Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application The Trenton Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors the bite doesn't get any better than along the banks of Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park or E.G Land a bass at Edward Medard Conservation Park or hike into the 1,100-acre Lake Dan Nature Preserve and fish Lake Dan’s secluded boardwalk Read our Rules & Expectations Contact: Laura Henning Apollo Beach district will begin a Federal Highways pavement preservation project on April 28th Visitors to the seashore should expect limited access to some parking areas and roadways to include the Visitor Center and the boat ramp Seashore staff and informational signs will have daily access information as it is available We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we strive to improve the infrastructure of Canaveral National Seashore The first parking areas where construction will begin is #5 progressing north to boat ramp and #1 For more information about Canaveral National Seashore and our preservation efforts please visit our website at www.nps.gov/cana or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CanaveralNationalSeashore Download the NPS app to navigate the parks on the go Ballistic Dynamics is a veteran-owned small business that has been providing firearms training self-defense consulting and firearms appraisal services to the South Tampa Bay area since 2019 After a successful 20-year military career owner Wesley Senn pursued his passion for firearms and custom gunsmithing He attended Sonoran Desert Institute and earned an Associate of Science degree in firearms technology He is also an avid shooter and an IDPA competitor He holds multiple firearms instructor qualifications from the U.S military as well as the NRA and is an NRA-certified range safety officer Ballistic Dynamics is federally licensed and insured Senn’s goal is to provide honest and consistent service for all your firearms needs, and he seeks to build long-lasting customer relationships built on integrity. For more information or to make an appointment, call 941-545-2158 or visit Ballistic Dynamics’ website at www.ballistic-consulting.com Makeup and the application thereof were the launching points for Dollface Lashes Owner Felicia Stone doubled as a make-up artist for premier cosmetic company Merle Norman Cosmetics while working as an RN and Stone believes that it is meant to enhance your natural beauty and believes in a ‘pretty and polished’ appearance For those that prefer a more Hollywood look Dollface is more than capable and excited to provide glam Stone looks forward to providing stellar makeup services coupled with timeless customer service You can visit its website at www.dollfacebyfelicia.com or call 574-807-5311 for more information and to make an appointment is a creative studio that designs business success through graphic design It helps businesses across the country launch and reorganize their advertising and marketing efforts to elevate their business to the next level With over 20 years in corporate retail advertising AM Designs & Services understands more than just advertising and marketing; it understands how businesses can work and it strives to bring out-of-the-box ideas to the table AM Designs & Services celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a ribbon-cutting from the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce To find out more, visit its website at https://amdesignservice.com/ or call 813-308-9819 State Farm Agent Earns Prestigious Designation Local State Farm agent Melissa Snively has earned the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from the American College of Financial Services marking a significant achievement in her commitment to providing expert financial guidance and life insurance planning The CLU designation is recognized as the gold standard in life insurance planning equipping professionals with advanced knowledge in risk management Snively is now even better positioned to help individuals families and business owners navigate the complexities of life insurance and create tailored financial protection strategies Snively’s office is located at 16209 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. For additional information, visit its website at www.melissayouragent.com Gentle Touch Estate Sales specializes in providing comprehensive estate liquidation it comes in to organize and price the entire contents of the household and ensure a large Its team of experts handles every aspect of the estate sale process For more information, visit its website at https://gentletouchestatesales.com/ or call 813-812-0780 Southshore Coastal Insurance is a veteran and family-owned independent insurance agency located at 605 S 41 in Ruskin that has been serving the community with integrity and dedication for years it understands the importance of trust and reliability and it brings that same commitment to every client it serves Being independent allows Southshore Coastal Insurance to offer personalized coverage options from a wide range of providers ensuring it finds the best fit for everyone’s needs The agency’s veteran background shapes its approach to customer service respect and commitment to going the extra mile Southshore Coastal Insurance is there to guide you Visit its website at www.southshorecoastal.com or call 813-922-4049 for more information I would like to receive emails from Osprey Observer Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More — The water in front of the Big Bend Power Station is full of manatees right now amid the colder weather in the area “I estimate pretty close to a thousand,” said Lauren Gomez, a staff member at the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach The Big Bend Power Station takes in water to cool their machinery it’s just what manatees need