Osprey Observer

America 250 logo in Joe Chillura Courthouse Square in downtown Tampa. (Credit: Hillsborough County.) Hillsborough County is celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States of America by creating a public art downtown. Crews from the Tampa Sports Authority (TSA) created a public art piece (shown above) on July 1, celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday at Joe Chillura Courthouse Square, located at 600 E. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa.

Natalie Kozlowski’s journey to opening The Root Studio 7 in FishHawk’s Park Square has been anything but ordinary. The new yoga and Pilates studio is the culmination of decades of personal triumphs and challenges that took Kozlowski from the bright lights of Broadway and Disney stages to a life-threatening battle with breast cancer and a renewed purpose centered on healing and community.

“In the future, foreigners who do not belong to your people Israel will hear of you. They will come from distant lands because of your name, for they will hear of your great name and your strong hand and your powerful arm.” — 1 Kings 8:41-42. I have to lead with a shout-out to Maul’s Bike Shop in Halifax, Massachusetts. We have exchanged several emails, and the proprietor kindly sent me a Maul’s Bike Shop T-shirt.

Having just returned from the lovely Smokies, I miss hiking the elevated mountain trails. But I’ve found there’s a better place to spend time than the mountaintop … the Valley of Blessing. Yep, it’s a real place. A valley that restores hope. A safe place. A springboard for heartfelt gratitude. A haven of rest. Of healing and regrouping, physically, metaphorically and spiritually.

Dr. Joseph Pepe, a physician leader at AdventHealth Tampa, presents a new resident doctor with his white coat. (Photo courtesy of AdventHealth.) AdventHealth Welcomes New Generation Of Physicians In White Coat Ceremony AdventHealth’s West Florida Division officially welcomed its newest class of resident physicians during its annual White Coat Ceremony held at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street.

For Nina McGucken Alvarez, serving the people of Hillsborough County is both a professional calling and a personal mission. As a third-generation Tampanian and lifelong resident of Hillsborough County, Alvarez has spent her life building strong connections within the community she proudly calls home. Her commitment to fairness, justice and public service has guided a legal career spanning more than 17 years and has earned her a reputation as a compassionate advocate and skilled attorney.

Stacy Hahn has called Hillsborough County home for 25 years. “My husband, Jeff, and I raised our three sons here because we believe in this community and the opportunities it offers families,” Hahn said.

By McKenzie Brown Longtime educator, business owner and community leader Sally Harris has dedicated her life to improving educational opportunities for children and families throughout Hillsborough County. Now, she hopes to continue that work by bringing her experience and ideas back to public service. Harris founded Circle C Ranch Academy in Tampa in 1985, launching what would become one of the area’s most respected early childhood education programs.

By Laurie E. Ohall, Florida Board-certified Elder Law Attorney Estate planning is often misunderstood as something only wealthy families need, but it is about far more than distributing assets. Think of it as a roadmap that protects your wishes and provides security for your loved ones during your lifetime and after your passing. A complete estate plan typically includes several important documents. A will outlines basic instructions for distributing assets but does not avoid probate.

Jim Wimsatt understands that when people walk into a courtroom, they are often facing some of the most important moments of their lives. Decisions about children, families, homes, finances and futures can have lasting consequences. Those decisions deserve a circuit judge with experience, judgment, compassion and integrity. Wimsatt has spent the last 22 years building a legal career that reflects those values.