Lake House commuNeal Communities will offer two vernity center, Central Park pools, sports satile home plans – the 1,524-sq. ft. fields and a dog park, as well as the Tidewater model and the 1,434-sq. ft. future retail Village Center. For more Crystal Sand model. The Tidewater is a details, visit www.fishhawkranch.com.
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Valrico Edition
Volume 13, Issue 5
Life Story Writing Classes Help Preserve Your Stories For Future Generations By Michelle Colesanti I’m ordinary; I’m not famous. I haven’t done anything important. There are many reasons to put pen to paper and write down the stories of your life. You may not think that your stories are interesting enough, but we all have tales to share with future generations. Writing down my life stories was something that I wanted to do, but did not know how to begin or how to make my writing interesting enough so that one day my descendants would care to have a glimpse into my past. The Bloomingdale Writer’s Connection (BWC) offers a 10-week Life Story Writing (LSW) class, free to the participant and funded by the Friends of Bloomingdale Regional Library. The class is based off of Dr. James Birren’s Guided Autobiography, a method used for helping people document their life stories. Val Perry and Ann Shaklee were the Life Story Writing Coaches at my Saturday afternoon classes. Two facilitators, Iowana Whitman-Tims and Dave Bonham, also sat in to assist the coaches. All of the instructors and facilitators are volunteers. Additional classes took place simultaneously on Tuesday and Fridays. Instructors for the Tuesday and Friday classes were Candi Martin and Spence Autry and the facilitators were Lou Martindale, Sarah Livingston-Schlicht,
life changing since I was let go from a job at the end of November 2015. Definitely a game changer, which allowed me to make new friends with like-minded people, improved my writing as well as opened up a world of possibilities. Today, I view the world from a different perspective, thanks to the wonderful instructors (Anne and Val), their assistants (David and Iowana) and class members," she said. Upon graduation from the 10-week class, participants become members of the BWC, which came about when a group of writers The Saturday Life Story Writing class stands proudly after completing the 10-week from the original class writing class that is funded by the Friends of Bloomingdale Regional Library and free to those participating. decided to keep meeting. With help from Anne Kathie Bridges and Brenda did not know the term at the time.” Lawrence (Friends Board), Carol Byrd, Osborne. Each class meets for about two and Doreen Myers, Spence Autry, Lynn The first LSW classes were held at a half hours each week and is appropriBette Lafferty and Perry, plans Gardner, Bloomingdale Library when it first opened ate for all skill levels and all ages. Many were made to find ways to continue to in 2005. Perry was in the first class. The people find the course to be therapeutic support the life writers who graduated original instructor, Carol Byrd, became ill because the classes invite them to reflect from the classes. and the Friends needed volunteers to on their lives and get new perspectives. “We all felt 10 week classes were too carry on the program. Perry and Lynn A different theme is visited each short to reach our goal of writing our life Gardner (now deceased) offered to conweek. Hands-on activities and group said Perry. stories,” tinue the classes beginning in the suminteraction help participants to dig deeper I look forward to continuing with my mer of 2007. into buried memories. Life Story Writing and would encourage According to Perry, “I felt strongly that Individuals can improve self-esteem anyone interested in preserving their past this class must continue. I had recently and increase self-confidence through consider the classes. to retired from my volunteer work with the class interaction. For more information on the Life Girl Scouts at their Tampa headquarters Katherine Van Dam recently completWriting classes, contact Perry at which meant I had the time available. I ed the Life Story Writing Class. LifeWritersBloom@msn.com or pick up a love to write and most of my previous “My experience with the Life Writing brochure in the foyer of the library. writing had been life stories, although I Class at the Bloomingdale Library was
May 2016
Page 33
Valrico Edition
My Gym Offers Fitness, Fun For Toddlers To Teens
By Amy Schechter
