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Articles by Kate Quesada
New Local Fencing Company Offers Quality And Care
Stand Strong Fencing Riverview opened in June and is owned by FishHawk resident Yesuah Bell. If improving your property with a fence is on your wish list this holiday season, then give Stand Strong Fencing a call. Owned by FishHawk resident Yesuah Bell, Stand Strong Fencing of Riverview opened in June and offers a wide variety of commercial and residential fencing options from installation to repair. Yesuah Bell.
Local HVAC Expert Brown Comfort Systems Honored For 20 Years Of Fair Prices And Quality Service
Whether it is the first hot weekend of the summer or the first cool snap of the winter, heating and cooling systems always seem to have problems at the worst possible time. But Brown Comfort Systems, celebrating 20 years in business, can help. Deforest Brown, a Tampa Bay native who has lived in the Riverview area for 20 years with his wife and four children, started Brown Comfort Systems in 2005 and is very proud of the reputation he has developed over the years.
Chaberek Family Christmas Trees Opening Black Friday In Lithia
A local holiday tradition has a new spin this year. Since 2008, many FishHawk-area families have purchased their Christmas trees from the Chaberek Family Christmas Tree Lot outside Newsome High School in Lithia, but this year the lot is in a new location at the corner of Boyette and Lithia Pinecrest roads on the Air Medics AC & Heating Inc. property. According to Darlene Chaberek, the decision was made to move the location to keep the trees priced well for their customers due to increased rent.
AM Design & Services Helps Local Businesses Design Success
In business, whether you are starting out or looking to expand or refresh, one of the hardest things to do is develop a brand that works. But Abi Merkle, owner of AM Design & Services, is here to help with everything a business owner needs to deliver results, from logo design to social media assistance.
Randall FFA Receives National Three-star Ranking
Students and advisors in the FFA chapter at Randall Middle School in Lithia have a lot to celebrate this month. The group was recently recognized as one of less than 10 percent of chapters nationwide by the 2025 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization and given a three-star ranking. “It’s amazing that I get to be part of a three-star program,” said McKenzie Dahl, Randall FFA President.
Local Resident Opens Second Stretch Zone Location
“Literally everyone benefits from stretching,” said Sean Fransk, owner of Stretch Zone Apollo Beach and Sun City Center. Fransk, who opened Stretch Zone Sun City Center in May of 2023 and Stretch Zone Apollo Beach two years later, is proud of what his businesses can do for people of all ages. “We see clientele from the age of 14 (with parental approval/supervision) to our oldest member, who is 102,” he explained. “Everyone has their own story.
Davenport’s Daily Delights Celebrates 15 Years Of Making Dinner Easy
Peggy Davenport has been changing the way people do dinner in Hillsborough County for 15 years. The owner and creative force behind Davenport’s Daily Delights started the business when her children were young and is constantly evolving it to keep up with the needs of local families. “We absolutely love what we do, and the basis is this: We prepare with love completely home cooked meals and deliver them to you fresh daily so all you have to do is reheat and eat,” Peggy explained.
Laundry Made Easy: Tide Cleaners’ Drive-through And Easy-to-use App
What do you look for when making a choice on where to take your items for laundry and dry cleaning? Chances are that whatever it is, you can find it at Tide Cleaners on Bloomingdale Avenue. From 24-hour drop-off and pickup in the location’s double-wide drive through to on-site drycleaning with the highest quality nonhazardous products, Tide Cleaners checks all the boxes and even has an app to make it easier.
4-H Hosts Program Open House
If your child is looking for an extracurricular activity that covers project areas from leadership and citizenship to poultry and photography, then mark your calendars for the Hillsborough County 4-H Open House on Saturday, August 30, starting 9 a.m. at the Florida State Fair Grounds. Open to youth ages 5-18 years old, 4-H is an informal, practical educational program organized by the Florida Cooperative Extension, a part of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Nelson Elementary School Therapy Dog Odd Job Retires
Students at a local elementary school planned a special goodbye for a four-legged friend last month. Odd Job, the therapy dog at Nelson Elementary School, retired after seven years of service with a party and successful donation drive in his honor. Valrico resident Leslie Winstead, who has worked as Nelson’s physical education teacher since 2005, adopted Odd Job when he was a few months old.
