Kid’s Community College (KCC),  a nationally accredited charter school renowned for its unique system of individualized learning, has recently announced plans for a new [...]]]> Kid’s Community College founder Timothy Kilpatrick praises the organization’s growth and success during a groundbreaking ceremony of the school’s new 50,000-sq.-ft. facility scheduled for completion this summer and opening this fall.

Kid’s Community College (KCC),  a nationally accredited charter school renowned for its unique system of individualized learning, has recently announced plans for a new International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme Campus, the relocation of its current Lake Saint Charles campus to a newly constructed 50,000-sq.-ft. facility in Riverview and the addition of 30 new jobs.

According to KCC founder and director Tim Kilpatrick, the realization of the school’s six-year strategic Riverview Growth Plan actually began in June of 2011 with the design of a new, two-story, 4.5-acre campus, located just west of Lowe’s on Gibsonton Dr. and Mathhog Rd.

Following a ground breaking ceremony held last month, construction of the new campus began with completion scheduled for this July, with an anticipated 125 openings for the upcoming school year.

Kilpatrick said that each oversized classroom will offer smart boards. Along with music, science and technology labs and a 3,600-sq.-ft. cafeteria, the new campus remains true to the Kid’s Community College mission.

“We will keep our total student population to only 636 students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade to make sure our students receive the same successful individualized attention the school has always been know for,”  Kilpatrick said of the tuition free public nonprofit charter school, which was founded locally by residents of the community it serves.

KCC’s Southeast IB modeled campus, which currently is located at 6528 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Riverview, will only admit 108 families in its first year, increasing enrollment to a maximum of 348 students by year three and will follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years programme (IB PYP) of study.

Kilpatrick stressed that KCC’s growth announcements in Riverview are attracting significant attention from educators and parents alike.

“We have made a commitment to Riverview to geographically distribute our unique higher-learning systems throughout the county,” he said. “We are living up to that promise. Expansions such as these not only offer new professional opportunities in a industry recently besieged by cutbacks and layoffs, but it also encourages economic stimulus in a local rural community that is experiencing it’s fair share of financial challenges.”

Currently, Hillsborough County offers just two IB PYP schools and there are only a total of 24 IB PYP programmes in the entire state.

KCC Director of Middle Charter School Operations Karen Seder said that the school’s growth and success of the organization is the result of a continued focus on putting children first while addressing community needs and placing a high value on the associates of the company.

“Being able to work hand-in-hand with our board, students, parents and the Riverview community has allowed us all to grow and bring a long-term, high-quality educational vision into clearer focus,” Seder said.

Open enrollment for both campuses have begun for the much anticipated August openings.

Parents interested in enrolling are encouraged to apply early by visiting www.kidscc.org/register or stop by the Riverview elementary campus.

Interested educators can apply online at www.kidscc.org/careers.

Campus information, including artist renderings of the new campuses, can be found at www.kidscc.org/campuses.

The sheriff’s office received an emergency [...]]]> Bloomingdale High School student Dylan Michael Torrie, 14, of Brandon, is in stable condition after he was run over and wedged underneath a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Tuesday afternoon at the school parking lot, suffering only minor injuries to his legs, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office received an emergency call around 3:19 p.m., and Hillsborough County Fire Heavy Rescue responded to the scene and lifted the car off Torrie. He was then airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, where he received treatment for injuries to his legs.

According to HCSO spokesperson Larry McKinnon, Torrie was playing a joke on 16-year-old Kelsey Frye, who was driving the Jeep and waiting in a line of traffic that was exiting the student parking lot.

At some point while traffic was stopped, Torrie slipped around the front of the Jeep and laid on the roadway across the front of the Jeep. As traffic began to move, Frye pulled forward and drove over Torrie, investigators said.

Torrie indicated he did this as a joke, McKinnon said.

Hillsborough County School Board is conducting a review of the incident.

Although the investigation continues, Frye is not currently charged.

While Hillsborough County Sheriff’s detectives followed up on all tips, they [...]]]> Following the news about 12-year-old Diego Duran, who was struck in the head by a bullet on New Year’s Eve, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has received more than 30 tips from the community in reference to people shooting guns into the air.

While Hillsborough County Sheriff’s detectives followed up on all tips, they have all met with negative results.

In an effort to generate more specific and accurate tips from the community, HCSO has released some additional information:

1. The bullet that struck the victim is a .45 caliber full metal jacket

2. The shooter was most likely within one mile of the intersection of 14th Ave. SE and 6th St. SE in Ruskin.

3. The bullet struck the victim between 12:01am and 12:07am on Sunday, January 1, 2012

“Since the incident, Duran has undergone multiple surgeries and is continuing to recover at home,” said HCSO spokesperson Larry McKinnon.