The path to a Bundle, a healthy lifestyle Terrific Tot, a begins early in Mighty Mite, or life. The problem a Cardio Kid of childhood obethere are classsity continues to es suited for all plague American ages to develfamilies impacting op strength, over ten percent coordination, of children, and balance, and with obesity flexibility in a comes increased structured, My Gym in Brandon offers classes for children risks of heart disengaging enviages six weeks through their teens. ease, diabetes, ronment comasthma, social discrimination, and lowplete with gymnastics, music, dance, and ered self-esteem. However, this is entirely sports. It also offers space for birthday preventable, and there is a solution: My parties and special events. Gym in Brandon. Committed to helping Parents can take advantage of My adolescents develop physically, psychoGym as well. Every second Friday of the logically, and emotionally, there is somemonth from 6:30-10 p.m., My Gym holds thing for kids of all ages from six weeks a Parent’s Night where parents can drop through their teens. Most importantly, My off their kids who will have the opportunity Gym makes fitness fun, so children for open play, movies, pizza, and more. develop healthy practices they carry into My Gym is rolling out some summer adulthood. promotions for its summer camp opportuThurlowe Russell, owner and director nities from June 13-17 and July 11-July of My Gym, understands the important 15. Camp runs from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. mission that comes with attaining the each day and offers the same opportunity milestones of a healthy, happy life. for children ages three and older who are “I’m a dad of two, so I have a 4-year- potty trained to have fun and stay active. old who is about to be five and a 7-yearNo two days are ever the same. Parents old. As a parent who worked through who book all ten camp days will receive weekends, finding a program that was them for the cost of eight. There will be a safe and fun and helped my kids’ develsummer camp enrollment event Friday, opment was a challenge. I happened to May 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. go to My Gym in another area, and I Children’s first class is always free. thought it would be a great opportunity to Check out www.mygym.com/brandon for provide for my kids. I treat everyone like pricing and class schedules. Book classmy own kids.” es completely online. Call 579-6872. My My Gym offers classes and openGym Brandon is located at 2060 play hours. Whether children are a Little Badlands Dr. in Brandon.
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Page 34
Volume 13, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
Academic Alliance In Dermatology Welcomes New Doctors To Brandon Practice
Staff Report
New doctors active general have recently dermatology pracbeen welcomed tice, he is one of into the the few Academic Fellowship-trained Alliance in Mohs Surgeons Dematology in Tampa Bay practice located specializing in in Brandon. surgical dermatolOriginally ogy, skin (Left) Dr. Hoka Nyanda and Dr. David Sable (right) a native from cancer, and recently joined Academic Alliance in Dermatology. Tanzania, East surgical Africa, Hoka Nyanda, MD, FAAD, FAAP, reconstruction. Originally a Boston came to the Brandon area from native, he earned a Bachelors of Nashville, Tennessee. She obtained a Science in chemistry from Tufts Bachelor of Science degree from University before successfully completWestern Kentucky University, and ing a Ph.D. in chemistry from the received her medical degree from University of California at Berkeley. After Meharry Medical College in Nashville, completing his Ph.D., he returned to Tennessee, and completed both dermaBoston to complete an M.D. at Tufts tology and pediatric residencies at the before successfully completing an University of South Florida. During her Internal Medicine Internship at Brigham dermatology residency, she served as a and Women’s Hospital and a Pathology chief resident for academic education. Residency at Massachusetts General She is double board certified in dermaHospital. He then completed a tology and pediatrics, and is a member Dermatology Residency at Wayne State of the American Academy of University where he was ultimately Dermatology, American Academy of named chief resident for his final year. Pediatrics, American Society of Dr. Sable then completed a Fellowship Dermatologic Surgery and the Florida in Dermatologic Surgery and Mohs Medical Association. Dr. Nyanda is Surgery at the University of Wisconsin, Board Certified in Dermatology and where he had the opportunity to learn Pediatrics. the Mohs Surgery under Dr. Stephen David Sable, MD, PhD, FAAD, Snow who had been trained by Dr. FACMS, also joined Academic Alliance Frederick Mohs. He said, “My mission as in Dermatology, Inc. in February. He is a dermatologist is simple: I want my an American Board of Medical patients to be treated like family.” Specialties Board Certified Academic Alliance in Dermatology is Dermatologist and a Fellowship-trained located at 131 N. Oakwood Ave., Ste Dermatologic Surgeon. In addition to an 135 in Brandon. Call 440-5544.
