Issuu

Two Sections, 40 Pages of Community News

NEW! Brandon/Winthrop

April 2017

C E L E B R A T I N G

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Y E A R S

O F

Volume 12, Issue 4

Ph: 657-2418

P U B L I S H I N G

P O S I T I V E

Riverview 14 GDX Now Open As Tampa's Destination Movie Theater

By Tamas Mondovics

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When Goodrich Quality Theaters, (GQT) a Grand Rapids, Michiganbased company founded in 1930, chose Riverview Photo courtesy of Tri-North Builders Inc. to build its Dubbed as Tampa's destination theater, Goodrich Quality Theaters, (GQT) Riverview 14 GDX Theater is now open at the southwest corner of I-75 30th locaand Gibsonton Dr. directly east of Super Walmart (exit 250). tion, a $20 Upon arrival, guests are greeted million, state-of-the-art multiplex in by a giant contemporary lobby that Florida, the objective was clear and includes Features, a first-ofproudly non-negotiable; open with no misits-kind, stand-alone restaurant, bar takes. and Gastro-Pub developed by “Our company culture is all about Celebrity Chef Brian Duffy of Bar fanatical attention to detail,” said GQT Rescue and drink specials crafted by Marketing Director, Kelly Nash. “This is mixologist Mike Tipps. The restaurant our first multiplex outside the Midwest has its own entrance, and is also and we wanted to ensure we opened accessible through the lobby and without excuses or errors.” a scratch kitchen perfect for offers Based on Nash’s sentiments, and lunch, dinner and late-night snacks, judging by opening weekend results, with nothing on the menu over $12, the 66,000 sq. ft., Riverview 14 GDX which gives a whole new meaning to (Giant Digital Experience), located at the phrase, “dinner and a movie.” the southwest corner of I-75 and Following her visit on opening Gibsonton Dr. directly east of the weekend, Riverview Honorary Mayor, Super Walmart (exit 250), did not only Tammy Holmberg, said, "This is not meet its goals- but has far surpassed just the movies. Goodrich Riverview its best expectations. 14 is a game changer in the movie The theater features 1,665 elecwatching experience.” tronically reclining seats with snack The lobby features box offices and trays and cup holders and all seats are self-serve ticket kiosks as well as conreserved. cession stands coupled with self-serve “We opened our doors merely two soft drinks and $0.50 popcorn refills. hours after government approvals and Adding to the experience is sold 1,300 tickets within the first 120 Goodrich’s cutting-edge, large format minutes,” Nash said, adding that in its auditoriums with 4K digital projection first weekend, more than 10,000 tickContinued on page 8 ets were sold.

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C O M M U N I T Y

N E W S

Popular Paul Sanders Park Reopens After Major RenovationBy Tamas Mondovics 23

Children swing and play at the recently renovated Paul Sander Park, located at 602 W. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. The park has reopened this month.

Brandon’s Paul Sanders Park, home to one of Hillsborough County’s most heavily used playgrounds, reopened the first week of April, following a twomonth renovation and expansion project. Named after long time Brandon resident Paul Sanders, in 1991 the park is known by many as “The Tree Park” thanks to its mature oak trees that provide shade by means of a natural canopy. The news of its closing in early February to upgrade and expand the park located at 602 W. Bloomingdale Ave. was bittersweet for its regular guests, who, while agreeing with the much-needed facelift, had to exercise some patience during the duration of the project. It was no surprise to see a large crowd on opening day welcoming the finished product that includes a brand new playground along with additional play structures. “I love this park,” said Riverview residents Carolyn Napier, who has brought her son and daughter ages five and six to opening day.

The playground features traditional swings and slides along with next-generation playground equipment that encourages children of all abilities to climb, run, and play. To charm the children and those young at heart, the new equipment includes a Tyrannosaurus Rex that appears to be arising from the earth. Additional playground pieces are also designed to help children on the autism spectrum who become overstimulated. While the crowd of children lined up to give the new playground pieces a fair try, there was no shortage of

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In This Issue SKYTYPERS .........................................PG 4 BELL SCHEDULE PROPOSAL ...............PG 5 ORGAN DONORS..............................PG 13 VINE TO WINE..................................PG 15

CYBER SECURITY.............................PG 20 CHALKLINES....................................PG 30 SUMMER CAMPS.....................PGS 31‐37