“It’s always tough to make a move like this but it has always been a goal for me,” said Jason Stokes, commenting on his decision to leave the Riverview football program and continue his coaching career as the Bloomingdale Bulls new football head coach. The Riverview football program has had its fair share of ups and downs since the school has opened. Every year it has had the potential of going all the way to state but it is something the Sharks are yet to remedy. Stokes, who started his first year with the Sharks as junior varsity head coach and later became influential as the Sharks’ defensive coordinator, a position he has been serving for the last five years. “I had good times at Riverview and will miss the kids and I know they will miss me as well,” Stokes said adding, “You see kids grow on and off the field and it is never easy to move on.”He has been molding the players along side Riverview head coach Dan O’Regan who has reportedly resigned his coaching position but will continue teaching at Riverview High School.Stokes explained that being a head coach was always in the plans for him and Bloomingdale presented the opportunity he has been waiting for. “I did not want to pass up this chance,” Stokes said. “I hope to bring the same work ethics and mold the kids at Bloomingdale as I have been doing for the Sharks for the last five years.”Besides Stokes and O’Regan, Riverview also has to contend with loosing James Grant, who worked alongside and will join Stokes at Bloomingdale as the team’s new offensive coordinator. Stokes will also   be the Bulls defensive coordinator.All of this only opens the door for an exciting new chapter for both programs. The Sharks and the Bulls are both facing a shake up in the coaching line, but they are set to give it all they’ve got with new ideas, work ethics, expectations and the aspiration to win.
Photo Caption: Jason Stokes, the Bloomingdale Bulls new football head coach.

