Bloomingdale/FishHawk
10
February 2024
Volume 23, Issue 2
February 29-March 10
See Ad On Page 35
Ph: 813-657-2418
CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
RUNNING OF THE BULLS 5K RAISES OVER $15,000 FOR BLOOMINGDALE HIGH SCHOOL
NEW AIRLINE PREPARING TO TAKE OFF FROM LAKELAND LINDER AIPPORT
By Brad Stager
By Jane Owen
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
Avelo Airlines is preparing to begin operations at Lakeland Linder International Airport.
Whether your destination is Kalispell, Montana or San Juan, Puerto Rico, you’ll soon be able to consider flights from another Tampa Bay area airport to meet your travel needs. A new option for Tampa Bay travelers is on the horizon as Avelo Airlines prepares for passenger service at Lakeland Linder International Airport. Agreements between Avelo Airlines, Visit Central Florida and the airport were approved by the Lakeland City Commission in December 2023, clearing the way for the budget air carrier to begin operations there. According to Avelo’s website, the airline currently operates out of 43 airports with regular and seasonal schedules. Avelo is establishing itself as an airline flying in and out of smaller airports that can provide convenience to travelers living farther away from major air hubs. Besides the aforementioned Big Sky Country and La Isla del Encanto destinations, other locations serviced by Avelo include airports in Eugene, Oregon; Dubuque, Iowa; and Rochester, New York, among others. Besides smaller, local airports, Avelo also flies in and out of larger ones, such as Tampa International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. As for when Avelo begins operations at Lakeland Linder, there is no announced date or flight schedule as of our press time. According to a Facebook post by Lakeland Linder International Airport, “There are several improvement projects needed for passenger operations to commence at LAL.
Once those projects are on track, Avelo Airlines will start providing additional details to include a start date, routes and service frequency.” Those improvements are covered in the Airline Operating Agreement, Airline Facilities Construction and Lease Agreement and an Air Carrier Incentive Program that the Lakeland City Commission approved. The new passenger service is expected to contribute to Lakeland’s profile as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and officials are pleased. Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse said, “We are excited to partner with Avelo Airlines to provide passenger services in and out of our Lakeland Linder International Airport. This relationship will further diversify the tremendous economic benefits and services that our community receives from our airport. We are confident that Lakeland will assist Avelo in advancing their founding purpose, ‘To Inspire Travel,’ and welcome the many visitors that will come to know Lakeland because of the travel options Avelo and the City of Lakeland will provide.”
IN THIS ISSUE: CARDINAL CLAY SHOOT .................PG 3 MOTORING TAMPA BAY .................PG 5 COLLEGE FOOTBALL BOOK............PG 9 EYE ON BUSINESS ................PGS 25-26 A KID’S PLACE GALA.....................PG 30
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The seventh ticipants includannual Running ed runners and of the Bulls 5K walkers from all drew in around over the area, 400 people to along with curBloomingdale rent students High School on and BloomingJanuary 13 and dale High School raised just over alumni. In ad$15,000 for the dition to the high school and 5K, which utiband. New this Superintendent Van Ayers running the 2024 Running lizes pavement of the Bulls 5K. year, the 5K is throughout the providing two campus, there scholarships to was a half-mile Bloomingdarun/walk around le High School the track. Parseniors, which ticipants of both will be presentevents received ed at the Senior finisher medals, Awards Banquet and 5K particiin May. pants received Malik Millet Dri-FIT shirts. won the 5K with Bloomingdale The 2024 Running of the Bulls 5K starting line. a time of 16:41. band director Makenna Mach, a Bloomingdale High Jordan Fraze is extremely grateful for School senior, was the overall female the support the 5K provides the band. winner with a time of 21:28. Hillsbor“Seeing the community come out in ough County Public Schools Superinten- troves to support the band through the dent Van Ayers and Bloomingdale High Running of the Bulls 5K was incredible. School Principal Dr. Marcos Rodriguez This event is one of our largest fundran the 5K. It was Ayers’ second time raisers, and it goes towards helping the participating. band program purchase instruments, “I loved the atmosphere of the race and equipment, sheet music and so many the way the community came together more things that are required to keep to support Bloomingdale High. This is my our program functioning at the level of second year taking part in Running of excellence that is has for so many years. the Bulls 5K, and I plan on always mak- I’d like to personally thank our local runing it part of my racing calendar. The ning community for making our 2024 race brought together students, staff Running of the Bulls a success,” Fraze and families and was a wonderful way to said. spend a Saturday morning,” Ayers said. To find out other ways to give to The 5K was put on by the Bloomingda- Bloomingdale’s Rajun’ Bull Band, please le Band Boosters and Reed & Reed made contact jordan.fraze@hcps.net. For possible by local business sponsorships, more information about the Running such as title sponsors Acropolis Greek of the Bulls 5K or to find out about Taverna in Riverview, The Jeep Depot, next year’s event, email bloomingdaleHungry Howie’s and Reed & Reed. Par- bulls5k@gmail.com.
Not to be combined with any other offer. Only valid at Riverview, FL - Boyette location.
Enjoy a festive parade, live music and Cajun-inspired food and drink at Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay runs select dates through Sunday, March 3. Visit buschgardenstampa.com for tickets, show schedules and times. Read the full article on page 21.
1/31/2024 2/29/2024
$40 OFF BRAKES Includes Free Brake Inspection Not to be combined with any other offer. Only valid at Riverview, FL - Boyette location.
2/29/2024 1/31/2024