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Valrico Edition
Page 35
Tampa Theatre To Present Fifth Annual BeerFest Fundraiser, Hoppy Gilmore
By Kathy L. Collins
put together a great event that offers plenty of craft beer and local brewers as well as snacks and samples from some of Tampa’s top independent restaurants, all against the backdrop of the 1996 Adam Sandler hit, Happy Gilmore, which will be shown on the big screen. Some of the breweries that will be participating Tampa Theatre’s Fifth Annual Movie-Themed Beer including Cigar City Brewing, Festival is themed “Hoppy Gilmore.” Coppertail Brewing The Tampa Theatre is proud to Company and The Independent. Some announce that its Fifth Annual Movierestaurants include The Refinery, Fodder Themed Beer Festival, otherwise known & Shine, Ichicoro and Rooster and the as BeerFest, will be held on Saturday, Till. June 18 beginning at 7 p.m. The Tampa Jill Witecki of the Tampa Theatre Theatre is located at 711 N. Franklin St. in said, “The Tampa Bay craft beer scene downtown Tampa. BeerFest 2016 will tee has just exploded over the past few up on an evening of irreverent fun with years, and we love working with Michelle “Hoppy Gilmore.” and Veronica and all of the amazing indeOver the years, Tampa’s majestic pendent restaurants. If you are a beer movie palace has had a lot of fun adding fan, BeerFest is truly a taste of the best of a tongue-in-cheek twist to some familiar what the area has to offer.” movie titles to create the themes for their Witcki added, “Of course, as with summer BeerFest. The event celebrates most Tampa Theatre events, BeerFest local independent eateries and offers has a sense of humor. This year’s Hoppy unique craft beer. It is also an opportunity Gilmore follows on the heels of previous to help support the not-for-profit theatre’s events like ‘Beer and Loathing in Las artistic and educational programming and Vegas’ and ‘The Big Lebrewski.’ While the provide a great excuse for movie-inspired themes may be silly, the purpose is most costumes. serious, to support the artistic, educationThe co-chairs for BeerFest are al and community programming at Michelle Baker, owner of The Refinery Tampa’s 90 year old movie palace.” and Fodder & Shine in Seminole Heights, For more information on the Fifth and Veronica Danko, owner of The Annual BeerFest and to get tickets, visit Independent Bar and Café, also in www.tampatheatre.org. Seminole Heights. They have worked to
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Page 36
Volume 13, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
Plant It Earth Lawn Tree & Shrub Care Offering 50 Percent Off First Application
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Valrico Edition
If you have a question for the Bird Guy, his email is: Rich@RichsBackyardBirds.com Or stop by the store in the Erindale Plaza, 3642 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. . Or call 813-657-BIRD(2473) ...Or try telepathy (results vary)
Rich Crete is the owner of Rich’s Backyard Birds and has been a birder for over 30 years.
Hey Bird Guy! I’m just starting to get into birding and would like a book to help me ID the birds. I’ve looked online and it is confusing. What do you suggest? -N.B. of Channing Park Great question, N. You are right. There are lots of choices in bird guides. I have a few ideas which you might find helpful. If you are trying to learn the birds in our local area, one thing that will help you is finding a book which specializes in the birds which are here. There is no sense showing you pictures of a bird that may look similar to one in your backyard, if the pictured bird only lives in the Sahara Desert. Even a book that only shows birds of North America will have lots of birds that simply don’t live or even migrate through Florida. A Florida specific bird identification guide will really help you get started. Another issue many beginning birders have with the larger, more advanced bird guides is they are not user friendly. This causes the user to simply start at the beginning of the book and look at all the pictures to find the best match. That is not very efficient and will soon become frustrating. Your neighborhood bird seed store (coincidentally owned by the very
Bird Guy who writes this column) Rich’s Backyard Birds, has a wonderful book called Birds Of Florida that is organized by color. So if you see a bird you would like to ID and the only thing you know is the bird is black and white, you just turn to the section of the book showing the black and white birds. This is a super book for the beginning birder. It also shows the male and female birds if they are different looking as well as winter/summer plumage differences where appropriate. While the book doesn’t show all the birds which may occur in the state, it does have the 140 most common species. Once a birder has a good handle on the local birds and would like to expand his/her knowledge, it is time to move up to the more detailed and broader scoped field guides. I like the National Geographic Guide as well as the Sibley Guide. Both these are larger books but they do come in Eastern and Western breakdowns for portability purposes. These books have drawings of the birds rather than photographs. The drawings are often preferable because a photo displays only one bird in whatever sunlight and setting the picture was taken and the plumage the bird is in at that time.