Eye on Business
By Kate Quesada
Bibzees Fashion bibsBibzees is a home-based online baby boutique started by local Mom, Beth Powell. She had a second baby with a drool problem and reflux; he was constantly donning a bib.  “The problem was I had quite the trendy wardrobe for him and was covering up his little graphic tees and onesies with pastel blue and green bibs that said ‘I Love Daddy’,” said Powell continuing, “I began a hunt for trendy bibs and couldn’t find any that would work with his outfits.”Powell said she felt like she was sitting on this great idea and that she needed to follow through with it.  She started purchasing baby blank products to find a good quality bib and onesie.  Next, Powell found a dye company in the Los Angeles garment district to dye and vintage wash the product.  Then, she set out to find a screen printer that would use water based inks that were safe for the baby and the environment.  “Finally,” she said “And the fun part, I came up with some trendy designs to put on my bibs.  Thus Bibzees was born early 2008.”  The great part about Bibzees is that they come as a set, with one bodysuit and two coordinating bibs.  For example if you order Surfer Dude, you get a custom dyed blue bodysuit and two blue bibs, one with a surfer and one with a shark.  Bibzees carries 3 piece bodysuit and bib sets and has just added Toddler Tees for 12 to 18 month olds.  Powell’s latest designs, “Baby Ink” are tattoo designs. The current products range from $13.50 to $26.95 (excluding tax). Powell has lived in Brandon, Riverview, Tampa and is moving a few miles back to Brandon in September.  For more information visit Powell’s Website, www.bibzees.com. Apollo Beach Florist moves to RiverviewRuskin resident Jan Crosby is moving her business of 15 years to the Riverview area. Located at 9405 U.S. Hwy. 301 S., where All-American Florist used to be, Crosby will offer a full service floral salon. With 25 years of floral design experience, Crosby will provide services like corsages, weddings and funerals. They can also send/deliver flowers locally as well as world-wide. Crosby said she plans to join the local chamber and host a ribbon cutting for her new business, which is already open. The hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5p.m. For more information, call 677-9700.Click Photography Ribbon CuttingOn Wednesday, June 4, with 50 people in attendance a Ribbon Cutting and Website Launch was held for Click Photography in Apollo Beach. Holding the ribbon are Jennifer Gordon, owner Click Photographer and Nelson Ferrar owner of N2N Graphics- the web designer for the new Ruskin Chamber of Commerce website. For more information, visit www.ruskinchamber.org.Ali Lassen’s Leads GroupThe Southshore Professional chapter of the Ali Lassen’s Leads Club is a structured referral environment where members meet weekly over lunch to pass hot leads to other members.  The group meets at Freedom Plaza in Sun City Center every Wednesday at 11:45 a.m.  Each member exclusively represents his or her industry in the group and this chapter is looking for new members.For more information, contact Penny at 454-5406 or by e-mail at psmith@hrblock.com.  Wilhelm wins Ruskin RunaroundWilhelm Heating and Air Conditioning placed first in he Ruskin Chamber of Commerce’s “Ruskin Runaround” held on May 31, 2008.  The 14 Participating teams stopped at 22 area businesses and collected cards at each venue.  The Wilhelm Heating and Air Conditioning Team of Donna Kelly and Judy Hamp had the best hand at the end of the event.  The photo shows (from left to right) Donna Kelly, Anne Madden and Judy Hamp.  Madden and Mary Ann Wilhelm stayed at the Wilhelm office during the event to man their business “stop” on the route.    For more information on Ruskin chamber events call 813-645-3808 Sumatra Coffee Reopens Its Doors After closing for nine days, they have reopened their doors to the community. Sumatra is simplifying and refining its service and products. They will not be offering sandwiches but focusing on coffee and pastries. Sumatra will keep its coffee menu and going back to the roots of a traditional coffee shop-style. The shop will be operating on a temporary schedule, and will expand hour as business grows. The current hours are Monday - Saturday 7 a.m. To 1 p.m. And on Sunday 7 a.m. To 12 Noon. Sumatra will continue to be a meeting ground for the arts, ideas and a second home for the greater Riverview/Apollo Beach area. You can contact Sumatra Coffee at 671-6875 or e-mail at sumatracoffee@drinksumatra.com. IC Electronic ComponentsIC Electric Components has in business under the name InstoComp, Inc. DBA IC Electronic Components for more than five years and at their new location in Riverview at 10018 Park Place Ave., for over a year. Their location is approximately 1,800 sq. ft. and they are looking to hire sales people to service a worldwide market as they are in growth mode. They will hire no more than 15 people at this location.  “We offer a great compensation package and are willing to train people about our products and services,” said owner Glenn Nichols.  IC Electronic Components  is an Independent Distributor of production quantities Hard-to-Find Electronic  components. “We sell Obsolete Discontinued by the original manufacturer Electronic Components (Memory, SDRAM, DDR, NAND, Flash, modules, Logic , logic , FPGA’s, CPLD’s, Micro controllers, Semiconductors, IC’s, high / low frequency RF, Power products, Capacitors, Transistors, Diodes, Connectors, Crystals, Relays, Resistors, Switches, semis, semiconductors and more),” Nichols said. “Focus manufacturers include Motorola, Maxim/Dallas, Analog Devices, Intel and more; Nitch in RF/Microwave power transistors.”Nichols said they sell to a broad base that includes small electronic repair shops to the U.S. Government. Some devices are priced under a penny others can cost over $2,000 each.Standard hours for IC Electronic Components are Monday – Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.  