Detectives are requesting if anyone was in the area of 14th Ave. SE and 6th St. SE in Ruskin during the times indicated and has information that could assist in the investigation; please contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 247-8200 or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS. You can also text your tip to 274637 (text CSTB plus your tip).

As the low-tech methods associated with Internet fraud and identity theft like purse snatching or “dumpster diving,” are being replaced by high-tech techniques like “phishing” [...]]]> HCSO Cpl. Bruce Crumpler, left and detective Phil Newman speak to a senior residents gathered at the Riverview Civic Center during a recent seminar on identity theft and Internet fraud.

As the low-tech methods associated with Internet fraud and identity theft like purse snatching or “dumpster diving,” are being replaced by high-tech techniques like “phishing” or  “skimming” through deceptive e-mails or malicious software known as “spyware,” one thing remains unchanged; identity theft is a crime and no one is safe.

Identity theft tops the list of consumer complaints that are reported to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) which estimates that  as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year.

While everyone is a target, senior residents find themselves especially vulnerable as they take a shot at maneuvering their way through the Word Wide Webb.

To educate and protect them, the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office held an informational seminar last month organized by HCSO Riverview Community Service Officer Barbara Jones and supported by and co-sponsored by P.R.I.D.E.  (People of Riverview, Informed, Dedicated, Educated) and the Riverview Hobby Club.

The well-attended free event was held at the Riverview Civic Center at 11020 Park Drive, and welcomed a number of detectives including HCSO Economic Crime Division Detective Phil Newman, who spoke to those present at length on the topic.

“Trust Nobody,” Newman said, as he drew attention to the fact that seniors were raised at a time when most people could be trusted, adding, “Things have changed.”

Newman emphasized the importance of paying close attention, to be aware and suspect all and to make use of all resources available such as asking questions.

“Legitimate people will not mind you asking questions,” he said. “If in doubt, be patient. Call your neighbor, grand kids friends and family.”

Barbara Adams of Riverview, a recent victim of identity theft, spoke highly of the effort by the sheriff’s office to educate the public on the topic.

“I am very frustrated with all of this, but the seminar provides a great forum to learn,” Adams said. “I hope they keep it up.”

For more information about how to avoid becoming a victim, please call the sheriff’s office at 247-0893 or visit the FTC at www.ftc.gov.

Hillsborough County officials and representatives of Tampa Metropolitan Area Y recently hosted a public [...]]]> Tampa Metropolitan Area Y President and CEO Tom Looby talks to residents about the  proposed location of the Riverview Y. The new facility is hoped to be built on county owned land adjacent to the Vance Vogel Sports Complex, in Riverview.

Hillsborough County officials and representatives of Tampa Metropolitan Area Y recently hosted a public meeting to receive comments on a proposal to build a Y on county owned lands adjacent to the Vance Vogel Sports Complex, off Bullfrog Creek Rd., just north of Big Bend Rd. in Riverview.

The meeting began with County Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP) Acquisition Manager Kurt G. Gremley, who explained to a roomful of residents that the proposed site of the new Y is a small portion of an ELAPP county owned property.

If approved, the $6-8 million project will be funded jointly with the Y, with about $2 million provided by the county, which will then be leased to the Y for the cost of the use of the land.

Drawing attention to a market study conducted in 2010, Tampa Metropolitan Area Y President and CEO Tom Looby emphasized that the project would provide much needed additional recreational facilities in southern Hillsborough County.

“The study surveyed approximately 700 residents within the Riverview, Apollo Beach and Gibsonton area and revealed an overwhelming desire for a new facility to be built,” Looby said.  “The study was all positive and showed that the need for a new Y is significant.”

Voicing a different view, Riverview resident Mary Beth Sultenfuss was not in favor of the county’s financial contribution. 

“I am not against the Y, but I do have a problem with our tax dollars spent on a private business,” she said. “Why can’t we spend the money on our own sports facilities and ball fields?”

In answer, Looby mentioned that the Y is a nonprofit charitable organization that provides services in partnership with the local government to accommodate the needs of the community.

“Understanding what our organization does is important in order to see the benefits of its partnership with the public,” Looby said.

East Bay Little League president and current Y member Dean Walters mentioned that while his organization does not see the project as a threat to the league, which plays and practices at the Vance Vogel Sports Complex, attention to the necessity of additional sports facilities built by the county should also be considered.