Page 37
Page 38
Volume 13, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
Florida Urban Organics Grows Chemical Free, Bio-Organic Products
By Tatiana Ortiz
Former Marine and fruit trees and much Owner Matthew Harper more. from Florida Urban “I am really excited Organics maintains a to be growing organic chemical free and biocrops,” said Harper. organic farm in Visitors can come Riverview. The farm on Wednesdays and has a community partSaturdays from 10 ner in Starbucks and a.m.- 4 p.m. to pick has recycled over 600 their own crops. The pounds of coffee prices for u-pick vary. grounds. Harper strives For example, strawberto educate the commuries are $5/lb., bluebernity and share his ries $6/lb. and tomainsights on the toes $3/lb. The prebenefits of picked strawberries are growing chemi$6/lb. Florida Urban cal free and Organics also sells a bio-organic variety of pasture crops. Along raised eggs from King with that, visiFamily MiniFarm in Florida Urban Organics grows tors have the Riverview. chemical free and opportunity to Florida Urban bio-organic products grab a bucket and pick their own fruits Organics is in the like blueberries. and vegetables. process of becoming “Our whole point of existing out here a non-profit farm. The farm is seeking is to grow the most nutrient dense food support from the community, volunteers, for the consumer without any chemicals,” interns and other farming partners. said Harper. Florida Urban Organics has reached out Florida Urban Organics had its grand to local high school’s agriculture departopening in January of this year. The prop- ment and the Future Farmers of America erty was purchased sometime during the organization. middle of summer 2015 and the land For information about Florida Urban needed some work. The three-acre lot Organics, visit flurbanorganics.com or consists of strawberry, blueberry and check out the Facebook page www.facetomato plants. The farm has a high tech book.com/flurbanorganics. The farm is irrigation system, which is controlled by a located at 11010 Riverview Dr. in smartphone. Harper plans on expanding Riverview. Hours of operation are his farm with other fruits and vegetables Wednesday and Saturday 10 a.m.- 4 such as leafy greens, sweet potatoes, p.m. Call 279-8849.
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Valrico Edition
Page 39
Community Bands Together To Help Homeless Couple Fulfill Dream Wedding Owners Sean and Bonnie McSharry from Cross Creek Ranch in Dover held a special wedding event on Friday, April 1. Evelyn Adams Barlett and David “Rocky” Barlett exchanged their wedding vows in a romantic atmosphere, which set the tone for the ceremony. They have been together for 22 years, but did not have the finances to purchase a marriage license. The couple, who was once homeless for three years, has reached a new beginning in their lives with the help of the community. Officer Daniel McDonald from the Tampa Police Department Homeless Initiatives specializes in homeless outreach. He has worked with Evelyn and Rocky for some time now, trying to get them permanent housing. McDonald was aware that Evelyn and Rocky were not married. He looked up the cost of a marriage license, which cost $93.50 and proposed an idea to them. “They were really interested in getting
By Tatiana Ortiz
Photos Courtesy Carrie Wildes Photography
(Left) David “Rocky” Barlett, Evelyn Adams Barlett, Officer Daniel McDonald and Princess on the Barlett’s wedding day. (Above) The community banded together to provide the couple’s dream wedding. (Right) Best man Richard Walsh (left) and groom David “Rocky” Barlett.
married and funds were donated to get them their marriage license,” said McDonald. McSharry also stepped in after hearing the story from other media outlets and it was something she could relate to and she gave a call to McDonald. The $20,000 wedding came together through the support of the community, donations from vendors such as
Alessi Bakery, HH Catering, photographers, florists and much more. All the guests at the wedding were volunteers who donated their services. “Evelyn and Rocky designed their wedding and chose the menu for the food,” said Director Nancy Spooner from Cross Creek Ranch. During the ceremony, the Barlett’s were joined by their friends and guests.