For more information, visit them on the Web at www.icelect.com   or www.riverview.icelect.com or e-mail at sales@icelect.com or call 672-8300.Dawn’s water safetyDawn Blake, a resident of Riverview who has lived in the area since 2004, has been providing swim lessons throughout the Riverview, Brandon, Valrico, Sun City center, Ruskin, and Tampa area. Currently she only provides one-on-one private swim lessons for infants to adult ages. She has been a Red Cross certified water safety instructor for five years. Prior to moving to Riverview, Blake was employed by YMCA of Clearwater and tarpons springs to perform lifeguard, swim instructor and water aerobics instructor duties. Her swim lessons also include teaching children how to don a life vest, provide assistance in water emergencies and prevent potential injuries by following rules while in the pool or any water source.She also instructs parents on how to assist in their child’s learning and how to be observant while around the water. Blake said she is able to provide a pool for my students if they do not have access to their own. If you have any questions about my business please feel free to call me at the provided number above or at (727)204-6790. Blake provides lessons year around but often by September due to the decrease in temperature and the commencement of school she does not have much continued interest. The peak season is April to August. She also provides all the necessary equipment. Currently Blake receives referrals through the www.clubswim.com Website or through previous students. Galish Grand OpeningPlease join The Galish Group Insurance Agency as the staff celebrates its grand opening and ribbon cutting with the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, clients, friends and family. The fun-filled event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, 5-7 p.m. At the Galish Group’s new office at 10849 Park Dr. (behind the Handy Station on Balm Riverview Rd.) And will include light appetizers, beer, wine and other refreshments, door prizes donated from local businesses and more. Stop by to meet owner, Glenn Galish; Tampa region director of operations, Sharon Still; and Pinellas County agent, Jeanette Lawrenson. The Galish Group offers home, auto, life, health, flood, motorcycle insurance and more. Companies represented include Progressive, MetLife, Universal Property & Casualty, Humana, Travelers and others.Prospective clients can use the no-pressure health insurance comparative rater online at www.tophealthcompanies.com, which allows individuals to shop online and compare companies’ side-by-side on their own time. For more information, call 924-2460 or visit www.galishgroup.com. The Ruskin Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new members New members include: Cockroach Bay User Group (C-Bug), The Satin Chef, Holiday Inn Express, All Bay Insurance Group, www.ourgv.com/jml, Mango Jo’s South Shore, LLC, Cardinal Roofing, Sunrise Senior Living, Accurate Air, LLC, Cruzin’ K9 Cuts, LLC, K & B Travel, LLC and Sun City Center Flowers & Gifts. The Chamber membership is now up to 307 members. For more information, contact the chamber at ruskinchamber@earthlink.net. Local Businesses Combine Resources to Support C.A.R.E. of Ruskin.     Canine Related Business Owners Group Together to Support C.A.R.EGive a dog a bath? Well, yes…and more!  Give A Dog A Bone, Cruzin’ K9 Cuts and Camp Bow Wow - Tampa South Shore merged their talents to provide support and raise funds for C.A.R.E. Animal Hospital of Ruskin. On Saturday, June 21, the three local business owners sponsored Suds n Summer, an outdoor doggie day spa (so to speak) that included nail trimming, dog baths and loads of attention for their canine customers. All three business owners believe in giving back to their communities and this was a means of doing just so. They raised over $400 to support C.A.R.E.The dogs were just awesome. They loved all of the attention and their owners enjoyed watching someone else give their pups a bath. The owners were great, too. There were a few times when there were long lines waiting for doggie pedicures (okay, nail trimming) and there was a small weather event. Tried and true, they waited patiently in line and even helped hold up tents during the heavy rains and winds.The Art of Beauty inside and Out On Thursday, July 17 at 6:30 p.m. For a Life Enrichment Series hosted by South Shore gallery entitled The Art of Beauty Inside and Out. Anti-aging and beauty from the inside out.  Let Max give your body and mind what is needed to look, feel and live to the MAX! Presented by Lynn Clement, RN MS ANPJennifer Anderson, owner of Skin Chic Inc., will be speaking on the topic of The Art of Mineral Makeup and Color. She is a Paramedical Aesthetician, Professional Makeup Artist and Educator with over 15 years of experience in her field. She will be sharing her expertise in the newest makeup technology using the only patented mineral makeup line in the beauty industry.Come enjoy wine samples provided by PRP Wines.Please RSVP by July 15th.South Shore Gallery is located at 447 Apollo Beach Blvd. In Apollo Beach. For more information, call 645-0483.ABWA-American Business Women of AmericaThis is a “NEW” year for all new and old members as we continue to grow and learn more about each other. The South Shore County Chapter of the ABWA is about women joining forces to further themselves both professionally and personally. Our members get the inside track on the issues facing their local communities, as well as the trends and events that drive today’s National businesses.  The ABWA’s next event will be the ABWA 30th Anniversary Celebration Dinner, on July 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Florida Room of the atrium building.The Atrium Building is located at 945 N. Course Ln., Sun City Center at the center of the Central Campus, the Florida Room. The Atrium includes a large open area containing exhibits of the work of the various arts and crafts clubs. Special dinner invitations will be extended to past members, other chapters, members of the Greater Bay Area Council, spouses, relatives, friends and business associates are encouraged to attend. The cost to attend is $20 per person. Tickets are available at Southern Grace gifts & home accessories located at 301 U.S. Hwy. 41 S. in Ruskin. For more information, call 641-0004 or visit www.southern graceonline.com. For information about the event visit the ABWA Website at www.abwasouthshore.com or contact publicity chair Nicole Vikhlyantsev at Register@leadingtheweb.com.

