September 2025 Valrico

Valrico

September 2025 Volume 22, Issue 9

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CELEBRATING 23 YE ARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS

LAUNDRY MADE EASY: TIDE CLEANERS’

LOCAL TENNIS STAR NAMED TO DEXCOM U, HONORED FOR DIABETES ADVOCACY

By Kate Quesada

By Marie Gilmore

What do you ft. and contains look for when all of the state-ofmaking a choice the-art laundry on where to and dry-cleantake your items ing equipment for laundry and needed, including dry cleaning? a double-stack Chances are that kiosk system whatever it is, that holds 3,500 you can find it garments. In adat Tide Cleaners dition to home on Bloomingdale pickup and delivAvenue. ery, Tide offers From 24-hour same-day service drop-off and (with some limpickup in the itations), alterlocation’s douations and can ble-wide drive accommodate through to onspecial care site drycleaning items including with the highest wedding dresses, quality nonhazbedding and taardous products, ble linens.

Tide Cleaners “We want to be checks all the a trusted part of boxes and even the community, has an app to like the time-testmake it easier. ed businesses Owned and around us,” said operated by Shah. “Our staff brothers Girish In January, cousins Shan and Karan Mirpuri and their is full of experts and Harish Mir- fathers, Girish and Harish Mirpuri, took ownership of in the industry the Tide Cleaners, 1928 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. puri and their with many years sons, Shan and Karan Mirpuri, Tide is a of experience and same core values as our true family business. The brothers have family.” worked together since 1976, and when Tide also works with many local groups, looking for their next venture, they felt cleaning donations for local nonprofits that Tide Cleaners was the obvious choice. and offering discounts to schools and law “Tide has made a name for itself for enforcement agencies. years in in-home laundry, and Tide CleanTide Cleaners is located at 1928 E. ers takes the very special brand into the Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, next to community,” said Shan. “Our customers Starbucks, west of Walmart, and can be can trust that our products are the same reached at 813-662-4243. The family’s quality as the ones that have stood the other location can be found at 1529 S. test of time in their homes, and our ser- Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa. To learn more, vice is one more step in the same tradi- visit https://my.tidecleaners.com/, and tion.” make sure you download the app for couThe Bloomingdale location is 3,200 sq. pons and more.

Elon Universicluding Alabama ty sophomore and A&M, Northwestmen’s tennis standern and San Diego out Nikola ParichState. The athletes kov is stepping onto were introduced at a bigger stage this the inaugural Dexyear — not just on com U Signing Day the court but as one Camp earlier this of 21 college athletes month in Baltimore, selected nationwide hosted by Baltifor the groundmore Ravens tight breaking Dexcom U Nikola Parichkov (Brandon, Fla.) was awarded a end Mark Andrews program, a Name, $10,000 scholarship and had the opportunity to meet — a Dexcom user Image and Likeness himself. sports and cultural icon Billie Jean King.

(NIL) initiative sup“I know how porting athletes with impactful it would diabetes. have been to have Parichkov, who a support system transferred to Elon like this in the early from Wake Forest afstages of my cater helping the team reer,” Andrews said. to a 2025 NCAA na“So for me, getting tional title, is one of to be the role model 13 new athletes joinI never had is really ing Season 4 of Dexspecial.” com U. The program, Parichkov, a busicreated by Dexcom ness major, said his Inc. — a global leader ultimate goal is to in glucose monitoring turn pro. He credits — offers college athGerman tennis star letes with diabetes visibility, resources and a Alexander Zverev, also a Type 1 diabetic, powerful support system to help them suc- with inspiring him to push through difficult ceed at the highest level of their sport while moments. managing their condition.

“My goal is to be one of the best at the “October 2, 2022, I got diagnosed,” said highest level,” Parichkov said. “Dexcom has Parichkov. “I was training for tennis and I helped me a lot through my tennis career.” started noticing fatigue and tiredness and Parichkov grew up in Brandon and started lost a ton of weight. It was concerning. My training at Golub Tennis at Brandon Sports mom recognized the symptoms and got me and Aquatic Club--now High 5. He then contested and diagnosed.” tinued his training in Hunter’s Green and Now, Parichkov uses Dexcom’s Continu- Saddlebrook. ous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system to Last month, Parichkov also received the track his blood sugar in real time. That tech- Novo Nordisk Donnelly Scholarship, estabnology has helped him remain competitive lished by Billie Jean King for student-athin Division I tennis — first in the ACC with letes with diabetes, that was presented at Wake Forest, and now in the CAA with Elon. the U.S. Open.

“It was a great honor to be selected as a Dexcom athlete,” Parichkov said. “This is perfect for me to be able to represent Dex- PB&J MINISTRY..............................................PG 3 com and my school and maybe be a support QUILT GUILD EVENT......................... PG 4 for someone in the younger generation that PETER PAN..............................................PG 7 might help them realize they can train at a .HARVEST AWARDS........................PG 23 high level even with diabetes.”

This season’s Dexcom U roster spans 21 EYE ON BUSINESS...........................PG 30 athletes across 12 sports, from schools in-

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IN THIS ISSUE:

From “I love you” to “thank you” to “I’m sorry,” there’s an edible® for that.

3455 Lithia Pinecrest Rd Valrico, FL 33596 656-500-6505 Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon PB&J Ministry volunteers preparing sandwiches twice a month. This is an opportunity to serve, socialize and secure enduring friendships. Visit the ministry on Facebook or call Luann Leahy at 813-659-0181. See full story on Page 3.

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Valrico Edition

Proud Supporters of ECHO * Board of Directors

Volume 22, Issue 9

September 2025

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Valrico Edition

PB&J FEEDING MISSION 20 YEARS DURANT HIGH SCHOOL FFA MEMBERS STRONG AT NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH

By Linda Chion It took over 150,000 Jim Courtney, her ‘rightloaves of bread, 11,719 hand man,’ and his wife, gallons of peanut butJoan, who were “with ter and 50,000 hours to me from the beginning,” make 1.5 million peanut Leahy said. butter and jelly sandGreater Brandon Acwiches, the milestone tion Network (GBAN) reached by volunteers at parade organizers seNativity Catholic Church lected Leahy as grand in Brandon. marshal to promote and Still, the number that celebrate the PBJ mismatters most to volunsion, which Leahy said teers is the number of started with five volunhungry souls served over teers and 30 loaves of the course of almost two bread. decades..

“We feed the homeCount among them less, hungry and disLuann Leahy, who 20 Volunteers preparing sandwiches inside placed,” Leahy said. years ago asked Nativi- the social hall at Nativity Catholic Church. “We also collect and ty officials if they would consider such an give out clothing, shoes, and household effort. She had been volunteering to make items.” sandwiches at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic The list includes blankets for the cold, Church in Seffner after the last of her three school supplies for students and Christmas children enrolled in kindergarten. and Easter bags to ensure seasonal cheer.

With a small space and increasing need “We want people to feel special and to taking its toll at St. Francis, Leahy suggest- know that they’re not alone, and that we’re ed Nativity Catholic Church as a possible thinking about them,” Leahy said. “We’re all mission site. Her ask led to quick approval children of God, and that’s what we have in by the Rev. Arthur J. Proulx, who put Lea- common.” hy in touch with the late Patricia LeJeune, Working with the mission are 15 nonprofwho for decades ran the Nativity Catholic its, including the San Jose Mission in Dover, Church Food Bank and Food Pantry.

Liberty Southern Baptist Church in Plant “Father Proulx told me Pat would help me City, the Trinity Cafe in Tampa, the Good with whatever I needed and she did,” Leahy Samaritan Inn in Tampa and St. Joseph’s said, about the Nativity priest from 2004 to Catholic Church in Seffner.

2014. “They provided peanut butter, jelly, Volunteers meet twice a month to make bread and sandwich bags, and we did the sandwiches at Nativity. Upcoming dates, all rest.” on Fridays, are September 19; October 3, 17 That was in November 2005. In July, Lea- and 31; November 14; and December 5 and hy had the privilege, on behalf of the Nativ- 19, which also has a Christmas goodie bag ity Peanut Butter and Jelly Ministry, to ride and toy stocking giveaway. For more, visit as the grand marshal in the Greater Bran- the ministry on Facebook or call Leahy at don Fourth of July Parade. With her were 813-659-0181.

PLACE HIGHEST IN THE STATE FOR THE AG MECHANIC COMPETITION

By Libby Hopkins

One of and a PVC the events pipe building offered in contest.”

FFA is the T h e s e Agricultural are pracTechnology tical jobs & Mechanithat many cal Systems mechanical Career Deprofessionvelopment als may be Event. The asked to do event recon the job, ognizes stuand it gives dents’ com- The state team consisted of Jessie Parker, Taylor Maples, Austin the students Sweat, Cody Zarzoza and advisor Thomas Sturgis. petencies in a wide range agricultural technology and mechanical of experiences that they can participate systems emphasizing problem-solving, in and will hopefully lead to a career modern technology and practical hands- path. on skills.

“As a licensed land surveyor with Durant High School competed this approximately 17 years of field experiyear in the Ag Mechanic Competition ence and an instructor at our Plant City and placed highest in the state.

Campus, I was asked to help Mr. Sturgis “We compete in the Agricultural Me- prepare his students to participate in chanics FFA contest, and this past year a competition that included a differenthey added a surveying practicum to our tial leveling exercise,” Ali Gonzalez said. contests,” said Thomas Sturgis, Durant “Since I knew that at that age, most High School agriscience teacher. “I didn’t students do not have any idea what land have any experience in this field, so I got surveying is, unless a close family memin contact with the geomatics professor ber is or was a land surveyor, I had to at University of Florida in Plant City, Ali start from the very basics. Our training Gonzalez, and he came out twice to work consisted of teaching the students about with my team and set up simple survey- differential leveling. After a few minutes ing exercises for the students to com- in the classroom, we took them outside plete and this helped us tremendously. and started the hands-on part. The stuAt the state contest, we were the high- dents were given two random points est in the surveying category. The Ag and were asked to answer which point Mechanics CDE consists of having the was higher than the other and by how student do simple electrical wiring on a much. Fortunately, differential leveling is light switch, outlet and a light bulb. The a simple procedure that uses relatively students also have to do a ‘basic’ fillet easy-to-understand equipment and meaweld as well as shop tool identification suring methods.”

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Valrico Edition

OVER 100 QUILTS ON DISPLAY AT UPCOMING QUILT GUILD SHOW IN RIVERVIEW

FLORIDA SBDC AT USF EMPOWERS SMALL BUSINESSES WITH NO-COST, FACE-TO-FACE CONSULTING SERVICES

Staff Report

The Florida Small advice in areas Business Developsuch as business ment Center (SBDC) planning, market at the University of research, capital South Florida (USF) access and more. has recently expandClancy’s Irish ed access to no-cost, Sports Pub of face-to-face business Manatee County consulting services recently worked for entrepreneurs with the SBDC. and small business “Since I took owners in Sarasota over ownership and Manatee County. Florida SBDC at USF business consultant Brad three months ago, These personalized Mix works with new owner Dana Rothgery at my numbers actuClancy’s Irish Sports Pub in Manatee County, sessions are available ally have grown. with Florida SBDC at USF senior business They have improved since going against consultant Scott Carpenter at the Saraso- some projections done over the last few ta Chamber of Commerce every week from years. I have added a lot more things to evTuesday through Thursday at 1945 Fruit- ery night. So, we’ve been busier. Sales have ville Rd. in Sarasota, as well as every first been up,” owner Dana Rothgery said.