While the meeting mainly concerned the proposed location of the Y by Vance Vogel Park, Looby entertained some questions and comments by those present in connection with some of the other aspects of the project, which include various indoor recreational facilities, an aquatic center and various athletic fields.

“Our goal is to build what the people wanted,” Looby said. “If this location is approved, an additional meeting will be scheduled to discuss the project in more detail including some of the specific functions.”

Looby was unable to provide a time frame of the project, but did confirm that, if the proposed location is approved, construction of the facility’s outdoor portion will likely start by the end of 2013 with the indoor portion to follow.

For more information, call 272-5810 or visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org.

Members of the Riverview Chamber of Commerce, [...]]]> Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Earl Lennard, left, shakes and with Dick Stowers, during a ribbon cutting celebration of the new Boys & Girls Club now open in Riverview. The cub is located at 6809 Krycul Ave. in Riverview, on a two-acre property owned by Resurrection Catholic Church.

Members of the Riverview Chamber of Commerce, joined by members of the community gathered together for a special ribbon cutting in late January to celebrate the opening of the new Riverview Boys & Girls Club, located at 6809 Krycul Ave. in Riverview.

The more than 200 in attendance got the chance to tour the facility and hear a few words from local community leaders and financial supporters of the project, including Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Earl Lennard, Boy & Girls Club Tampa Board Member and Alumnus Joe Garcia,  Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee, George Simmons who administers the Mabel & Ellsworth Simmons Charitable Foundation and Dick Stowers, just to name a few.

While construction of the $1.6 million club, began last June, the project was actually launched in 2006 after a generous $750,000 donation from the Campo family.

Attendees such as Simmons, not only praised the effort to build the new club on the two-acre property owned by Resurrection Catholic Church, on behalf of the community and its young residents, but were proud of being a part of contributing to see it  become a reality.

“This meant a lot to me, and to a lot of people, who have worked very hard and donated a lot of money to see this project all the way through and this facility built,” Simmons said.

In agreement, Lennard emphasized that with the Riverview area growing, the need was recognized for a local Boys & Girls Club.

“The facility will help our  youngsters to have something to do in a positive after school environment,” Lennard said. “I want to thank everyone who has helped to make this come true.”

The Riverview club boast of a 6,000-sq.-ft. clubhouse that includes a multipurpose room and computer lab, a game room, an activity center for arts and crafts, a kitchen and an outdoor basketball court pavilion.

According to club director Fred Spencer it is hoped that as more funds become available, the club will turn the court into an enclosed gymnasium.

The club will operate from Monday-Friday, 2-6 p.m., with two full-time and four part-time staff attending to the more than 100 children who otherwise would likely be unsupervised after school.

Commenting on the importance and benefit of having such facilities available for local youth, Gee shared some statistic with the audience based on the results of a crime rate survey in the area after the opening of the Brandon  Boys and Girls Club.

“After the Brandon club was built, we found a 50 to 60 percent reduction in daytime burglaries,” Gee said. “There was little doubt that building a club in Riverview would be beneficial and make a difference.”

Adding to the economic benefit of having a club operate in the area Gee said that it costs $114.44 a day to house juveniles in the county jail and $276 a day to house juveniles in state custody.

On the other hand, he continued, it costs just $13 a day to send a child to a Boys & Girls Club, which only helps them to  to stay in school and become productive citizens.

“It’s a good investment, it makes good business sense and it’s the right thing to do,” Gee said.

The Riverview club is currently at capacity with many more on the waiting list, which to Brad Baumgardner, president of the Tampa Bay Boys and Girls Club, simply validates project’s importance and necessity.

“The fact that we’ve had so many enrolled and so quickly only goes to show you the great need in this community,” Baumgardner said. “We didn’t even have to advertise as the kids tell other kids about the club. It is a great place for these kids because it combines fun with a purpose.”

The Riverview Boys and Girls Club has enough funds to run its operation for the next 3-4 years.

The Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay network currently includes 15 clubs in Hillsborough County and another three in Pasco County and is now celebrating 85 years of serving the community.

For more information about the Boys and Girls Club please visit www.bgctampa.org.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is ready to recognize local students for their positive contributions through the Youth Excellence and Achievement (YEA!) Awards. 

Created in 2010, the YEA! Awards recipients [...]]]> Randall Middle School student Jessica Martinez, 15, received the Youth Excellence and Achievement Award (YEA!) for Success Despite Difficult Odds last year.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is ready to recognize local students for their positive contributions through the Youth Excellence and Achievement (YEA!) Awards. 

