September 2025 Valrico

23 YEARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS

LAUNDRY MADE EASY: TIDE CLEANERS’ DRIVE-THRU & EASY TO USE APP

What do you look for when making a choice on where to take your items for laundry and dry cleaning?

Chances are that whatever it is, you can find it at Tide Cleaners on Bloomingdale Avenue.

From 24-hour drop-off and pickup in the location’s double-wide drive through to onsite drycleaning with the highest quality nonhazardous products, Tide Cleaners checks all the boxes and even has an app to make it easier.

Owned and operated by brothers Girish and Harish Mirpuri and their sons, Shan and Karan Mirpuri, Tide is a true family business. The brothers have worked together since 1976, and when looking for their next venture, they felt that Tide Cleaners was the obvious choice.

In January, cousins Shan and Karan Mirpuri and their fathers, Girish and Harish Mirpuri, took ownership of the Tide Cleaners, 1928 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico.

“Tide has made a name for itself for years in in-home laundry, and Tide Cleaners takes the very special brand into the community,” said Shan. “Our customers can trust that our products are the same quality as the ones that have stood the test of time in their homes, and our service is one more step in the same tradition.”

The Bloomingdale location is 3,200 sq.

By Kate Quesada

ft. and contains all of the state-ofthe-art laundry and dry-cleaning equipment needed, including a double-stack kiosk system that holds 3,500 garments. In addition to home pickup and delivery, Tide offers same-day service (with some limitations), alterations and can accommodate special care items including wedding dresses, bedding and table linens.

“We want to be a trusted part of the community, like the time-tested businesses around us,” said Shah. “Our staff is full of experts in the industry with many years of experience and same core values as our family.”

Tide also works with many local groups, cleaning donations for local nonprofits and offering discounts to schools and law enforcement agencies.

Tide Cleaners is located at 1928 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, next to Starbucks, west of Walmart, and can be reached at 813-662-4243. The family’s other location can be found at 1529 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa. To learn more, visit https://my.tidecleaners.com/, and make sure you download the app for coupons and more.

Elon University sophomore and men’s tennis standout Nikola Parichkov is stepping onto a bigger stage this year — not just on the court but as one of 21 college athletes selected nationwide for the groundbreaking Dexcom U program, a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) initiative supporting athletes with diabetes.

Parichkov, who transferred to Elon from Wake Forest after helping the team to a 2025 NCAA national title, is one of 13 new athletes joining Season 4 of Dexcom U. The program, created by Dexcom Inc. — a global leader in glucose monitoring — offers college athletes with diabetes visibility, resources and a powerful support system to help them succeed at the highest level of their sport while managing their condition.

“October 2, 2022, I got diagnosed,” said Parichkov. “I was training for tennis and I started noticing fatigue and tiredness and lost a ton of weight. It was concerning. My mom recognized the symptoms and got me tested and diagnosed.”

Now, Parichkov uses Dexcom’s Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system to track his blood sugar in real time. That technology has helped him remain competitive in Division I tennis — first in the ACC with Wake Forest, and now in the CAA with Elon.

“It was a great honor to be selected as a Dexcom athlete,” Parichkov said. “This is perfect for me to be able to represent Dexcom and my school and maybe be a support for someone in the younger generation that might help them realize they can train at a high level even with diabetes.”

This season’s Dexcom U roster spans 21 athletes across 12 sports, from schools in-

By Marie Gilmore

cluding Alabama A&M, Northwestern and San Diego State. The athletes were introduced at the inaugural Dexcom U Signing Day Camp earlier this month in Baltimore, hosted by Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews — a Dexcom user himself.

“I know how impactful it would have been to have a support system like this in the early stages of my career,” Andrews said. “So for me, getting to be the role model I never had is really special.”

Parichkov, a business major, said his ultimate goal is to turn pro. He credits German tennis star Alexander Zverev, also a Type 1 diabetic, with inspiring him to push through difficult moments.

“My goal is to be one of the best at the highest level,” Parichkov said. “Dexcom has helped me a lot through my tennis career.” Parichkov grew up in Brandon and started training at Golub Tennis at Brandon Sports and Aquatic Club--now High 5. He then continued his training in Hunter’s Green and Saddlebrook.

Last month, Parichkov also received the Novo Nordisk Donnelly Scholarship, established by Billie Jean King for student-athletes with diabetes, that was presented at the U.S. Open.

Parichkov (Brandon, Fla.)

Billie Jean King.

Proud Supporters of ECHO * Board of Directors

PB&J FEEDING MISSION 20 YEARS STRONG AT NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH

It took over 150,000 loaves of bread, 11,719 gallons of peanut butter and 50,000 hours to make 1.5 million peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, the milestone reached by volunteers at Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon.

Still, the number that matters most to volunteers is the number of hungry souls served over the course of almost two decades..

Count among them Luann Leahy, who 20 years ago asked Nativity officials if they would consider such an effort. She had been volunteering to make sandwiches at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Seffner after the last of her three children enrolled in kindergarten.

With a small space and increasing need taking its toll at St. Francis, Leahy suggested Nativity Catholic Church as a possible mission site. Her ask led to quick approval by the Rev. Arthur J. Proulx, who put Leahy in touch with the late Patricia LeJeune, who for decades ran the Nativity Catholic Church Food Bank and Food Pantry.

“Father Proulx told me Pat would help me with whatever I needed and she did,” Leahy said, about the Nativity priest from 2004 to 2014. “They provided peanut butter, jelly, bread and sandwich bags, and we did the rest.”

That was in November 2005. In July, Leahy had the privilege, on behalf of the Nativity Peanut Butter and Jelly Ministry, to ride as the grand marshal in the Greater Brandon Fourth of July Parade. With her were

By Linda Chion

Jim Courtney, her ‘righthand man,’ and his wife, Joan, who were “with me from the beginning,” Leahy said.

Greater Brandon Action Network (GBAN) parade organizers selected Leahy as grand marshal to promote and celebrate the PBJ mission, which Leahy said started with five volunteers and 30 loaves of bread.

“We feed the homeless, hungry and displaced,” Leahy said.

“We also collect and give out clothing, shoes, and household items.”

The list includes blankets for the cold, school supplies for students and Christmas and Easter bags to ensure seasonal cheer.

“We want people to feel special and to know that they’re not alone, and that we’re thinking about them,” Leahy said. “We’re all children of God, and that’s what we have in common.”

Working with the mission are 15 nonprofits, including the San Jose Mission in Dover, Liberty Southern Baptist Church in Plant City, the Trinity Cafe in Tampa, the Good Samaritan Inn in Tampa and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Seffner.

Volunteers meet twice a month to make sandwiches at Nativity. Upcoming dates, all on Fridays, are September 19; October 3, 17 and 31; November 14; and December 5 and 19, which also has a Christmas goodie bag and toy stocking giveaway. For more, visit the ministry on Facebook or call Leahy at 813-659-0181.

DURANT HIGH SCHOOL FFA MEMBERS PLACE HIGHEST IN

THE STATE FOR THE AG MECHANIC COMPETITION

One of the events offered in FFA is the Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems Career Development Event. The event recognizes students’ competencies in agricultural technology and mechanical systems emphasizing problem-solving, modern technology and practical handson skills.

By Libby Hopkins

and a PVC pipe building contest.” These are practical jobs that many mechanical professionals may be asked to do on the job, and it gives the students a wide range of experiences that they can participate in and will hopefully lead to a career path.