Photo Captions: Bibzees is a home-based online baby boutique started by local Mom, Beth Powell. Powell has lived in Brandon, Riverview, Tampa and is moving a few miles back to Brandon in September. The great part about Bibzees is that they come as a set, with one bodysuit and two coordinating bibs.

Plenty of ideas were thrown around at a recent meeting at the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce about Ruskin’s Centennial Celebration, but overall one idea was agreed upon: The people of Ruskin need something to come together around. The Ruskin Community Development Foundation (RCDF) is hoping the Centennial Celebration will be the event to accomplish such a feat. The RCDF is the main force behind the celebration as it stands right now, but President of the Foundation Fred Jacobsen proves his flexibility as he said, “This is not my event, it is Ruskin’s event, so if others want to help me, that’s great, but if they want to put together their own event, I would help them as well.” This grand celebration comes on the heels of another big event for Ruskin, the opening of Hillsborough Community College SouthShore. Considering the founder of Ruskin, John Ruskin, had created a college there 100 years prior, it seems fate has brought the new HCC campus to Ruskin. With John’s College long gone, the opening of the HCC SouthShore campus is an exciting addition to the area. The RCDF hopes that the celebration continues throughout the year and is supported by different venues and citizens. The first event will occur on August 3 from 9 a.m.-12 Noon, sponsored by Camp Bayou, located at 4140 24th St. SE in Ruskin, and is titled “Back to Nature – Back to School.” Camp Bayou is hoping to set up stations around the grounds that provide information about nature while providing school supplies. At the moment, Camp Bayou is looking for businesses to donate the school supplies, just about enough for 100 students to keep with the centennial theme. Several days later starting at the Ruskin Women’s Club, located at 503 N. US Hwy. 41, on August 7 from 12 Noon-5 p.m., there will be a walking tour of historic homes of Ruskin, accompanied by sweet tea to defend against the heat.  After the tour, a barbeque at the new HCC campus, located at 551 24th St. NE, will take place at 6 p.m., where those in attendance will get a sneak peek of the new college campus. During the event at HCC, the RCDF, who is partnered with HCC, plans on giving away a $2,000 scholarship to a deserving local student who plans on going into the medical field. This is to honor Doc Harris, who was the only doctor in the southshore area during the 1920s located in Ruskin, who served people from all over the south county area. At this time, only one other event is planned for the celebration, and it too is sponsored by Camp Bayou. “Bio Blast: 100 Species for Ruskin’s 100th” is scheduled for August 9 from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. This event is centered on “citizen science” as participants help to find 100 different species. For more information, contact Jacobsen via email at Fred@Ruskinhistory.org, call 298-6028 or visit www.Ruskinhistory.org and click on the link for Ruskin Centennial events.Photo Caption: The Ruskin Community Development Foundation announces Ruskin’s Centennial Celebration which is planned for the month of August.