Tuesday of the month at the North Port The Florida SBDC at USF helps create City Hall, located at 4970 City Hall Blvd. in a better Florida for all by providing busiNorth Port. nesses the expertise and resources needed In addition, the Florida SBDC at USF of- to succeed and grow. The Florida SBDC at fers its services to businesses in the Tampa the University of South Florida is a member Bay region which includes the following of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide counties: Hillsborough, Hernando, Pinellas, partnership program nationally accredited Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto, Polk, Pasco, by the Association of America’s SBDCs and Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Entrepreneurs and small business own- Administration, Department of Defense, ers searching for no-cost business guid- State of Florida and other private and pubance/mentorship in Hillsborough County lic partners, with the University of West can find it at the USF Tampa office (inside Florida serving as the network’s headquarUSF CONNECT) as well as at Hillsborough ters. Full funding disclosure is available at County subcenter (which is located inside www.floridasbdc.org/funding-disclosures/. of the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center).

Florida SBDC services are extended to Whether launching a startup, scaling the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. operations or navigating challenges, expe- Language assistance services are available rienced Florida SBDC at USF business con- for individuals with limited English profisultants are available to support business ciency. For more information, please visit owners through their journey with tailored https://sbdctampabay.com/.

EDUCATION

ATHLETICS

Staff Report

The Piecemakers Quilt Guild of Brandon (PQGB) is thrilled to invite the public to its highly anticipated Quilt Show 2025, themed ‘Treasure Trove of Quilts.’ This vibrant celebration of artistry and community will take place on Friday and Saturday, October 10 and 11, from 9 a.m.4 p.m. at The Regent at 6437 Watson Rd in Riverview.

Admission is just $10, offering guests access to a dazzling display of over 100 juried quilts crafted by our talented guild members. Each quilt tells a story — woven with skill, creativity and heart.

Beyond the quilts, attendees will discover a boutique brimming with handmade treasures, perfect for gift-giving or holiday decorating. From charming home decor to one-of-a-kind accessories, every item has been lovingly made by the PQGB’s members.

Vendors will be on-site offering a wide array of sewing, craft and quilting-related goods, making this event a must-visit for enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.

COMMUNITY

EDUCATION ATHLETICS COMMUNIT Y

AQUATIC AQUATIC PROGRAMS PROGRAMS Swim Lessons ages and abilities) Lifeguard ClassesClasses Swim Lessons(all(all ages and abilities) Lifeguard Blue Wave Swim Team CPR Classes Blue Wave Swim Team CPR Classes Masters Swimming Pool Rentals Masters Swimming Pool Rentals

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813-689-0908 813-689-0908 MemberServices@High5inc.org 405MemberServices@High5inc.org Beverly Blvd. Brandon FL. 33511

Volume 22, Issue 9

405 Beverly Blvd. Brandon FL. 33511

it.

Don’t miss your chance to win the PQGB’s Opportunity Quilt Raffle, featuring the breathtaking quilt ‘Star Struck.’

Tickets are just $1, and this stunning piece could be yours.

It’ll also be raffling off a brand-new sewing machine and other exciting prizes throughout the event.

It’s also hosting a gift basket drawing with over 30 themed baskets, each packed with delightful surprises. Plus, browse its book nook filled with quilting and sewing books, magazines, and patterns available for purchase.

Hungry for more? A food truck will be on-site serving up delicious breakfast and lunch options to keep you fueled throughout your visThis is more than a quilt show — it’s a celebration of creativity, community and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or simply curious, the PQGB welcomes you to join us for a memorable experience.

Come explore the Treasure Trove of Quilts — and leave inspired.

Page 5

Valrico Edition

September 2025

CEOS IN SCHOOLS NEEDS YOU

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SIGN UP TO INSPIRE, LEAD, AND MAKE A LASTING IMPACT ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Staff Report

On Friday, November tion Foundation (HEF) 7, Tampa Bay area exto lead CEOs in Schools ecutives will volunteer into the future. HEF CEO at a Hillsborough CounAnna Corman said it is ty public elementary a privilege to be part of school as part of the this impactful initiative innovative, educationto help strengthen pubal program — CEOs in lic education in HillsborSchools. Each business ough County. leader will be paired “Our schools are shapwith a school principal ing tomorrow’s commuand experience a day in nity members, future the life of educators and workforce and leaders. students with the opWe have a vested inportunity to share their terest in their success,” own business knowl- Local CEOs will have the opportunity to said Corman. edge with our next gen- spend the day in a Hillsborough County CEOs in Schools is an eration of professionals. public school to learn more about the oper- initiative of Hillsborough From greeting stu- ation and day-to-day running of a school. Education Foundation dents in the morning and visiting classrooms in partnership with Vistra Communications to attending a planning meeting, each CEO’s and Hillsborough County Public Schools. day will be tailored to the needs of the This program is helping to provide a new school community. Now in its seventh year, perspective on the role school and business CEOs in Schools has proven to build lasting relationships play in preparing our future relationships that benefit everyone involved. workforce for success in school and in life.

Vistra Communications has a long-standLearn more about the program at www. ing relationship with Mort Elementary 1dayofchange.com/ceosinschools/.

School. CEO Brian Butler’s commitment About Hillsborough Education to learning about the school and providing Foundation support in every way possible prompted him Established in 1987, Hillsborough Educato spend an entire day with former Princi- tion Foundation is a nonprofit focused on pal Woodland Johnson. The firsthand ex- strengthening public education by supportperience provided Butler with insight into ing teachers and empowering students to ways our community can help lift our public achieve academic and personal success. schools to a higher level — inspiring him to Together with its community partners, HEF challenge fellow CEOs to get involved and strategically invests in initiatives that imspend a day in our Hillsborough County Pub- pact teaching quality and increase gradualic Schools. tion rates, bolstering a thriving workforce The innovative idea grew into this unique of tomorrow and the sustainable prosperity program in 2019, and in the following year of Tampa Bay. Learn more at https://educaVistra partnered with Hillsborough Educa- tionfoundation.com/.

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PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (never known to fail)

O Most beautiful flowers of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succeed me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to thee (three times). Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (three times).

Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you.

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Amendment to Affidavit

to Reflect the case number 25-DR-008008 Division C Clerk of the Circuit Court Laronda Jones

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR Temporary Custody By Extended Family To: Jesse J. Brackin Jr. Last Known Address: Unknown

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Temporary Custody has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Mary E. Taylor, whose address is 608 Cedar Grove Dr. Brandon, FL 33511 on or before 8-27-25 and file the original with the clerk of this Court at Clerk of the Circuit Court, Laronda Jones Hillsborough County 800 E. Twiggs. St. Tampa, FL 33602 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

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Valrico Edition

Volume 22, Issue 9

DURANT STUDENTS GET ON THE JOB TRAINING WITH UF/IFAS SCHOOL OF FOREST, FISHERIES AND GEOMATICS SCIENCES

By Libby Hopkins

Learning a trade specialist in Plant offers numerous adCity, does a great vantages, including job of providing job security, lower edshort but reucation costs, handsal-world projects on experience and that students can the potential for a regain additional warding career. experience,” Britt Recently, some stusaid. “He included dents from Durant students in drone High School had the data collection, opportunity to get LiDAR scans of some hands-on surhistoric strucveying training with tures and even deUF/IFAS School of signing and laying Forest, Fisheries and Students from Durant High School had the opportunity to get some hands-on surveying training with UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences. out a corn maze.”

Geomatics Sciences.

There are so many “We try to give our students applications for a geoas many opportunities to get rematics degree. al-world experience in the program “Unfortunately, suras possible,” said Katie Britt, assisveying isn’t a widetant director for Geomatics Extenly known field, even sion. “We have a lot of classes that though anyone who have hands-on components, from likes maps, technololabs to field trips to demos, and also gy, math or has good internships or co-ops.” spatial sense might be Completing an internship or coa good fit; we find that op is a requirement for graduation a lot of people aren’t from the program. These are paid aware of the career internships, and they often lead to potential, both with job offers after graduation. and without a license port, including tuition reimbursing at a lot crews, collect and analyze drone data “We often receive more requests and college education, until later in life,” and work in drafting departments. There to post internships than we are able to of companies and scholarship opportuniBritt said. is work experience in any application of fill,” Britt said. “At our education cen- ties from the Florida Surveying and Map“One of our goals in the Geomatics surveying including boundary and land ter in the Tampa Bay area, a lot of our ping Professional Society statewide and Extension program is to introduce more surveying, geospatial analysis, remote students continue working with their locally, as well as from industry support people to what surveyors do, whether sensing, seafloor mapping, LiDAR scanemployer after the summer ends when for scholarships through the Geomatics because they might use a surveyor’s serning and mapping with drones.” classes start again. The ability to work program at the University of Florida. vices in the future or because they might “Every student’s internship (or co-op) Britt and her team also try to provide while in the program not only give stuwant to become one.” extracurricular opportunities for students a great way to immerse themselves experience is different, but they all inIf you would like to learn more about dents to participate in projects that may in the industry while in school but also to volve real world work experience,” Britt the programs offered at UF/IFAS School said. “Students complete internships differ from their work experience. pay for school as they go.” of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sci“Ali Gonzalez, our Geomatics program Students received a lot of industry sup- where they collect data as part of field ences, contact Britt at k.britt@ufl.edu.

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September 2025

Valrico Edition

BLOOMINGDALE AND NEWSOME PRINCIPALS SELECTED FOR CAHN FELLOWSHIP

By Jane Owen Bloomingdale Prinpal, principal and discipal Dr. Marcos Rotrict trainer. driguez and Newsome “The Cahn Fellowship Principal Katie Rocha serves as a unique opare two out of 60 prinportunity for veteran cipals in the country to principals to grow their be selected as Distinskills and develop leadguished Principals this ership capacity within year in the Cahn Fellowtheir allies. As a former ship program.

HCPS principal, I can Cahn Fellowship proattest to the power of vides advanced leaderthe fellowship and its ship development and impact on local school curriculum to mission communities. I’m exconnections for high cited to welcome my performing principals colleagues from HCPS with the goal of improv- Bloomingdale and Newsome Principals into the fellowship ing public education. Dr. Rodriguez and Katie Rocha, selected family,” Bhoolai said. for the 2025-26 Cahn Fellowship.

The selection process Rodriguez has been is rigorous. To be conat Bloomingdale for sidered, a principal six years. He hopes must have five years’ to bring a student experience and a high mentorship program rating. The application to Bloomingdale and process is lengthy and includes a multi- improve daily student attendance. tude of essays, recommendations and on“It is easy to get comfortable, thinking site visits where teachers, staff members, what I am doing is working. I want to students and parents are interviewed. keep pushing myself. This program is the The principals that are selected are fel- next step to doing that,” Rodriguez said. lows within the cohort. They attend six Rocha has been Newsome’s principal conferences and have an ‘ally’ from their since 2020. She believes learning never school. During the program, the fellows stops and is excited about what she will and allies determine a ‘problem of prac- learn through the program. tice,’ essentially what they want to im“I’m very honored to be chosen for prove at their school. Rodriguez’s ally is this program. It’s an exciting opporTracy Diprima, Bloomingdale’s curriculum tunity for growth. I am truly looking specialist. Rocha’s ally is April McGinley, forward to connecting with principals assistant principal of student affairs. across the nation and learning from The Cahn Fellowship program director, their experiences,” Rocha said.

Robert Bhoolai, worked with in HillsborTo learn more about the Cahn Felough County Public Schools from 2006-19 lowship program, visit the website at as a substitute, teacher, assistant princi- www.cahnfellowship.org.

Page 7

THE VILLAGE PLAYERS THEATER TAKES FLIGHT WITH PETER PAN

Staff Report

Second star He has been with to the right and The Village Players straight on till Valfor 38 years, works rico! The Village for Disney by day Players are bringing and will direct the the timeless maggroup’s upcoming ic of Neverland to February producthe historic James tion of Jesus Christ McCabe Theater Superstar. this fall with its Performance production of Peter dates: Pan, opening Friday, • Evening shows October 3, and run(8 p.m.): Friday and ning through SatSaturday, October urday, October 18.