Created in 2010, the YEA! Awards recipients are honored for showing initiative, innovation and a commitment to themselves and others, while pursuing excellence in a leadership capacity demonstrated in academics, community service, athletics, performing arts, conservation or other areas.

To ensure that a student is once again recognized this year, the BOCC is accepting nominations until Friday, February 3, which may be submitted for both middle and high school students. 

In explaining the three main categories, Hillsborough County spokesperson Carol Michel said that in the area of leadership, students demonstrate a positive impact on others in an ongoing endeavor, such as sports, academics and the arts, just to name a few.

As for the Success Despite Difficult Odds, a student demonstrates the ability to overcome tremendous personal difficulties to attain success and a positive impact on others.

The third area, Volunteer or Community Service, speaks for itself as a student allocates discretionary time to helping others or completing a project that has added to the betterment of the community.

Last year’s Success Despite Difficult Odds YEA! Award winner was Randall Middle School student Jessica Martinez, who despite many surgeries, hearing loss and other challenges, proved herself to be  outgoing, friendly, dedicated to her schoolwork, organized and refused to give up in the face of adversity.

Other winners included Stewart Middle School student Laura Osorio,  Freedom High student Liat Sanz (Leadership), Leon King Senior High School student Benjamin Carpenter (Success Despite Difficult Odds), Mann Middle School student Kelsey Bone and Freedom High School student Elisa Berson (Volunteer or Community Service).

The YEA! Awards will be presented at a Board of County Commissioners meeting in March.

The YEA! Awards nomination form can be completed and submitted online or submitted to the county Communications Department, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 1st Floor, Tampa, FL 33602 or by fax to 276-8695. 

For information on the awards, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/bocc/about/awards.cfm or call 272-5314.

According to deputies the shooting occurred on Sunday, January 29, at approximately 1:16 p.m. at 5219 Vernice St [...]]]> Although the recent shooting in Wimauma was not random, Hillsborough County Sheriff deputies could not confirm that the shooting which landed 26-year-old Alejandro Rios in the hospital where he is currently in critical condition, was gang related.

According to deputies the shooting occurred on Sunday, January 29, at approximately 1:16 p.m. at 5219 Vernice St in Wimauma.

The victim was standing in the front yard of the Vernice St address when a gold or brown Dodge SUV drove by and the occupants of the vehicle, who are believed to be three Hispanic males, approximately 15 – 17 years of age, yelled out the window to the victim, calling him by name, deputies said.

The vehicle then stopped and the suspects—one of them armed with a handgun—exited the vehicle and fired several shots at the victim, striking him once in the stomach, deputies said.

Rios, who lives at 2600 W Lake Dr in Wimauma, was driven by private vehicle to South Bay Hospital and later airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, where he is listed in critical condition.

Armed with a handgun, the suspect entered the Walgreens Store at 13317 N Blvd in Tampa at approximately 5:49 p.m., and asked for cigarettes, deputies said.

As the clerk handed the [...]]]> Hillsborough county detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man that robbed a Walgreens store on Friday, January 27, in Tampa.

Armed with a handgun, the suspect entered the Walgreens Store at 13317 N Blvd in Tampa at approximately 5:49 p.m., and asked for cigarettes, deputies said.

As the clerk handed the suspect the cigarettes, he displayed a small caliber handgun and demanded the clerk place money from the register into a bag.

Upon receiving an undisclosed amount of money, the man fled the store westbound on foot to the nearby McDonald’s parking lot, where he entered a two tone black and silver sedan, deputies said.

The suspect is a white male, 40 – 50 years of age, 5’8” – 5’10” tall, 160 – 180 lbs., gray hair.

At the time of the robbery, he was wearing eyeglasses, black jacket, blue jeans and black shoes. The suspect is also missing 3 bottom center teeth.

Anyone with any information regarding the suspect is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 247-8200.

The discussion turned ugly and the two got into an argument inside their residence. The argument quickly turned physical, resulting in Patino-Andrade arming himself with a [...]]]> An alcohol fueled discussion one early morning last month between two Ruskin residents and roommates, Oracio Campo Ramos, 56, and Augustin Patino-Andrade, 22, sparked into something much more serious.

The discussion turned ugly and the two got into an argument inside their residence. The argument quickly turned physical, resulting in Patino-Andrade arming himself with a knife and stabbing Ramos in the chest.

Hillsborough County Sheriff deputies arrived on the scene at 10:14 a.m., and found both men appearing very intoxicated, deputies said.

While Ramos was transported to Tampa General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Patino-Andrade was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Both men reside at 1402 Eljay Ln in Ruskin along with several other individuals.