Durant High School competed this year in the Ag Mechanic Competition and placed highest in the state.

“We compete in the Agricultural Mechanics FFA contest, and this past year they added a surveying practicum to our contests,” said Thomas Sturgis, Durant High School agriscience teacher. “I didn’t have any experience in this field, so I got in contact with the geomatics professor at University of Florida in Plant City, Ali Gonzalez, and he came out twice to work with my team and set up simple surveying exercises for the students to complete and this helped us tremendously. At the state contest, we were the highest in the surveying category. The Ag Mechanics CDE consists of having the student do simple electrical wiring on a light switch, outlet and a light bulb. The students also have to do a ‘basic’ fillet weld as well as shop tool identification

“As a licensed land surveyor with approximately 17 years of field experience and an instructor at our Plant City Campus, I was asked to help Mr. Sturgis prepare his students to participate in a competition that included a differential leveling exercise,” Ali Gonzalez said. “Since I knew that at that age, most students do not have any idea what land surveying is, unless a close family member is or was a land surveyor, I had to start from the very basics. Our training consisted of teaching the students about differential leveling. After a few minutes in the classroom, we took them outside and started the hands-on part. The students were given two random points and were asked to answer which point was higher than the other and by how much. Fortunately, differential leveling is a simple procedure that uses relatively easy-to-understand equipment and measuring methods.”

Volunteers preparing sandwiches inside the social hall at Nativity Catholic Church.

The state team consisted of Jessie Parker, Taylor Maples, Austin Sweat, Cody Zarzoza and advisor Thomas Sturgis.

FLORIDA SBDC AT USF EMPOWERS

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida (USF) has recently expanded access to no-cost, face-to-face business consulting services for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Sarasota and Manatee County. These personalized sessions are available with Florida SBDC at USF senior business consultant Scott Carpenter at the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce every week from Tuesday through Thursday at 1945 Fruitville Rd. in Sarasota, as well as every first Tuesday of the month at the North Port City Hall, located at 4970 City Hall Blvd. in North Port.

advice in areas such as business planning, market research, capital access and more.

Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub of Manatee County recently worked with the SBDC.

“Since I took over ownership three months ago, my numbers actually have grown.

They have improved since going against some projections done over the last few years. I have added a lot more things to every night. So, we’ve been busier. Sales have been up,” owner Dana Rothgery said.

OVER 100 QUILTS ON DISPLAY AT UPCOMING QUILT GUILD SHOW

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.

IN RIVERVIEW

In addition, the Florida SBDC at USF offers its services to businesses in the Tampa Bay region which includes the following counties: Hillsborough, Hernando, Pinellas, Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto, Polk, Pasco, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners searching for no-cost business guidance/mentorship in Hillsborough County can find it at the USF Tampa office (inside USF CONNECT) as well as at Hillsborough County subcenter (which is located inside of the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center).

Whether launching a startup, scaling operations or navigating challenges, experienced Florida SBDC at USF business consultants are available to support business owners through their journey with tailored

The Florida SBDC at USF helps create a better Florida for all by providing businesses the expertise and resources needed to succeed and grow. The Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide partnership program nationally accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s headquarters. Full funding disclosure is available at www.floridasbdc.org/funding-disclosures/.

Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit https://sbdctampabay.com/.

AQUATIC PROGRAMS

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.

Don’t miss your chance to win the PQGB’s Opportunity Quilt Raffle, featuring the breathtaking available for purchase.

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.

This 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.

Florida SBDC at USF business consultant Brad Mix works with new owner Dana Rothgery at Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub in Manatee County,

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bandrew@ospreyobserver.com VALRICO/BRANDON

CEOS IN SCHOOLS NEEDS YOU SIGN UP TO INSPIRE, LEAD, AND MAKE A LASTING IMPACT ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

On Friday, November 7, Tampa Bay area executives will volunteer at a Hillsborough County public elementary school as part of the innovative, educational program — CEOs in Schools. Each business leader will be paired with a school principal and experience a day in the life of educators and students with the opportunity to share their own business knowledge with our next generation of professionals.

Local CEOs will have the opportunity to spend the day in a Hillsborough County public school to learn more about the operation and day-to-day running of a school.

From greeting students in the morning and visiting classrooms to attending a planning meeting, each CEO’s day will be tailored to the needs of the school community. Now in its seventh year, CEOs in Schools has proven to build lasting relationships that benefit everyone involved.

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. T.O.C.M.B.

Vistra Communications has a long-standing relationship with Mort Elementary School. CEO Brian Butler’s commitment to learning about the school and providing support in every way possible prompted him to spend an entire day with former Principal Woodland Johnson. The firsthand experience provided Butler with insight into ways our community can help lift our public schools to a higher level — inspiring him to challenge fellow CEOs to get involved and spend a day in our Hillsborough County Public Schools.

The innovative idea grew into this unique program in 2019, and in the following year Vistra partnered with Hillsborough Educa-

tion Foundation (HEF) to lead CEOs in Schools into the future. HEF CEO Anna Corman said it is a privilege to be part of this impactful initiative to help strengthen public education in Hillsborough County.

“Our schools are shaping tomorrow’s community members, future workforce and leaders. We have a vested interest in their success,” said Corman.

CEOs in Schools is an initiative of Hillsborough Education Foundation in partnership with Vistra Communications and Hillsborough County Public Schools. This program is helping to provide a new perspective on the role school and business relationships play in preparing our future workforce for success in school and in life. Learn more about the program at www. 1dayofchange.com/ceosinschools/.

About Hillsborough Education Foundation

Established in 1987, Hillsborough Education Foundation is a nonprofit focused on strengthening public education by supporting teachers and empowering students to achieve academic and personal success. Together with its community partners, HEF strategically invests in initiatives that impact teaching quality and increase graduation rates, bolstering a thriving workforce of tomorrow and the sustainable prosperity of Tampa Bay. Learn more at https://educationfoundation.com/.

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.

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

Learning a trade offers numerous advantages, including job security, lower education costs, handson experience and the potential for a rewarding career.

Recently, some 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.

“We try to give our students as many opportunities to get real-world experience in the program as possible,” said Katie Britt, assistant director for Geomatics Extension. “We have a lot of classes that have hands-on components, from labs to field trips to demos, and also internships or co-ops.”

Completing an internship or coop is a requirement for graduation from the program. These are paid internships, and they often lead to job offers after graduation.

“We often receive more requests to post internships than we are able to fill,” Britt said. “At our education center in the Tampa Bay area, a lot of our students continue working with their employer after the summer ends when classes start again. The ability to work while in the program not only give students a great way to immerse themselves in the industry while in school but also to pay for school as they go.”

Students received a lot of industry sup-

port, including tuition reimbursing at a lot of companies and scholarship opportunities from the Florida Surveying and Mapping Professional Society statewide and locally, as well as from industry support for scholarships through the Geomatics program at the University of Florida.

“Every student’s internship (or co-op) experience is different, but they all involve real world work experience,” Britt said. “Students complete internships where they collect data as part of field

crews, collect and analyze drone data and work in drafting departments. There is work experience in any application of surveying including boundary and land surveying, geospatial analysis, remote sensing, seafloor mapping, LiDAR scanning and mapping with drones.”

Britt and her team also try to provide extracurricular opportunities for students to participate in projects that may differ from their work experience.

