WHAT: Walmart is hiring approximately 90 associates to work at the new Walmart Neighborhood Market slated to open this spring in Riverview. To facilitate applications, the retailer has opened a temporary hiring center at 10616 Riverview Drive.

The hiring center began accepting applications Monday, Jan. 16, and will continue accepting applications from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. Interested applicants can apply online at http://walmartstores.com/Careers.

According to store manager Ronald Freitas, the store will be hiring both full- and part-time associates. “We are excited to add this Walmart Neighborhood Market to Riverview and bring good jobs with career opportunities to the area,” he said. Freitas began his Walmart career in 1998 as an assistant manager at a store in Sarasota.

Freitas said associates are needed to work in all areas of the new store, including supervisory positions.

Walmart’s benefit program is available to eligible full- and part-time associates and provides a variety of affordable health and well-being benefits including medical insurance with no lifetime maximum. Walmart also offers matching 401(k) contributions of up to 6 percent of pay, discounts on general merchandise for store associates, an Associate Stock Purchase Program and company-paid life insurance. Additionally, eligible associates receive a quarterly incentive based on store performance.

The majority of associates will begin work in March to help prepare the store for its grand opening

WHERE:           Walmart Hiring Center                          New Riverview Walmart Neighborhood Market

10616 Riverview Drive                                      10863 Bloomingdale Ave.

Riverview, Fl                                                      Riverview, Fl

WHEN:             Hiring Center Opening Date: Monday, Jan. 16, 2012

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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 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).

This month, the Osprey Observer Community Newspapers celebrates 10 years of publishing local, positive community news in the South East Hillsborough County area, and we couldn’t have done it without you!

Needless to say, starting out as a one-sheet newsletter and home-based business and now, with two offices and publishing more than 200 pages in five monthly editions with a team of more than 25 people, it is a little bit of a different workplace environment here at the Osprey Observer.

The main goal when we started, was to make an impact on the local community. Our idea was to get involved and to make a difference in the community. 

At the same time, it has been important for us as a company to stay current, trained and active in the changing economic market and with social media and technology, so that we aren’t left behind.

For our business, this has included the addition of video, Facebook, an active, archived Website and the continuation of building our brand at events, festivals and with sponsorships in the community.

In addition to our community office on Lithia Pinecrest Rd., we have leased a second space in our plaza to allow for our staff meetings. This is the Small Business Center which is also open to the public for small, intimate business meetings and trainings for up to 20 people and is a service to our customers.

As a community newspaper, we find that this is what sets us apart and keeps our readers interested as we cover the news. We are supported 100 percent by local small businesses who support the free community newspaper and allow us to print and mail our editions each month.

Without the support of these businesses, we wouldn’t have the staff to send to cover community events nor the community office to be the hub of local information. 

Our staff prides itself on being available for community information. ”Its been a lot of fun to watch over the years how the paper has gone from a four-page newsletter, to five monthly editions,” says nine-year team member and assignment editor Michelle Colesanti.

“My role has been very interesting, it has never been boring and I have grown over the years from doing billing to advertising and now settling into the editorial and writing side that I have found that I really enjoy.”

In addition to concentrating on our main business, publishing newspapers that people read, we also have been active in our local chambers and encourage businesses to not just join, but actually get involved and attend events.

The best advice we can give any small business owner, is to find your niche in what you do best, and be the best, treat every customer like your absolute best customer and follow the general small business rules that will set you apart: Be On Time – Send a Thank You Note  – Follow Up – Stick to Your Core Business- Do Your Best Every Time.

If it weren’t for our loyal readers, and avid business supporters, we couldn’t do what we do in the community. So from the Osprey Observer team, Thank You!

The Osprey Observer offices are located at 900 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Call 657-2418 or visit www.ospreyobserver.com. Please like us on Facebook at OspreyObserverFans.

You only have to walk into Revolution Cycle & Fitness to see that it is not just ‘another gym’. Instead of housing a plethora of machines for different workouts, Revolution Cycle & Fitness has 21 Schwinn AC Sport indoor cycling bikes, two 60-inch TV screens and a state-of-the-art sound system that is ideal for playing music.

The owners of Revolution, Victor and Christine Giordano, are cycling enthusiasts, which is what first gave them the idea to open their own studio. “We are very passionate about cycling and we saw that we were not getting the results we were looking for at other cycling classes,” said Victor. “That’s what inspired us to open our own cycling studio and people have been really excited about it.”

Revolution Cycle & Fitness is the only studio of its kind in the Brandon area and has received rave reviews from those who have attended classes. Several members of the Osprey Observer staff went to Revolution to try a class, with cycling expertise ranging from ‘newbies’ to ‘advanced’, and each staff member enjoyed the experience.

“The cycling class was a hard workout, but at the same time it was also a lot of fun,” said Jennifer Silverstein, assistant editor at the Osprey Observer. “You get to choose you fast you pedal and how much resistance you want on the bike.
Even though it’s a class setting, the instructors are sure to remind you that you can still go at your own pace.”  

Revolution Cycle is a 45 minute class that the Giordano’s refer to as their ‘cardio party’ and research shows that, on average, indoor cycling classes can burn anywhere from 400-700 calories per class.

There are no membership fees, as at Revolution you can pay per class or they have different ‘class packages’ that are good all year long and each person’s first class is free.

Revolution Cycle & Fitness is located at 524 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information about cycling and to check their class schedule, call 447-1410 or visit their Website www.revolution-cycle.com.

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.