Cypress Creek: Where Compassion Meets Community For 26 Years
Finding a home for your loved one when they can no longer care for themselves is one of the hardest decisions a family can make. But Cypress Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care Residence in Sun City Center has been the answer for hundreds of families looking for an assisted living facility over the last 26 years. Cypress Creek is a family-owned community founded in 1999 with the goal of enhancing quality of life through a family-focused model and personalized care.
Local Author Pens Romance Mystery
Fans of romantic suspense novels have a new book to add to their must-read lists. Celeste Fenton, who lives in Sun City Center, recently published her debut novel, Lost Heart in King Manor, the first in a series called Mysteries of a Heart. A retired educator, widow and proud grandmother of three, Fenton is a lifelong fan of mysteries like Murder, She Wrote, Columbo and Midsomer Murders and romantic writers like Janet Evanovich.
Sticker Stars! Hillsborough Student Artists Make Voting A Masterpiece
Children who accompany their parents to vote in Hillsborough County this year may receive some artwork from some talented local students. Lauren McGee and Gabriela Sanchez, who both attend Randall Middle School in Lithia, received recognition at a recent Hillsborough County School Board meeting for their submissions to the VoteHillsborough Future Voter sticker contest.
Local Expert Helps Chart Course For Career And College Success
A career path is one of the biggest decisions a person faces in their life. Whether you are a high school student wondering where to apply to college or an adult looking to switch fields, Valrico resident Christina Sanchez Bonner, M.Ed., can help. Bonner, who recently started North Star Consulting, provides private, one-on-one college and career consulting as well as interview prep, academic advising, resume and cover letter help and more.
River Hills Country Club Boasts Brand-new Amenities
If you have not been to River Hills Country Club (RHCC) in Valrico recently, you have a lot to catch up on. In the last 12 months, the club, famous locally for its golf course and beautiful facility, has undergone dramatic renovations on its greens, swimming pool, fitness center and tennis courts, in addition to adding four new pickleball courts. “We are calling it the rebirth of River Hills, a return to glory,” general manager Bryan McManis.
Florida Hawks FC Awarded ECNL Regional League
Youth soccer players throughout Southern and Eastern Hillsborough County have a new exciting option for the 2025-26 season. Florida Hawks FC, based out of the FishHawk Sports Complex in Lithia since 2008, recently announced its acceptance into the ECNL Regional League (RL) for both boys and girls. “Playing in the ECNL-RL platform has been a long-term goal for Florida Hawks FC, and we are thrilled to have achieved it,” said director of coaching Jack Dikranian.
Florida Hawks FC Announces New Partnership And Director
It is an exciting time at Florida Hawks FC. The soccer club, based out of the FishHawk Sports Complex, recently announced a new Director of Soccer and a partnership with Florida Premier FC. Jack Dikranian, the new director of soccer, is coming to the Hawks with more than 20 years of youth soccer experience, including time at the club from 2009-17. “We are thrilled to welcome Jack back to the Hawks,” said Joe Savino, president of Florida Hawks FC’s board of directors.
Year In Review - Updates On The Top Stories From 2022: Pet Therapists Welcome At St. Joseph’s Hospital-South
St. Joseph’s Hospital-South has added a new member to its pet therapy team. Mercury, an English labrador, is now one of six furry friends providing pet therapy to patients, team members and visitors at the Riverview hospital. Mercury previously provided nursing home pet therapy in Maryland and does so now at a nursing home here in Florida in addition to recently joining St. Joseph’s Hospital-South. Kathy Hofstad is Mercury’s handler.