Major James Hall, area commander at The Salvation Army of Tampa/Hillsborough County, officiated the wedding. Along with that, their dog, Princess, attended and acted as flower girl. She wore her collar covered with flowers for this special occasion. Richard Walsh, who is a friend of Evelyn and Rocky, walked Rocky down the aisle. Walsh has lived in Tampa with the couple at the same homeless camp for almost three years. “I met Evelyn and Rocky in 2013. They are the two most caring people I have ever met,” said Walsh. Lastly, the couple received a key to their new place and are moved in. Homemakers of Hope donated all of the furniture and furnishings. The couple truly got their fairytale ending. “Words cannot describe how grateful were are for Officer McDonald and the people who did this for us,” said Evelyn. For more information on Cross Creek Ranch, visit www.crosscreekranchfl.com. It is located at 12950 E. Wheeler Rd. in Dover. Hours of Operation Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Call 6510934.
Page 40
Volume 13, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
cost makes it tempting to avoid getting coverage. But that safety net is vital when the unexpected happens. Just as insurance comes in different forms, so does insurance fraud. Hillsborough County Consumer Protection wants to keep residents informed about the different types of insurance Compiled by Michelle Colesanti, fraud. Below are tips from the michelle@ospreyobserver.com county to protect residents. -Never provide your personal information to unsolicited callers or via Women’s Conference Of Florida email, even if they mention prosecution; 2016 these are scams. Contact the company The 2016 Women’s Conference of directly if you receive a message from Florida, chaired by Hillsborough County them requesting information. Commissioner Sandra L. Murman, and -Do not respond to solicitations Florida’s first statewide professional demanding payment or suggesting that women’s conference will you should pay for coverage that you debut Thursday and Friday, May 19already have. 20 in Tampa. The theme of the two-day Contact your insurconference is Involve, Inspire, ance company if Invest, and the goal is to encourage pro- this occurs, or fessional women of all ages to combine check with the their singular voices into one strong, col- Florida Department lective voice throughout the event. of Financial In addition to two days of inspiraServices for more tional and informative programming, the information. Women’s Conference of Florida will be a -Protect your self-sustaining organization that raises insurance cards. awareness of issues important to This applies to all women throughout the year. Join over insurance, but med1,000 of the most influential women in ical identity theft is Florida to make history at this inaugural one of the top issues on the rise. event. -Be a smart shopper; do your homeVisit www.womensconferenceofflori- work to be certain that companies, da.com, or access the Women’s including insurance companies, are Conference tab on Commissioner legitimate before doing business with Murman’s website at www.sandymurthem. To check into insurance compaman.com. nies in Florida, visit www.myfloridacfo.com and type Avoid Insurance Fraud During “insurance” in the search function. National Financial Literacy Month Report potential fraud to the Florida Paying for insurance can be chalDepartment of Insurance Fraud at (877) lenging, and for many consumers the 693-5236 or at apps8.fldfs.com/first/. For
Become A Florida Master Money Mentor, Women’s Conference & More
more information, contact Hillsborough County Consumer Protection at 9033430, or review information provided by the Department of Financial Services at www.myfloridacfo.com.
Become A Florida Master Money Mentor
Hillsborough County Extension is offering training to those interested in becoming a Florida Master Money Mentor volunteer. The program is an opportunity for participants to learn more about personal finance and then share that knowledge with others. The four-week training is scheduled Thursday, June 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the County Extension Office at 5339 County Rd. 579 in Seffner. Participants must attend all four classes. The cost is $15 for the series. No previous financial education or background in financial services is required to be a Florida Master Money Mentor. Training topics include effective communication strategies, budgeting, credit, debt management, and saving and investing for future goals. Mentors are asked to commit to volunteering at least three hours per week, and to follow guidelines in regards to reporting, client confidentiality, and providing unbiased research-based information. Individuals who promote, sell, or endorse financial products or services are not eligible to be volunteers, but can
attend the training to increase their personal financial knowledge. Register online at 2016fmmm.eventbrite.com no later than Tuesday, May 24. For more information, contact 744-5519 ext. 54143 or lesliel@ hillsboroughcounty.org.
