NEW! Brandon/Winthrop
See Our Special Pull Out Section C E L E B R A T I N G
March 2018 Volume 13, Issue 3 Ph: 657-2418 1 6
Y E A R S
O F
P U B L I S H I N G
First Of Five Habitat For Humanity Homes Completed In Brandon
By Michelle Caceres
Osprey Observer 918 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Brandon, FL 33511-6121
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Pratt will be celebrating again in April, when her adult daughter and grandchildren (aged seven, six and three) move into the home next door after it is completed next month. “I have Kiran Patel (R) presented the Pratt family with the keys to their new Habitat for Humanity home in Brandon. been a part of It was a happy day for new homeowner Sonya Pratt and her two sons Kenneth and Keon, who were presented the keys to their new Habitat for Humanity home by Dr. Kiran Patel during the home dedication ceremony in March. The 1300 sq. ft., 3-bedroom 2bath home, is the first ever Habitat for Humanity home built in Brandon and is part of a five-lot neighborhood block on East Morgan St. known my grandchildren’s life since they were as Williams Glen. born and words really can’t describe “I’ve always dreamed about ownhow happy I am to know that they will ing my own home but I never thought be living right next door,” she said. “I’ll it would be possible without being get to see them every day and be married,” said Pratt. “My dream has now come true and I am filled with Continued On Page 7 feelings of joy and happiness.”
P O S I T I V E
24 C O M M U N I T Y
Feed The Bay Returns This April Along With Dedicated Volunteers
By Amanda Boston
Every year Feed the Bay collects upwards of 160,000 pounds of food and store gift cards.
This year’s Feed the Bay will be held on Sunday, April 15 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 17 participating Publix Super Markets throughout Hillsborough County. The one-day event collects thousands of pounds of food to replenish the pantries of local food banks and community agencies. Launched by Bay Life Church in 2006, Feed the Bay leverages more than 30 churches in the Tampa area. The community outreach is an illustration of the body of Christ coming together to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Pickens continued, “We encourage our friends and family to stop by so they can be witnesses to the power of God’s people in action.” Publix Super Market, a longstanding partner in the effort, offers shoppers the convenience of a grocery list with suggested food items. Moreover, after shopping, volunteers are onsite to collect and load the food immediately onto the semitrailers. “Each year we look forward to serving as store coordinators,” said Pickens. “My husband Dwight and I felt that involving our boys, then 10 and 12, would be a great family activity and a way of setting an example of how we should serve others.” While store volunteers are essential to the Feed the Bay mission, other volun-
teer opportunities are available. At 2:30 p.m., the semi-trailers depart from the participating Publix Super Markets and head to one of the 14 participating food banks or agencies. Volunteers are needed to unload and sort the food at these local agencies. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, but children are welcome to participate alongside their parents. To volunteer, visit www.feedthebay.org. Also, the website provides a list of participating Publix Super Markets, churches and agencies. “We love when volunteers bring their children to the event,” Pickens said. If you are unable to participate, gift cards from any supermarket may be dropped off at the Bay Life Church office between now and April 15. Contact Melanie Langston from Bay Life Church at mlangston@baylife.org.
In This Issue ST. STEPHEN REZONING ....................PG 3 NATION’S TOP CANINE ......................PG 9 RELAY FOR LIFE ................................PG 11 FLORIDA ORCHESTRA.......................PG 14 EYE ON BUSINESS .......................PG 25‐26 NEW PARKINSON’S PROGRAM........PG 30 VILLAGE PLAYERS .............................PG 41 BRANDON WRESTLING ....................PG 43
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Yia Yia's Greek Salad
Pimento Crunch Sandwich
Relay for Life events raising money for the American Cancer Society are taking place at Newsome and Bloomingdale high schools next month. See fully story on Page 11.
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