Year In Review - Updates On The Top Stories From 2022: FishHawk Resident Publishes Seventh Novel
As the author’s first book, The Coal Elf, celebrates 10 years, Maria DeVivo is looking forward to a big 2023 ahead. The author has two releases scheduled in 2023: Book 4 on January 24 and Book 5 on August 11. She will also participate in eight book conventions in the coming year and has hopes for a movie version of one of her novels. Original Story Printed January 2022. Fans of adult fiction are in for a treat thanks to a local author.
Randall Names Davis Scholar-Athlete Of The Year
FishHawk resident Luke Davis was honored last month with an impressive award. Luke, a student at Randall Middle School, was named the school’s 2021-22 scholar-athlete of the year at a district banquet held at Jefferson High School in Tampa. Luke maintained a 3.7 GPA while playing basketball, volleyball, flag football as well as track and field (shot put, long jump and relay), and his relay team went to districts.
Randall’s Davis Named Athlete Of Year For District
FishHawk resident Luke Davis was honored last month with an impressive award. Luke, a student at Randall Middle School, was named the school’s 2021-22 scholar-athlete of year at a district banquet held at Jefferson High School in Tampa. According to Luke’s mother, Susan Davis, Luke was chosen for the award by Randall’s PE teacher, coach Oglesby. “He was honored not only for his scholar athlete abilities but also for his kindness and other accolades,” said Susan.
AirLife/BayFlight Visits HCC Paramedic Students
A group of students at Hillsborough Community College’s (HCC) SouthShore campus were able to see up-close what happens in a medical emergency last month when the school worked in conjunction with Hillsborough County and brought an AirLife/BayFlight aircraft to the field adjacent to the school’s science building.
Nelson Elementary Students Learn To Save A Life With CPR
A group of local elementary school students recently learned how to save a life with help from some fluffy friends. Nelson Elementary School physical education teacher and Valrico resident Leslie Wheeler thought outside of the box when preparing her CPR unit last month. Wheeler teaches compression-only CPR to her students but noticed she was missing a vital part for the instruction.
Wine Bar Offers 200 Wines By The Glass And More
Are you looking for a special place in Apollo Beach for a date night or fun evening with friends? Apollo Beach Society Wine Bar, the ultimate destination for wine lovers, is the one-of-a-kind answer to your search. With 200 wines by the glass, small plates and 100 craft beers, it has something for every taste. Owners Michael and Tura Alfano have lived in Apollo Beach for six years and opened Society Wine Bar in October 2021.
Pet Therapists Welcome At St. Joseph’s Hospital-South
St. Joseph’s Hospital-South has a very important volunteer, and he is looking for some friends to join him. Romeo, a 6-year-old, long-haired German shepherd, volunteers with his owner, Bill Bergsma, every week at the hospital, bringing joy and comfort to patients and staff members alike, and according to the hospital’s volunteer resource manager, Kim Wallace, there are opportunities for more canine philanthropists.
Students Honored With Youth Excellence Awards
Do you know an outstanding young adult who deserves some recognition? Each year, Hillsborough County recognizes the many positive contributions made by young people in our community through the Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards). The deadline to submit nominations this year has been extended for the awards.
2022 Taste Of GRCC Annual Event Organized By Greater Riverview Chamber Of Commerce
Are you looking for an excuse to try some of the delicious restaurants in the SouthShore area? This month the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) is rolling out the 2022 Taste of GRCC event. From Wednesday, May 25 through Thursday, June 30, community members are encouraged to support GRCC restaurants through dining in, getting takeout or ordering delivery, and they can get rewarded for doing so.
SouthShore Chamber Plans Five Festivals In One
If you are looking for a festival with something to please every member of your family, mark your calendars! The SouthShore Chamber of Commerce is hosting Best Fest, five fabulous festivals in one, on Saturday and Sunday, November 5 and 6 in Wimauma. According to Chamber Executive Director Melanie Davis, in July 2011, the SouthShore Chamber was born from a combination of the former Apollo Beach Chamber and the Ruskin Chamber.
