Osprey Observer » FishHawk Blvd.

Mosaic Commits $100,000 to FishHawk Sports Complex

Carisa Biesecker — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:27:58 +0000

It’s not everyday that a company just gives away money, but that is exactly the concept behind world-wide corporation Mosaic’s recent $100,000 donation to the FishHawk Youth Sports Complex (FYSC) in Lithia.
Recently, the FYSC, located at 16120 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia, held its season kickoff, giving recognition to local sponsors: Mosaic, Newland Communities, Trish and Randy Waller of Signature Realty, Bella Garden Boutique, Cardel Homes, CCC Group, Inc., Michael A. Hess, D.M.D., of Hess Orthodontics, Riverview’s Buffalo Wild Wings, Osprey Observer, Pepsico and Dick’s Sporting Goods. During the celebration, a check was presented to FYSC by Mosaic representatives for $100,000, to be dispersed over a number of years at the complex.
According to President of the FishHawk Youth Sports Association (FYSA) Scott Powers, the monies will go towards existing programs at the FYSC, improvements throughout the 65-acre complex and the development of the remaining 20 acres allocated for use by the FYSC.
“It’s great to have a company like Mosaic make that large of a commitment to the park and kids out here,” Powers stated. “We really appreciate them stepping up and helping us in our community.”
Having broken ground in early March in the vicinity of the planned 1,800-unit Circa FishHawk development on eight acres near crossroads Mosaic Dr. and FishHawk Blvd., Mosaic, a company that prides itself on giving back to the community in which it is situated, will anchor Newland Communities’ planned 113,589-sq.-ft. Circa FishHawk Village Center with its Mosaic Florida Headquarters office building. When completed in spring of 2010, the company, one of the foremost distributors of phosphate, potash and nitrogen, will hold 400 administrative positions in the Lithia area, adding to its already established 7,400-employee workforce.
“Mosaic really does support the community near which it operates, and FishHawk is right where we are going to be, right where people live, work and play,” mentioned Mosaic Public Affairs Manager Christine Smith. “There are many families involved in many different activities in that park, so really, it is a good community fit as there are so many people, not just from the immediate area, but from other surrounding areas as well who participate in this complex.” She cites that the youth in these communities, such as FishHawk, are not only communities’ futures but are also perceived as the company’s future workforce.
Having originated last year, FishHawk Youth Sports Complex offers a wide variety of sports to those ages 5-16 upon its eight baseball and softball fields and its two multi-purpose fields, comprising of soccer, football, lacrosse, softball, baseball and T-ball. Registration varies anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the sport selected. With over 2,000 children being a part of the FYSC, Powers concluded, “It has become an identity for the community.”
For more information on FYSC, visit http://fishhawksports.org. To learn more about Mosaic, visit www.mosaicco.com.

Newland Communities Renames Lake Hutto To Circa FishHawk

Marie Gilmore — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 13:16:16 +0000

By Michelle Caceres
It’s not a part of FishHawk Ranch, but the 700-acre site formerly known as Lake Hutto has been renamed Circa FishHawk to reflect its close proximity to the master-planned behemoth.
FishHawk and Circa developer Newland Communities and its advertising agency worked closely to settle on the new name.
“We felt that it was important to position this community as its own special place while still acknowledging the strong FishHawk Ranch brand that has come to define the ‘FishHawk’ area,” said Newland Communities Regional Marketing Director Pam Parisi.
Located south of FishHawk Blvd., between Boyette Rd. and FishHawk Ranch, the steady pace of construction in Circa is currently underway. Roadways to two new schools, Stowers Elementary and Barrington Middle, are being laid with the schools slated to open in August. Attendance boundary lines for the schools are in the process of being drawn and approved. A public meeting to discuss boundaries has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the multi-media room at Randall Middle School.
Parisi expects the community to attract families for the same reasons they’re attracted to FishHawk Ranch. The community will feature onsite schools, a convenient town center and a variety of amenities all connected by a trail system.
In addition to families, Circa is also expected to attract singles, pre-family couples, empty nesters and retirees with its variety of housing options, including many maintenance-free options that appeal to these buyer groups.
While the land plan is still being designed, product offerings will include apartments as well as a variety of single-family and multi-family options.
Circa is the continuation and evolution of the FishHawk area, bringing a vibrant Village Center and fresh, new lifestyle choices-both residential and commercial-to the area, said Parisi.
Newland officials say the community is still in the envisioning process, as they are attempting to nail down the land plan and product offerings. Builders are showing interest in the community but specific discussions with builders have not occurred.
“It’s still way too soon,” said Parisi.
For more information about Circa FishHawk, visit www.newlandcommunities.com.