Apollo Beach Chamber of Commerce has a new honorary mayor, Richard Crannell; he was recognized as the winner of the race on June 26 at the Chamber’s installation dinner. All three candidates worked hard on their campaigns where dollars were translated into a point system: three points per dollar were collected in April, two per dollar were collected in May and one per dollar in June. The proceeds were split between the Chamber and each candidate’s choice of charities. Crannell, a realtor with Century 21 Beggins, gushed about the support his fellow realtors and the company provided him during his campaign. Century 21 Beggins, which consistently gives back to the community through different outlets, asked Crannell if he would run for mayor to help a charity it supported regularly, the Easter Seals, as well as help the local community. Crannell took on the job with enthusiasm and a unique point-of-view. He believed that if he were to exceed peoples’ expectations, then they would be happy to donate. He and a few fellow realtors set up a casino night at the Beggins office on Hwy. 41 in Apollo Beach. This was Crannell’s favorite part of the entire campaign. His eagerness to please paid off as it was one of the only events he held for the mayoral campaign which garnered him the win with over $6,000 raised at the event alone and nearly $11,000 total. Crannell can be reached by phone at 645-8481 or by email at RichardCrannell@C21Beggins.com. The second place winner, Joel Brandenburg decided to enter the race last minute when treasurer of the Apollo Beach Chamber of Commerce Jim Martin convinced him. Although he did not win this year, he plans on running again next year and getting a headstart on planning to help his campaign run more smoothly. Brandenburg explained why partaking meant so much to him, saying, “I want to participate in the community my two children are growing up in.” Brandenburg did a slew of smaller events ranging from a bachelor auction at O’Brien’s Irish Pub in Riverview to a bachelorette auction at the Docks in Apollo Beach to an all-you-can-eat event on Beer Can Island that was so much fun it caught the attention of a nearby police helicopter. The winners of his auctions were also awarded with a free fishing charter with his company Ana Banana Fishing Co., having donated over 25 charters all together. Brandenburg’s two charities were Ruskin’s own Mary & Martha House and the Bolesta Center for Adolescent Deaf and Hearing Impaired. He credits Mary & Martha House faculty with his success, saying Miriam Centamore, Molly Ford, and Laurie Kepler all provided support throughout his campaign. Brandenburg can be contacted at 267-4401 or Anabananafishing@earthlink.net.In third place, Vickie Carver-Tawney tried to balance working at her salon, Victoria’s 5th Ave. Salon, previously known as Hair Carvers, with running her mayoral campaign. Unfortunately, she did not have as much time as she would have liked for the campaign.  Several years ago, Carver-Tawney ran for honorary mayor supporting Life Path Hospice, as the facility was taking care of her father at the time. This time around, Carver-Tawney decided to support the Shriner’s Children Hospital. Her decision was based on two things. First she explained, “In today’s society children fall through the cracks sometimes. I just wanted to do something for the children.” She also divulged that a member of her campaign team, which is comprised of employees at her salon, was a patient of Shriner’s Hospital when she was a child. Carver-Tawney plans on running again in the future when she has more time to put forth the effort she believes the race deserves. Although she did not win, she viewed the race as a learning experience, which she plans on using to earn more money for charity and the Chamber when she decides to run again.Carver-Tawney can be contacted at 625-9488 or vcarver333@aol.com. All the candidates worked hard for their charities and the Chamber. Each of them seems to agree that getting involved in the community is important, and although they might not have won, in the big picture they are all winners. Each of them was able to fund charities of their choice as well as their community, which is reward enough. Crannell, the new honorary mayor, will represent the community at events he is able to attend, including ribbon cuttings, morning coffees and parades. The chair person for the mayor’s race, Jody Whitmyer explained that honorary mayor is not a legal position and the Chamber can only encourage the mayor to come to such events. There is also a sash that Whitmyer hopes the mayor will be comfortable wearing at the occasions he does attend.The Chamber has not specified plans for its half of the funds, but will use it for general chamber activities as well as the Manatee Arts Festival. The arts festival is a large annual affair in the area and one of the biggest events the Chamber holds. For information about the mayor’s race or the Apollo Beach Chamber of Commerce, call 645-1366 or email abeachcham@verizon.net. Photo Caption: New Honorary Mayor Richard Crannell (middle), holds the key to the city with second and third place contestants Joel Brandenburg and Vickie Carver-Tawney.

