Bloomingdale/FishHawk 36
September 2018 Volume 17, Issue 9 Ph: 657-2418
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Bloomingdale Square Redevelopment Kids Get New Backpacks At The Annual Seeds Of Hope Backpack Distribution Underway, Publix Move Confirmed By Sammie Green By Sharon Still
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Redevelopment is set to kick off in September at Bloomingdale Square, located on the southwest corner of Bloomingdale Ave. and Bell Shoals Rd. Phase One, according to leasing agent Marc Elias, will consist of repurposing the old Wal-Mart space as well as constructing a 15,000 sq. ft. strip center on an outparcel adjacent to Bloomingdale Ave. The long vacant Wal-Mart space will be home to a 48,000 sq. ft. Publix and Home Centric, a home goods store owned By Beall’s that will occupy 15,000 sq. ft. The existing Publix will keep its doors open until the day the new Publix opens. “There will be no down time for Publix,” reported Elias. While there is no announcement of a prospective tenant for the nearly 40,000 sq. ft. space that Publix will vacate, Elias said that they continue to add tenants to the inline space and more new additions will be coming soon. “We are committed to delivering a valuable, Class A asset that is comple-
mentary to the neighborhood,” he said. Construction on the new, 15,000 sq. ft. strip center also is set to begin in September. Located along the entrance roadway closest to McDonald’s, the center will house a First Watch restaurant with a patio, GNC, Banfield Pet Hospital and Chicken Salad Chick. “We have two others close to signing and that will complete the out parcel,” Elias commented. He explained that construction on space previously occupied by Walmart as well as the strip center should be complete in May or June of 2019 and then turned over to the tenants with an anticipated September or October 2019 opening for the stores. Space available ranges from 12036538 sq. ft. and includes a 6200 sq. ft. restaurant with a patio. “We have been waiting to hear what would be taking Walmart’s place,” said Bloomingdale resident Tony D’Ambrosio. “We were hoping for an ALDI and could use some new restaurants.” “We are hoping to fill the spaces with businesses that the neighbors want,” said Elias. For leasing information, contact Elias at 813-664-4823 or visit www.regencycenters.com.
Students Eva On August 2, Gutierrez, Naomi Seeds of Hope Boerner and Kaitlin hosted its second Francavilla all annual back-toagreed Seeds of school backpack Hope provides distribution to something other local families in food banks don’t need. At the because you get to event, over 200 see the people and backpacks filled their impact. These with school supstudents become plies were distribfamiliar with the uted to kids getfamilies coming to ting ready to go the bank and learn back to school. their stories, making Papa John’s pizza for an impactful volalso attended the event and donatunteer experience. ed 35 pizzas for Seeds of Hope the families to hosts different enjoy. events throughout Newsome the community, The leader of the backpack distribution, student Morgan including Soup for Morgan Gardner, poses with some of the Gardner was the kids after they received their backpacks. the Soul, FishHawk leader of the backpack distribution. “I Turkey Trot and the Color Your Egg help regularly with Seeds of Hope and Run. For more information about the have gotten to know the families and organization and volunteering, visit its the kids. This kind of stuff is so helpful website, sohopfl.org. To stay up to date for them and that’s why I wanted to on Seeds of Hope events and donation lead this event,” Gardner said. needs, visit its Facebook page, Seeds President of Seeds of Hope Leda of Hope Inc. Eaton explained the goal of their organization is to listen to what the people need and help where it is needed. “We meet the need of the community we serve. We are not people who come to just throw things at people. If 40 they did not need backpacks, we would not be here doing backpacks,” Eaton HEROES 9/11 RUN .............................PG 4 said. Along with distributing over 200 NEW CALENDAR OF EVENTS..............PG 5 backpacks, 132 boxes of food were also given to families to take home. HOA HOT TOPICS ...............................PG 7 Seeds of Hope is a food bank EIGHTH GRADE CONTEST ..................PG 8 organization created eight years ago with a mission to ‘provide help to local CRISIS HOTLINE 2‐1‐1.......................PG 11 people in need and meaningful comSPECIAL FORCES SCHOLARSHIPS .....PG 15 munity service hours for students.’ Many students from the local schools SPORTS CONNECTION...............PGS 32‐33 volunteer with Seeds of Hope and see CHALKLINES .....................................PG 37 first-hand their impact on people.
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Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies Breanna Rodriguez and Clifford Fletcher hosted the second Coffee with a Cop event of the year at Moreno Bakery. Kathi Hayes Hillsborough County PTA Vice President Leadership and Kate Quesada Osprey Observer News Reporter were among the commmunity members in attendance. See Story On Page 4.
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