Nominations Sought For Hillsborough County Environmental Champion
Hillsborough County is asking for residents’ help in honoring those who have worked to protect the environment. Nominations are now being accepted for Hillsborough County’s Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award. The honor is given annually to an individual or group who exemplifies dedication to preserving the county’s natural resources.
Nominees must live or work in Hillsborough County or have lived/worked in Hillsborough County during the time of their achievements. The deadline for nominations is February 29, apply online at https://hcflgov.formstack.com/forms/theodore_roosevelt_hillsborough_forever_conservation_award.
HCC Spring Flex Start Registration Open
Registration for Hillsborough Community College’s (HCC) spring flex start semester is underway. HCC is offering over 1,000 flex start classes this spring.
HCC’s flex start schedule offers a variety of start dates, times and modalities, including on campus, online and live online to ensure that students have the flexibility they need for their busy lives. Students can earn credits applicable to any of HCC’s Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees, college credit and postsecondary adult vocational credits. Tuition assistance is also available.
Flex start semester dates for spring are:
- Monday, February 5: 12-week classes.
- Tuesday, February 13: 10-week classes and five-week classes.
- Tuesday, March 5: eight-week classes.
- Tuesday, March 26: five-week classes.
Visit www.hccfl.edu/flexstart for more information.
Hillsborough Community College serves more than 43,000 students annually at its five campuses located throughout Tampa Bay. For more information, visit www.hccfl.edu.
Our Lady’s Pantry Adjusts Hours
According to director Tom Bullaro, the lines to receive food at Our Lady’s Pantry are getting longer every week, and in a typical week it gives out an estimated 34,000 pounds of food. To help with this, the hours have been adjusted. The pantry remains open until 10:30 a.m., as it has for many years, but you must now be in line by 10 a.m. to get food by 10:30 a.m.
To learn more about Our Lady’s Pantry, including how to donate, volunteer or receive food, visit www.ourladyspantry.com.
Ye Royal Krewe Of Charlotte De Berry Golf Tournament
The all-female Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte de Berry will be holding its annual golf tournament on Sunday, March 24 at the Bay Palms Golf Complex at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. It will be a four-person scramble format costing $460 per foursome or $125 per person; this covers green fees, cart fees, range balls and a dinner after the event. There will be many ways to win prizes, including closest to the pin, longest drive, etc., as well as raffle prizes and awards.
To find out more and to register for the event, visit its website at www.kreweofcharlottedeberry.com. All proceeds from the event will benefit local high school female athletes who plan to enter career and technical fields.
Impact Galentine’s Tea Fundraiser
The Impact Program will be hosting its Impact Galentine’s Tea fundraiser at New Hope Methodist Church, located at 213 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon, on Saturday, February 10, from 10 a.m.-12 Noon.
Along with tea, there will also be a fashion show, raffle prizes and a silent auction. Impact promotes healthy lifestyles and relationships, and its vision is to educate, equip, empower and support students, parents and teachers in the areas of sexual risk avoidance and healthy relationships.
To purchase tickets for the event and find out more about Impact, visit www.whatisimpact.com.
Greater SouthShore Chamber Of Commerce Kicks Off Membership Drive
The Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce kicked off its first membership drive recently. The challenge for the 27-member Ambassador Team is to bring in 29 new members before Thursday, February 29. The Greater SouthShore Chamber was formed in November 2023, when the SouthShore and South Hillsborough County Chambers officially merged. New members who join during this drive will each receive a welcome package full of valuable goodies donated by current members.
The main office is at 201 W. Shell Point Rd. in Ruskin. To access the new member application, visit www.southshorechamberofcommerce.org/member/newmemberapp/.
The East Hillsborough Democratic Club Meeting
The East Hillsborough Democratic Club will be holding its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13, at Brandon Crossroads Bowl, located at 609 Crater Lane in Tampa. All like-minded individuals are welcome to come, enjoy food and enjoy the discussion.
If you prefer the comfort of your own home, you may join the meeting via Zoom. Go to www.easthillsboroughdems.org to register and check for updates an hour before the meeting.
Dementia Care-partner Support Group
Superior Residences of Brandon will be holding a monthly support group for family and friends of people living with dementia. The group will take place the second Monday of each month from 6-8 p.m., with the next meeting being on January 9. The group will be led by CherylAnn Haley, she is a Positive Approach to Care-certified coach and will share Positive Approach to Care skills that will explain some behaviors and show care partners how to support their loved ones.
Please call 813-657-8587 or email tburnett@superiorbrandon.com to reserve a space. Superior Residences of Brandon is located at 1819 Providence Ridge Blvd. in Brandon.
Kappa Delta Phi Bingo Fundraiser
The Kappa Kappa chapter of Kappa Delta Phi is hosting a bingo fundraiser at Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. on Tuesday, February 13. This will be a first-come, first-served event, so come early to secure a table for you and your friends.
Bingo cards will be sold from 6:30 p.m. onward and bingo will begin promptly at 7 p.m. There will also be silent auction items available to bid on and a 50/50 drawing.
Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. is located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.
The Real Music Series Returns To Busch Gardens
The Real Music Series, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s longest-running concert series, runs now through Sunday, February 25. Ranging from classic rock to pop soul to folk rock, live performances will hit the stage at the Stanleyville Theater for seamless artistic renditions of artists and bands, such as Chicago, the Eagles, Elvis Presley and more.
For a limited time, guests who purchase a 2024 Busch Gardens Fun Card can unlock free access to Adventure Island through Tuesday, December 31. With all-new seasonal events and attractions, including Phoenix Rising at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Castaway Falls at Adventure Island, a Fun Card is the perfect way to experience the best of both Tampa Bay parks.
Visit https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/real-music/ for show schedules and times. The Real Music Series is included with daily park admission, annual pass or Fun Cards.
ZooTampa At Lowry Park Goes Prehistoric With Larger-than-life Exhibit
ZooTampa at Lowry Park kicks off the ‘Year of More’ with Prehistoric Predators, a limited-time, interactive, family-friendly event that opened on January 13. Guests can journey back in time and get up close and personal with colossal creatures who roamed the Earth approximately 2.5 million years ago, after the extinction of the dinosaurs, and learn how they relate to species of this century.
Animals not seen for centuries, like the dire wolf from the Ice Age or an allosaurus from the Mesozoic Era, come to life only at ZooTampa. After experiencing the dynamic exhibit, guests can see their modern-day descendants, including a Malayan tiger, shoe-billed stork, black bear and great horned owl.
Prehistoric Predators is included with zoo admission or membership. This limited-time event provides ferocious fun for the whole family until Sunday, April 14.
