Bloomingdale/FishHawk
8 C E L E B R A T I N G
February 2019 Volume 18, Issue 2 Ph: 657-2418 1 7
Y E A R S
O F
P U B L I S H I N G
P O S I T I V E
See Our Ad on Page 10 C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
BYSA Hits Another One Out Of The Park Celebrating Its 50th Year
Local Farms Host Strawberry Challenge To Support Migrant Families
tled in behind the Y campus. “BYSA has become a community landmark,” said former player Rocco Cafaro. “The volunteers that run the park Players wearing uniforms have consisting of blue jeans and faithfully Bloomingdale baseball team maintained and shirt as coach presents a trophy in 1974. improved the facilities over the When the first umpire years, and it announced “Let’s Play Ball” at remains a vibrant a small private park on the corpart of a thriving ner of Lithia Pinecrest Road community. On and Bloomingdale Avenue 50 any given weekyears ago, it launched a sports end, the place is legacy that continues to presfilled with kids ent day. learning about The Bloomingdale Youth baseball and havSports Association (BYSA), foring fun.” Cafaro merly called the Bloomingdale Rocco Cafaro (C) played in mid- himself played Little League (BLL), will celelate 1980s at the BYSA fields. brate its 50th Anniversary by Sons Luca (L) age 11 and Marco baseball at these (R) age 13 have played since 4 fields in the midhosting a celebration event on years of age. late 1980s, conSaturday, February 23. The tinuing his career playing for morning will kick off at 11 a.m. on Field 2, Bloomingdale High School and making it featuring a guest speaker, past players, to the 1991 State Final Four team. Now, food vendors, bounce house, face painthe enjoys watching his two sons, Luca ing, dunk tank and more. In 1969, as the center of the commu- and Marco, play at the same fields since they were 4 years old. nity, this ballpark provided kids a safe These fields are the ‘Home Plate’ place to play baseball while learning about good sportsmanship. A half-century where all things happen in baseball and in life. Frank Mega is another player later, it is now a county park that has turned parent and board member, “BYSA grown from three fields into eight fields with 15 batting cages. Located at the cor- is a place where kids can get away and be themselves; interacting with kids of all ner of Bloomingdale Ave. and Culbreath walks of life and share in the love of the Rd., there are seven fields across from Continued on Page 9 the Campo Y and one field, Field 8 nes-
It is finally strawberry ing contest. The season and residents are Plant City singing invited to get their hands group NRG will also on some of the delicious perform on stage. fruit for a great cause this Teams for the month. The Sixth Annual challenge will Strawberry Picking include the Challenge, presented by Hillsborough County Monte Packaging, will Sheriff’s Office and take place at Fancy the Hillsborough Farms in Plant City on County Fire Rescue. Saturday, February 9, There will also be a and local strawberry fire truck on-site for lovers can help Florida’s children to explore. migrant children while “The event is a having fun. wonderful way to The Sixth Annual Strawberry Picking According to Amber bring the community Challenge to benefit the Redlands Christian Migrant Association will take together to celebrate Maloney, Director of place in Plant City on Saturday, Marketing with Plant the strawberry seaFebruary 9. City’s Wish Farms, son and enjoy a day strawberry growers from all over Florida on the farm, all for a good cause,” said participate in the fun challenge where Maloney. corporate teams pick fruit in a relay-style Sponsorship opportunities are still race. available. “This event brings the industry The celebration will take place on together to celebrate and appreciate Saturday, February 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 those who harvest our fruit,” said p.m. Fancy Farms is located at 3536 Maloney. “It is a very special event that is Dutch Loop in Plant City. For more informemorable for all those who attend.” mation, call 752-5111 or visit www.wishThanks to the sponsors, the event is farms.com. To learn more about RCMA, free to the general public who can purvisit www.RCMA.net. chase U-pick strawberries for $5 a quart. All money raised is donated to the Redlands Christian Migrant Association InThis (RCMA), a Florida non-profit that works Issue with more than 6,000 children in 20 Florida counties. The event raised FLIGHT TO HONOR TRIP ....................PG 3 $100,000 for RCMA in 2018 and in five years has donated $428,000 for the CLEWS VISITS RANDALL MS...............PG 4 charity, which focuses on serving the chilDISTRACTED DRIVING ......................PG 16 dren of Hispanic immigrants. “While the Strawberry Picking BUSCH GARDENS CELEBRATES 60....PG 22 Challenge has grown every year, the FLORIDA STATE FAIR ........................PG 35 heart of the event is simple,” said Maloney. “Bring the community together MOTORING ......................................PG 39 for a day of fun in the field to recognize CHALKLINES....................................PG 40 our valued farm workers.” Entertainment at the event includes SPORTS CONNECTION ....................PG 46 a face painter, balloon artist, Home Depot-sponsored wood work station for READ MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE kids, coloring station, cornhole, hula www.ospreyobserver.com hoop, DJ and strawberry shortcake eat-
By Kate Quesada
Osprey Observer 918 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Brandon, FL 33511-6121
Postal Customer
ECRWSS EDDM
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2397
By Kathi Hayes
The 84th annual Strawberry Festival promises to be a ‘berry’ sweet time for those in attendance.This year it takes place from Thursday, February 28 to Sunday, March 10. Enjoy 11 days of family-friendly entertainment which includes fair food delights, concerts, rides, stage shows, attractions and exhibits. See full story Page 16.
Serving Our Customers in 4 Locations: Lithia • Big Bend, Riverview • 301, Riverview • Sun City Center