Brandon/ Winthrop
October 2024 Volume 19, Issue 10 SELECT NIGHTS • SEPT. 6 - Nov. 2
Ph: 813-657-2418
29
SAVE ON TICKETS AT Howloscreamtampa.com 8 See Our Ad On Page ___
CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
THE 53RD ANNUAL NOVEMBERFEST COMMUNITY & RESIDENTS WILL FEATURE RIDES, FOOD AND UNITE FOR CLEANUP FOLLOWING GAMES FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY HURRICANE MILTON By Lily Belcher
By Marie Gilmore
“It’s a big undertaking and I think everybody pulls together because it’s important to the school, its important to the church and I think it’s important for any community,” Watts said. Tickets for Novemberfest are available online, but Nativity Catholic School’s students compete to sell the most armbands, so Watts recommends purchasing through them. “It’s just a great way to support the kids as well as support the event,” she said. Single-day armbands are on sale for $19, and guests can purchase discounted food tickets until Sunday, November 17. Armbands are $25 at the door during Novemberfest. “To me, this is how you give back,” Watts said. “This is how you are part of the greater community. … Novemberfest is just a tiny snapshot of what makes Brandon so great. To me, I think it’s the best event in town.” Novemberfest will be hosted at 705 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, on the corner of Bryan Road and State Road 60, at the Nativity Catholic School and Church campus. For more information, visit www.nativitycatholicchurch.org/novemberfest or email nfestentertainment@gmail.com.
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2118
N a t i v i ty Catholic Church’s 53rd annual Novemberfest will kick off at the end of November, bringing rides, games and classic carnival food to the community. Over 5,000 visitors will come to enjoy the event starting Thursday, November 21, and running through Sunday, November 24, said Abby Watts, entertainment cochair. She said the event is a staple of the Brandon community. “It’s seeing people from the community, people you went to high school with, people you go to church with, people you work with,” Watts said. “It’s Brandon.” Past carnival rides, games and food, the ‘big tent’ will be an entertainment hub for those looking for shade, fans and a place to sit. Entertainment will include Nativity Catholic School alumni, community performers and trivia. Carlos Lamoutte, a Nativity alumnus, will perform with his band Sunday night to cap off the weekend. There will be live music each night and sports games broadcast on several televisions in the tent as well. Aside from the local entertainers that make the night fun, the community dedicates over 9,000 volunteer hours each year to make the event possible.
IN THIS ISSUE:
Postal Customer
STRANDHILL PUBLIC
10288 CAUSEWAY BLVD 813-442-7080
ECRWSS EDDM Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
In the wake of “In times like Hurricane Milthis, we really see ton, which swept the spirit of Lithia through Florida, shining through,” area residents said food bank have come togethdirector Laura er to restore our Sanchez. “Neighcommunity and bors are here for support one anothneighbors, and er in the aftermath we’re determined of the storm. With The Monday Moms cleaning trails in Channing Park. to make sure evwinds reaching up eryone has what to 100 mph and they need.” heavy rainfall leavWhile many ing widespread residents are debris, residents grateful for the are rolling up their outreach and sleeves and pitchhelp, recovery efing in to help their forts will require neighbors. significant time Community voland dedication. unteers gathered The county has Supplies for You Matter To Me, Inc. Migrant Advocacy. throughout area declared a state communities and of emergency, parks in one of the allowing local areas hardest hit leaders to acby the hurricane. cess federal reArmed with trash sources to aid in bags, rakes and rebuilding infrachainsaws, the structure, particvolunteers, rangularly for those ing from families whose homes to local businesswere severely es, tackled fallen damaged. FEMA Meadowpark neighors in FishHawk cleaning trails. trees, scattered debris and the remnants of representatives have begun assessing the damaged structures. situation to determine support for individu“It’s heartwarming to see everyone come als and families affected by the storm. together like this,” said local resident and As the sun sets on another day of cleanup, organizer Dave Marshall. “We may have lost the volunteers feel an undeniable sense of some things, but we’ll rebuild stronger than hope and solidarity. The spirit of our comever as a community.” munity is proving that even in the face of The cleanup effort is being led by resi- adversity, we stand united, ready to rebuild. dents and volunteers who mobilized local For help, visit https://www.fema.gov/. resources and coordinated efforts. Local businesses have also stepped up, with nearby restaurants donating food for volunteers and hardware stores offering dis- ICE THE DICE ........................................PG 3 counts on supplies needed for home repairs. HCPS MAGNET .....................................PG 5 The Lithia Food Bank has seen an increase in CONCERT FOR A CAUSE ................PG 11 demand due to dislocation from the storm, EYE ON BUSINESS.................PGS 30-31 prompting local residents to organize addiPOLITICAL GUIDE 2024............SECT 2 tional food drives to replenish its stock.
309 W PALM AVE 813-769-9234
20% OFF
DINE IN ONLY
PRESENT THIS COUPON TO RECEIVE A DISCOUNT ON YOUR NEXT PURCHASE.
WWW.STRANDHILLPUBLIC.COM
See our full election guide with candidates, amendments and referendum information and details in Section 2.
NOT VALID DURING SPECIAL EVENTS