Eye on Business Riverview December

Kate Quesada — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:50:12 +0000

Playmania Adds New Programs
PlayMania, a family owned indoor children’s play and learning center, offering a series of parent-child programs devoted to the physical, emotional and social development of children including open play and classes children from birth to age six, recently added new programs including a dance class, toddler and preschool music and ornament making.
Visit www.playmaniatampa.com or call 649-8919 for more information.

Florist Celebrates New Location
Formerly Apollo Beach Flowers, Riverview Florist opened recently at 9405 U.S. Hwy. 301 S., at the intersection with Gibsonton Rd., in Riverview. Owned by Rick and Jan Crosby, who owned Apollo Beach Flowers for 15 years and Sun City Flowers before that, Riverview Florist is a full service floral store with products including balloon bouquets, silk flowers and fresh arrangements.
“We can do flowers for weddings, funerals, parties or gifts, says Jan, who takes great pride in the flowers, especially the roses. “We pride ourselves on our customer service and stand behind every one of our arrangements.”
The Crosbys have already started making themselves a part of the community through charity work and special deals for students at East Bay High School.
“We are really excited to be here and are looking forward to everyone finding out about us,” says Jan.
For more information, call the store at 677-9700 or visit www.riverviewsfinestflorist.com. For toll free calling nation-wide, call 1-800-525-4438.

Shop Local at CRT
Looking to buy something electronic for someone on your holiday list this year? Then instead of hitting one of the national chain stores, head over to CRT Computers at the intersection of Big Bend Rd. and Summerfield Blvd.
“We sell pretty much everything you will find at one of the big retailers, but with personal customer service and one on one attention,” says Daniel Zell who owns the store with fellow Riverview resident John Delage. “No one gets lost in the shuffle here.”
CRT, which recently celebrated its one year anniversary in this location, is a full retail store offering computer repair and retail, televisions, cameras, MP3 players and much more.
“We recently started stocking security cameras for homes and businesses,” says Zell, who explains that the interest in security cameras has grown in the tough economy.
For more information, call the store at 671-1108.

Legacy Holds Ribbon Cutting
Legacy Venture Group & BuyBizUSA owner Brian Stephens is hosting a ribbon cutting and evening networking event on Thursday December 11, beginning at 5:30 pm.
“Light refreshments, food, live music and fun for all will be available,” says Stephens. “The Beaux Art Gallery next door will be hosting a ‘Your Business & Art’ event in conjunction with the Ribbon Cutting.”
Legacy Venture Group Office is located in the Winthrop Shopping Center at 11256-B Winthrop Main St. in Riverview on the first floor of the Times Building (large white columns) on the far corner in the front, next to the Beaux Art Gallery.
For more information, call 571-7700.

Southbay Hosts Holiday Stroll
The Shoppes of Southbay will hold the first annual South Shore Holiday Stroll on Saturday, December 13. All proceeds will toward helping to stock local food pantries. The event will be held from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the shopping center on the southeast corner of Big Bend Rd. and U.S. Hwy. 301 in Riverview.
This is a free event open to the public. Guests will begin their stroll at the eastern end of the center where every family will be given a card to be stamped or signed by each of the shops. Each shop will have a sampling or goody for the families. Santa will be at the end of the stroll and will be available for pictures. Once the card is filled out completely the family will be given a goody bag and their card will be entered into a raffle for one of five beautiful gift baskets.
Participating shops include: Smoothie King, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Little Ceasars, Risque, Goin’ Postal, Sweetbay, Great Clips, Sonlight, Playmania, Leslies, Dove Interiors, Planet Beach, New Identities, LeBelle’s, Southbay Auto Service, Game Time, Buffalo Wild Wings, Goodyear and Fifth Third Bank.
Special appearances will be made by Buccaneer Cheerleaders, Lightning Girls, East Bay High School Jazz Band and Krewe of the South Shore Marauders pirates. Girls Scouts will also be available to do all your holiday gift wrapping.
Participants are asked to bring a canned good to assist in this effort.
For more information, contact Jennifer Griest from Southbay Auto at 675-5181.