3-4, 10-11 and 17Tickets are on sale 18. now.

• Matinees (3 At the helm is p.m.): Sunday, Ocdirector Hal Grantober 5 and 12. holm, who has been • Doors open at part of The Village The Village Players offers its latest show, Peter Pan least 30 minutes Players since 2010. before curtain. in October.

A familiar face both onstage and behind Ticket prices: the scenes, Hal has appeared in numer• General admission: $23. ous plays and musicals throughout Tam• Seniors, students and military: $20. pa Bay. He also directs the skit comedy All performances will be held at the histroupe Divine Madness and has been guid- toric James McCabe Theater, located at ing young performers with Tampa Bay 506 5th St. in Valrico. Built in 1915, the H.E.A.T. Homeschool in Brandon for the theater is listed on Hillsborough County’s past 14 years.

Registry of Historic Places and serves as “Peter Pan is a show that embodies the home for The Village Players, a noneverything we love about community profit 501(c)(3) community teaching thetheater,” said Granholm. “It’s magical, ater. it’s funny and it’s family-friendly in more The Village Players are unique in Hillsways than one. We even have real siblings borough County: a nonprofit theater dedand parent-child duos performing togeth- icated to training performers of all ages. er. It’s truly a family affair.”

The group has an open-door policy for Adding even more fun to the cast, Domin anyone interested in the stage and emPazo, The Village Players’ artistic direc- phasizes hands-on training in all aspects tor, will step into the role of Hook’s loyal of theater: makeup, costuming, set design sidekick, Smee. Domin brings 45 years of and construction and acting. theater experience, including over 200 For tickets and more information, visit plays, plus television, radio and film work. https://thevillageplayersvalrico.com/.

Page 8

Valrico Edition

KIDS TAG ART PROGRAM SEEKS 2025-26 COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS Staff Report The Hillsbortheir art proough County grams.

Tax Collector’s Call for SponOffice is proud sors to announce Local businessthe launch es and organizaof its 2025tions are invited 26 Kids Tag to join current Art program, sponsors, includwhich is seeking Suncoast ing community Credit Union, sponsors and Tampa Electric e n c o u ra g i n g Company, Dere l e m e n t a r y Nelson Elementary School fifth grade student Taylor Smith rick Brooks Charschools to par- stands with her specially designed tag art as part of the tax ities, the Tampa collector’s office’s campaign. ticipate in this Bay Lightning unique arts education initiative. and others. Sponsorship levels range from Now in its fifth year, Kids Tag Art has $500-$25,000, with benefits including: transformed student creativity into com- company logos on student-designed license munity pride, raising over $143,000 for plates, recognition at the annual awards Hillsborough County school art programs ceremony, marketing visibility to over while showcasing the talents of more than 70,000 Hillsborough County households 3,000 fifth grade artists. The program, and the opportunity to select and present brought to Hillsborough County by Tax student awards.

Collector Nancy C. Millan in 2021, partners Schools and Teachers: Join the Movewith Hillsborough County Public Schools ment and the Hillsborough Education Foundation All Hillsborough County elementary to give students a unique opportunity to schools are invited to participate. The prodesign custom license plates while learning gram kicked off on August 4 with teacher about local government and public service. orientation. Students will have dedicated “This program cannot be successful with- time to sketch, outline and color their deout our community partners,” said Millan. signs throughout the fall, with winning “Every year, we see incredible artistic tal- artwork to be announced at the annual ent from our students, and with the sup- awards ceremony in April 2026. port of our sponsors we’re able to turn that Beyond individual school winners, specreativity into vital funding for arts educa- cial recognition includes the Tax Collector’s tion.”

Choice Award, Title Sponsor Award, and Record-breaking Growth Best Teacher Artwork Award.

The 2024-25 program year saw unFor sponsorship opportunities or proprecedented participation with 65 schools gram information, visit www.hillstaxfl.gov/ and 3,125 student artists, raising $38,518 kids-tag-art. for participating schools. Each school reTo shop for past student artwork, visceived approximately $592 to support it www.hillstaxfl.gov/shop.

Volume 22, Issue 9

FESTIVE FUN AND COUNTRY VIBES AWAIT AT KEEL FARMS AND THE OSPREY VIEW

Staff Report

As the fall seacowboy boots son approaches, and gather your two highly anticifriends for an evepated local events ning of country promise to bring music, dancing the community and fun. together with fun, The night kicks food, music and off with line dancmemorable experiing lessons from ences.

5-7 p.m., followed Harvest Days by live country at Keel Farms — music from 7-10 Every Weekend Upcoming fall events at Keel Farms and The Osprey p.m. Visitors can View promise fun for all. in October browse local venStarting the first weekend of October, dors, test their balance on the mechanKeel Farms will kick off its annual Har- ical bull and grab bites from a limited vest Days, a family-friendly celebration event menu or the Sisimito food truck. held every Saturday and Sunday from 10 No tickets or reservations are needed, a.m.-3 p.m. throughout the month. This and seating is available on a first-come, lively event transforms the farm into a first-served basis. festive wonderland featuring classic auOsprey View Open House — Septemtumn activities and attractions. ber 20 Attendees can enjoy hayrides, get lost For those dreaming of the perfect in a corn maze, and explore the vibrant event venue, don’t miss the open house pumpkin patch — with opportunities for at The Osprey View on Friday, September both picking and painting. Animal lov- 20, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Just a short drive ers will be excited for the camel rides, from Keel Farms, this picturesque, 10while foodies can take on the pumpkin acre, lakeside vineyard in Thonotosassa pie eating contest or sample flavors from will showcase everything it has to offer. local vendors and food trucks. Adults can Guests will enjoy guided tours, wine sip on seasonal wines and ciders as they tastings from Keel & Curley, local venstroll through the grounds. dors and breathtaking views, making it Best of all, admission is free, and no an ideal day out for couples, event plantickets or reservations are required. ners or anyone seeking a scenic escape.

Parking is just $10 per vehicle, and the For more information on these events, event is dog-friendly and open to all ages. visit www.keelfarms.com/events-calHonky Tonk Night — September 26 endar and www.theospreyview.com/ Before October arrives, Keel Farms is events. also hosting a boot-stomping good time Keel Farms is located at 5202 Thonowith Honky Tonk Night on Thursday, Sep- tosassa Rd. in Plant City. Visit www.keeltember 26, from 5-10 p.m. Dust off your farms.com for details and information.

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Page 9

Valrico Edition

September 2025

FORGOTTEN ANGELS OFFERS A FUTURE BEYOND THE FOSTER SYSTEM AND TURNS 10 WITH CAMPOUT EVENT

By Lily Belcher

Cindy Tilley grew up in foster care.

Now, she’s helping those that are aging out of the state’s care through her nonprofit, Forgotten Angels.

Tilley was placed in the foster care system in fourth grade.

When she aged out, she learned what it is like to not have a family and have to figure things out on her own.

She doesn’t want other kids to know what that feels like.

“I want to make sure that Forgotten Angels doesn’t fail them,” said Tilley, the group’s founder.

At the end of October, the organization will host its 10-year anniversary celebration, including a campout with guests, such as Sheriff Chad Chronister, food influencer Joel Hansen and The Bone’s Mike Calta.

The campout will also be a fundraiser for the organization so Tilley and her team can keep helping foster kids.

“We get calls from schools all the time with kids that are living in their cars and have nowhere to go at night,” Tilley said.

“So, those are our at-risk kids. So, for us, it’s just making sure that these kids have a chance in life where their parents have failed them.”

She said people are coming from around the world to support the event,

including campers from Denmark, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Some of the celebrity guests are those who have been longtime supporters of the organization.

Tilley said Chronister will be attending because many of the kids who age out of foster care often end up in Chronister’s jails and detention centers. If they can find a home at Forgotten Angels, she hopes they will stay out of trouble.

Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson in Clearwater is also sponsoring the celebration and has donated motorcycles for Tilley’s team to raffle off in the past.

“The motorcycle community has been very supportive,” Tilley said. “A lot of the people we find do ride in different riding groups. A lot of them have come from different walks of life.”

She said it takes a lot of love and support to help the children that age out of foster care.

“These kids belong,” Tilley said. “They’re not someone you should be looking over.

They shouldn’t be forgotten.”

The 10th anniversary celebration and campout will be held from Thursday to Sunday, October 23-26.

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Page 10

Valrico Edition

Volume 22, Issue 9

LEANNE’S OLD FASHIONED COOKIES VETERAN-OWNED PREMIER PRO GEARS UP FOR A HOLIDAY SEASON WASH & SEAL EARNS TOP HONORS OF SWEET TREATS IN TAMPA BAY

By Libby Hopkins

By Marie Gilmore

LeAnne Crabtree of even though her profesSeffner is a local author, sor gave her a C on the a motivational speaker project. and the owner of LeHe emphatically statAnne’s Old Fashioned ed, “People are becomCookies. Her cookies ing too health conscious have been warming the and will no longer eat hearts and igniting the cookies; therefore, this taste buds of her cusbusiness will not be a tomers for more than success.”

35 years.

Ignoring her profesWith the holiday seasor’s harsh criticism son right around the and the C on her projLeAnne’s Old Fashioned Cookies has been corner, Crabtree and her ect, Crabtree’s cookie making cookies and shipping them across team are gearing up for business has continued the country for more than 35 years. their busy season. to prosper for more “We bake about 6,000 than 35 years. Crabtree encookies a day during the holijoys providing a delicious way days,” Crabtree said. “The holito say thank you to her clients day season is my favorite time and friends. of year because it’s a time for “When I look back on the families coming together and journey God has taken me we get the opportunity to with my business, it truly share our cookies with them.” amazes me,” Crabtree said.

As a finance major at the “Our company now helps hunUniversity of Central Florida dreds of businesses across the near Orlando, one of Crabtree’s required country show gratitude in a sweet way to marketing projects was to plan, set up a their clients, friends and family. [It] is an business, market the product, keep accu- absolute blessing to me and my family.” rate records and report profits or losses LeAnne’s Old Fashioned Cookies are very the business generated. Since she has al- reasonably priced, starting at $10.75 for a ways enjoyed making cookies, she started dozen. Crabtree’s cookies come in various with her family’s secret, fourth-generation flavors and arrive to her clients in beautichocolate chip cookie recipe to set up her fully wrapped boxes for every occasion. marketing class ‘cookie business.’

If you would like to learn more about LeHer cookies were an instant success with Anne’s Old Fashioned Cookies or send some college students, professors, neighbors and of her cookies to your friends and family friends, and they eagerly bought all the for the holidays, you can visit her website cookies she could produce. Her marketing at https://leannescookies.com or call 813project made a profit, and the demand for 651-0045. Crabtree ships her cookies all LeAnne’s Old Fashioned Cookies continued, over the United States.

What starttreat every ed as a small, home like post-miliit’s our own. tary venture Those small has grown things make into one of a big differTampa Bay’s ence.” most trusted T h a t names in exold-fashioned terior cleanservice has ing. Premier paid off. This Pro Wash & year, Premier Seal, a veter- Premier Pro Wash & Seal owners Jeremy and Tiffany Forrest Pro Wash an and wom& Seal was have been awarded Gold Winner in two categories. an-owned voted Gold company co-founded by Jeremy and Tif- Winner in two categories — Best Paver fany Forrest, recently celebrated its ninth Sealing Service and Best Cleaning Service anniversary of serving residential and com- — in the Tampa Bay Times Best of the Best mercial properties across the region.

2025 Awards, where more than 400,000 After retiring from the military in 2016 community votes were cast. The company with 20 years of combined service, the was also a finalist in Creative Loafing TamForrests poured their commitment to dis- pa Bay’s Best of the Bay awards in both cipline and integrity into a new mission: de- residential and commercial cleaning catelivering top-tier pressure washing, sealing gories. and exterior maintenance.