when water temperatures dip below 68 degrees they’re one of the two marine mammals that actually lack blubber,” said Gomez the slow-moving sea cows might look like floating potatoes It’s easy to see some of the manatees have scars from boat engines Displays in the Education Building show how manatees are identified by their scars and what they might look like out of the water The nearby tidal walk shows an idea of manatee habitat white mangroves and black mangroves,” said Gomez It also reveals the other animals that inhabit it like birds It's part of the great Florida Birding trail The mothers are teaching their offspring how to survive the winters in Tampa Bay in a canal that is a state and federally designation manatee sanctuary The Manatee Viewing Center is open from Nov Apollo Beach, Florida, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortunium Wealth Management has opened a new office in Apollo Beach The new office marks an exciting step in the firm’s mission to help individuals and businesses achieve long-term financial success and insurance solutions to clients in the Tampa Bay area Fortunium Wealth Management provides personalized financial services that help clients create strategies to build client-first strategies and offers solutions tailored to meet the needs of each individual and business we believe financial clarity creates life freedom,” said Marius “Our mission is to guide individuals and businesses with personalized strategies that build strong foundations This new office in Apollo Beach allows us to bring these solutions to even more people in the Tampa Bay area.”  Strategic Location to Serve the Tampa Bay Area Fortunium’s new office in Apollo Beach is part of the firm’s expansion plan and commitment to serving the growing Tampa Bay community The region is home to many individuals and businesses that need professional financial guidance Marius explained why Apollo Beach is an ideal location for Fortunium to grow: “We’re excited to bring our personalized wealth management services here we can offer more timely support and build stronger Comprehensive Services for All Stages of Financial Life Fortunium Wealth Management offers various services to help individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals The firm provides expert financial planning helping clients create strategies for both short- and long-term goals Fortunium offers solutions that meet their unique needs the firm specializes in retirement planning helping clients prepare for a confident and secure future to help protect families and secure financial futures “Financial planning is not just about numbers; it’s about creating a clear path for the future,” shared Marius we provide the support clients need to protect what matters most and build wealth that lasts for generations.” Building a Legacy With Fortunium Wealth Management Fortunium Wealth Management is built on three core principles: building strong financial foundations The firm is dedicated to helping clients navigate today’s complex financial world while keeping their long-term goals in mind “Helping our clients build and protect their wealth is what drives us,” Marius explained Fortunium Wealth Management is a comprehensive financial services firm based in Apollo Beach and business owners across the Tampa Bay area The company specializes in personalized financial planning Fortunium helps clients build tailored strategies and confidently move toward financial independence APOLLO BEACH, Fla., Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Crunch Franchise today announces the opening of Crunch Apollo Beach in Apollo Beach 30,000 square-foot state-of-the-art fitness facility is located at 6215 Seawind Court right in the center of family-friendly neighborhoods and near shopping Crunch Apollo Beach will make serious exercise fun offering an extensive selection of premier cardio equipment Crunch Apollo Beach will be owned by CR Fitness Holdings LLC a Crunch franchisee operated by Vince Julien who combined have more than 150 years of experience in the fitness industry The CR Fitness team currently operates 69 Crunch Fitness locations in Florida with 6 more locations set to open across these states in 2024 "We are looking forward to bringing the exciting and inclusive Crunch workout experience to the community surrounding our newest location in Apollo Beach," said CR Fitness CEO Tony Scrimale there is something for everyone at an unbeatable value." Crunch Fitness ranked #1 in the fitness category and #29 overall in the annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500® - the world's most comprehensive franchise ranking. Crunch Fitness continues to expand nationwide and push the bar with innovative offerings for its members On Saturday, October 5th, prospective members can visit www.crunchapollobeach.com for a one-day, online-only sale to join at discounted rates for memberships beginning at $9.99 per month with $0 enrollment fees and the ability to save $60 annually on membership options The first 500 founding members will also receive a free t-shirt discounts on both small group and personal training Crunch is also expanding its team within Apollo Beach and is looking for individuals who are eager to help their community experience fitness Crunch believes in not only being the best place to work out For more information, please visit www.crunchapollobeach.com About Crunch:Crunch is a gym that believes in making serious exercise fun by fusing fitness and entertainment and pioneering a philosophy of 'No Judgments.' Crunch serves a fitness community for all kinds of people with all types of goals we are renowned for creating one-of-a-kind group fitness classes and unique programming for our wildly diverse members Crunch serves two million members with over 460 gyms worldwide in 41 states Crunch is rapidly expanding across the U.S