Osprey Observer

Hillsborough County residents will notice more helicopters flying low this week treating neighborhoods during daytime hours as the County works to stop the spread of dengue fever. Neighborhoods in Bloomingdale, Palm River, East Tampa and East Lake will see helicopters in the air most of the week from Oct. 12 to Oct. 16 as the County works to protect communities from mosquito-borne diseases. Helicopters flying low in the daytime are treating neighborhoods for mosquito larvae.

South Hillsborough Pipeline crews have completed the microtunnel installation beneath Brandon Boulevard and restoration is underway. Access to North and South Moon avenues is scheduled to be restored by early November, weather permitting. Open-trench pipeline installation will continue on North Moon Avenue through late December, while work on South Moon Avenue is not scheduled to begin until late 2027, barring unforeseen conditions.

The Local Brew Company Celebrates One-year Anniversary Cheers erupted as the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce joined neighbors for a lively ribbon-cutting celebrating The Local Brew Company’s successful one-year anniversary at 1050 Cypress Village Blvd. in Ruskin. Founded by Aaron and Joelle Schmalzle, this vibrant nano brewery serves small-batch craft beer, robotic espresso and house wines. The chamber congratulates the team on an outstanding first year of quality and community spirit.

The Brandon Riverview Chamber of Commerce (BRCC) offers four weekly networking opportunities designed to help local professionals build relationships, exchange ideas and become more connected to the business community. The chamber encourages members to view networking as an ongoing investment rather than a one-time interaction. Regular participation helps members build familiarity and trust that can lead to referrals, collaborations and new business opportunities.

Osprey Heights Craft Fair Osprey Heights Gracious Retirement Living, located at 2808 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico, will be hosting a craft fair at its facility’s activity center on Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Residents will be selling a wide variety of unique handmade items and crafts. Come and find that perfect, one-of-a-kind holiday or birthday gift for the people you care about.

When Daniela Simic moved to Tampa in 2003, she knew education would be her life’s work With a master’s degree in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, she began her Hillsborough County career in the classroom.

Serving House District 70 is personal for State Representative Michael Owen because this is home. The district includes portions of Hillsborough and Manatee counties, including Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Sun City Center, Riverview, Wimauma and Balm. These communities are home to families, businesses and residents who expect state government to stay focused on issues that affect everyday life. Owen has called Hillsborough County home for almost all of his life.

Brittany Lyssy is a mom raising her children in Hillsborough County who said she often thinks about the questions facing local schools: Are children learning what they need to succeed? Are classrooms safe? Are teachers being supported? And are taxpayer dollars being used responsibly? Those questions, she said, are why she is running for Hillsborough County School Board, District 2.

Just hours after receiving the keys to their new homes, Sharvona Jordan and David Reece are beginning new chapters as the first homeowners in Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough’s Pope Leo Village initiative. For Jordan, a licensed insurance agent, the moment means leaving behind a home where she shares a bedroom with her 5-year-old daughter; water must be boiled before it can be used for cooking, bathing or cleaning; and the roof is not stable. “Home means security to me,” said Jordan.

Boo Bash Trick-or-treat Dillard’s department store at Brandon Exchange is hosting Boo Bash, an indoor trick-or-treating event for families, on Saturday, October 24, from 12 Noon-2 p.m. Along with trick-or-treating, there will be games and music from a DJ. Dillard’s is located at 303 Brandon Town Center Dr. in Brandon. Come out dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy the fun.