Premier Pro credits its rapid growth to “We never set out to grow this big,” said loyal customers and a close-knit team that Tiffany. “But we stuck to the basics — an- shares the same work ethic and values. swering calls, showing up on time, being “We’re grateful every day for the people honest — and our community responded.” who trust us with their homes,” said TiffaPremier Pro offers a full range of ser- ny. “They’re the reason we do what we do.” vices including paver, concrete, and travLocated in Apollo Beach, Premier Pro is ertine sealing, house washing, fence and more than just a cleaning company — it’s screen cleaning, rust stain removal and soft a community-minded business rooted in washing for delicate surfaces. Its soft wash respect, follow-through and a passion for method uses a low-pressure spray and spe- excellence. cialized cleaning solution to eliminate mold “This isn’t just work to us,” Jeremy said. and mildew at the root while preserving “It’s our calling.” the integrity of sensitive materials.

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Valrico Edition

September 2025

Page 11

TEAM DYSLE AT RE/MAX DEDICATION A NEW WAVE OF WONDER: THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM UNVEILS THE TIDE POOL TO SERVING THE COMMUNITY Staff Report THROUGH REAL ESTATE From the icy turing a stateBy Emily Harper

Team Dysle at could not buy a RE/MAX serves home or selling the Greater Tama home to allow pa Bay area in clients to move buying and sellon with their life ing real estate. events.

AddiTheir committionally, having ment to clients clients become recently extendfriends.” ed, in which they Paula and closed homes Todd are both outside their requalified ligion, including censed agents The Villages and who work toPhoto credit: Tim Selman Photography, Brandon.

Fort Myers, to gether on evMeet the dedicated Team Dysle at RE/MAX. fully serve their ery project to clients. meet their cliPaula and Todd Dysle ents’ needs. The Dysles combined have 25 years additionally are certified in the real estate busifull-service professional ness. Through their time, agents, putting in thouthey have evolved with sands of dollars and hours the market to ensure they annually in training. always put their clients Team Dysle is also an first. active part of the Buffini “We listen first, advise Referral Network, which at every step in the proconnects clients with othcess and we work until er realtors across North we get the results the cliAmerica. ent is after,” said Paula.

Paula and Todd’s dediThe Dysles work with clients in all cation was recognized, as they were the stages of life. From first-time homebuy- annual RE/MAX Award winner and mulers to individuals looking to downsize, timillion-dollar producers.

Team Dysle is equipped to help in the “2024 was my best year in 22 years in process. real estate, and this year is shaping up “Helping someone reach their goal,” to exceed last year,” said Paula.

Paula answered when asked what the Team Dysle at RE/MAX is located at most rewarding part of her job was, 237 Apollo Beach Blvd. in Apollo Beach “whether that is getting someone into and can be reached at 813-393-7015 or their first home when they thought they 813-503-4356.

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waters of the of-the-art wave Pacific Northaction system, west to the the exhibit delivheart of Tampa ers a multisenBay, a new adsory experience. venture awaits.

Projected wave Today, The Floreffects and a ida Aquarium 16-channel surcelebrated the round sound grand opening of system bring the The Tide Pool — The Tide Pool touch habitat exhibit is now open at The tide to life with Florida Aquarium. one of the only the roar of crashcold-water touch habitats on Florida’s ing surf and the calls of seabirds. A cuswest coast. The Tide Pool is a 60-foot- tom mural by artist Curtis Stokes shifts long, 4,000-gallon, cold-water touch hab- from sunset to starlight and sunrise under itat that invites guests to discover, touch UV-reactive lighting, creating a stunning, and connect with more than 200 marine ever-changing backdrop for exploration. invertebrates — quadrupling the animals “Every element of The Tide Pool is defrom the previous No Bone Zone exhibit. signed to immerse our guests in the diverKept at a cool 50 degrees to replicate sity and resilience of life in these coastal Pacific Northwest coastal waters, this habitats,” said Tim Binder, senior vice immersive exhibit offers visitors the op- president of animal care and health at The portunity to feel the texture of a red bat Florida Aquarium. “It’s a rare opportunity star, check out the striking colors of the for our community to engage directly with ochre sea star and watch the spot prawns cold-water marine life and gain a deeper in action — all in an environment that appreciation for their unique adaptations looks and sounds like a Pacific Northwest — sparking both curiosity and a lasting coastline. commitment to ocean conservation.”

“The Tide Pool is a spectacular new adThe Tide Pool is the latest milestone in dition that brings the spirit of discovery The Florida Aquarium’s historic $45 milto life,” said Roger Germann, president lion expansion, following the opening of and CEO of The Florida Aquarium. “For the the MORPH’D gallery presented by PAR in past 30 years, we’ve inspired people to 2023. Upcoming plans include the arrival care about marine life. With The Tide Pool, of puffins in late 2026 to early 2027 and we’re creating a rare opportunity to in- the debut of a California sea lion habitat, teract with incredible cold-water species the first of its kind on Florida’s west coast, not found in Florida — offering the kind of along with a new habitat for the African hands-on experience that ignites curiosity penguins, both in late 2027 to early 2028. and can spark a lifelong commitment to These expansion plans are made possible conservation, especially in our youngest through community support. visitors.”

For more information, visit www.

Built in six expansive segments and fea- flaquarium.org.

Valrico Edition

Page 12

Volume 22, Issue 9

JOIN THE WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S SOUTHSHORE

Staff Report

ciation Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit Alz. org/SouthShoreWalk or contact Beth Weest beweest@alz.org or 518-937-8584.

walk: Fri, Sept 19, 7 p.m. – Billy “Elvis” Lindsey Benefit Concert @ United Methodist Church of Sun City Center Tues, Sept 23, 1:30 p.m. – “I’ll Be Me” Movie Screening @ Kings Point Veterans Theater.

For more info or to register for the walk, visit www.alz.org or call 800-272-3900.

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Events like this help fund vital resources and research for families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s SouthShore will take place on Saturday, October 4, at United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, located at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center.

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High Holy Day Calendar 5786/2025 High Holy Day services are open to the community.

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Rabbi Jonathan Katz is our guest rabbi for Rosh Hashanah morning service on Tuesday September 23 and on Yom Kippur morning service, Thursday October 2.

Contact the temple office at 813 681-6547 or email admin@bethshalombrandon.org if you plan to attend any of the services or if you have any questions.

Selichot Saturday, September 20, 7 p.m.

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Memorial Service Sunday, September 28 Hillsborough Memorial Gardens 10 a.m.

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Yom Kippur Thursday October 2 Morning Service 10 a.m.

Yizkor Memorial Service 11 a.m.

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Valrico Edition

September 2025

GASPARILLA FESTIVAL OF ARTS LOOKS TO THE BRANDON COMMUNITY FOR ART SUBMISSIONS FOR THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL

By Libby Hopkins The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is one of the top outdoor, juried fine arts shows in the United States, showcasing a wide variety of art mediums and price points. The festival is in its 56th year and began at the Florida State Fair.

Each February in Tampa, there was a juried art exhibit at the Florida State Fair, held in conjunction with the city’s Gasparilla pirate invasion. Highly accredited artists and art administrators from New York were invited to jury the show, and eminent architect Mark Hampton designed the exhibition space, situated near the horticulture exhibit and livestock barns.

Years later, it moved to downtown Tampa, and it has continued to grow ever since.

Each year, more than 230 of the best artists in America come to Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa to present and sell their work to Central Florida art lovers. The festival is currently looking to the Brandon community and beyond for local artists to submit their works of art.

“The application is open until Sept. 7, so apply now for your chance to join us and share in the $92,000 in cash prizes, including the $15,000 Raymond James Best in Show Award,” said Clay Hollenkamp, marketing committee chair for the festival. “Artists are selected through a juried process to exhibit their work for art enthusiasts and vie for the award money, including the Raymond James Best of Show Award and an additional 38

awards.”

The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is recognized as one of the top-rated outdoor fine art festivals in the country. The 56th annual festival will be held from Fe b r u a r y 28 to March 1, 2026, at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in downtown Tampa. The festival is presented by Gasparilla Arts Inc., a nonprofit, entirely volunteer-run organization.

“I love being a part of the festival and seeing all the artwork submitted by local artists,” Hollenkamp said. “If a local artist isn’t sure if they should submit their work, I’d say they should just go for it.”

Another program that the festival offers is its Emerging Artist Program.

“The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts Emerging Artists Program allows up-andcoming artists to present their work to a large audience in a professional setting, often for the first time,” Hollenkamp said.

“Applicants qualify if they do not have an established record as a professional artist presenting their work in museums, major art festivals, galleries or juried exhibitions prior to applying.”

If you are a local artist and are interested in submitting your artwork to the festival or want to know more, you can visit the festival’s website directly at https://gasparillaarts.com.

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Valrico Edition

HORROR HITS LAKELAND: FIRST-EVER FILM FESTIVAL UNLEASHES FRIGHTS, FILMS & FUN THIS OCTOBER

By Mylena C. Ferman

With Halloween creeping around the corner, horror film lovers will be shocked to know that advance ticket sales to Lakeland’s first-ever horror film festival end on Sunday, September 21.

The Lakeland Horror Film Festival (LHFF) will kick off with a family-friendly networking party on Friday, October 24, at Munchies on Marcum. The festival itself will run on Saturday, October 25, at Lakeside Village. From 9 a.m. to approximately 8 p.m., CMX Lakeside Village 18 & IMAX will be playing submitted film selections and hosting filmmaker Q&A sessions.

With over two dozen indie horror films across multiple horror genres, attendees are sure to find something that suits their taste.

Advance tickets start at $40 pretax per person for festival screening admission.

VIP passes — which include screening admission, networking event admission and a Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail ticket — are available for $70 pretax.

After September 21, festival screening admission will be available for $50 and VIP passes will be $80.

Those who are interested in the October 24 film networking party can purchase a separate $5 ticket before Sept. 21. Afterwards, networking party tickets will cost $10.

“We’re trying to really create an experi-

ence for the filmmakers but also for the people that come and experience the filmmakers,” Louis Joseph, an LHFF board member and the founder and CEO of iBoss Entertainment, said. — The LHFF also wants to benefit Lakeland as a whole. One of its goals is to introduce attendees to the Lakeland area. According to the LHFF’s Facebook page, stores like Planet Smoothie and Gaskins will give customers who show their LHFF tickets discounts on their purchases.

“We want to make this more than just a film festival. It’s like an all-immersive experience,” LHFF founder and director Danielle DeAngelo said.

While attendees may not wear a mask or identity-concealing makeup, they may cosplay or wear costumes to the festival.

Festival attendees will also have the chance to meet Creek Wilson, an actor known for his role as Mr. Allen in Neighborhood Watch and Mariner Ghost in Haunted Mansion. Wilson will be present during the main festival on October 25 and will be signing autographs.

For more information about the festival, please visit the LHFF website at www. ibossentertainment.com/lhff or the Lakeland Horror Film Festival LLC Facebook page. For advance tickets online, visit www.tickettailor.com/events/lakelandhorrorfilmfestival/1729660.

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Saving for school: The cost of waiting Whether a private or public school is in your child’s or grandchild’s future, education costs are rising. Start taking steps today to work toward your future financial goals.

Time and discipline may be your greatest allies when creating an education savings strategy.

Investing a set amount of money each month may seem challenging, but doing so can make a significant impact on reaching your family’s goals.

The illustration below shows how using time to your advantage may help you reach your education savings goal. Consider the cost of waiting:

Cost of waiting three years

Hypothetical investment: $200/month. Hypothetical value when child is age 18.