Valrico Chamber Awards Scholarships To Seniors
Four local high school students have a head start after graduation thanks to a local organization. The Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce (VFCC) recently awarded scholarships to four graduating seniors: Ashton Kitchiner and Madison Giovenco from Newsome High School as well as Connor Newell and Levi Littlefield from Lennard High School. The students received scholarships for $750 at a college, university or vocational-technical college at the chamber’s April meeting.
Mary & Martha House Celebrates 40 Years With Gala
Juanita Lolita will be the emcee at Mary & Martha House’s 40th anniversary gala in June. On Friday, June 10, Mary & Martha House is celebrating 40 years of positively impacting the lives of women and children with a gala fundraising event. The nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation was founded in 1982 and has been helping Hillsborough County women and children escape domestic violence and homelessness ever since.
Summerfield To Host Golf Tournament Fundraiser
Summerfield Crossings Golf Club in Riverview is hosting the sixth round of the Road to Recovery Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 26. Summerfield Crossings Golf Club in Riverview has shown its support for golfers with disabilities for years and is doing it again this month by hosting the sixth round of the Road to Recovery Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 26. This event will benefit Jared Ramella and Tighten the Drag Foundation.
Operation Lotus To Host Comedy Night At The Regent
Operation Lotus’ Comedy Night will take place on Thursday, April 21 at The Regent, located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview, featuring headliner Helen Keaney, Jeff Klein and Michael Murillo. Laughter is often the best medicine, and a local charity is hosting an event this month that will provide laughter for those attending while raising important funds for those in need.
Leadership Hillsborough Schedules Golf Tournament
Leadership Hillsborough is hosting its sixth annual charity golf tournament at River Hills Country Club in Valrico on Saturday, April 30. Dust of your golf clubs to help a good cause this month! Leadership Hillsborough, a nonprofit leadership development program, is hosting its sixth annual charity golf tournament at River Hills Country Club in Valrico on Saturday, April 30.
Resident Gives Sandwich Shop New Life As Hunter’s Brunch Shack
Growing up in the Riverview area, Hunter Giambra enjoyed the Riverview Sandwich Shop on the corner of Riverview Dr. and U.S. 301. After its closing, Giambra decided to create Hunter’s Brunch Shack in the same location, which opened recently. For 38 years, residents, including Hunter Giambra, enjoyed the Riverview Sandwich Shop on the corner of Riverview Dr. and U.S. 301.
Local Easter Events, Egg Hunts, Bunny Visits And More
Easter Bunny Makes Home Visits The Easter Bunny is making home visits throughout the area! He will deliver a treat box and take photos with you. Spots are very limited, call 813-645-8777 to sign up. To learn more, visit www.playtimeapollobeach.com.
Grace Christian School Performs Lion King The Musical
The elementary aged students at Grace Christian School (GCS) in Valrico will be performing Lion King the Musical on Thursday, April 7. If you enjoy musical theater and supporting young actors and singers, mark your calendars for Thursday, April 7, as the elementary-aged students at Grace Christian School (GCS) in Valrico will be performing Lion King the Musical under the direction of Rebecca McKeen.
Renewed Integrative Counseling Helps Through Mental Health Care
Jeannette Alcantara and Amanda Levy recently opened Renewed Integrative Counseling in Riverview. Are you looking for a Christian-based counseling service to help with a variety of mental health services? Then look no further than Renewed Integrative Counseling in Riverview.
Local Churches Hold Easter Services, Egg Hunts & More
Compiled By Cammie Yick and Kate Quesada St. Anne Catholic Church Located in Ruskin, St. Anne Catholic Church will hold Holy Week services starting on Saturday, April 9 and includes Palm Sunday Mass at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 Noon and 5 p.m. Easter Sunday masses will take place at 6:30 a.m. (sunrise), 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 Noon (Spanish) and 5 p.m. The church is located at 106 11th Ave. NE. in Ruskin and can be reached at 813-645-1714.
TECO Family BBQ Cook-off for Charity will take place at the International Independent Showmen’s Association in Riverview on Saturday, March 26. If you are looking for a fun and delicious way to help the community, mark your calendar for Saturday, March 26.