“Ali Gonzalez, our Geomatics program

By Libby Hopkins

specialist in Plant City, does a great job of providing short but real-world projects that students can gain additional experience,” Britt said. “He included students in drone data collection, LiDAR scans of historic structures and even designing and laying out a corn maze.”

There are so many applications for a geomatics degree.

“Unfortunately, surveying isn’t a widely known field, even though anyone who likes maps, technology, math or has good spatial sense might be a good fit; we find that a lot of people aren’t aware of the career potential, both with and without a license and college education, until later in life,” Britt said.

“One of our goals in the Geomatics Extension program is to introduce more people to what surveyors do, whether because they might use a surveyor’s services in the future or because they might want to become one.”

If you would like to learn more about the programs offered at UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences, contact Britt at k.britt@ufl.edu.

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.

Bloomingdale Principal Dr. Marcos Rodriguez and Newsome

Principal Katie Rocha are two out of 60 principals in the country to be selected as Distinguished Principals this year in the Cahn Fellowship program.

Cahn Fellowship provides advanced leadership development and curriculum to mission connections for high performing principals with the goal of improving public education. The selection process is rigorous. To be considered, a principal must have five years’ experience and a high rating. The application process is lengthy and includes a multitude of essays, recommendations and onsite visits where teachers, staff members, students and parents are interviewed.

The principals that are selected are fellows within the cohort. They attend six conferences and have an ‘ally’ from their school. During the program, the fellows and allies determine a ‘problem of practice,’ essentially what they want to improve at their school. Rodriguez’s ally is Tracy Diprima, Bloomingdale’s curriculum specialist. Rocha’s ally is April McGinley, assistant principal of student affairs.

The Cahn Fellowship program director, Robert Bhoolai, worked with in Hillsborough County Public Schools from 2006-19 as a substitute, teacher, assistant princi-

By Jane Owen

pal, principal and district trainer.

“The Cahn Fellowship serves as a unique opportunity for veteran principals to grow their skills and develop leadership capacity within their allies. As a former HCPS principal, I can attest to the power of the fellowship and its impact on local school communities. I’m excited to welcome my colleagues from HCPS into the fellowship family,” Bhoolai said.

Rodriguez has been at Bloomingdale for six years. He hopes to bring a student mentorship program to Bloomingdale and improve daily student attendance.

“It is easy to get comfortable, thinking what I am doing is working. I want to keep pushing myself. This program is the next step to doing that,” Rodriguez said.

Rocha has been Newsome’s principal since 2020. She believes learning never stops and is excited about what she will learn through the program.

“I’m very honored to be chosen for this program. It’s an exciting opportunity for growth. I am truly looking forward to connecting with principals across the nation and learning from their experiences,” Rocha said.

To learn more about the Cahn Fellowship program, visit the website at www.cahnfellowship.org.

THE VILLAGE PLAYERS THEATER TAKES FLIGHT WITH PETER PAN

Second star to the right and straight on till Valrico! The Village Players are bringing the timeless magic of Neverland to the historic James McCabe Theater this fall with its production of Peter Pan, opening Friday, October 3, and running through Saturday, October 18. Tickets are on sale now.

At the helm is director Hal Granholm, who has been part of The Village Players since 2010.

A familiar face both onstage and behind the scenes, Hal has appeared in numerous plays and musicals throughout Tampa Bay. He also directs the skit comedy troupe Divine Madness and has been guiding young performers with Tampa Bay H.E.A.T. Homeschool in Brandon for the past 14 years.

“Peter Pan is a show that embodies everything we love about community theater,” said Granholm. “It’s magical, it’s funny and it’s family-friendly in more ways than one. We even have real siblings and parent-child duos performing together. It’s truly a family affair.”

Adding even more fun to the cast, Domin Pazo, The Village Players’ artistic director, will step into the role of Hook’s loyal sidekick, Smee. Domin brings 45 years of theater experience, including over 200 plays, plus television, radio and film work.

Ticket prices:

He has been with The Village Players for 38 years, works for Disney by day and will direct the group’s upcoming February production of Jesus Christ Superstar Performance dates:

• Evening shows (8 p.m.): Friday and Saturday, October 3-4, 10-11 and 1718.

• Matinees (3 p.m.): Sunday, October 5 and 12.

• Doors open at least 30 minutes before curtain.

• General admission: $23.

• Seniors, students and military: $20.

All performances will be held at the historic James McCabe Theater, located at 506 5th St. in Valrico. Built in 1915, the theater is listed on Hillsborough County’s Registry of Historic Places and serves as the home for The Village Players, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community teaching theater.

The Village Players are unique in Hillsborough County: a nonprofit theater dedicated to training performers of all ages. The group has an open-door policy for anyone interested in the stage and emphasizes hands-on training in all aspects of theater: makeup, costuming, set design and construction and acting.

For tickets and more information, visit https://thevillageplayersvalrico.com/.

Bloomingdale and Newsome Principals

Dr. Rodriguez and Katie Rocha, selected for the 2025-26 Cahn Fellowship.

The Village Players offers its latest show, Peter Pan in October.

KIDS TAG ART PROGRAM SEEKS

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is proud to announce the launch of its 202526 Kids Tag Art program, which is seeking community sponsors and encouraging elementary schools to participate in this unique arts education initiative.

Now in its fifth year, Kids Tag Art has transformed student creativity into community pride, raising over $143,000 for Hillsborough County school art programs while showcasing the talents of more than 3,000 fifth grade artists. The program, brought to Hillsborough County by Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan in 2021, partners with Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Hillsborough Education Foundation to give students a unique opportunity to design custom license plates while learning about local government and public service.

“This program cannot be successful without our community partners,” said Millan. “Every year, we see incredible artistic talent from our students, and with the support of our sponsors we’re able to turn that creativity into vital funding for arts education.”

Record-breaking Growth

The 2024-25 program year saw unprecedented participation with 65 schools and 3,125 student artists, raising $38,518 for participating schools. Each school received approximately $592 to support

their art programs. Call for Sponsors

Local businesses and organizations are invited to join current sponsors, including Suncoast Credit Union, Tampa Electric Company, Derrick Brooks Charities, the Tampa Bay Lightning and others. Sponsorship levels range from $500-$25,000, with benefits including: company logos on student-designed license plates, recognition at the annual awards ceremony, marketing visibility to over 70,000 Hillsborough County households and the opportunity to select and present student awards.

Schools and Teachers: Join the Movement

All Hillsborough County elementary schools are invited to participate. The program kicked off on August 4 with teacher orientation. Students will have dedicated time to sketch, outline and color their designs throughout the fall, with winning artwork to be announced at the annual awards ceremony in April 2026.

Beyond individual school winners, special recognition includes the Tax Collector’s Choice Award, Title Sponsor Award, and Best Teacher Artwork Award.

For sponsorship opportunities or program information, visit www.hillstaxfl.gov/ kids-tag-art.

To shop for past student artwork, visit www.hillstaxfl.gov/shop. Staff Report

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

As the fall season approaches, two highly anticipated local events promise to bring the community together with fun, food, music and memorable experiences.

Harvest Days at Keel Farms — Every Weekend in October

Starting the first weekend of October, Keel Farms will kick off its annual Harvest Days, a family-friendly celebration held every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. throughout the month. This lively event transforms the farm into a festive wonderland featuring classic autumn activities and attractions.