Self Storage Hosts Ribbon Cutting
Self Storage Centers of America, located at 9234 Causeway Blvd., is hosting a ribbon cutting with the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce on December 16 at 12 Noon.
The facility, which opened in October, has 546 climate-controlled units, 60 parking spots for RV’s and boats as well as 80 outside non-climate controlled units that range from 10×20 to 10×40.
“Our facility has drive up storage units, RV/boat parking, free truck and driver with move-in, boxes and packing supplies and state of the art security,” says General Manager Sheila Burnett. “We are considered a Class “A” Facility.”
Office hours of operation are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday. Gate Operation is 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
For more information, call 621-7867.

Cardel Homes introduces new evening Model Home Hours
To accommodate homebuyers’ schedules, Cardel is pleased to announce new model home hours, effective immediately. The new hours are Monday to Friday, 2–8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday, 12 Noon–6 p.m.
Despite the later hours and elegant decor, evening dress is not required.
Cardel Homes builds single family, multi-family, and resort homes in locations across North America. For more than 30 years, their dedication to quality, fairness, and community involvement has made Cardel a mainstay among serious builders in the cities where they operate. In addition to achieving a reputation for design innovation and homebuyer satisfaction, Cardel is known for their charity and community initiatives. Cardel has conceived of organized, and funded numerous events that bring neighbors together on behalf of worthy causes. Cardel offers models in Starling Water on FishHawk Blvd. and within the Garden District in FishHawk Ranch and in Covington Park, in Apollo Beach.
For more information, visit www.cardelhomes.com.

Planet Beach Celebrates Anniversary
Planet Beach Contempo Spa is celebrating one year in its location in Summerfield.
“Planet Beach Contempo Spa offers an escape from daily stress by offering affordable day spa services that are controlled by the client,” says representative Anne Toro.
New services at the spa include cosmetic teeth whitening by Whiter Image, a Hydration Station, similiar to a vitamin infused steam bath that also used radiant heat that allows pores to open up and skin to become deeply hydrated, a private label nutrition line that includes meal replacement shakes, as well as online indiviualized meal planning, UV therapy (previously known as tanning) and Mystic spray tan.
“We also offer Hydromassage: it uses whirlpool jets heated to 100 degrees that the customer can adjust the pressure and the speed. The water is fully encapsulated so the client does not get wet from the jets,” says Toro. “We also offer photo rejuvenation via our Rejuvasun bed. LED light is known to help with collagen production, which is what helps plump our skin. This in turns leads to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Planet Beach is located in the Shoppes of Southbay, at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 301 and Big Bend Rd. and is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 12 Noon-5 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, call 741-9280 and for more information, visit www.planetbeach.com.

Author Joins Dolphin Realty
Tommy Lovett, author of Doors Wired Shut, has joined Coldwell Banker, Dolphin Realty, in Apollo Beach.
“Tommy’s drive and desire to help people will bring great value to Dolphin Realty and fit well with our Customer First mentality and we are blessed to have him,” says broker Dianne Allers. “Tommy’s book is a true story about unfair housing practices toward handicapped and disabled American Veterans attempting to purchase a home.”
Lovett joined the United States Army in September of 1982 and was injured in the line of duty receiving an honorable discharge on May 15, 1984.
“Tommy quickly noticed discrimination in housing for Disabled veterans and has become a champion for Veteran housing,” says Allers. “He specializes in Veterans Administration specially adapted housing as well as VA loans and grants for veterans qualified for home purchase. Tommy brings to Coldwell Banker Dolphin Realty the passion to further the cause of veteran housing expertise.”
For more information, contact Lovett at 494-4867.

Ground Brocken at Riverview Hilton
Stacy Snow Feiler of Legacy Venture Group Business Brokers was one of the first visitors at the site of Riverview’s first hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn, Tampa South East, which is slated to open in January 2009.
“I saw first hand what the Great American Bar & Grill will look like, heard the echo of the 4,200 sq. ft. meeting space, climbed six flights of stairs to the presidential suite and tromped through construction workers to visit the fitness room, pool, fireplace lobby and two kitchens,” says Feiler.
For more information, visit www.hilton.com.