Health And Fitness At Hillsborough County Senior Centers
Hillsborough County Aging Services offers a variety of activities for adults age 50 and over. Visit HillsboroughCounty.org/Aging to view activity calendars and additional center information, or call Aging Services at 272-5250. National Senior Health & Fitness Day, scheduled this year on Wednesday, May 25, is the largest national health event for older adults. Upcoming activities taking place in May at the Brandon Senior Center, 612 N. Parsons Ave.: -May 16 at 1 p.m. - Wellness: Fresh from the Garden -May 18 at 12 Noon Wellness: Benefits of Water -May 19 at 12:30 p.m. - Salsa Dance Lessons -May 20 at 10:30 a.m. - Armed Forces Flag Raising Ceremony -May 23 at 1 p.m. - All about You! Share personal photos, awards, memorabilia, etc. with others. -May 25 at 1 p.m. - National Senior Health & Fitness Day: Commitment to Better Health; activities and refreshments. -May 26 at 1 p.m. - What are Your Summer Plans? -May 27 at 11:30 a.m. - Memorial Day Celebration: Picnic in the Park. Registration required. For more information, call 6358066.
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May 2016
Page 41
Valrico Edition
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Plant City Resident Charlotte Dillon Paints A Tribute To Farm Life
Unforeseeable Future, a painting of a lady on a bike. Dillon's statement said, "Not too long ago behind every tractor driving man farmer was a lovely tough woman. Tenderness is a great strength on a farm. I need it daily." Chad Loving, administrative and services assistant for the Bruton Memorial Library, said, "Charlotte's work is attention grabbing and full of joy. Her bright colors The Bruton Memorial Library in Plant City currently and fun subjects cause smiles and features Tribute to Farm Life by Charlotte Dillon. a sense of warmth. Her pieces remind her audience of family and The May exhibit at the Bruton growth. Her training and technical skills Memorial Library in Plant City is a collecare evident in her work, bringing a polish tion of paintings created by Charlotte to her folk art techniques and subjects." Dillon of Plant City. In her artist's stateAccording to Loving, Dillon's Tribute ment, Dillon said, "Almost four years ago to Farm Life in Plant City is quite timely we bought a seven acre property in Plant and fitting. City. We were just two city kids with lots “As a rural, agriculture-focused comof dreams. A small farm education pales munity, the residents of Plant City will the likes of our college degrees." Dillon especially appreciate Charlotte's work. dedicated the show "to her tractor driving Representations of life are always relehusband." vant, but Charlotte's depiction of farm life There are nine pieces in this colorful, using the folk art style will particularly reseclectic collection. Dillon paints a picture onate with the patrons of Bruton of what life is like on a small farm. Memorial Library," said Loving. An example of Dillon's work is The Bruton Memorial Library is locatIntuition, a painting of a dog. Dillon's ed at 302 McLendon St. in historic downstatement said, "This shepherd showed up unannounced the day one of my goats town Plant City. The library exhibits the work of local artists each month. Artists died. He will ever be a reminder to me of interested in having an exhibit at the God sending me a comforter right when I library can pick up an application at the need one, even before." front desk. Another example of Dillon's work is
Plant City Photo Archives And History Center Expands Hours Of Operation although curiosity walk-in traffic was found to occur during Car Show and Bike Fest events. Virtually no photo collections or history center activity took place on weekends.” If, however, you are in town for a short time or can only visit on the weekend, the staff will be happy to make an appointment. History Center Administrative Kim Hamilton said, “The Assistant, The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center has extended its hours and will allow extended hours will allow students and visitors by appointment on days it is closed. others the opportunity to pursue research In an effort to provide greater service, projects after normal school or work the Plant City Photo Archives and History hours.” Hamilton also serves as the secCenter (History Center) has greatly retary for the Friends of the Bruton expanded its hours. Memorial Library. “We have adopted a revised schedThe History Center serves as a ule to provide greater accessibility during venue for the arts. It hosts concerts, the work week,” explained Gilbert Gott, receptions and exhibits. In addition, the executive director of the History Center. History Center serves as a regular meetThe administrative office of the ing place for a number of Plant City History Center will now be open from 9 based organizations including the Kiwanis a.m.-7 p.m., and the Exhibit Gallery, Club, the Arts Council of Plant City, History Center and research library will be Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library, open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday Daybreak Rotary Club, Civitan Club and through Thursday. others. The History Center recently underThe History Center is a great took a study of facility usage. According to resource for all residents. It will have a Gott, “The staff found that being open summer intern program this year. Those longer hours during the week would beninterested should contact Gott at efit visitors substantially. In addition, many gvgott@gmail.com. events at the Archives (History Center) The Plant City Photo Archives and are hosted in the evening hours. The staff History Center is located at 106 S. Evers study found that significant usage was St. in historic downtown Plant City. For very low on Fridays and Saturdays, more information, call 754-1578.