Attendees can enjoy hayrides, get lost in a corn maze, and explore the vibrant pumpkin patch — with opportunities for both picking and painting. Animal lovers will be excited for the camel rides, while foodies can take on the pumpkin pie eating contest or sample flavors from local vendors and food trucks. Adults can sip on seasonal wines and ciders as they stroll through the grounds.

Best of all, admission is free, and no tickets or reservations are required. Parking is just $10 per vehicle, and the event is dog-friendly and open to all ages.

Honky Tonk Night — September 26

Before October arrives, Keel Farms is also hosting a boot-stomping good time with Honky Tonk Night on Thursday, September 26, from 5-10 p.m. Dust off your

cowboy boots and gather your friends for an evening of country music, dancing and fun.

The night kicks off with line dancing lessons from 5-7 p.m., followed by live country music from 7-10 p.m. Visitors can browse local vendors, test their balance on the mechanical bull and grab bites from a limited event menu or the Sisimito food truck.

No tickets or reservations are needed, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Osprey View Open House — September 20

For those dreaming of the perfect event venue, don’t miss the open house at The Osprey View on Friday, September 20, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Just a short drive from Keel Farms, this picturesque, 10acre, lakeside vineyard in Thonotosassa will showcase everything it has to offer.

Guests will enjoy guided tours, wine tastings from Keel & Curley, local vendors and breathtaking views, making it an ideal day out for couples, event planners or anyone seeking a scenic escape.

For more information on these events, visit www.keelfarms.com/events-calendar and www.theospreyview.com/ events.

Keel Farms is located at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd. in Plant City. Visit www.keelfarms.com for details and information.

Upcoming fall events at Keel Farms and The Osprey View promise fun for all.

Nelson Elementary School fifth grade student Taylor Smith stands with her specially designed tag art as part of the tax collector’s office’s campaign.

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

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,

By Lily Belcher

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.

Tickets for the event cost $125. Day passes are $50.

LEANNE’S OLD FASHIONED COOKIES GEARS UP FOR A HOLIDAY SEASON OF SWEET TREATS

LeAnne Crabtree of Seffner is a local author, a motivational speaker and the owner of LeAnne’s Old Fashioned Cookies. Her cookies have been warming the hearts and igniting the taste buds of her customers for more than 35 years.

With the holiday season right around the corner, Crabtree and her team are gearing up for their busy season.

“We bake about 6,000 cookies a day during the holidays,” Crabtree said. “The holiday season is my favorite time of year because it’s a time for families coming together and we get the opportunity to share our cookies with them.”

As a finance major at the University of Central Florida near Orlando, one of Crabtree’s required marketing projects was to plan, set up a business, market the product, keep accurate records and report profits or losses the business generated. Since she has always enjoyed making cookies, she started with her family’s secret, fourth-generation chocolate chip cookie recipe to set up her marketing class ‘cookie business.’

By Libby Hopkins

even though her professor gave her a C on the project.

He emphatically stated, “People are becoming too health conscious and will no longer eat cookies; therefore, this business will not be a success.”

Ignoring her professor’s harsh criticism and the C on her project, Crabtree’s cookie business has continued to prosper for more than 35 years. Crabtree enjoys providing a delicious way to say thank you to her clients and friends.

“When I look back on the journey God has taken me with my business, it truly amazes me,” Crabtree said. “Our company now helps hundreds of businesses across the country show gratitude in a sweet way to their clients, friends and family. [It] is an absolute blessing to me and my family.”

LeAnne’s Old Fashioned Cookies are very reasonably priced, starting at $10.75 for a dozen. Crabtree’s cookies come in various flavors and arrive to her clients in beautifully wrapped boxes for every occasion.

VETERAN-OWNED

PREMIER PRO WASH

& SEAL EARNS TOP HONORS IN TAMPA BAY

What started as a small, post-military venture has grown into one of Tampa Bay’s most trusted names in exterior cleaning. Premier Pro Wash & Seal, a veteran and woman-owned company co-founded by Jeremy and Tiffany Forrest, recently celebrated its ninth anniversary of serving residential and commercial properties across the region.

By Marie Gilmore

treat every home like it’s our own. Those small things make a big difference.”

Her cookies were an instant success with college students, professors, neighbors and friends, and they eagerly bought all the cookies she could produce. Her marketing project made a profit, and the demand for LeAnne’s Old Fashioned Cookies continued,

If you would like to learn more about LeAnne’s Old Fashioned Cookies or send some of her cookies to your friends and family for the holidays, you can visit her website at https://leannescookies.com or call 813651-0045. Crabtree ships her cookies all over the United States.

After retiring from the military in 2016 with 20 years of combined service, the Forrests poured their commitment to discipline and integrity into a new mission: delivering top-tier pressure washing, sealing and exterior maintenance.

“We never set out to grow this big,” said Tiffany. “But we stuck to the basics — answering calls, showing up on time, being honest — and our community responded.”

Premier Pro offers a full range of services including paver, concrete, and travertine sealing, house washing, fence and screen cleaning, rust stain removal and soft washing for delicate surfaces. Its soft wash method uses a low-pressure spray and specialized cleaning solution to eliminate mold and mildew at the root while preserving the integrity of sensitive materials.

“What surprises people most is how simple our approach is,” added Jeremy. “We do what we say we’re going to do, and we

PLAY

STRESS LESS

That old-fashioned service has paid off. This year, Premier Pro Wash & Seal was voted Gold Winner in two categories — Best Paver Sealing Service and Best Cleaning Service — in the Tampa Bay Times Best of the Best 2025 Awards, where more than 400,000 community votes were cast. The company was also a finalist in Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s Best of the Bay awards in both residential and commercial cleaning categories.

Premier Pro credits its rapid growth to loyal customers and a close-knit team that shares the same work ethic and values.

“We’re grateful every day for the people who trust us with their homes,” said Tiffany. “They’re the reason we do what we do.”

Located in Apollo Beach, Premier Pro is more than just a cleaning company — it’s a community-minded business rooted in respect, follow-through and a passion for excellence.

“This isn’t just work to us,” Jeremy said. “It’s our calling.”

For a free quote, contact Premier Pro Wash & Seal LLC at www.premierprowashandseal.com, call 813-335-2869 or follow @premierprowashandseal.

LeAnne’s Old Fashioned Cookies has been making cookies and shipping them across the country for more than 35 years.

Premier Pro Wash & Seal owners Jeremy and Tiffany Forrest have been awarded Gold Winner in two categories.

TEAM DYSLE AT RE/MAX DEDICATION

By Emily Harper

A NEW WAVE OF WONDER: THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM UNVEILS THE TIDE POOL

Team Dysle at RE/MAX serves the Greater Tampa Bay area in buying and selling real estate. Their commitment to clients recently extended, in which they closed homes outside their region, including The Villages and Fort Myers, to fully serve their clients.

Paula and Todd Dysle combined have 25 years in the real estate business. Through their time, they have evolved with the market to ensure they always put their clients first.

“We listen first, advise at every step in the process and we work until we get the results the client is after,” said Paula.

The Dysles work with clients in all stages of life. From first-time homebuyers to individuals looking to downsize, Team Dysle is equipped to help in the process.

“Helping someone reach their goal,” Paula answered when asked what the most rewarding part of her job was, “whether that is getting someone into their first home when they thought they

could not buy a home or selling a home to allow clients to move on with their life events. Additionally, having clients become friends.”

