Valrico
29
August 2023
Volume 20, Issue 8
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CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
COMMUNITY PLAN GIVES VALRICO RESIDENTS A VOICE
By Brian Bokor
Local District 4 this time.” County CommissionOwen stressed er Michael Owen has this plan opens the played a significant opportunity for resirole in several Southdents to address “eneastern Hillsborough hancements — green County initiatives since space, paths, lights, his election last Noroundabout, sidewalks The Valrico planning meeting had a big vember. These include — things that make the Lithia Pinecrest turnnout as residents engaged in the process. our area safer and PD&E study, a potenmore walking and bike tial elevated Selmon friendly. These types Expressway running of enhancements can from Brandon to Big be built into the comBend along U.S. Highmunity plan so the deway 301 and creation velopers’ representaof the Valrico Commutives (lawyers) know nity Plan, which gives what will be required residents of Valrico a voice when it comes to of them when submitting plans for new projfuture growth. ects in Valrico. If developers know what is “The purpose of the community plan is for expected from them, this should lead to more Valrico to have a seat at the table when it cohesive and unified development.” comes to growth, just like Brandon, Ruskin, For residents living in the 33596 ZIP code Riverview and Apollo Beach,” said Owen in who are already included in the Brandon our recent interview. “Valrico, to me, is not an community (Bloomingdale East, Oakdale urban area like Brandon; … Brandon, to me, is Riverview Estates, Lithia Oaks and Valencia now the urban core. (And since) Valrico does Ridge), “they will live in coalescence and be not have one, developers have been using the considered residents of both Valrico as well Brandon Plan when proposing their projects as Brandon community plans. This allows evin Valrico. People living on the east side of eryone in our area to participate and have a Valrico are probably going to have a different say in future growth. I think it’s a once-in-aopinion than do those living on the west side, lifetime opportunity,” Owen said. and that’s why we need everyone at the table Currently, there are 22 community plans from all parts of our community to create this within unincorporated Hillsborough County. plan. Turnout from the entire community and Owen wants Valrico citizens to be entitled not just a core group is essential to the plan’s to the same benefits that other community success.” plans present. All plans are available for reWhen asked about a downtown, he said, view in the Livable Communities Element of “I would think on Highway 60 near the the Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan Winn-Dixie. That area is where you would at https://planhillsborough.org/communiwant to concentrate your shopping and ty-planning. mixed-use. The fact is a lot of developers will Owen and his staff would like to thank the reference Brandon when we all know that Valrico community for being involved as an Valrico is not Brandon. We live on the edge important part and look forward to accomof the Urban Service Area. Large-scale apart- plishing great things together. ment complexes and heavy commercial projTo contact, Owen, call 813-272-5740, fax ects where there’s no public transportation 813-272-7049, or email owenm@hillsborand few jobs doesn’t make a lot of sense at oughcounty.org.
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MY SAFE FLORIDA PRESENTS VALRICO VETERAN AND CANCER SURVIVOR WITH NEW ROOF
By Jane Owen
On July of staff ser15, Tom and geant in Judy O’Kane less than received a four years new roof on and was their ValAirman of rico home. the Month As a result in October of a grant 1968. His from the My other honSafe Florida From left to right: Bradley Strandberg, manager of Reroof Amer- ors include Home pro- ica Contractors; Tom and Judy O’Kane, local homeowners; Elle a letter of gram and Kiefer, the homeowners’ daughter; Jeremiah Kiefer, owner of The commendathe generos- Deft Group; Darin Bradley, COO of The Deft Group; and Jason tion for best Jones, owner of Advantage Restoration. ity of severload crew al industry member for partners, the roof was reall the PACAF (Pacific placed for free. Air Forces) while servicReroof America supplied ing as load crew chief in the labor, GAF Roofing the 8th Tactical Fighter and Gulfeagle Supply proWing and a Certificate vided the materials and of Weapons Load Crew The Deft Group coordinatChief from the 35th ed logistics and necessary Tactical Fighter Wing. upgrades to meet Florida Tom and Judy have wind code requirements. been married for 42 Both O’Kanes are canyears and have lived in cer survivors, and Tom is a Florida since 2008. This Vietnam War veteran. year has been difficult Tom O’Kane is a Vietnam The much-needed new with Judy due to having veteran and a cancer survivor roof replaced the roof who recently received a new roof a double mastectomy. from 2004 and was pro- thanks to a grant from the My Safe The O’Kanes are exvided just ahead of hurri- Florida Home program and area ceedingly thankful that businesses. cane season. During the Judy is in remission. installation, Reroof America hosted a The free roof replacement and commucommunity cookout for the neighbor- nity support has filled their hearts with hood and provided hurricane prepared- gratitude. ness information. Bringing the neighbors “It’s God’s gift that something like this together was also a heartwarming way happens. We are really grateful for GAF to honor Tom and his military service. for donating the shingles and Reroof “It is our honor to provide a much-need- America for doing all the work and for ed service to those who have served our Gulfeagle delivering all the materials,” country or have bravely fought cancer. Tom said. Our goal is to make a positive impact on their lives and show them appreciation and support for all they have done for our community,” said Brad Strandberg, a FASHION SHOW .................................PG 3 manager for Reroof America. NEW HCC PROGRAM .......................PG 5 Tom served in the United States Air Force from April 1967 to August 1975. He EDUCATION CORNER ....................PG 17 completed three tours in Southeast Asia, EYE ON BUSINESS..........................PG 21 including being sent to Korea in response FL AIR MUSEUM ............................ PG 40 to the Pueblo crisis. He achieved the rank
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