100K

$86,144

80K $63,392 60K $44,939 40K

$25,640 $14,319

20K

Cost of waiting:

Age 1

Age 4

$22,752

Age 7

Age 10

$19,299

Age 13

$5,136 Age 16

$9,183

This chart is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent any particular investment. The returns shown do not include transaction fees or taxes, which would negatively affect the return. Illustration assumes contributions of $200/month and a 7% average annualized rate of return compounded monthly.

Additional considerations

Keep in mind, you don’t have to budget the entire monthly contribution by yourself. Ask for help. A 529 education savings plan,* for example, allows for non–account owner contributions from family and friends looking for a unique gift idea. *Before investing, an investor should consider whether the investor’s or designated beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in that state’s 529 qualified tuition program.

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Volume 22, Issue 9

AUTHOR JACK CARR COMING LIVE TO TAMPA THEATRE

Staff Report

Tampa Theatre and Oxford Exchange welcome author Jack Carr in conversation with Susan Katz Keating on the theater’s historic stage at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, October 11.

From the “hottest author on the thriller scene today” (The Real Book Spy), No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Carr brings the worlds of special operations and CIA paramilitary units into direct collision in the jungles of Vietnam with his explosive new thriller, Cry Havoc.

Carr is a former Navy SEAL who led special operations teams as a team leader, platoon commander, troop commander and task unit commander. During his 20 years in Naval Special Warfare, he transitioned from an enlisted SEAL sniper to a junior officer leading assault and sniper teams in Iraq and Afghanistan, to a platoon commander practicing counterinsurgency in the southern Philippines, to commanding a special operations task unit in the most Iranian influenced section of southern Iraq throughout the tumultuous drawdown of U.S. Forces.

He is also the author of The Terminal List, True Believer, Savage Son, The Devil’s Hand, In the Blood, Only the Dead, Red Sky Mourning and Targeted: Beirut – The 1983 Marine Barracks Bombing and the Untold Origin Story of the War on Terror.

His next Terminal List series thriller, Cry

Havoc, hits shelves Tuesday, October 7. His debut novel, The Terminal List, was adapted into the No. 1 Amazon Prime Video series starring Chris Pratt and is currently filming a second season based on Carr’s novel, True Believer.

Keating is an award-winning writer and investigative journalist specializing in war, terrorism and international security. She is publisher and editor-in-chief at Soldier of Fortune and was previously a senior editor at the Washington Examiner. As military correspondent for People magazine, she has broken stories there and in TIME on the U.S. military and domestic terrorism. A former Washington Times security reporter, she is the author of Prisoners of Hope: Exploiting the POW/MIA Myth in America (published by Random House).

Her work has appeared in Reader’s Digest, The New York Times, RealClear Investigations and other publications. She lives in the Tampa area.

Tickets are $44 at the box office and $45 online (inclusive of taxes and fees).

Admission includes a presigned, hardcover copy of Cry Havoc, and Oxford Exchange will be selling additional copies in the lobby. There will be a photo op line after the event; no items will be signed during the photo op. This event is produced in partnership with Oxford Exchange.

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September 2025

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Valrico Edition

NEW HOPE CHURCH PARTNERS WITH SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE FOR BED BUILD

By Libby Hopkins At New Hope Church of Brandon, they believe that God has called them to share the life-transforming love and truth of Jesus through word and deed with those across the street and around the globe. This is fundamental to who New Hope Church of Brandon has partnered with the nonprofit Sleep in they are as a church.

“About three years Heavenly Peace to help build the parts for 20-25 bunk beds for this year’s Bunks Across America. ago, New Hope had a come that day, get guidance about their part Mission site in Dover,” said New Hope’s misof the build and then we all go to work. It sions director, Alan Howe. “They did a bed is fun, fulfilling, safe and a powerful expebuild there and it was a great experience rience.

All training and equipment, safety before my time. I was told about a veteran gear, water, lunch, etc., are provided. If you Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) bed builder in cannot work, you can pray, encourage and, the church this past spring. I gave him a call of course, give to cover the cost. It is free to and had a conversation. I was hooked, went participate.” on a build with my wife, then later a delivery.

During Bunks Across America 2024, SHP It’s so much fun, meaningful and a tangible witnessed the incredible power of comway to help kids and families. I proposed a munity in action.

One hundred and sevenbuild to our leaders, contacted the Tampa ty-four SHP chapters joined forces with SHP chapter and we chose the date of Sepmore 12,100 volunteers to build 7,629 beds tember 13, which is Bunks Across America in a single day, making a tangible difference Build Day as well.” in the lives of thousands of children across SHP is a nonprofit organization that proNorth America. vides twin beds to kids ages 3-17 who need This year’s Bunks Across America takes them. To apply, you must live near one of its place from Saturday, September 6, through active chapters, have a suitable living enviSaturday, September 13, and SHP is setronment and fill out its online form. ting its most ambitious goals yet, which are Bunks Across America is SHP’s flagship to build more than 10,000 beds, engage annual initiative, which brings together 15,000 volunteers and unite 250-plus SHP communities nationwide for the largest cochapters across the United States. ordinated bed-building event of its kind. This “We will be building the parts for 20-25 powerful week of service unites local chapbeds,” Howe said.

“If we get extra sponsorters, volunteers and sponsors in our shared ship and donations, we may be able to build mission to ensure no kid sleeps on the floor more.” in our town.

To get involved, visit https://shpbeds.org/ “We are building the parts for beds unchapter/fl-tampa-bay.

The church is located der the supervision of the wonderful Tamat 213 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon. pa SHP chapter,” Howe said. “All volunteers

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Valrico Edition

September 2025

NEW GRANT-FUNDED SOFTWARE HELPS HOME MAKERS OF HOPE REACH MORE FAMILIES

By Teresa Peterson

Home Makers of Hope started in 2008 when Pam Stamey, president and founder, learned about a family of five in Eastern Hillsborough County that slept on the floor of their small apartment because they lacked beds. Stamey and her friends delivered beds to this family, and they didn’t stop there. Now, the nonprofit organization has more than 200 volunteers who serve 450 low-income families a year with beds, furniture, dishware and decor. Most of all, they give families hope for the future.

“We pray over our families, and we give them hope. We tell them that God cares about them, and we care about them and that they are not alone here in Hillsborough County,” said Stamey.

With over 100 families on its waiting list, Home Makers of Hope needed a way to increase efficiency and enhance productivity. It discovered a software program that would modernize their operations, save time and increase opportunities for more grants.

“The benefit of having the software is the ease and efficiency of information that we will have in real time. This gives us the ability to write grants more efficiently, and more grants means more beds for families in need,” said Stamey.

The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg provided Home Makers of Hope a Community Impact Grant for $5,000 to purchase and implement the new software. This month, volunteers are

learning how to use the software to document volunteer hours, confirm truck reservations, determine the most efficient route for furniture pickups and generate tax documents.

Stamey attends St. Stephen Catholic Church in Riverview and many of her volunteers and donors come from her parish and other churches in Hillsborough County, including Christ the King Parish, St. Paul Parish and Nativity Parish.

Her faith gives her a strong foundation of service and compassion.

“I was raised in a beautiful Catholic family with eight children, and my mom and dad were always doing things for others. I was raised that, if you see someone who needs help, you do it. That’s what you do. It doesn’t really matter if they’re Catholic or they’re not. It just matters that they’re human beings that need help,” said Stamey.

She hopes the new software will help her to expand the services Home Makers of Hope provides since there is such a great need, and that the impact of its work is far-reaching. Most recently, it provided beds to a family that consisted of a pregnant mom with two children, two adult siblings and a grandmother.

“Families like this touch your heart. We are doing something that’s going to change somebody’s life, and it’s not going to change their life for a small period of time. It will change their lives for years,” said Stamey.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.homemakersofhope.org.

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Valrico Edition

Volume 22, Issue 9

DURANT COUGARS POISED TO WIN FOURTH STRAIGHT DISTRICT TITLE

The Cougars have won their dis- all the kicking duties, as well as play trict for three straight seasons. receiver and safety. They return two They have gone undefeated against starters on offense and five on dedistrict opponents in the last three fense. seasons, winning each matchup by “Our attitude is one of our best at least three touchdowns in 2024. strengths,” said Varnum. “These They are poised to win it again this guys don’t really get down; they are year. very resilient and bounce back well.

Durant has won at least eight I can’t wait to watch a new crop of games and gone to the playoffs in guys get after it.” every season since Clayton Varnum The coach thinks his team can imtook over the program in February prove on their overall consistency, 2021. It will have a young team this staying on script, not turning the year, having graduated 25 seniors ball over, not having penalties and last year. In the 2024 campaign, it not putting the team in bad posiwon a playoff game against South tions.

Lake 35-17.

Junior transfer Sam Themar will The Durant team has a great play quarterback. Varnum said that chance of making it to the playoffs he brings athleticism and running for a fifth straight season. They also power to the position and has a live- have a shot of going undefeated in ly arm. The coach is happy with his their district for a fourth straight decision-making and said that he is season. They play Bartow in the last really easy to work with, never com- game of the regular season, which plains or quits and shows up every may have big district ramifications. day, doing what he’s supposed to do. “My expectation is always for us Varnum thinks that the team’s ma- to go out and compete,” said Varjor strength will be up front at the num. “When you play us, I hope you line of scrimmage on the offensive go home sore and tired, and you reand defensive lines. They have two member that we were there. There’s seniors on the offensive line and an expectation now of winning the three on the defensive line. They will district title and making the playhave some young talent at those po- offs, so those goals are kind of set in sitions as well. Varnum is a defen- stone. I just want to see these guys sive-minded coach, having played take ownership of it and build off of defensive line and linebacker for Du- what we have done in the past but rant. He has done some added work also make this year something new with the D-line. for them.”

Senior left guard Landon Collins has played a lot of snaps for the Cougars, starting since his sophomore year. Junior Jontrel Washington will add versatility to the defensive line.

Junior Kairee Barnum will bring experience to the defensive backfield.

Senior inside linebacker Jeremy Cannon will cover the middle of the field. Senior Ryan Porter will handle

SCHEDULE 8/22 vs. Lake Gibson 8/29 @ Plant City 9/5 @ Gaither 9/12 vs. Armwood 9/19 vs. Wharton

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ROSTER # NAME

POS

GR

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POS

GR

1 Kairee Barnum

DB

Jr.

42 Jeremy Cannon

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WR/DB/K

Sr.

44 Jeremiah Stanley

LB

Fr.

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TE/H

So.

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LB

So.

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Jr.

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DB

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QB

Fr.

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T

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OL

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Jr.

72 Landon Collins

G, C

Sr.

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So.

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OL

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DB

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78 Tyler Arias

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Fr.

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Jr.

88 Mehki Miller

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Valrico Edition

CHARGERS HOPE TO TAKE NEXT STEP AND MAKE PLAYOFFS AFTER QUICK START

The Chargers have won their first has returning players except for five games in two of the last three the wide receiver position. Most seasons. They started 5-0 last sea- everybody else has had extensive son, before losing four out of their playing time and reps. The team renext five and coming up one game turns nine starters on offense and short of the playoffs. Strawberry seven on defense. He said that they Crest is off to another quick start have to protect the ball better than in 2025, winning their first two they did last year. He would like games while dominating their op- his defense to put more pressure ponents along the way. on the opposing quarterback and Strawberry Crest beat East Bay force more turnovers. They forced 26-6 in their opener and rout- six turnovers and had four sacks ed Middleton 34-14 in the second against East Bay. Prior preaches week. They are projected to go 5-0 to his players to “do your job with again this season before the com- great effort, attitude and techpetition gets considerably more nique.” difficult. The Chargers have a great The program has improved conchance of making the playoffs for siderably under his leadership, and the first time under Head Coach the next progression would be makPhillip Prior in his seventh season ing the playoffs. They will need to at the helm. win at least one more game than Senior quarterback Sevin Bag- last year to do that. They play in a nato started the last two games of very tough district with Newsome, the season in 2024 and has earned Sumner and Plant City. the starting job. Prior said that Ba- Prior said that his players have gnato will manage the offense and Blake circled on their calendar betake care of the ball. He was five-of- cause they felt like they let that eight in the passing game against game get away last year, which East Bay. The team has a run-heavy could have been the difference in offensive system. them not making the playoffs.