Two former zookeepers at Busch Gardens have opened a dog day care facility in our own backyard. Kendall Duncan and Angie Frazier opened Canine Cabana, located at 9708 Carr Rd. in Riverview on May 1. Having worked with animals like lions, hyenas, rhinos and hippos, the two decided to open a dog day care, boarding and training facility together. Canine Cabana also has the area’s first self-service dog wash. The Website says, “We provide the elevated tubs, aprons, shampoo, towels and a blow dryer. Use what you need and leave the clean up to us.”Duncan worked with Jack Hanna and for 10 years the two had become friends just from working together. When she told him she was opening this business, he offered to endorse it on its website. “Angie and I both live in the area and we saw the growth. We love this community,” Duncan said, Frazier lives in Riverview; Duncan in Bloomingdale. Canine Cabana is open for day care Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday they are open for drop-off and pick-up for boarders only from 7-9 a.m. and from 4-6 p.m., so people can still get their dogs on the weekend, Duncan said. Fees for services depend. “This is where it gets tricky for us,” she said. Boarding costs $22 a day, and dogs can be enrolled in day care for an extra $10 a day. Day care costs only $22 a day or $15 for a half a day. Owners can purchase packages which gives the owner a discounted rate. A 10-day package drops the price of day care to $20 a day and a 20-day package drops it down to $18.50 a day.  Duncan said to go on to their Website, www.caninecabana.biz, “all of our prices are on there.”The facility is over 5,000 sq. ft. with 2,000 sq. ft. of air-conditioned play area indoors for the dogs. Canine Cabana is located on one acre covered by oak trees to provide shade. All dogs must go through a one-day evaluation to test their temperament. “All dogs aren’t suitable for day care,” Duncan said.Visit www.caninecabana.biz or call 672-WOOF.

Photo Caption: Canine Caban co-owner Kendall Duncan poses with a serval at Busch Gardens, where the two were zookeepers.

The new Hillsborough Community College Campus SouthShore has residents of the Ruskin area excited, but something they may not know is cause for even more enthusiasm. HCC SouthShore is one of the only campuses to offer bachelors and masters programs through partnering universities. The two universities that will be providing on-campus classrooms for their programs are St. Leo University which will be offering bachelor’s degree programs in Business Administration and Webster University which will be offering Master of Arts degrees in Counseling. Both universities plan on expanding the degrees that are offered in the future.Both programs give the opportunity for those of all ages and of all economic backgrounds to further their education. Allen Witt, dean of Academic Affairs, explained the simplicity that Lennard High School graduates would have in getting their degrees, as he said, “By simply walking across the street, you could get your AA, BA and masters, all in Ruskin.”The bachelors and masters programs are not the only ways HCC SouthShore is trying to build a bridge with Lennard High School and the SouthShore community in general. Lennard and HCC SouthShore are working towards getting a nursing program started between the two schools. Students at Lennard would be able to become licensed practical nurses before they graduated, then attend HCC SouthShore, taking the registered nurses program which opens January 2010. The LPN program is still in the process of being approved. Dr. Cossette Whitmore, a supervisor with Hillsborough County Public Schools, is heading the project and explained, “We go for approval August 14. If we are approved, we are prepared to start the program the following week. If not, we have an alternative of beginning classes that we do not need approval for.” With this program, students would be given a chance to become RNs in a matter of a couple years through Lennard High School and HCC SouthShore. The SouthShore campus is really looking towards becoming a health science campus to help provide a well-educated staff for the hospitals in the area. For now, it offers courses for Emergency Medical Technology and the Certified Nursing Assistant program, which prepare students for jobs in the healthcare field. The campus hopes to offer more medical related courses in the future, including the RN program mentioned earlier, and potentially, medical billing and coding. The new campus is hoping to be the staple of the community it chose as its home, reaching out to the high school, the leaders of the community and everyone in between. For more information, visit www.hccfl.edu/southshore, email southshore@hccfl.edu or call 259-6100.Photo Caption: Dean of Academic Affairs Allen Witt announces the addition of programs at Hillsborough County College Campus SouthShore.