Paula and Todd are both qualified licensed agents who work together on every project to meet their clients’ needs. The Dysles additionally are certified full-service professional agents, putting in thousands of dollars and hours annually in training.

Team Dysle is also an active part of the Buffini Referral Network, which connects clients with other realtors across North America.

Paula and Todd’s dedication was recognized, as they were the annual RE/MAX Award winner and multimillion-dollar producers.

“2024 was my best year in 22 years in real estate, and this year is shaping up to exceed last year,” said Paula.

Team Dysle at RE/MAX is located at 237 Apollo Beach Blvd. in Apollo Beach and can be reached at 813-393-7015 or 813-503-4356.

From the icy waters of the Pacific Northwest to the heart of Tampa Bay, a new adventure awaits. Today, The Florida Aquarium celebrated the grand opening of The Tide Pool — one of the only cold-water touch habitats on Florida’s west coast. The Tide Pool is a 60-footlong, 4,000-gallon, cold-water touch habitat that invites guests to discover, touch and connect with more than 200 marine invertebrates — quadrupling the animals from the previous No Bone Zone exhibit.

Kept at a cool 50 degrees to replicate Pacific Northwest coastal waters, this immersive exhibit offers visitors the opportunity to feel the texture of a red bat star, check out the striking colors of the ochre sea star and watch the spot prawns in action — all in an environment that looks and sounds like a Pacific Northwest coastline.

“The Tide Pool is a spectacular new addition that brings the spirit of discovery to life,” said Roger Germann, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium. “For the past 30 years, we’ve inspired people to care about marine life. With The Tide Pool, we’re creating a rare opportunity to interact with incredible cold-water species not found in Florida — offering the kind of hands-on experience that ignites curiosity and can spark a lifelong commitment to conservation, especially in our youngest visitors.”

Built in six expansive segments and fea-

turing a stateof-the-art wave action system, the exhibit delivers a multisensory experience. Projected wave effects and a 16-channel surround sound system bring the tide to life with the roar of crashing surf and the calls of seabirds. A custom mural by artist Curtis Stokes shifts from sunset to starlight and sunrise under UV-reactive lighting, creating a stunning, ever-changing backdrop for exploration.

“Every element of The Tide Pool is designed to immerse our guests in the diversity and resilience of life in these coastal habitats,” said Tim Binder, senior vice president of animal care and health at The Florida Aquarium. “It’s a rare opportunity for our community to engage directly with cold-water marine life and gain a deeper appreciation for their unique adaptations — sparking both curiosity and a lasting commitment to ocean conservation.”

The Tide Pool is the latest milestone in The Florida Aquarium’s historic $45 million expansion, following the opening of the MORPH’D gallery presented by PAR in 2023. Upcoming plans include the arrival of puffins in late 2026 to early 2027 and the debut of a California sea lion habitat, the first of its kind on Florida’s west coast, along with a new habitat for the African penguins, both in late 2027 to early 2028. These expansion plans are made possible through community support.

For more information, visit www. flaquarium.org. Staff Report

Photo credit: Tim Selman Photography, Brandon. Meet the dedicated Team Dysle at RE/MAX.

The Tide Pool touch habitat exhibit is now open at The Florida Aquarium.

JOIN THE WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S SOUTHSHORE

The Alzheimer’s Association invites the public to come together for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s SouthShore. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, including over 580,000 Floridians. 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. The event will start at 8:30 a.m. with the walk starting at 9 a.m.

On walk day, participants will take part in the moving Promise Garden Ceremony, where colorful flowers symbolize the personal reasons we walk — for a loved one, as a caregiver, as a supporter or in memory.

To register and receive the latest updates for this year’s Alzheimer’s Asso-

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

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk; now, the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.

Upcoming Events leading up to the 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. Staff Report

High Holy Day Calendar 5786/2025

High Holy Day services are open to the community. No charge to attend. Donations accepted.

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.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Begins sunset of Monday

September 22, Services 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah First Day

Tuesday September 23 Services 10 a.m.

Tashlich To follow - 11:45 a.m.

Location Brandon Parkway

Lunch 12:30 p.m. Location Longhorn

Rosh Hashanah Second Day

Wednesday Sept. 24 Services 10 a.m. Brunch to Follow Memorial Service Sunday, September 28

Hillsborough Memorial Gardens 10 a.m.

Kol Nidre Begins sunset of

Wednesday October 1 Services 7 p.m.

Yom Kippur Thursday October 2

Morning Service 10 a.m.

Yizkor Memorial Service 11 a.m.

Afternoon Service 4 p.m.

Break the Fast To follow Ne'ilah

Sukkot Shabbat Dinner Friday October 10, 6 p.m.

Simchat Torah Tuesday October 14 7 p.m.

Congregration Beth Shalom 706 Bryan Road https://bethshalombrandon.org/

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

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

By Libby Hopkins

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 February 28 to March 1, 2026, at Julian B. Lane Riv- erfront 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.

HORROR HITS LAKELAND: FIRST-EVER

FILM FESTIVAL UNLEASHES FRIGHTS, FILMS & FUN THIS OCTOBER

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-

By Mylena C. Ferman

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.

AUTHOR JACK CARR COMING LIVE TO TAMPA THEATRE

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.

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

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 they are as a church.

By Libby Hopkins

“About three years ago, New Hope had a Mission site in Dover,” said New Hope’s missions director, Alan Howe. “They did a bed build there and it was a great experience before my time. I was told about a veteran Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) bed builder in the church this past spring. I gave him a call and had a conversation. I was hooked, went on a build with my wife, then later a delivery. It’s so much fun, meaningful and a tangible way to help kids and families. I proposed a build to our leaders, contacted the Tampa SHP chapter and we chose the date of September 13, which is Bunks Across America Build Day as well.”

SHP is a nonprofit organization that provides twin beds to kids ages 3-17 who need them. To apply, you must live near one of its active chapters, have a suitable living environment and fill out its online form.

Bunks Across America is SHP’s flagship annual initiative, which brings together communities nationwide for the largest coordinated bed-building event of its kind. This powerful week of service unites local chapters, volunteers and sponsors in our shared mission to ensure no kid sleeps on the floor in our town.

“We are building the parts for beds under the supervision of the wonderful Tampa SHP chapter,” Howe said. “All volunteers

come that day, get guidance about their part of the build and then we all go to work. It is fun, fulfilling, safe and a powerful experience. All training and equipment, safety gear, water, lunch, etc., are provided. If you cannot work, you can pray, encourage and, of course, give to cover the cost. It is free to participate.”

During Bunks Across America 2024, SHP witnessed the incredible power of community in action. One hundred and seventy-four SHP chapters joined forces with more 12,100 volunteers to build 7,629 beds in a single day, making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of children across North America.

This year’s Bunks Across America takes place from Saturday, September 6, through Saturday, September 13, and SHP is setting its most ambitious goals yet, which are to build more than 10,000 beds, engage 15,000 volunteers and unite 250-plus SHP chapters across the United States.

“We will be building the parts for 20-25 beds,” Howe said. “If we get extra sponsorship and donations, we may be able to build more.”

To get involved, visit https://shpbeds.org/ chapter/fl-tampa-bay. The church is located at 213 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon.

New Hope Church of Brandon has partnered with the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace to help build the parts for 20-25 bunk beds for this year’s Bunks Across America.

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

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.

By Teresa Peterson

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.

“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

“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.