Free Financial Seminar
United Mortgage Affiliates is offering a free seminar covering financial issues including short sales, how to get 100 percent financing and home buying and selling this month.
The seminars will take place on Wednesday, December 10, and Wednesday, December 17, from 6-7 p.m. and both Saturday, December 13 and Saturday, December 20 from 10-11 a.m. at the Century 21 – Link Realty office at 1517 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.
For more information, contact Michelle Teeter at 300-2522 or Joe Haynes at 781-9487.

Employee Helps Capture Bank Robber

Jennifer Silverstein — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:44:35 +0000

A local citizen who works at DaSilva’s Coffee House & Roastery, located at 15282 FishHawk Blvd., stopped a bank robber in his tracks in early October.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, Jeffery Gordon Merritt, wearing a striped polo shirt, entered the Valrico State Bank and removed a handgun from a cooler bag and demanded money from the teller. After the suspect obtained an undisclosed amount of cash, he fled the bank into the parking lot.
Once outside the bank, about 100 ft. away, a bank employee followed the suspect into the parking lot and, along with a private citizen, tackled the suspect and restrained him until law enforcement arrived. The sheriff’s Office is not releasing the name of the citizen because she is a witness and is also former law enforcement.
Merritt was unemployed at the time of the robbery and was living at 9411 Chalet Dr., Apt. 1408, in Tampa. Merritt is believed to be involved with two other robberies in Pinellas County. He is still currently occupying a jail cell, and a court date has not yet been set for him.
Debbie Carter, public information officer for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, said that the Sheriff’s Office does not encourage citizens to get physically involved in the prevention of a crime because it does not want the citizen to endanger themselves in any way. Instead, she says, “We encourage citizens to get a good description, direction of travel, tag numbers and vehicle descriptions, anything that would assist in the investigation.”
Carter said that every year, there are numerous citizens that assist law enforcement with descriptions of suspects or suspicious behavior.
“It is difficult to say that the citizen did the right thing since we do not encourage it,” Carter said. “But, in this case everything worked out great.”
For more information, visit the Hillsborough County’s Website at www.hcso.tampa.fl.us or call 247-8200.

Don’t Miss Last 5K Race In Series

Marie Gilmore — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:20:25 +0000

The third in the series of Hit The Trails cross country 5K races is approaching and there is still time to register for the successful fundraiser. The first two races of the series, including chipped, timed race, awards and after-race celebration makes for a nice, evening run through cross country terrain.

The Friday night series is hosted by FishHawk Park Square running store Hit the Trails owner Steve Dunn, an avid runner and RRCA certified running coach, who is thrilled with the response and participation in the series. “We had 200 racers for our second race and received lots of compliments on the race.”

The first race was a fundraiser for Girl Scouts of America, the second race was in memorial to the tragic recent loss of a FishHawk Running Club member, Christine Rusher who lost her life to a brain tumor. The funds will benefit the family. More than 200 runners ran in memory of Rusher and a pre-race balloon release was a touching sight for the attendees. “Christine was a club member and friend it was an easy choice for a benefit,” added Dunn.

Rusher was a well accomplished Triathlete, a Boy Scouts of America Leader, active in the hearing impaired community and an active member of Nativity Catholic Church. She was a wonderful wife to Thomas and great mother to her two sons, Christian and Dylan.

The last race of the summer will be held on Friday, August 15, 7 p.m. at the FishHawk Fellowship Church located at 15326 FishHawk Blvd. with parking in the church parking lot. This race will benefit the FishHawk Road Runner High School Scholarship fund.

Cost to race is $12 in advance at Hit the Trails, the Website www.hitthetrails.com or www.active.com or $15 day of the race with registration starting at 6 p.m. at FishHawk Fellowship Church.

Chiari Walk Hits Close to Home for Resident

Carisa Biesecker — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:12:38 +0000

Affecting over 300,000 people nationwide, Chiari malformation is one disorder that is gaining interest which is why Dover resident Vonda Maxwell has decided to take the word to the streets, hosting the Conquer Chiari Walk Across America in Lithia.