today announces it will host its nationwide fundraising event to support Augie's Quest to Cure.. Crunch Fitness today announces the opening of Crunch OKC Midwest City in Midwest City Entertainment Fitness/Wellness Health Care & Hospitals General Sports Do not sell or share my personal information: Fla — For Anne Hasler and other neighbors in the Caribbean Isles it was until Hurricanes Helene and Milton came and turned their world upside down But she said it’s not just because of the storms or the damage “FEMA has caused me more stress than the two storms put together.” she has spent hours on the phone trying to get information from FEMA and an inspector out to see the damage many of her neighbors have already seen inspectors for both hurricanes “I did not get assigned an inspector for Milton until the first of November I didn’t get assigned an inspector for Helene until the 3rd of November and both met with her Tuesday afternoon to examine the damage from Helene and Milton We contacted FEMA to find out what caused the holdup This hurricane season has been busy for Florida it has approved more than 730,000 applications for assistance in Florida due to hurricanes Debby FEMA said it has also given out $2.1 billion to help Floridians with their recovery efforts it could take up to 10 days for them to respond to her and answer whether she is eligible for assistance If you need FEMA or have questions about applying for assistance, click here and I feel like that's part of where the system failed" Henry Betsey Jr. is facing charges for marrying three Florida women in three different counties at the same time. Now saying the system that handles marriage licenses kept them in the dark Latest Hillsborough County News from ABC Action News Report a typo The holidays come to life at Busch Gardens Christmas Town Celebrate the year with holiday cheer and create merry memories for the whole family during this seasonal event Guests can enjoy holiday traditions with a twist including millions of sparkling lights throughout the park to holiday shows and visits with Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Busch Gardens Christmas Town runs daily now through January 5, 2025. Visit its website, https://buschgardens.com/ Come celebrate the spirit of Christmas and enjoy the sights and sounds of this magical season at Church Street Christmas All are invited to experience this free annual holiday event along Dade City’s historic Church Avenue dancers and musicians perform along luminary-lit sidewalks and brilliantly decorated homes The street closes to vehicular traffic from Saturday through Monday, December 21-23, 7-9 p.m. For more information, visit its website at www.churchstreetchristmas.org It’s the most wonderful time of the year at ZooTampa with the return of Christmas in the Wild featuring one of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays amazing wildlife and new festive adventures better and brighter than ever with entertainment that the whole family can enjoy Christmas in the Wild runs on selective nights November through December. Visit https://zootampa.org/ for more information Plant Museum in Tampa celebrates the warmth and spirit of an old-fashioned holiday with its Victorian Christmas Stroll Allowing visitors a glimpse into the magic of Christmas past this holiday experience is a wonderful way to celebrate all the season has to offer with a variety of delightful themes and displays in each exhibit room Decorations include visitor favorites from past years as well as new marvels that are sure to amaze The Victorian Christmas Stroll will be available at the Henry B. Plant Museum, located at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa, from Saturday, November 23, through Tuesday, December 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Its website, www.plantmuseum.com Santa Fest Christmas Parade And Tree Lighting Be part of Tampa’s holiday tradition when Santa Fest returns to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park again this year following the popular parade through downtown Tampa travels west on Madison Street to Ashley Drive turns north and ends at Ashley Drive and Cass Street enjoy the activities and entertainment in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and stay for the tree lighting at 6 p.m This presentation will surely put you and your family in the ultimate Christmas spirit and point your heart to the true reason for the season as we celebrate the birth of our savior — Jesus Christ choir and orchestra of First Baptist Church of Brandon December 7-8 (deaf interpretation provided December 8) The performances are approximately 90 minutes in length First Baptist Brandon is located at 216 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. Visit www.fbcbrandon.org for more information about the church and its services The annual Apollo Beach Lighted Boat Parade takes place on Saturday and proceed toward Lands End Marina before winding around Lake Sunrise Basin then up Flamingo Canal before returning and going around Dolphin House at the end of Gran Kaymen Way and finally going up the canal leading to Symphony Isles Come and meet the members of the Tampa Sailing Squadron before the parade at its clubhouse The Alafia Lighted Boat Parade is always very popular with local residents It will take place along the Alafia River from the Riverview Civic Center to River’s Edge Bar and Grill on Saturday Bring the family for a great day of experiencing the sights sounds and smells of an old-fashioned country Christmas on Saturday Learn how the traditions of the 19th century differ from those of the 21st through hands-on crafts decorations and more as you stroll through the site and visit the 13 original buildings Cracker Country is located at the Florida State Fairgrounds at 4800 U.S. 301 N. in Tampa. Visit its website for more information and