DURANT COUGARS POISED

TO WIN FOURTH STRAIGHT DISTRICT TITLE

The Cougars have won their district for three straight seasons. They have gone undefeated against district opponents in the last three seasons, winning each matchup by at least three touchdowns in 2024. They are poised to win it again this year.

Durant has won at least eight games and gone to the playoffs in every season since Clayton Varnum took over the program in February 2021. It will have a young team this year, having graduated 25 seniors last year. In the 2024 campaign, it won a playoff game against South Lake 35-17.

Junior transfer Sam Themar will play quarterback. Varnum said that he brings athleticism and running power to the position and has a lively arm. The coach is happy with his decision-making and said that he is really easy to work with, never complains or quits and shows up every day, doing what he’s supposed to do.

Varnum thinks that the team’s major strength will be up front at the line of scrimmage on the offensive and defensive lines. They have two seniors on the offensive line and three on the defensive line. They will have some young talent at those po sitions as well. Varnum is a defen sive-minded coach, having played defensive line and linebacker for Du rant. He has done some added work with the D-line.

Senior left guard Landon Collins has played a lot of snaps for the Cou gars, starting since his sophomore year. Junior Jontrel Washington will add versatility to the defensive line. Junior Kairee Barnum will bring ex perience to the defensive backfield. Senior inside linebacker Jeremy Cannon will cover the middle of the field. Senior Ryan Porter will handle

all the kicking duties, as well as play receiver and safety. They return two starters on offense and five on defense.

“Our attitude is one of our best strengths,” said Varnum. “These guys don’t really get down; they are very resilient and bounce back well. I can’t wait to watch a new crop of guys get after it.”

The coach thinks his team can improve on their overall consistency, staying on script, not turning the ball over, not having penalties and not putting the team in bad positions.

The Durant team has a great chance of making it to the playoffs for a fifth straight season. They also have a shot of going undefeated in their district for a fourth straight season. They play Bartow in the last game of the regular season, which may have big district ramifications.

“My expectation is always for us to go out and compete,” said Varnum. “When you play us, I hope you go home sore and tired, and you re

SCHEDULE

ROSTER

Swim Lessons For All Ages

Infant Survival Skills, Stroke Development, Confidence Building

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

The Chargers have won their first five games in two of the last three seasons. They started 5-0 last season, before losing four out of their next five and coming up one game short of the playoffs. Strawberry Crest is off to another quick start in 2025, winning their first two games while dominating their opponents along the way.

Strawberry Crest beat East Bay 26-6 in their opener and routed Middleton 34-14 in the second week. They are projected to go 5-0 again this season before the competition gets considerably more difficult. The Chargers have a great chance of making the playoffs for the first time under Head Coach Phillip Prior in his seventh season at the helm.

Senior quarterback Sevin Bagnato started the last two games of the season in 2024 and has earned the starting job. Prior said that Bagnato will manage the offense and take care of the ball. He was five-ofeight in the passing game against East Bay. The team has a run-heavy offensive system.

Zion Weems, Adam Eskew and Tre Feliciano are young and talented backs who will all carry the rock in this power running game. Senior tight end Jake Ogden is a big target and will garner attention from opposing defenses. Senior defensive lineman and three-year starter Steven Diaz, junior linebacker Brice Robinson and senior linebacker Zayveon 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

has returning players except for the wide receiver position. Most everybody else has had extensive playing time and reps. The team returns nine starters on offense and seven on defense. He said that they have to protect the ball better than they did last year. He would like his defense to put more pressure on the opposing quarterback and force more turnovers. They forced six turnovers and had four sacks against East Bay. Prior preaches to his players to “do your job with great effort, attitude and technique.”

The program has improved considerably under his leadership, and the next progression would be making the playoffs. They will need to win at least one more game than last year to do that. They play in a very tough district with Newsome, Sumner and Plant City.

Prior said that his players have Blake circled on their calendar because they felt like they let that game get away last year, which could have been the difference in them not making the playoffs.

“It doesn’t matter what your ability level is, it doesn’t matter how fast you are, how strong you are, you can control your effort and approach,” said Prior. “That is what we preach in our program over all things, is to control the things that you can control, your assignment, your effort, your attitude and your technique.”

SCHEDULE ROSTER

LOCAL RESIDENT PAIGE ZULKOSKI MADE HER

DREAMS A REALITY, NOW A CHEERLEADER FOR HOMETOWN NFL TEAM

Paige Zulkoski, a FishHawk native, made her dreams a reality this summer as she was named a Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader for the 2025-26 season.

“Growing up in Tampa, I’ve always loved the Bucs; it’s been my team since day one,” said Zulkoski. “It’s always been a dream to dance on the sidelines and was the only team I wanted to try out for.”

Zulkoski discovered her love for dance and performing at Brandon School of Dance Arts at an early age. There she learned the styles of dance, including jazz, ballet, hip-hop and contemporary. She started dancing competitively at age five and continued through her high school years.

“My dance teachers have been there with me through everything, and they have shown me sides of dance that I have never seen before,” said Zulkoski.

After graduating from Newsome High School in 2020, Zulkoski attended Florida State University (FSU), where she graduated with her bachelor’s in sports management and a minor in hospitality. At FSU, Zulkoski was a part of the club dance team, Seminole Dance Force, and served as the senior co-captain.

Upon her graduation at Florida State, Zulkoski felt like her dancing career wasn’t

By Emily Harper

over, so she decided to try out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleading squad.

In July, Zulkoski finished training camp, and the Buccaneers officially welcomed her as a Bucs cheerleader.

“It means the world to me,” said Zulkoski when asked what it meant for her to be a Bucs cheerleader growing up in Tampa.

“I never thought that this would be my life. It has always been a dream, but having it actually be a reality makes it so special.”

On August 9, the Buccaneers hosted their first preseason game against the Titans and Zulkoski participated in her first game day.

“It was surreal; it was very special. Just stepping onto the field and hearing the crowd was a different experience than I had ever experienced before. Just hearing everyone and honestly feeling supported by all of the veterans and [coach Anna], it was the best feeling I could have ever asked for,” Zulkoski said, reflecting on her first game day experience.

In addition to cheering for her rookie season, Zulkoski also teaches dance at a local studio in FishHawk. Through teaching, she has been able to reflect on her dance journey and be a role model for the next generation.

Photo Credit Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Paige Zulkoski’s media day photo as a rookie for the 2025-26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleading squad.

By Nitish Rele

CX-5 TURBO SIGNATURE (AWD)

Tires: 225/55/R19

Suspension: MacPherson strut front, multilink rear

Steering: power rack and pinion

as the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V is our favorite CX-5 (not to be confused with its stablemate CX-50, targeting offroad enthusiasts). We will admit to a slight bias toward the Mazda SUV because our family is a proud owner of the vehicle.

Wheelbase: 106.2 inches

Length: 180.1 inches

Width: 72.6 inches

Height: 65.6 inches

Weight: 3,871 pounds

Fuel capacity: 15.3 gallons

City: 22 mpg

Highway: 27 mpg

Base price: $40,600

Price as tested: $42,750

Website: www.mazdausa.com

Regardless, the CX-5 is practical, classy, sprightly and just a sheer delight to drive around corners. And the option of sport and off-road modes makes it a no-brainer.