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Page 42
Valrico Edition
PRESS
Authorized:
Reporter
Tamas
Mondovics
tamas@ ver.com ospreyobser
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Volume 13, Issue 5
Sports Connection 657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com
Raiders Fall Short Of District Title, Bulls Claim Third Championship
By Tamas Mondovics
managed to One of the most become number competitive seasons for two all-time quarterlocal girls flag football back and has comprograms ended last pleted 289 of 486 month with the much passes for 2,802 favored Bloomingdale yards, 24 touchBulls claiming its third downs, seven interstraight district title (2014, ceptions and ran 2015, 2016). for five touchTo win the champidowns. onship, the Bulls (8-2) Hostelley’s twin defeated the Plant City sister, Sara, also Raiders 20-7. enjoyed success This year’s 2A on the field this District 6 playoffs, which year by catching marked the tenth year of 103 passes for district tournaments in 1,086 yards and 14 Hillsborough County, touchdowns. were held at East Bay Senior wide High School. receiver, Courtnee Since 2007 (10 seaThaxton, posted 45 sons) only four of the 28 receptions for 610 Hillsborough County high yards and four schools have made touchdowns this every district tournament: season, while on Plant, Robinson, Plant defense she City and East Bay. claimed three interIn 2016, flag football ceptions and 49 was placed into two clasflag pulls. sifications; in 2A with 118 Newsome teams and 1A with 109 went 5-4 and beat teams with 20 Bloomingdale in the Independents. regular season. With six district tiles The Wolves won under its belt, the Plant City Raiders Chariti Davis gets the first down before being halted in the first quarter against the Bloomingdale Bulls. the district champiRaiders team was onship in 2011. added to the district six Head Coach Michael Cooper said was Bloomingdale beat East Bay 19-0. For the first time, Riverview (2-7) was line up, ending the season with a 7-3 his “best team in three years.” Lankford added that his team came into led by the Sharks long time wrestling record as they played against the Bulls “We started strong, went to the 2016 season with high expectations coach Willi Sargable. The team has for a seventh district championship (2008, and felt like the better team in the Tallahassee for Capital City Classic tourreportedly showed much improvement 09, 11, 12, 13, 15). nament going 2-1 with the team record at district. and got better as the season progressed, Bloomingdale, led by program head 6-2,” Cooper said. “Unfortunately, we “I said it before, but this is the best playing a number of close games. The coach, Mike Lankford, clearly proved a bit team I've ever had, on and off the field, struggled scoring all year in both wins Sharks enjoyed the talents of senior Mary too much for the Raiders. and losses and finished with an 8-5 and I think that showed at times this Rodriguez, who played for Bandits AAU “We are very excited to have won the year,” he said. record.” club team and participated in the Bucs district for the third year in a row,” East Bay will graduate three seniors Unfortunately the Bulls state-appearrecent half-time game. Lankford said. “We work hard each and and plans to return seven starters next ance quest ended after a 7-6 semifinal For more information about East Bay every day to try and be a top team in the spring. loss to the Saint Cloud Bulldogs. Indians, visit state.” Cooper was proud of his second year As for the playoff host, East Bay also www.ebhsgirlsflagfootball.com. To reach the title game, junior quarterback, Sydney Hostelley, who entered the season with what program
May 2016
Page 43
Valrico Edition
Sports
Connection
Photos by Tamas Mondovics
Class 2A District 6 Flag Football Playoff Games In Photos
Raiders running back Rachel Stevens gets a few yards before her flag is pulled by the Bulls defensive line during a 2A-6 District Championship game.
Bloomingdale senior quarterback Sarah Tam gets ready to connect the ball with junior wide receiver Jaid Angel for the extra point against Plant City.
Bloomingdale Bulls Miya Franklin gains some yards before her flag is pulled in the first quarter against the Plant City Raiders during the 2A-6 District Championship game last month at East Bay High School.
Plant City Raiders quarterback Alicia Zarate sends the ball down the field for a first down against Bloomingdale during the 2A-6 Flag Football District Championship at East Bay High School.
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Page 44
Volume 13, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
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