Taking place on Saturday, September 20, with registration beginning at 8 a.m., the walk will start at the FishHawk Sweetbay located at 16751 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia at 9 a.m. From there, participants will walk a total of four miles along the bike paths in FishHawk, arriving at FishHawk Fellowship for free water and then returning to Sweetbay.

Chiari malformation, which can be detected through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), occurs when the cerebellum descends from the base of the skull, causing pressure to one’s spine. Due to this, its victims can have dizziness, migraine-like headaches, neck pain, severe weakness in one’s extremities and respiratory issues. It can also lead to a disruption in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, creating fluid-filled cysts on the spine known as syringomyelia. These cysts can cause nerve damage and even paralysis.

Maxwell, along with her mother and three daughters – Bryanna, 10, Mckenzie, 8, and Gabriel, 7 – suffers from the neurological disorder, with two of her daughters having syringomyelia as well. “It is very personal to me,” comments Maxwell. “I had a desire to do something,” she says which is how the walk came to fruition here in FishHawk. “This is the first year for the walk, and its goal is to span 50 states,” having been originated by the C&S Patient Education Foundation, also known as Conquer Chiari, a nonprofit organization formed in 2004 which is aimed at providing funding for the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.

“Although Chiari is not well-known, it affects about the same number of people as MS [multiple sclerosis] in a similar way. It is our hope that an increased awareness of Chiari will help people when they are diagnosed. Also, there is not much research on Chiari which, of course, we would like to change,” states founder and Executive Director Rick Labuda who says the walk has already landed 20 sites across America with hopes of thousands joining the ranks of walkers.

Residents are invited to take part in the walk with a minimum donation of $20. Those who pre-register online before August 15 and include a $20 donation will receive a T-shirt. There is a need for walkers, walker sponsors and corporate sponsors for the event. Maxwell is hoping for 100 walkers as well as to raise over $1,000 for the cause that touches so close to home for her and her family.

For more information, call Maxwell at 393-9012, her sister Nancy at 393-8333 or Carey at 393-8570. If you are unable to participate in the walk and would like to contribute to the effort, log onto www.conquerchiari.org, clicking on the “Conquer Chiari Walk Across America: Sept. 20, 2008” icon and then the “Online Sponsor Donation” icon, entering information for the Lithia, Florida walk. This site also provides patient information as well as a bi-monthly newsletter on current Chiari research.

Mosaic Gives Development Boost

Marie Gilmore — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:01:52 +0000

A 7.4 acre purchase for a regional headquarters by Mosaic fertilizer on the fledgling Lake Hutto project being built by Newland Communities, near FishHawk Ranch, is a boost to the community and a spur for the development. Newland announced the purchase in July of a building that will house 400 jobs in a 100,000 sq. ft. proximity and will abut a planned town center commercial project with an additional 100,000 sq. ft. of neighborhood commercial businesses.

Newland Communities Vice President of Operations Tom Panaseny spoke to a room full of 70 residents and representatives to update residents on development plans for the community.

“We are proud to have partnered with Mosaic on this project,” said Panaseny. “Mosaic will break ground on its headquarters in 2009 and the building will be completed by 2010,” he described. The headquarters will have its own entrance off of FishHawk Blvd. and will face the boulevard. A national commercial leasing company is being brought in to lease the 100,000 sq. ft. of additional commercial space. “This is about three times the size of our current Park Square,” he described.

Rich Krakowski, vice president of Mosaic, said, “We conducted a study to determine a suitable geographic location that’s closest to the center of where our administrative and staff employees live. FishHawk Ranch area was the bull’s eye.”

Ryan Companies US, Inc. will be developer and contractor for the building, which is scheduled to break ground by early next year and open in the first quarter of 2010.

In addition to the Mosaic entrance, a four-lane divided boulevard with an entrance off of FishHawk Blvd. is scheduled to break ground to access the now-under construction, combined elementary/middle school which is also scheduled to open in the Fall of 2009.

“The school represents the district’s efforts to share some parts of the facility, including administration offices, across the two campuses,” he described, adding, “The district has not yet named the schools, and they will each have their own bus drop off points.”

In addition to Mosaic headquarters and the school, Panaseny said that specific plans for the residential portion of the community are not yet available other than a planned 200 rental apartment complex surrounding the town center.

For more information on Mosaic, visit www.mosaicco.com. For Newland, visit www.newlandcommunities.com.