Seating five in comfort and style, the turbo Signature trim is equipped with a solid power train: 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine putting out a healthy 227 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 310 pounds-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm while coupled to a six-speed auto gearbox. Whether you choose the front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the small SUV gets the direct-injection Skyactiv, which uses a torque boost via a high compression ratio to increase fuel economy. And the G-Vectoring Control (which uses engine timing for more accurate steering inputs) is a bonus.

The attractive front shows off a centered Mazda emblem amid a gunmetal-finish grille that flanks adaptive LED headlights. Signature trim, turbo and AWD badges in the rear convey the rest of the vehicle’s

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 on the leather steering wheel should provide reassurance. Our top-level turbo Signature arrived with standard dual auto AC, leather seats, power sunroof, push-button start, eight-way power driver and six-way front-passenger heated/ cooled front seats and a 10-speaker Bose sound system. Head and legroom are adequate for adults, and best of all is the 40/20/40 split rear seat, which folds flat. This opens up 59.3 cubic feet of space in the cargo hold, or you can still eke out 29.1 cubies with the seats occupied.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, dynamic stability and traction controls, four-wheel antilock brakes, hill launch assist, a blind-spot monitor, lane-keep assist and departure warning, rear-cross traffic alert, front/rear parking sensors, crumple zones and stabilizer bars, a 360-view and rearview camera, threepoint safety belts for all, a tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard.

In a mere decade, the CX-5 has carved a slot in the crowded small SUV field. This Mazda is tough to beat if you consider performance, price and plentiful cargo/ passenger room. And the future looks even brighter for the 2026 model, which gets a boost in wheelbase, length and width, as well as an overhauled cabin. All for the better, of course.

Dr. Charles Devine of TMS of Central Florida is proud to provide NeuroStar TMS therapy as an alternative treatment for Major Depression and OCD. TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a safe, effective FDA cleared treatment for individuals, 15 years and older who suffer from Major Depression and adults with OCD. It is for individuals that have tried and failed medication due to the side effects or did not receive positive results. TMS is not a drug or “shock” therapy. TMS therapy is an in-office treatment that is 18 minutes and 45 seconds long. Treatments are done 5 days a week for 7 weeks. It requires no down time! You can resume all normal activities immediately such as returning to school or work. We accept most insurances. We are conveniently located at 336 East Bloomingdale Avenue in Brandon.

Visit our websites Tmscentralflorida.com or NeuroStar.com or contact us at 813-423-7037 for more information.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)

To: Angela Iglesias

YOU ARE NOTIFED that an action of dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Noah T. Iglesias on or before 9/30/25 and file the original with the Clerk of this Court at 800 East Twiggs Street. Tampa Fl. 33602. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

Beauty. Harmony. Originality.

DISCOVER HAMMOCK BAY — THE ULTIMATE IN LUXURY WATERFRONT LIVING

Nestled between Biscayne Canal and Tampa Bay, this custom home sanctuary is perfectly designed for luxurious living with a relaxing boating lifestyle. This secluded, gated community provides privacy and serenity, yet it’s close to Tampa and St. Petersburg — all within an unspoiled natural landscape.

These expansive, direct-access waterfront homesites will feature a blend of custom-built homes and a limited collection of beautifully designed new homes by two of Tampa Bay’s premier builders.

Schedule An Appointment | LiveHammockBay.com | 813.535.5254

COMMUNITY GATHERS FOR ANNUAL HARVEST AWARDS IN DOVER

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-

By Betty Jo Tompkins

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

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.

By Betty Jo Tompkins

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 bjt6890@yahoo. 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.

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

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.

CONGRESSMAN HONORS HEROES AT ANNUAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARDS CEREMONY

Congressman Vern Buchanan hosted his annual Florida’s 15th Congressional District Law Enforcement Awards in front of over 200 constituents at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. Buchanan recognized over 50 members of the area’s finest for their exceptional service to the community.

“Every day, these brave men and women put their lives on the line to enforce the rule of law and keep our communities safe,” said Buchanan. “Now more than ever, they need and deserve our full support. These awards are a fitting tribute to their dedication, courage and the heroic role they play in our communities.”

Buchanan established the awards 15 years ago to give special recognition to first responders in the district for exceptional achievement. The winners were selected by an independent panel of current and retired law enforcement personnel organized by Buchanan.

Staff Report

Above and Be yond the Call of Duty Award:

• Hillsborough Coun ty Sheriff’s Office: Deputy John Howes III.

Dedication and Pro fessionalism Award:

• Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office: Master Deputy Jeffery Merry.

Buchanan is a strong supporter of the law enforcement community and first responders. Buchanan is the sponsor of the Thin Blue Line Act in Congress, which toughens penalties against anyone who targets or kills police officers and other first responders.

Congressman Vern Buchanan is an American businessman, politician and Air Force veteran serving as the U.S. representative for Florida’s 16th congressional district since 2013. The 16th district covers much of SE Hillsborough County including Brandon, Lithia, Riverview, Ruskin and more. For more information or to contact his office, visit https://buchanan.house.gov/.

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 lo cations throughout July, will be distrib uted through the Hillsborough Education Foundation’s Teaching Tools Store, provid ing 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 practicing 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 Saturday, 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.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy John Howes III receives the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Master Deputy Jeffery Merry receives the Dedication and Professionalism Award.

BUSCH GARDENS UNLEASHES NEW HORRORS FOR HOWL-O-SCREAM

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

Staff Report

— 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. Visit https://buschgardens.com/ for tickets.

ALL ABOARD THE PUMPKIN PATCH AND NORTH POLE EXPRESS

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.

Report

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.

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.

Creatures Of The Night At ZooTampa

Join Tampa Bay’s number one family Halloween event, Creatures of the Night, at ZooTampa for a night of eerie family frights. Ghouls and goblins of all ages can enjoy howling outdoor experiences, spooky characters, creepy culinary treats and much more. This year’s event features a new colossal adventure, Mesozoic Mayhem, a bone-chilling scare zone where ancient beasts roam once more and chaos ensues after scientists tamper with nature. Tickets are available at https:// zootampa.org/.

Haunted Woods

Events At Hillsborough River State Park

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. Please note that this is a cash-only event. A trunk-ortreat event will also be taking place from 5-7 p.m. on October 25.

Friends Of The Tampa Riverwalk Trick Or Treat

The free Riverwalk Trick or Treat event returns on Saturday, October 25, from 4-9 p.m. Dress up in a costume and then trickor-treat along the Tampa Riverwalk and enjoy the fun family-friendly activities. There will be over 50 stations to enjoy throughout the route with trick or treat

bags available from Cotanchobee Park, located at 601 Old Water St. in Tampa, while supplies last. There will also be a costume contest at Cotanchobee Park at 5 p.m. and a movie on the lawn starting at 7:30 p.m.

Howl-O-Scream At Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens’ HowlO-Scream returns in full force, taking over the entire park with haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows and more. Unspeakable horror lives in every dark corner, including on Busch Gardens’ pulse-pounding thrill rides. Howl-O-Scream is bringing fear to the next level, and once you’re in there’s nothing you can do about it. This event is intended for mature audiences and contains adult content; costumes are not allowed. Tickets can be purchased at https://buschgardenstampa.com/. The event runs on select nights until Friday, October 31.