In the words of the builder of the world’s largest playgrounds, Walt Disney, “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”  Bayou Pass Village found itself with one big problem: a lot of children and no playground. With that in mind, it got to work.  The residents of Bayou Pass worked eight months to raise money to purchase playground equipment for the community’s children. Neighbors held fundraisers, cookouts, community yard sales and movie nights where they sold popcorn. With the help of Florida Home Partnership, the Community Foundation of Sun City Center and The Home Depot, they reached their $30,000 goal for their new playground.Bayou Pass Village is a planned community of 230 houses that is designed for first-time homeowners with modest incomes. Families contributed 600 hours of “sweat equity” toward building their homes, and they took it upon themselves to build something special for everyone.They called the project Bayou Pass Playground Build-Up, but this project would culminate with more than just a playground, this would be a celebration.The event seemed more like a festival than a work day. The community celebrated with music, clowns, bounce-houses, a caricature artist, games, food, games and Tampa Bay Lightning cheerleaders. The First Apostolic Church from Ruskin grilled steak, chicken, hotdogs and hamburgers for the 100 volunteers who were building the new playground.The local Home Depot sent a team of 12 employees to take part in the build-up; Bryon Kintz, the receiving manager at the Sun City Center Home Depot, was the team captain for the build-up. “This is such a rewarding experience for us,” said Kintz. “We love giving back to the community.” Luan Nguyen, a Bayou Pass Village resident, co-chaired the project with Melinda Dale from the Florida Home Partnership. Nguyen assisted in deciding the scope of the playground project, which includes a shelter, picnic tables and benches as well as a large playground.Nguyen and his 7-year-old son Alex were sweaty but excited at the build-up, having looked forward to the day for months. “This is a culmination of all our hard work,” he said.Dale, who facilitated the build-up celebration event, was happy with the enormous turnout. “This is definitely a labor of love by the residents and the whole community,” she said. “They all should be very proud about their accomplishment.”The residents may now also claim that “sweat equity” built their community playground which the children will benefit from for years to come.For more information about the Bayou Pass Village, please visit the Florida Home Partnership Website at www.FLHOME.org or call 672-7860.Photo Caption: Team Depot from Sun City Center helps build the new playground at Bayou Pass Village.