A health fair is scheduled for this month in FishHawk Ranch. FishHawk Ranch is inviting you to spring into health and come out to Park Square on Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m.-1 pm for its health fair, which is a free community event.
Residents Have New Family Members Thanks To Operation Lotus
Four local families received new canine family members last month thanks to Diamondcrest Littles and Operation Lotus. It is no secret that a dog can be the heart of a family, especially a family that has experienced hard times. Thanks to a generous donation by a local breeder and coordination by charity Operation Lotus, four therapy dogs found new homes, for free, with families last month.
Kids ‘R’ Kids Offers Summer Fun & Field Trips At Two Locations
Registration is now available for camp at Kids ‘R’ Kids in Lithia and Valrico. “Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy offers a safe, well-supervised, educational, engaging and thrilling summer camp experience for children K-5,” said Owner Ben Fernandes. With locations in Valrico and Lithia, Kids ‘R’ Kids has been offering summer camps since 2004. This summer, the theme is Camp Boomerang, and students can sign up on a weekly basis or for the whole summer.
Gowns For Girls Holds March Boutiques With Free Dresses
Gowns for Girls is holding events for local students to pick out dresses for dances this month at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church. Preparing for a middle or high school dance is such a special life event, but it can be stressful for students who don’t have the money to go shopping. A group of residents is changing that by offering free dresses with Gowns for Girls.
Impact Hosts Spring Fundraising Tea
Impact’s fourth annual Spring Tea fundraising event will take place on Saturday, March 5 at the New Hope United Methodist Church in Brandon. Are you looking for a delicious way to make a difference in your community? Then mark your calendars for Saturday, March 5 at 10 a.m., because Impact is hosting its Spring Tea fundraising event at the New Hope United Methodist Church.
Chini Takes The Lead At Mary & Martha House
Bill Chini recently took over as executive director of Mary & Martha House in Ruskin. Bill Chini has big plans for Mary & Martha House (MMH). Chini, who has been on the board of the organization that provides shelter and services to victims of domestic violence and homeless women and their children since 2018, recently took over as executive director. Born in South New Jersey, Chini enlisted in the Air Force after high school and served at MacDill AFB in Tampa.
Entertainment, Food And More At Strawberry Festival
The Florida Strawberry Festival will take place in Plant City next month. It is that time of year again. March in Eastern Hillsborough County means not only delicious strawberries but also world-class entertainment at The Florida Strawberry Festival when it comes to town. Taking place from Thursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 13 in Plant City, the theme for this year’s festival is ‘#1 For FUN.’ It is the 87th time The Strawberry Festival has taken place.
County Changes Most Residential Trash Pickup Days
Solid waste collection dates changed last month for the majority of unincorporated Hillsborough County. Residents throughout Hillsborough County may have to get into a new routine this month. As of January 31, many communities will have new service days for trash, recycling and yard waste collections. According to Hillsborough County Solid Waste Collection Manager Damien Tramel, these changes should lead to a more reliable schedule of pickups for residents.
Newsome Boosters Host Casino Night Fundraiser
The Newsome High School Athletic Boosters are hosting a Casino Night fundraiser on Friday, February 25 from 7-11 p.m. Are you looking for a way to have fun and help out some local athletes? Then mark your calendars for Friday, February 25, when the Newsome High School Athletic Boosters will host a Casino Night at Gable Oaks Ranch in Plant City. “We are so excited to be able to host the Casino Night this year,” said Brandi DeBolt, board member.
Discover The Fun As Florida State Fair Opens February 10
The Florida State Fair opens on Thursday, February 10. Mark your calendars because the Florida State Fair is coming to town. Held at the Florida State Fairgrounds from Thursday, February 10 to Wednesday, February 23, the fair offers food, fun, entertainment and even education for the whole family. The Florida State Fair, first held in Tampa in 1904, has become one of the largest events in the state, attracting more than 500,000 people during its 12-day run.
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