to purchase tickets at www.crackercountry.org/events/christmas Christmas is a time of bringing people together and that is exactly what the Brandon Parade of Lights will do on Saturday The Greater Brandon and Valrico/Fishhawk chambers of commerce felt it was time to bring a large-scale holiday event to the community heading west from Parsons Avenue to Lakewood Drive To find out more about the event, visit https://brandonparadeoflights.com/ or check out the Brandon Parade of Lights Facebook page Christmas Eve Candlelight Service At First Baptist Church Of Brandon Gather your friends and family and join First Baptist Church of Brandon for its Sunday Evening Candlelight Service This is a one-hour experience designed to be enjoyed as a family Child care will be offered for nursery and preschool age a message and singing Christmas Carols together in the sanctuary First Baptist Church Brandon is located at 216 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. Visit www.fbcbrandon.org for more information about the church and its services Hosted by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland the Lakeland Christmas Parade will be held on Thursday Participants step off from the RP Funding Center to begin the 1.25-mile course winding through the city’s streets around Lake Mirror and back down Lemon Street The floats are decked out to reflect this year’s theme of ‘Christmas at Swan Lake.’ The best as the parade wraps up with a visit from Santa and Mrs Local residents Paula and Todd Dysle are ‘Team Dysle’ at the RE/MAX Bayside office full-service professionals serving all your real estate needs Todd and Paula exceed clients’ expectations and deliver an industry leading experience that really wows clients To find out more about Team Dysle, visit the RE/MAX website at www.baysiderealestatetampabay.com Bottom Of The Bin Craft Resale Store Opens In Brandon Bottom of the Bin is a secondhand arts and crafts supplies store where customers are able to trade in their leftover craft supplies and materials for store credit It has a wide range of supplies for sewing This is owner Stephanie Cristou’s second location, and it is located at 626 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. You can find out more by visiting its website at www.bottomofthebin.com or calling 813-986-5882 Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful Appoints Kristina Moreta as New Executive Director Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful (KTBB) recently announced the appointment of Kristina Moreta as its new executive director a longtime advocate for environmental sustainability fundraising and environmental education to the role she will lead KTBB’s mission to engage the community in litter prevention waste reduction and beautification efforts throughout the Tampa Bay area Moreta is committed to empowering even more residents and organizations to work together in keeping the region clean Family First Pool & Patio is your local one-stop shop for all things pool and patio-related It recently celebrated opening the store and patio furnishing side of the business with a ribbon-cutting attended by friends and family Family First Pool & Patio offers the lowest prices for pool chemicals in the county and offers a wide range of furnishings and wares for your patio Visit its website at www.familyfirstpool.com to see more of what it has to offer Sun-Kissed Nutrition is your local stop for healthy smoothies and specialty energy drinks Pre and post-workout drinks are also available and so are protein snacks Visit Sun-Kissed Nutrition at 110 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Ste. J, in Brandon. For more information, visit its website at https://davidbrooks.goherbalife.com or call 656-242-3659 located just south of Sun City Center Boulevard at 16650 U.S Fridays and Saturdays are our busiest days when we are most in need of extra helping hands To learn more about the pantry, please visit www.ourladyspantry.com Growth in and around the Waterset community in Apollo Beach has exploded over the past decade with much of this progress focused on residential neighborhoods particularly locations south of Big Bend Road located on Paseo Al Mar Boulevard between U.S focuses on bringing much-needed new retail options to the area providing a gathering spot for locals as well as building a sense of community among Waterset businesses and residents the blossoming development has five tenants open in Planet Smoothie and Pet Paradise with plans showing a variety of new options coming soon mixing a blend of dining options with health related and financial services More additions coming with Phase 2 delivery advertised for 4th quarter 2025 offer ample rental opportunies within walking distance of The Yard welcome occupants of both complexes as well as folks using the gym day care or pet-sitting services to stop by and try what they have to offer Building that kind of relationship between residents and local businesses is exactly what owners in The Yard hope to achieve owner-operators of Planet Smoothie Apollo Beach and residents of Waterset since 2018 opted to open their business in The Yard for that specific reason Franchise opportunities were available in Bradenton “It was important to open here (Waterset) because we really wanted to be part of our community and support the area in which we chose to live.” You get a sense that it is not all about profit with these owners; it is about wanting to serve the community and offer people who live nearby more options without the need to travel miles The Babinecs informed me a majority of Owners they know in The Yard are local residents who share the same sense of shared responsibility in providing a wonderful experience to all future customers who visit Most employees at Planet Smoothie attend or have attended East Bay or Lennard High School helping further