Zion Weems, Adam Eskew and “It doesn’t matter what your abilTre Feliciano are young and talent- ity level is, it doesn’t matter how ed backs who will all carry the rock fast you are, how strong you are, in this power running game. Senior you can control your effort and aptight end Jake Ogden is a big tar- proach,” said Prior. “That is what get and will garner attention from we preach in our program over all opposing defenses. Senior defen- things, is to control the things that sive lineman and three-year starter you can control, your assignment, Steven Diaz, junior linebacker Brice your effort, your attitude and your Robinson and senior linebacker Zay- technique.” veon Springfield will all bring experience to the defense.

Prior thinks that the experience the team brings back will pay dividends. He said that every group

LET’S GO CHARGERS!

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Page 20

Valrico Edition

Volume 22, Issue 9

LOCAL RESIDENT PAIGE ZULKOSKI MADE HER DREAMS A REALITY, NOW A

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS!

By Emily Harper

Keeler Notary & Fingerprinting

CHEERLEADER FOR HOMETOWN NFL TEAM

Paige Zulkoski, a over, so she decided to FishHawk native, try out for the Tammade her dreams a pa Bay Buccaneers reality this summer as cheerleading squad. she was named a TamIn July, Zulkoski finpa Bay Buccaneers ished training camp, cheerleader for the and the Buccaneers 2025-26 season. officially welcomed “Growing up in Tamher as a Bucs cheerpa, I’ve always loved leader. the Bucs; it’s been my “It means the world team since day one,” to me,” said Zulkoski said Zulkoski. “It’s alwhen asked what it ways been a dream to meant for her to be dance on the sidelines a Bucs cheerleader and was the only team growing up in Tampa.

I wanted to try out “I never thought that for.”

Photo Credit Tampa Bay Buccaneers this would be my life.

Zulkoski discovered Paige Zulkoski’s media day photo as a It has always been a her love for dance and rookie for the 2025-26 Tampa Bay Bucca- dream, but having it neers Cheerleading squad. performing at Branactually be a reality don School of Dance Arts at an early age. makes it so special.”

There she learned the styles of dance, inOn August 9, the Buccaneers hosted cluding jazz, ballet, hip-hop and contempo- their first preseason game against the Tirary. She started dancing competitively at tans and Zulkoski participated in her first age five and continued through her high game day. school years.

“It was surreal; it was very special. Just “My dance teachers have been there stepping onto the field and hearing the with me through everything, and they crowd was a different experience than I have shown me sides of dance that I have had ever experienced before. Just hearing never seen before,” said Zulkoski. everyone and honestly feeling supported After graduating from Newsome High by all of the veterans and [coach Anna], School in 2020, Zulkoski attended Florida it was the best feeling I could have ever State University (FSU), where she grad- asked for,” Zulkoski said, reflecting on her uated with her bachelor’s in sports man- first game day experience. agement and a minor in hospitality. At In addition to cheering for her rookie FSU, Zulkoski was a part of the club dance season, Zulkoski also teaches dance at a team, Seminole Dance Force, and served local studio in FishHawk. Through teachas the senior co-captain. ing, she has been able to reflect on her Upon her graduation at Florida State, dance journey and be a role model for the Zulkoski felt like her dancing career wasn’t next generation.

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Page 21

Valrico Edition

September 2025

TAP INTO NEW POSSIBLITIES FOR DEPRESSION

nitishrele@gmail.com COMPACT MAZDA CX-5 IS A FUN, SPIRITED COMPACT CROSSOVER

By Nitish Rele features. The well-crafted and intelligently designed cabin conveys a tasteful and tailored look, thanks to metallic-finish splashes.

A rounded analog speedometer gauge surrounds the tachometer, fuel and temp readings. The 10.25inch infotainment screen is easy to use via control and volume knobs on the center console. For drivers who seek some excitement, paddle shifters That the rival- CX-5 TURBO SIGNATURE (AWD) on the leather steering ry in the compact Tires: 225/55/R19 wheel should provide recrossover segment Suspension: MacPherson strut assurance. Our top-level is fierce is a given. turbo Signature arrived front, multilink rear Amid such stalwarts Steering: power rack and pinion with standard dual auto as the Toyota RAV4 AC, leather seats, powWheelbase: 106.2 inches and the Honda CR-V er sunroof, push-button Length: 180.1 inches is our favorite CX-5 start, eight-way powWidth: 72.6 inches (not to be confused er driver and six-way Height: 65.6 inches with its stablemate front-passenger heated/ Weight: 3,871 pounds CX-50, targeting offcooled front seats and a Fuel capacity: 15.3 gallons road enthusiasts).

10-speaker Bose sound City: 22 mpg We will admit to a system. Head and legHighway: 27 mpg slight bias toward the room are adequate for Base price: $40,600 Mazda SUV because adults, and best of all is Price as tested: $42,750 our family is a proud the 40/20/40 split rear owner of the vehicle. Website: www.mazdausa.com seat, which folds flat.

Regardless, the CX-5 is practical, classy, This opens up 59.3 cubic feet of space in sprightly and just a sheer delight to drive the cargo hold, or you can still eke out 29.1 around corners. And the option of sport cubies with the seats occupied. and off-road modes makes it a no-brainer.

Dual front and side airbags, side curSeating five in comfort and style, the tur- tain airbags, dynamic stability and tracbo Signature trim is equipped with a solid tion controls, four-wheel antilock brakes, power train: 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder hill launch assist, a blind-spot monitor, engine putting out a healthy 227 horse- lane-keep assist and departure warning, power at 5,000 rpm and 310 pounds-feet rear-cross traffic alert, front/rear parking of torque at 2,000 rpm while coupled to sensors, crumple zones and stabilizer bars, a six-speed auto gearbox. Whether you a 360-view and rearview camera, threechoose the front-wheel or all-wheel drive, point safety belts for all, a tire pressure the small SUV gets the direct-injection monitoring system and daytime running Skyactiv, which uses a torque boost via lights are standard. a high compression ratio to increase fuel In a mere decade, the CX-5 has carved economy. And the G-Vectoring Control a slot in the crowded small SUV field. This (which uses engine timing for more accu- Mazda is tough to beat if you consider rate steering inputs) is a bonus. performance, price and plentiful cargo/ The attractive front shows off a centered passenger room. And the future looks Mazda emblem amid a gunmetal-finish even brighter for the 2026 model, which grille that flanks adaptive LED headlights. gets a boost in wheelbase, length and Signature trim, turbo and AWD badges in width, as well as an overhauled cabin. All the rear convey the rest of the vehicle’s for the better, of course.

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Valrico Edition

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Volume 22, Issue 9

COMMUNITY GATHERS FOR ANNUAL HARVEST AWARDS IN DOVER

By Betty Jo Tompkins

Students are back in school, the dog days of summer have passed and fall is just around the corner. That means it’s time for the Harvest Awards, presented annually by the Greater Hillsborough County Fair Association. This year’s event, slated for Thursday, October 9, is being sponsored once again by Odiorne Insurance Agency and Auto-Owners Insurance. The luncheon will bring together over 300 agricultural, business, educational and governmental leaders to honor Hillsborough County’s rich agricultural heritage.

Celebrating the 2025 fair theme, ‘There’s No Time Like Fair Time,’ the festivities will kick off at noon at the fairgrounds located at 215 Sydney Washer Road in Dover. Honorees this year include Travis and Amber Council, Farm Family of the Year; Rhonda and Bill Burnette, Lifetime Achievement Award recipients; Casey Simmons Runkles, Outstanding Woman in Agriculture; Tampa Family Health Centers Inc., Outstanding Public & Community Service; Florida Mineral Salt & Ag Products, Outstanding Agribusiness; and Christopher Tompkins, Posthumous Award recipient.

The Council family have distinguished themselves with their involvement with 4-H and FFA, including 25 years of leading the Antioch 4-H Critters, as well as FFA at Marshall, Plant City and Durant high schools.

Runkles has distinguished herself in many facets of agriculture. Since founding SimmRunk Agriculture Consulting Services in 2006, she’s expanded her leadership through FFVA and the Wedgworth Lead-

Page 23

Valrico Edition

September 2025

ership program. Today, she serves as president of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and as Secretary of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association.

Tampa Family Health Centers Inc. has served the Tampa Bay community for over 41 years, providing integrated, high-quality care to over 113,000 patients annually.

Florida Mineral Salt & Agricultural Products has been a family-owned business serving the agricultural community since 1992. It provides an outstanding lineup of ag supplements for beef, dairy, equine and wildlife. The Clark brothers, Steve, Mike and Greg, bring over 120 years of combined experience to the supplement industry and are active participants in numerous ag organizations.

Tompkins distinguished himself as the national winner in 4-H Citizenship and second in the National FFA Computers in Ag. At the University of Florida, he served as Senate president, student body treasurer and president as well as the University’s first national Truman Scholar. the State.’

According to event co-chairs Suzanne Churchwell and Betty Jo Tompkins, this year’s selection was difficult.

Also being honored are Friends of the Fair awardees Kelli Messick, Gary Tripp, Maurice Raybon and Jerry Mahaffey.

This year’s event will feature a barbecue lunch from BubbaQue’s and strawberry shortcakes from the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. Further event details are available by contacting the fair at 813737-3247 (FAIR) or visiting www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com.

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR CONSERVATION MINI-GRANTS

By Betty Jo Tompkins Are you a Hillsborough County student or parent of a student enrolled in grades K-12 in public, private, parochial charter, home or virtual school programs who would like to complete a conservation project to help your community? If so, now’s the time to apply for a Conservation Mini-Grant, sponsored by the Florida Conservation Coalition. Each applicant group must consist of at least five students and one adult. Eligible groups include clubs, organizations, chapters, classes, troupes or other youth groups determined to explore and promote conservation.

Programs, projects and activities eligible for grants include protection and enhancement of air, water, soils and all elements of life. Mini-grants give students a starting point from which they can execute both small and large projects within the community. These $250 allocations can address issues such as food insecurity, food waste, water quality and shortages, air pollution, plastic pollution and climate disruption.

Previously funded projects have included road and waterway cleanups, wildflower and pollinator initiatives, tree plantings, community and school gardens, composting, recycling, trash repurposing and even bat nesting boxes. The latest application winners included the Winthrop Wayfinders 4-H Club for its gardening

project and John Humphreys.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and are available by contacting FCC President Betty Jo Tompkins at 813-477-8332 or b j t 6 8 9 0 @ ya h o o . com. The next round of approximately one dozen recipient groups will be announced at the 2025 Hillsborough County Fair, which is from Thursday, October 30, to Sunday, November 9.

The Florida Conservation Coalition, headquartered in Brandon, is dedicated to advocating, educating and facilitating conservation programs for youth and adults. Among other projects this year, the coalition hosted the State 4-H and FFA Land Judging competition for over 200 students at the county fairgrounds.

In addition, the coalition sponsors scholarships, educational conservation displays at fairs and festivals as well as the youth plant show at the county fair and the annual rain barrel decorating contest, open to all Hillsborough students.

Also on tap at this year’s fair will be the annual Super Plant Auction on November 9, sponsored by the coalition, Odiorne Insurance Agency and Auto-Owners Insurance. Proceeds from this event, which will include all types of horticulture, will fund future mini-grants and programs. Further details on these events are available on the fair’s website, www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com.