Artists and art lovers will gather for the 20th Annual Apollo Beach Manatee Festival of the Arts. This year’s festival is set to run on Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the TECO SouthShore Community Event Center located at 302 Noonan Beach Road in Apollo Beach. Admission is $5.00 which includes parking and free shuttle to the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center. Children 12 and under are free.

Festival attendees can meet and interact with over 75 artists. The Festival is an innovative showcase of fine arts and fine crafts which draws talent from the local community as well as from across the country. The exhibitor’s area offers visitors the opportunity to meet and interact with artists to view their work and purchase it from the individual who created it.

The festival also features tasty treats from local vendors including Hydro Harvest Farms, Ole Kentucky Kettlecorn, Ali’s Lemonade, kabobs and more. One of the highlights of the festival is entertainment. According to Melanie Morrison, Executive Director of the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, “We will have a variety of entertainment showcasing all types of talent.”

The Apollo Beach Manatee Festival of the Arts is a nationally recognized juried art show. Over $13,000.00 will be given out in awards to the artists. Morrison said, “This is more than has ever been awarded.”

Morrison added, “This is the 20th anniversary of the event. It is also the first year that the newly merged SouthShore Chamber of Commerce is putting on this event. We have local community artists helping on the committee this year. We have a few really exciting and new hands on arts activities in the kids’ area including visual arts, performing arts and musical arts.”

Morrison explained, “The SouthShore Chamber of Commerce supports and promotes the business community as well as the community and residents as a whole. The Ruskin and Apollo Beach Chambers merged on July 1, 2011 and now form the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce.”

For more information about the 20th Annual Apollo Beach Manatee Festival of the Arts, please visit www.ruskinchamber.org or call 645-1366.

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.

The Greater Brandon Area Friends of Scouting Committee in conjunction with the Gulf Ridge Council Timucua District Boy Scouts of America will host its Second Annual Soaring Eagle Dinner on Thursday, February 23, at The Regent in Riverview. All members of the community are invited to attend. The Regent is located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow at 7 p.m.

This year’s Soaring Eagle Award recipient is Richard Eatman. According to Becky Jordan, co-chair for the dinner, “The Soaring Eagle Award was established as a means of recognizing members of the greater Brandon/SouthShore area who has had a significant impact on Scouting and in the southeastern area of Hillsborough County.”

In addition to presentation of the Soaring Eagle Award, the keynote speaker will be USF Bulls Football Coach, Skip Holtz. Jordan said, “We are exciting to have Coach Holtz as our guest speaker.”

Molly Blanton, District Executive, Timucua District, Gulf Ridge council,l said, “Our Soaring Eagle Dinner is an opportunity to bring together people from around the community and share with them a little of what our Boy Scouts (and Cubs and Venturers) are doing around our area.” Blanton added, “It is also an opportunity for us to recognize an outstanding community builder.”

There are no tickets to attend the event. Funds raised by the dinner are by means of donations and/or pledges to Scouting.  The dinner is a major source of support for the area packs and troops.

Blanton explained, “The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations.” Blanton added, “The Boy Scouts provide fun and challenging programs for young people that build character, train them in responsibilities of participating citizenship and develop personal fitness.”

The Brandon/SouthShore areas are home to over 150 Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops consisting of over 3,000 boys and over 900 adult volunteers.

If you would like to support Scouting, the Soaring Eagle Dinner is a prime opportunity for you to enjoy a dinner catered by Southern Gourmet Catering, hear a guest speaker and help honor a community leader. To RSVP, contact Molly Blanton at 210-1788 or mblanton@boyscouting.com.

It was a festive night at the Riverview Chamber Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet, held last month at the Showmen’s Club in Riverview. The theme was tropical and flowers were everywhere on Hawaiian shirts and dresses.  It was a celebration of the achievements of the Riverview Chamber, including installation of a new president and board of directors, and presentation of awards.

County Commissioner Al Higginbotham was the keynote speaker and spent a few moments telling of his struggles since his hunting accident that left him unable to walk. With perseverance, hard work and support of family, “I triumphed three years later,” said Higginbotham. He went on to not only walk again, but climb mountains, and documented his trials in an autobiography, By Faith, I’m Still Standing.

Outgoing President Sherri Walker, of Crane Tech, spoke sincerely, “The chamber is more than a place to network, and it’s the people that give it soul.” She reviewed the accomplishments of the chamber over the past year, including kicking off the South Shore Young Professionals Association. She passed the gavel to incoming President Ed Booth, of Huth & Booth Photography. Booth. 

The emcee for the evening, Tony Del Castillo, with TBT and Tampa Bay Times, did a great job keeping the festivities flowing. Jim Johnson, of Mosaic Fertilizer, was named director emeritus to the chamber board for his 14 years.

Honorary Mayor Lisa Kennedy, with Alley Cat Pest Control, received the key to the chamber; Tanya Doran was honored for her hard work as director each and every day; and the following awards were issued for 2011: Margie Watkins- Volunteer of the Year; Larry Brooks, A & A Mortgage- Ambassador of the Year; Mary Ellen Owens, Black Diamond Associates – Shining Star Award; Gabrielle Perham, Mace Multimedia- Riverview Citizen of the Year; Barbara Jones, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office-Business Person of the Year; Eric Butler, Take Out Butler- Business of the Year, Four Paws Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Kim Tyson.

Booth explained that the chamber has major plans for this year, including launching its first membership drive, a golf tournament planned for St. Patrick’s Day, the annual Springfest and Teacher of the Year, Honorary Mayor’s Race, New Teacher’s Breakfast and Trick or Treat Street.

“We’re going to make this absolutely the very best year we’ve ever had,” said Booth.