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September 2025 Volume 23, Issue 9
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CELEBRATING 23 YE ARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS
MACBETH AND CHEESE COMMUNITY HOUSEKEEPER OVERCOMES HOUSING THEATER BRINGS COLUMBO TO RUSKIN
Staff Report
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The trench suspense and coat, the sharp ra zo r- s h a r p wit, with one character more question work to the — before the stage in a proworld knew duction that’s him on teleas thrilling as vision, Lieuit is unforgettenant Columtable. bo made his Perfordebut on stage mances will in Prescripbe held at tion: Murder. the Firehouse Jack Parry plays the calculating Dr. Flemming in the upcoming Now, audiencCultural Cencommunity theater production of Prescription: Murder. es at the Fireter in Ruskin house Cultural on the followCenter will have ing dates: the rare chance to • Evening shows: experience the play Friday and Saturthat introduced one day, September 19of America’s most 20 and 26-27, at beloved detectives. 7:30 p.m. Presented by • Matinee shows: MacBeth and Sunday, September Cheese, known as 21 and 28, at 3 p.m. the tiny playhouse Tickets are on with a big heart, is putting on this thrilling sale now through https://macbethandmurder mystery which takes the audience cheese.com/ or by calling the Firehouse deep into a world of lies, betrayal and a Cultural Center at 813-645-7651. perfect crime — until Columbo shows up This is more than a play — it’s a piece of to unravel it all. It’s clever, suspenseful television history brought to life on stage. and packed with the kind of twists that Don’t miss your chance to see how it all will keep you guessing until the very end. began for Lieutenant Columbo. The production is co-directed by Anna MacBeth and Cheese (Brandon PerHoyt, best known to Macbeth and Cheese forming Arts) is completely self-funded. audiences for her role in Misery, and Since its founding in 2019, it has been Mitchell Kenneth Perera, who starred in able to contribute over $40,000 for the the company’s production of A Few Good advancement of arts and science to the Men. Leading the cast are Jack Parry as local community. Please think about dothe calculating Dr. Flemming — Parry nating to help it cover its operating costs. previously wowed audiences in NoisThe Firehouse Cultural Center is locates Off and Sherlock Holmes — and Jim ed at 101 1st Ave. NE in Ruskin. Tickets Sigel as the unassuming yet relentless are on sale now at https://firehouseculLieutenant Columbo, following standout turalcenter.org/ — $25 per ticket for performances as Canon Ambrose Pen- members and $30 for future members. nefather in Murder on the Nile and the For more information about Macbeth and principal in The Breakfast Club. Together, Cheese, visit https://macbethandcheese. this powerhouse creative team brings wit, com/.
STRUGGLES WITH AFFORDABLE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOME
Staff Report
Thanks to create ecothe generous nomic emsupport of Copowerment ca-Cola Bevopportunierages Florida ties for new LLC (Coke Florhomeowners ida), Maria De and encourLourdes Perrotage our assota’s longtime ciates to supdream of stabilport these ity and indepenimpactful dence became a initiatives.” Maria De Lourdes Perrotta and her son accepted the keys to reality today. Maria’s their new home from Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Recently, struggle to Hillsborough and Coca-Cola Beverages Florida LLC. Habitat for Hufind affordmanity of Tamable houspa Bay Hillsboring is one ough hosted a familiar to dedication cermillions of emony to celeAmericans. brate Maria and Working as her son, Matias a housekeepPerrotta, 24, reer, she spent ceiving the keys years rentto their new ing apartTampa home. ments that “The dream: were often to have an affordable house,” said Maria, plagued by mold, noise and ongoing rent joined by family, volunteers who helped hikes — “places that we know will never build her new home, community part- be our home,” she said. ners and Habitat for Humanity of Tampa All that changed on August 20 for Bay Hillsborough leaders — all there to Maria and her son. wish her well. “Home is where I feel secure, with A key financial supporter of the Perrot- peace and love,” said Maria. “Having our ta home is Coke Florida, a family-owned home means we are finally in a stable business serving Tampa, Jacksonville, place.” Miami and Orlando. The company is Habitat for Humanity homes are not one of the largest minority-owned busi- given away — new homeowners like nesses in the state and is committed to Maria put in hundreds of hours helping strengthening the communities it calls build Habitat houses, assisting at Habhome. Coke Florida employees also vol- itat events and working in the Habitat unteered more than 200 hours to help ReStore home improvement store. They build the new house. pay an affordable mortgage that never “As we celebrated our company’s 10- exceeds 30 percent of their income. year anniversary at the end of May, Coke Florida is proud to also celebrate our long-standing relationships with comPET ADOPTION FAIR....................................PG 3 munity partners such as Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough,” said KEEL FARMS COUNTRY VIBES....PG 6 Percy L. Wells II, group vice president of EAST BAY YOUTH ATHLETES......PG 14 government relations, public affairs and OSPREY OBSERVER INTERNS....PG 24 communications for Coke Florida. “We EYE ON BUSINESS..........................PG 33 are proud to provide financial support,
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