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Page 24

Valrico Edition

CONGRESSMAN HONORS HEROES AT ANNUAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARDS CEREMONY

Staff Report

Congressman Vern Above and BeBuchanan hosted his yond the Call of Duty annual Florida’s 15th Award: Congressional District • Hillsborough CounLaw Enforcement ty Sheriff’s Office: Awards in front of Deputy John Howes over 200 constituents III. at the Manatee PerDedication and Proforming Arts Center. fessionalism Award: Buchanan recognized • Hillsborough Counover 50 members of ty Sheriff’s Office: the area’s finest for Master Deputy Jeffery their exceptional serMerry. vice to the community.

Buchanan is a strong “Every day, these supporter of the law brave men and wom- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy enforcement commuen put their lives on John Howes III receives the Above and nity and first respondBeyond the Call of Duty Award. the line to enforce the ers. Buchanan is the rule of law and keep sponsor of the Thin our communities safe,” Blue Line Act in Consaid Buchanan. “Now gress, which toughens more than ever, they penalties against anyneed and deserve our one who targets or full support. These kills police officers and awards are a fitting other first responders. tribute to their dedicaCongressman Vern tion, courage and the Buchanan is an Amerheroic role they play in ican businessman, polour communities.” itician and Air Force Buchanan estabveteran serving as the lished the awards U.S. representative for 15 years ago to give Florida’s 16th congresspecial recognition to sional district since first responders in the 2013. The 16th district district for exception- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Master Dep- covers much of SE Hillal achievement. The uty Jeffery Merry receives the Dedication sborough County inand Professionalism Award. winners were selected cluding Brandon, Lithby an independent panel of current and ia, Riverview, Ruskin and more. For more retired law enforcement personnel orga- information or to contact his office, visit nized by Buchanan. https://buchanan.house.gov/.

Volume 22, Issue 9

Successful School Supply Drive, Shopping Bazaar & More...

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Tax Collector’s Office Donates Supplies For Students

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office proudly announces the outstanding success of its July school supply drive, collecting an impressive 34,221 supplies for local students through the Hillsborough Education Foundation. The monthlong initiative showcased the remarkable generosity of tax collector employees and community members who came together to support education across Hillsborough County.

The donated supplies, collected at all tax collector locations throughout July, will be distributed through the Hillsborough Education Foundation’s Teaching Tools Store, providing free resources to teachers across the county so they can ensure every student has the essential tools they need to be successful in school. For more information about the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office and its community initiatives, visit the website at www.hillstaxfl.gov.

Raising Teens Today: A Parent Education And Coaching Series

Dr. Lauren Brown, a local psychologist p ra c t i c i n g at Brandon Area Psychology Associates, will be hosting a virtual parent training for parents of teens, starting in September. Subjects covered will include brain development, attachment (why they need you when they say they don’t), emotion regulation/coping skills, peers/ romantic relationships, communication/ defensiveness and technology. Please email drlbrown@brandonareapsychology.com or call 813-701-3154 for additional information.

Indoor Shopping Bazaar

Come out and enjoy an indoor shopping bazaar with local vendors on S at u rd ay, September 20, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Palmetto Club, located at 17004 Dorman Rd. in Lithia, will be transformed into a shopping spectacular with a wide variety of items for sale, including clothing, accessories, home and decor items, bath and body products, sweet treats and more. Enjoy shopping and browsing the over 30 vendors in the air conditioning. For more information, call 813-681-4000 or email sparvin@ fishhawkranchcdd.org.

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Page 25

Valrico Edition

September 2025

BUSCH GARDENS UNLEASHES NEW HORRORS FOR HOWL-O-SCREAM

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Staff Report The time is near for Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Taking place on select nights from now through Sunday, November 2, this year’s event is set to resurrect your nightmares and unleash extreme screams at this parkwide experience. To mark this milestone, HowlO-Scream will feature five haunted houses, including the new M.A.R.S. house and the new upgraded Ravens Mill – Lambs to the Slaughter, three new scare zones, two new hordes and terrifying entertainment offerings designed to make guests jump out of their seats.

Haunted Houses and Scare Zones • NEW! M.A.R.S.: Once the crown jewel of the space fleet, the Elysium was built to explore the outer limits of our solar system and search for signs of life. But on a routine mission to Mars, disaster struck. The ship crashed violently onto the planet’s surface — damaged beyond repair. Most of the crew perished on impact. The few who survived now face freezing temperatures, failing life support and something far worse.

• NEW EERIE ENHANCEMENTS! Ravens Mill – Lambs to Slaughter: Once the heart of a thriving farming community, Raven’s Mill has roared back to life — but not for grain.

After the land went barren and townspeople vanished, scarecrows began to appear — stitched from the remains of the missing.

Now, the mill grinds through flesh and bone, operated by silent workers who rebuild bodies into something unrecognizable.

• NEW! The Pestilence: While the world moved on from the plague, one town never recovered. The Mob Doctors remained

— gas-masked figures in black coats who decide who lives and who disappears.

• NEW! Breadcrumbs to Nowhere: Deep in Havenwood Forest, a rotting cottage lures the lost with the scent of sugar and the lies of a forgotten fairy tale. Hansel and Gretel never escaped — and now, they lead others to the Crone’s festering lair, where the woods twist, the walls decay and no one ever leaves.

• NEW! Murders at Buckshot Ridge: They built a logging camp deep in the woods, but the forest pushed back. Now, the cabins rot, the axes drip red and the men who once worked here have become something else entirely. The trees shift, the paths deceive — and the forest keeps what it takes.

• Returning Scare! Ragnar’s Wrath: The icy winds of Niflheim howl as you approach a charred Viking longhouse, its stench of death is a prelude to the horrors within.

Sinister Shows and Entertainment • Familiar Fear! The Reckoning: In an innate battle of good and evil, seemingly innocent Lark awaits her ultimate judgement day when she meets the Gatekeeper in the fiery depths of Hell.

• Cirque X-Scream: An electrifying and mesmerizing stunt show that will leave guests on the edge of their seats.

Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event, taking place on select nights from now through November 2 after 7 p.m. For a limited time, tickets are available for only $34.99 during the Monster Sale.

Front Line Fear passes and Front Line Fear Extreme passes provide VIP experiences.

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Page 26

Valrico Edition

Volume 22, Issue 9

ALL ABOARD THE PUMPKIN PATCH AND NORTH POLE EXPRESS

Staff Report

All aboard for a season of festive family fun! The Florida Railroad Museum is gearing up for two of its most popular annual events — the Pumpkin Patch Express and the North Pole Express — offering unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages.

Pumpkin Patch Express — October 18-19 and 25-26 Kicking off the fall festivities, the Pumpkin Patch Express returns for two weekends in October. Families can enjoy a two-and-ahalf-hour seasonal celebration that includes a scenic train ride, a hayride, a centipede ride, games, crafts and more.

Trains depart at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, October 18-19 and 25-26. Each child receives a small pumpkin to take home, and food will be available for purchase at the event site.

“This is one of our favorite traditions,” said a museum spokesperson. “It’s all about making memories with your family in a fun, relaxed setting.”

Tickets are on sale now at www.frrm.org, and early booking is recommended — especially for museum members, who receive early access and discounts on select events.

North Pole Express — November 28 through December 22 Then in late November, the magic of the holidays rolls into town with the much-anticipated North Pole Express. This threeand-a-half-hour holiday experience includes a 35-minute train ride from Parrish to a special North Pole station, where Santa awaits to greet each child personally.

Upon arrival, guests will enjoy festive entertainment, campfires, activities, and unlimited hot chocolate and cookies — all included with every ticket.

Santa will also give each child a special holiday gift.

Dates of Operation: • Friday to Sunday, November 28-30.

• Wednesday to Sunday, December 3-7 and 10-14, and Wednesday to Monday, December 17-22.

Seating options include open air, coach, first class and a private caboose experience that accommodates up to 16 guests. Each caboose comes equipped with tables, restrooms, fans and a museum host to assist with boarding and safety.

Tickets for the North Pole Express can be purchased online, by phone at 941-7760906 or at the Parrish ticket office. Online and phone reservations incur a 6 percent service fee, and prices vary based on age, seating class and date.

Join the FRRM Family Want early access and discounts to these events? Consider becoming a museum member. Membership perks include free Willow Express train rides, 50 percent off select special events, half-price locomotive cab rides (once per year) and early access to Pumpkin Patch Express and North Pole Express tickets. Sign up at www.frrm.org or by calling the ticket office during business hours.

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Valrico Edition

September 2025

FROM SPELLS TO SCARE ZONES: GUIDE TO FUN AREA EVENTS

By Jenny Bennett

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Get your favorite costume ready and come and collect candies and treats while Magic Kingdom park thrills and chills you with eerie entertainment, delightful attractions and some beloved Disney characters in Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Watch three sinister sisters bewitch and bedazzle in the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, boogie down with friends from Disney Junior shows at Disney Moonlight Melodies and finish the evening watching Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, a wickedly wild fireworks display hosted by Jack Skellington. This frightfully fun experience runs on select nights through Friday, October 31. Tickets can be purchased at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/; please review the dress code and costume guidelines before attending.

ing trains, cow-hunting giants and more.

Haunted A little bit scary, a little bit funny and alW o o d s ways family-friendly. After your tour, enEvents At joy a festive snack and drink, which are inH i l l s b o rcluded in your admission. Tall Tales of Old ough River Florida will be held at Cracker Country State Park bags available from Cotanchobee Park, on the Florida State Fairgrounds, located

Are you ready to face your worst nightmare? Haunted Woods at Hillsborough River State Park is where your nightmares become alive. As night falls, the woods come to life and turn into pure terror. Brave the Scare Trail — Beyond the Grave — where the undead are clocking in. This is recommended for children over 12 years of age and will take place from 7-10 p.m. at Hillsborough River State Park, located at 15402 U.S. 301 in Thonotosassa on Friday and Saturday, October 24-25. For a more family-friendly event, bring younger children to the Beyond the Grave Kids Trail event.

This event runs from 3-6 p.m. on October 25 only.

Creatures Of Please note that The Night At this is a cash-only ZooTampa event. A trunk-orJoin Tampa Bay’s number one family treat event will also be taking place from Halloween event, Creatures of the Night, 5-7 p.m. on October 25. at ZooTampa for a night of eerie family frights. Ghouls and goblins of all ages can enjoy howling outdoor experiences, Friends Of The Tampa Riverwalk spooky characters, creepy culinary treats Trick Or Treat The free Riverwalk Trick or Treat event and much more. This year’s event features a new colossal adventure, Mesozoic May- returns on Saturday, October 25, from 4-9 hem, a bone-chilling scare zone where p.m. Dress up in a costume and then trickancient beasts roam once more and cha- or-treat along the Tampa Riverwalk and os ensues after scientists tamper with enjoy the fun family-friendly activities. nature. Tickets are available at https:// There will be over 50 stations to enjoy throughout the route with trick or treat zootampa.org/.

at 4800 U.S. 301 in Tampa, on Saturday, located at 601 Old Water St. in Tampa, October 18, from 7-10:30 p.m. Visit www. while supplies last. There will also be a crackercountry.org to purchase your tickcostume contest at Coets (advance purtanchobee Park at 5 p.m. chase is required) and a movie on the lawn and select the starting at 7:30 p.m. start time of your tour, which will Howl-O-Scream At last about an hour.

