News Update: Name Suggestions Needed for New School

Name suggestions for the new Elementary ‘Y’ in FishHawk Ranch are due September 22. Schools can be named for geographic locations or individuals who have ``rendered outstanding public service to public education'' such as presidents, educators and school board members. The area director will present suggestions to the school board, which has the final say on naming schools. Elementary Y, in Lithia's FishHawk Ranch development, is expected to be named Oct. 21.

To suggest names, contact Area 6 Director Barbara Franques, 703 N. Thomas St., Plant City FL 33563, by e-mail at barbara.franques@sdhc.k12. fl.us or by fax at (813) 707-7050.

News Update: FishHawk Motorcyclist Hit By Car

On Saturday, September 6, at close to 1 p.m. in the afternoon a FishHawk resident driving a Honda Shadow motorcycle was hit by a woman making a left turn into one of the developments near Merlin Glen. The motorcycle rider was taken by Aeromed helicopter to TGH with severe leg injuries. After the accident, one side of the main boulevard, Osprey Ridge Dr., into FishHawk Ranch Phase Two remained closed to traffic until 4 p.m. We’ll have a full update and response from Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Officials in the October edition.

New School Fast-Tracked To Relieve Bevis

With six portables already delivered by the first day of school, Bevis Elementary in FishHawk Ranch is now waiting for delivery of at least six more. The elementary school, open just four years, is filled to 119 percent capacity with more students moving into the flourishing FishHawk Ranch subdivision everyday.

School district officials approved fasttracking of a new elementary school for FishHawk Ranch in late August. The school, scheduled to open Fall of 2005, will now open next fall to alleviate overcrowding.

Last Spring, the school district approved moving the elementary school from a parcel adjacent to FishHawk Trails, to one at near the intersection of the under-construction FishHawk Crossings Blvd. and Dorman Rd.

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William Newman Johnson saw a cash cow when he found FishHawk Ranch. In fact, the community was so rich in gold for the car burglar, he kept coming back for more. Three times in fact, he returned to FishHawk, on three different nights and helped himself to items from more than 50 vehicles.

In fact, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office District IV Sgt. Ira Arman, "He did break a few windows but for most of the time, Johnson simply opened car doors that were left unlocked and stole from garages that were open."

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Bloomingdale Bank Robber Busted

A bold bank robber who went into two local banks just days apart and demanded money with a note and fled with undisclosed amounts, was arrested shortly after the second robbery.
Barry Bowen, 51, was arrested August 11, and charged with robbing the Valrico State Bank on Bloomingdale Ave. and Hwy. 301 and the MacDill Federal Credit Union on Providence Rd.
Bowen was arrested at the Master's Inn at I-4 and 50th St.

On August 4, Bowen entered MacDill Federal Credit Union at 1:54 p.m. and verbally demanded money from the teller. Upon receiving an unknown amount of cash, he fled.

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Publix at Winthrop Opens September 11
By Sharon Still

Ever since the signs were erected announcing the Winthrop development and new-style Publix that would be built at the corner of Bloomingdale Avenue and Providence Road, area residents have been eagerly anticipating the new grocery store's opening.

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