Once a month, Stacie Leonard puts on her patrol uniform and heads off to her shift as a Citizen’s Patrol Officer in Apollo Beach.  Leonard was one of the original graduates of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Patrol program.
The Citizen’s Patrol program, similar to others around the Tampa Bay area, recruits and trains qualified citizens to respond to non-emergency calls, such as assisting with traffic control at highway wreck sites to helping sworn officers during manpower-intensive details such as parades.
Citizen Patrol Officer carry no weapons, and have no police powers, such as the authority to arrest, and in addition to their work, they serve as additional “eyes and ears” for county deputies, said program coordinator Deputy Lorraine Jordan.
“Apollo Beach had high levels of property crimes but low levels of violent crimes,” the deputy explained, so the academy graduates citizens are schooled in helping deputies conduct routine procedures such as helping stranded motorists or removing road debris. While patrolling the community, volunteers also keep an eye out for suspicious activity, as well as calling in suspected drunken motorists. Citizen Academy graduates also work with local business owners to advance crime prevention efforts.
Stacie Leonard said was drawn to the program because of its flexible work schedule and her desire to help her Apollo Beach Community.  She volunteers once a month for a 6-hour shift: “It is something that I can do that helps my community.”
National crime statistics indicate volunteer patrols act as deterrent to many daytime non-violent crimes, such as trespassing and burglary.  The first academy class was graduated and took to the streets just over a year ago, and since then, crime has dropped 38 percent in Apollo Beach.
Citizen Academy graduates participate in a 40-hour training class consisting of an introduction to radio procedures, CPR Certification, Crossing Guard familiarization and traffic control. As part of their training, academy attendees also attend a class at the patrol car driving range.
They are issued distinctive uniforms and check out hand-held radios that allow them to contact dispatchers and deputies while they patrol their assigned communities in sheriff’s cars marked similarly to cruisers.
“We are the eyes and ears for the community,” said Elaine Sellent, a Riverview resident and Citizen’s Patrol volunteer. Sellent patrols both Apollo Beach and Bloomingdale with approximately about six shifts each month.
“I think we sometimes deter crimes we don’t even know about,” she said, noting: “And patrolling has improved my observation skills.”
Sellent recalled one evening she and her partner spotted a possible drunken driver on the roadway. They radioed the dispatcher and kept an eye on the car until a deputy arrived. “We possibly saved a life that night,” said Sellent.
After graduation, the Sheriff’s Office requires volunteers to dedicate at least six hours a month to patrolling.  There are 3 shifts every day (6 a.m. to noon – noon to 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10pm), and each Citizens Patrol car is occupied by two volunteers.
Participants in the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Citizen Patrol must:

• be a U.S. citizen
• be at least 19-years-old
• possess a valid driver license
• pass a background screening test
• complete 40 hours of training
• volunteer at least six hours a month

For information on how to register for an upcoming Citizens Patrol Academy, call Deputy Lorraine Jordan at 813-247-8223.
Photo Caption: Citizen Patrol Volunteers Stacie Leonard and Frank Cannoe handout their “Community Safety Crime Control” literature to local business owner Beth Howard at South Shore Gallery.

With the start of another hurricane season, Florida residents once again are thinking more about emergency preparedness. Reminded by past storms that have caused extensive Read more

Without a doubt the Brandon Eagles 2007-08 athletic seasons will go down in history as one of the best in years promising an even better one next season. Besides talent and ability, Brandon High School student athletes showed a huge improvement in every program as they made their way toward the coveted district or state titles.

The year began with the Eagles’ revitalized football season featuring a great line of coaches and a bunch of victory hungry varsity football players who were on the roll. After finishing the regular season as district champions Brandon (7-3) moved on only to fall short of their quest suffering a 31-17 loss to Lakeland during the regional quarter finals.

Basketball has also brought a number of highlights to look back on. But, out of all the amazingly talented young players on the team, the Eagles seem to have one player who stood out from the rest. The six- foot tall senior guard Blake Allen commended respect on the court from the moment the game began turning in 18 points per game. The Eagles managed to reach the state semifinals but were defeated by Lakewood 56-50.

Brandon girls varsity soccer coach Guillermo Ruiz had every reason to be confident about the Eagles 2007-08 soccer program.

True for every school, senior athletes move on, making room for newcomers. While this kind of change in the make-up of each team is inevitable it remains to be a constant challenge for every coach as each season begins.

But soccer fans were by no means disappointed as the girls worked hard without letting up all season.
With renewed energy, the Eagles softball program, with the addition of a few talented freshmen and the unified desire to prove their talent, were ready for a new season.

Leading the pack of the players to look out for was Eagles’ sophomore pitcher Emily Mitchell who has worked hard all summer and was ready to turn on the heat.

Baseball had a much better run as Brandon’s 5-3 victory over the Hillsborough High Terriers was the highlight of this season. The win gave Brandon its sixth Saladino title since the event started. Moments before the final game Eagles’ coach Matt Stallbaumer said that he was very proud of his team.

“We are such a young team so just to get to the championship game is definitely a huge accomplishment,” he said.

For more results please visit www.fhsaa.org.