This event is not Busch Gardens recommended for Busch Gardens’ Howlchildren under 6 O-Scream returns in full years of age. force, taking over the entire park with haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows and more. Unspeak- A Kitten Place’s Black Cat 5K able horror lives in every dark corner, in- Fun Run cluding on Busch Gardens’ pulse-pounding Local cat and kitten rescue A Kitten thrill rides. Howl-O-Scream is bringing Place is holding its annual Black Cat 5K fear to the next level, and once you’re in Fun Run on Saturday, October 18, in the there’s nothing you can do about it. This Twin Lakes neighborhood and is looking event is intended for mature audiences for vendors and corporate sponsors for and contains adult content; costumes are the event. It is a fun family event; feel free not allowed. Tickets can be purchased at to dress up in your Halloween costume. https://buschgardenstamThere will be a pa.com/. The event runs DJ, food, a coson select nights until Fritume contest, day, October 31. raffle prizes,

Tall Tales Of Old Florida

Explore Tampa’s 19th-century living history museum, Cracker Country, by lantern at night in its Tall Tales of Old Florida event. Along the way, storytellers will spin wild yarns about Florida’s unexplained oddities, including skunk apes, misbehav-

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Volume 22, Issue 9

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September 2025

Valrico Edition

A SAFER, MORE SECURE WAY TO CONNECT WITH THE HILLSBOROUGH STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

By State Attorney Suzy Lopez You may have nocount or information. ticed something new The scammer will use when visiting the an email or website state attorney’s office that looks official at website. We have offirst glance. The best ficially launched our defense is vigilance. If new domain: https:// a message feels suspihillsboroughsao.gov/. cious, take a moment This change from to verify it before rea .com to a .gov may sponding. seem small, but it’s Switching to a big step forward in https://hillsboroughprotecting our comsao.gov/ is one more munity. A .gov doway we’re making main isn’t just a web sure you can interact State Attorney Suzy Lopez. address. It tells you, with us safely and without question, that you’re dealing confidently. All links from our old webwith a verified U.S. government agency. site, sao13th.com, will automatically reWhile anyone can buy a .com address, direct to the new domain. But everyone .gov domains are strictly regulated and should update bookmarks and contacts reserved only for official government to the new address. organizations, making it more difficult Your safety, both in our neighborhoods for scammers to spoof. You’ll also notice and online, is our priority. If you see all of our email addresses end in .gov as something suspicious, report it to the well.

FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ and Online scams have been around for contact local law enforcement. decades. Years ago, it might have been The Hillsborough County State Attoran email from a ‘Nigerian prince’ prom- ney’s Office will continue working every ising riches for a small payment. Today’s day to protect this community, whether scams are far more sophisticated. Many in the courtroom, on our streets or in the fraudsters now pose as government or digital space. law enforcement officials.

The State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial According to the Federal Trade Com- circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, mission (FTC), impostor scams were the including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace second-most common scams in 2024. and Plant City. The office staff consists of approxLosses from government impostor scams imately 320 dedicated public servants including alone jumped from $171 million in 2023 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim to $789 million in 2024. These scams of- advocates and support staff. The office handles approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn ten start with an email, call or message more about the organization or apply to become claiming there’s a problem with your acpart of the team, visit www.sao13th.com.

Page 29

NEW HORIZONS GROUP HOMES OF BRANDON ANNUAL BARBECUE FUNDRAISER CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF FUN WITH THE COMMUNITY

By Libby Hopkins The mission of New Horizons Group Homes Inc. is to provide a family-oriented Christian group home living environment supporting adults with disabilities to achieve their highest potential for independence through a variety of services that emphasize faith, family, choice, independence, dignity and respect.

“It is amazing to look back to when New Horizons was just an idea with a group of people wanting to make it into a reality,” Brenda Watkins of New Horizons said. “We all wanted a Christian home with a family atmosphere, and the most important thing to me is that it has remained just that.”

In 1992, several parents, teachers and friends of members of the Special Ministries Department of First Baptist Church Brandon identified a need for long-term living facilities for developmentally disabled men and women. A committee was formed to investigate the requirements to undertake this task. Out of this group, New Horizons Group Homes Inc. was born.

New Horizons will be hosting its 30th annual Barbeque and Silent Auction on Saturday, November 1, at the Central Baptist Christian School gymnasium from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

“This is a great opportunity to learn more about New Horizons and its history that has brought us to where we are today,” said Watkins. “The barbecue will be from BubbaQue’s, and we typically have over 100 items in the silent auction. This is the major fund-

raiser for New Horizons Group Homes.”

Tickets for the annual barbecue are $20, which includes a delicious barbeque dinner and a lot of fun.

“Guests can expect a delicious m e a l catered by BubbaQue’s,” Watkins said. “ We ’ v e had them cater for several years, and people look forward to their meal. We will have Henry Kirk, a local DJ who plays many different kinds of music, ranging from rock ’n’ roll to jazz, Christian and other things as well. He was with us last year also and was very well received.”

Watkins and her team are still looking to the Brandon community for sponsors and silent auction items.

“People can help by just showing up and bidding on silent auction items, buying tickets for the auction items or just visiting with our residents, their families, board members and enjoying the time together,” Watkins said. “Of course, we would never turn down donations as well. We hope to raise enough money for general maintenance and repairs that come up frequently during the year. Because our first home opened over 26 years ago, with the others opening not too long after that, one or more of the homes always needs something.”

If you would like to learn more about New Horizons Group Homes or be a part of this year’s barbecue, you can visit its website at www.newhorizonshomes.org or contact Watkins at 813-571-2690.

Valrico

Page 30

Valrico Edition

PAINT CORPS Believes In The Stand Strong Fencing Power Of Paint Opens With Quality & PAINT CORPS believes in the life-chang- Lifetime Warranty ing power of paint. Whether you want to modernize your home or improve the curb appeal of your business, fresh paint can make a drastic difference. Its crew specializes in both interior and exterior painting services for residential and commercial clients, making their homes and businesses the envy of their neighborhood. For additional information on services, call 813-520-6096 or visit its website at www.paintcorps.com.

Turkish Kitchen Is Open On Bloomingdale

Stand Strong Fencing opened locally in June. Stand Strong Fencing is a nationally backed, family-owned fence installation company serving Hillsborough County. It helps homeowners and businesses enhance their properties with durable, beautiful fences that provide security, privacy and curb appeal. Local owner Yesuah Bell said what sets it apart is its combination of premium materials, professional craftsmanship and top-notch service.

“Every project is backed by a lifetime warranty, and we’re proud to give back locally through school sponsorships and partnerships like the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and Habitat for Humanity. Our mission is simple: beautifying the community, one fence at a time,” Bell said.

Visit www.standstrongfencing.com, call 813-773-8209 or visit the ‘Stand Strong Fencing of Riverview’ Facebook page.

The Turkish Kitchen is a traditional Turkish restaurant bringing the rich, vibrant flavors of Turkey to the heart of Brandon. It specializes in authentic dishes from sizzling kebabs and freshly baked pide (a popular flatbread) to flavorful mezes and comforting stews, all prepared using classic recipes and the finest ingredients.

The menu celebrates the best of Turkish cuisine — bold spices, fresh herbs and the kind of hospitality that turns a meal into a memory. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

Come experience a true taste of Turkey — no passport required!

Free Medicare Seminar Located at 119 W. Bloomingdale Ave. in Marcie Maisonet, a Medicare specialist, Brandon, the Turkish Kitchen is open 11 a.m.- will be presenting two Medicare seminars 10 p.m. every day. For more information, visit along with Payant Insurance Solutions at the https://turkishkitchen0685.s4shops.com/.

Kings Point Clubhouse, located at 1900 Club-

September 2025, Volume Vol. 22,22, Iss. 9 9 Issue

house Dr. in Sun City Align Right Center. The dates for Realty: Six Years events are Thursday, Of Serving TamOctober 2, at 10 a.m. pa Bay and Tuesday, October Align Right Realty 21, at 2 p.m. Please Riverview proudly celebrates six incredible call 813-634-7001 to reserve your years of serving the Tampa Bay community. place.

What began as a vision to create a brokerage rooted in professionalism, training and Tuff Shed Tampa: Custom support has grown into a thriving family of Sheds Built to Last dedicated agents, loyal customers and trustTuff Shed Tampa hosted a rib- ed partners. Over the years, it has had the bon-cutting in July with the Greater Brandon privilege of guiding countless families and Chamber of Commerce. The ribbon-cutting businesses through their real estate journeys, highlighted interior and exterior renovations. building relationships that extend far beyond General manager Jimmy Monterio imple- the closing table. Align Right Realty is locatmented the changes to ensure the customer ed at 11962 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview. experience is first-class.

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The Tampa location Cruise Planners Travel Seminar not only sells buildings, but it is also the facCruise Planners, your vacation expert, is tory for the Tampa Bay area. celebrating its first anniversary. It has had a Tuff Shed supports communities through very successful first year and wants to conpartnerships with local organizations and tinue the momentum by inviting you to its The Home Depot Foundation. The Tampa lo- Mediterranean Travel Seminar on Thursday, cation is working with the Tampa Bay-area October 30, from 10 a.m.-12 Noon in the Riphomeschool program for a shed classroom. ple Room at Kings Point. Topics covered will Tuff Shed Tampa is located at 512 Jetton include Mediterranean cruise and land tours, St. in Tampa and is open Monday through what a cruise tour is and which cruise line is Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday from 9 best for you. For additional information on a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 Noon-5 p.m. what Cruise Planners has to offer, visit its For more information, visit www.tuffshed. website at www.ventureoutvacation.com or com/tampa-area/ or call 813-657-6091. call 717-856-2646.

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Page 31

Valrico Edition

September 2025

HANDS IN MOTION MUSIC CELEBRATES 19 YEARS AND SECOND GRAMMY WIN

NEW SEASON

Staff Report

A local music have all been institution is strikpart of this ing a high note journey. This — again. Hands win belongs to In Motion Muthem too.” sic Productions, In addition a Brandon-based to his Grammusic school and my achieveproduction comments, Lannie pany, is proudly has served celebrating its as a mentor, 19th anniversary, producer and and with it, a ma- Lannie Battistini and Neysa Rodriguez-Battistini are cele- artist-in-resijor milestone: a brating 19 years for Hands In Motion Music and a second dence at multiGrammy win. second Grammy ple universities Award win for co-founder and renowned and colleges, sharing his expertise with the pianist/producer Lannie Battistini. next generation of musicians. He and Neysa Since opening its doors in 2006, Hands were also invited in 2023 to speak to the In Motion Music, co-founded by husband- Entrepreneurship Class at the University and-wife duo Lannie and Neysa Rodri- of South Florida, sharing their experience guez-Battistini, has become a cornerstone navigating the volatile music industry and of music education and artist development sustaining a business through everything in the Tampa Bay area. The school has from the 2007 economic crash to the guided countless students through lessons COVID-19 pandemic. in piano, voice, guitar, drums, music theory Located at 501 Eichenfeld Dr. in Brandon, and artist branding — all while nurturing the school provides individualized instruca deep love for music and creative expres- tion and full-scale music production sersion. vices, and it also supports emerging artists This February, Lannie brought home his through its artist development and marsecond Grammy Award, a triumph that keting programs. The school has worked echoes the excellence and passion the cou- with talent ranging from beginner students ple has poured into their school and com- to professional recording artists, many of munity over nearly two decades. Lannie whom have gone on to release their own was honored for his work as a pianist and music. engineer on a collaborative jazz project, As they enter their 20th year, the BatENT LEAR N in. G R O said W . their OW N remains . continuing aRlegacy of .accolades that tistinis focus steadfast: cludes his previous Grammy, a Latin Gram- nurturing creativity, building confidence my and Global Music Awards. and helping students reach their fullest po“Winning this award is not just a personal tential. achievement — it’s a moment of pride for To learn more about Hands In Motion our entire community,” said Rodriguez-Bat- Music School and Productions, visit www. tistini, vice president and executive direc- handsinmotionmusic.com or www.himmuLAUNCH YOUR EMPIRE HERE tor. “Our students, parents and supporters sicschool.com, or call 813-573-8290.

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Page 32

Valrico Edition

Volume 22, Issue 9

OVER 190 HOMES SOLD IN 2025!

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