Tall Tales Of Old Florida

ing trains, cow-hunting giants and more. A little bit scary, a little bit funny and always family-friendly. After your tour, enjoy a festive snack and drink, which are included in your admission. Tall Tales of Old Florida will be held at Cracker Country on the Florida State Fairgrounds, located at 4800 U.S. 301 in Tampa, on Saturday, October 18, from 7-10:30 p.m. Visit www. crackercountry.org to purchase your tickets (advance purchase is required) and select the start time of your tour, which will last about an hour. This event is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

A Kitten Place’s Black Cat 5K Fun Run

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-

Local cat and kitten rescue A Kitten Place is holding its annual Black Cat 5K Fun Run on Saturday, October 18, in the Twin Lakes neighborhood and is looking for vendors and corporate sponsors for the event. It is a fun family event; feel free to dress up in your Halloween costume. There will be a DJ, food, a costume contest, raffle prizes, a silent auction and more. Please bring a container of cat litter or a kitten toy to get entered into a raffle. If you are interested, would like more information on the event or want to register, please email akittenplace@gmail.com or visit https://runsignup.com/race/fl/valrico/blackcat5kwalk.

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

You may have noticed something new when visiting the state attorney’s office website. We have officially launched our new domain: https:// hillsboroughsao.gov/.

This change from a .com to a .gov may seem small, but it’s a big step forward in protecting our community. A .gov domain isn’t just a web address. It tells you, without question, that you’re dealing with a verified U.S. government agency. While anyone can buy a .com address, .gov domains are strictly regulated and reserved only for official government organizations, making it more difficult for scammers to spoof. You’ll also notice all of our email addresses end in .gov as well.

By State Attorney Suzy Lopez

count or information.

The scammer will use an email or website that looks official at first glance. The best defense is vigilance. If a message feels suspicious, take a moment to verify it before responding.

Switching to https://hillsboroughsao.gov/ is one more way we’re making sure you can interact with us safely and confidently. All links from our old website, sao13th.com, will automatically redirect to the new domain. But everyone should update bookmarks and contacts to the new address.

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

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.

By Libby Hopkins

raiser for New Horizons Group Homes.”

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

Online scams have been around for decades. Years ago, it might have been an email from a ‘Nigerian prince’ promising riches for a small payment. Today’s scams are far more sophisticated. Many fraudsters now pose as government or law enforcement officials.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), impostor scams were the second-most common scams in 2024. Losses from government impostor scams alone jumped from $171 million in 2023 to $789 million in 2024. These scams often start with an email, call or message claiming there’s a problem with your ac -

Your safety, both in our neighborhoods and online, is our priority. If you see something suspicious, report it to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ and contact local law enforcement.

The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office will continue working every day to protect this community, whether in the courtroom, on our streets or in the digital space.

The State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City. The office staff consists of approximately 320 dedicated public servants including 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim advocates and support staff. The office handles approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn more about the organization or apply to become part of the team, visit www.sao13th.com.

“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-

“Guests can expect a delicious meal catered by BubbaQue’s,” Watkins said. “We’ve 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.

State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

PAINT CORPS Believes In The Power Of Paint

PAINT CORPS believes in the life-changing 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

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.

Stand Strong Fencing Opens With Quality & Lifetime Warranty

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.

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!

Located at 119 W. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon, the Turkish Kitchen is open 11 a.m.10 p.m. every day. For more information, visit https://turkishkitchen0685.s4shops.com/.

“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.

Free Medicare Seminar

house Dr. in Sun City Center. The dates for events are Thursday, October 2, at 10 a.m. and Tuesday, October 21, at 2 p.m. Please call 813-634-7001 to reserve your place.

Align

Right Realty: Six Years Of Serving Tampa Bay

Align Right Realty

Tuff Shed Tampa: Custom Sheds Built to Last

Tuff Shed Tampa hosted a ribbon-cutting in July with the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce. The ribbon-cutting highlighted interior and exterior renovations.

General manager Jimmy Monterio implemented the changes to ensure the customer experience is first-class.

Tuff Shed, founded 1981, is a nationwide leader in designing, fabricating and installing high-quality backyard buildings. The Tampa location not only sells buildings, but it is also the factory for the Tampa Bay area.

Tuff Shed supports communities through partnerships with local organizations and The Home Depot Foundation. The Tampa location is working with the Tampa Bay-area homeschool program for a shed classroom.

Riverview proudly celebrates six incredible years of serving the Tampa Bay community. What began as a vision to create a brokerage rooted in professionalism, training and support has grown into a thriving family of dedicated agents, loyal customers and trusted partners. Over the years, it has had the privilege of guiding countless families and businesses through their real estate journeys, building relationships that extend far beyond the closing table. Align Right Realty is located at 11962 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview. Visit its website at https://alignrightriverview.com/ or call 813-563-5995 for more .

Marcie Maisonet, a Medicare specialist, will be presenting two Medicare seminars along with Payant Insurance Solutions at the Kings Point Clubhouse, located at 1900 Club-

Tuff Shed Tampa is located at 512 Jetton St. in Tampa and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 Noon-5 p.m. For more information, visit www.tuffshed. com/tampa-area/ or call 813-657-6091.

Cruise Planners Travel Seminar Cruise Planners, your vacation expert, is celebrating its first anniversary. It has had a very successful first year and wants to continue the momentum by inviting you to its Mediterranean Travel Seminar on Thursday, October 30, from 10 a.m.-12 Noon in the Ripple Room at Kings Point. Topics covered will include Mediterranean cruise and land tours, what a cruise tour is and which cruise line is best for you. For additional information on what Cruise Planners has to offer, visit its website at www.ventureoutvacation.com or call 717-856-2646.

HANDS IN MOTION MUSIC CELEBRATES 19

YEARS AND SECOND GRAMMY

A local music institution is striking a high note — again. Hands In Motion Music Productions, a Brandon-based music school and production company, is proudly celebrating its 19th anniversary, and with it, a major milestone: a second Grammy Award win for co-founder and renowned pianist/producer Lannie Battistini.

Lannie Battistini and Neysa Rodriguez-Battistini are cele-

19

Hands In Motion Music and a second Grammy win.

Since opening its doors in 2006, Hands In Motion Music, co-founded by husbandand-wife duo Lannie and Neysa Rodriguez-Battistini, has become a cornerstone of music education and artist development in the Tampa Bay area. The school has guided countless students through lessons in piano, voice, guitar, drums, music theory and artist branding — all while nurturing a deep love for music and creative expression.

This February, Lannie brought home his second Grammy Award, a triumph that echoes the excellence and passion the cou ple has poured into their school and com munity over nearly two decades. Lannie was honored for his work as a pianist and engineer on a collaborative jazz project,

WIN

Staff Report

have all been part of this journey. This win belongs to them too.”

In addition to his Grammy achievements, Lannie has served as a mentor, producer and artist-in-residence at multiple universities and colleges, sharing his expertise with the next generation of musicians. He and Neysa were also invited in 2023 to speak to the Entrepreneurship Class at the University of South Florida, sharing their experience navigating the volatile music industry and sustaining a business through everything from the 2007 economic crash to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Located at 501 Eichenfeld Dr. in Brandon, the school provides individualized instruction and full-scale music production services, and it also supports emerging artists through its artist development and marketing programs. The school has worked with talent ranging from beginner students to professional recording artists, many of whom have gone on to release their own

As they enter their 20th year, the Battistinis said their focus remains steadfast: nurturing creativity, building confidence and helping students reach their fullest po-

To learn more about Hands In Motion Music School and Productions, visit www. handsinmotionmusic.com or www.himmusicschool.com, or call 813-573-8290.

Grow

brating

years for