promote the sense of community Jennifer and Jason hope to achieve Jennifer was excited to announce they were “serving over 100 customers a day with several regulars already coming in to order their favorites,” which came as a pleasant surprise seeing as only Planet Smoothie and Wingstop are currently open in phase one including the locally owned and operated IM=X Pilates and Fitness SouthShore are eagerly eyeing an early January opening Rock N Roll Sushi will be another of the first-quarter 2025 openings Area representative/franchisee Andrew Jessen “chose The Yard at Waterset because of the location on Paseo Al Mar Boulevard which has more and more cars traveling on it We like the residential growth in Apollo Beach and surrounding areas It seems like an underserved market in terms of food options.” Jessen and his team recently celebrated their new FishHawk location in November 2024 and look forward to serving the Waterset area soon One of the more anticipated tenants set to open later in 2025 is Hypocrites Row something Apollo Beach and surrounding areas are severely lacking and desperately wanting Details have been purposely vague about the new dining establishment but the Osprey Observer managed to persuade the Ownership group for more information on their secretive project Hypocrites Row Set To Dazzle at The Yard at Waterset in 2025 “Get ready for a dining experience like no other as Hypocrites Row plans to open its doors at The Yard at Waterset in 2025 polished casual restaurant promises to elevate the art of dining with an inventive drink menu meticulously crafted dishes and a commitment to both customer and employee experience Hypocrites Row is an immersive modern escape into a Prohibition-era-inspired gastro world The menu reimagines classics from the roaring ’20s and ’30s with modern twists infusing dishes with innovative alcohol pairings and bold flavors Complementing the culinary adventure is a lineup of memorable uniquely crafted cocktails that redefine mixology bringing Prohibition-era spirits to life with bold creating a space that’s as welcoming as it is unforgettable has been thoughtfully curated to ensure a seamless and memorable experience tantalizingly unique features will be unveiled solidifying Hypocrites Row as a destination for extraordinary dining inventive cocktails and one-of-a-kind moments Stay tuned — 2025 can’t come soon enough.” More information on leasing opportunities can be found by visiting Acre Commercial Real Estate’s website at www.acrefl.com/the-yard-at-waterset APOLLO BEACH, Fla. — The Florida Aquarium is facing an unprecedented number of cold-stressed sea turtles at its Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Apollo Beach The center reached max capacity on Wednesday as 18 new turtles arrived Fifty-six turtles are now under critical care — the highest number at one time Frigid water temperatures continue to threaten endangered sea turtles along Florida’s east coast causing turtles to become lethargic and defenseless to predators turtles are also at risk of becoming stranded on shore “This is one of the earliest and most severe cold-stress events we’ve ever seen,” stated Dr senior vice president of Conservation at The Florida Aquarium in the press release “We usually see strandings peak between late February and April and more turtles are continuing to struggle.” The aquarium stated that rehabilitating a single sea turtle can cost up to $15,000 Although the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act aquarium officials say additional funding is always needed and finances are maxed out,” Luke explained “We need the public’s help now more than ever.” Deputies responded shortly before 6 p.m. to a shooting call at the Apollo Beach Dog Park, 664 Golf and Sea Blvd., according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The caller said two dogs were fighting when one of the dog’s owners shot the other, a spokesperson said in an email. The shooter left the park after the incident. Deputies said the dog that was shot attacked the other dog and the owner of the attacking dog couldn’t pull off the animal. The sheriff’s office determined the shooting was not a criminal case and no investigation is ongoing, the spokesperson said. Tony Marrero is the criminal justice and breaking news reporter. Reach him at tmarrero@tampabay.com. If you are the site owner (or you manage this site), please whitelist your IP or if you think this block is an error please open a support ticket and make sure to include the block details (displayed in the box below) so we can assist you in troubleshooting the issue American-style sushi restaurant brings music-inspired flavors to new Florida location Apollo Beach, FL  (RestaurantNews.com)  Rock N Roll Sushi is “on the road again” taking its tasty rolls killer hibachi and iconic rock ‘n’ roll vibes to Apollo Beach Its second location in Hillsborough County the new location is the first and only one in Apollo Beach Sushi lovers will be able to join in on the “fun The new Rock N Roll Sushi is located in the Waterset Community of Apollo Beach just east of US 41 and Paseo Al Mar Blvd The building sits on the east side of US 41 in between the Publix Super Market and the South Shore Sports Complex This marks the 73rd location systemwide and 14th in Florida we really just want to let the good times roll,” said John Weissfisch we provide a good experience and that’s what elevates us.” Rock N Roll Sushi is turning up the volume with a lineup of daily specials: the Area Representative for Rock N Roll Sushi is Weissfisch’s partner at this new location the two are actively working on opening more in the area so they can “take it to the limit.” Their first location opened in Lithia in November “We are thrilled to rock the Tampa sushi scene,” said Jessen “Our first location has turned out to be a huge success and we plan on blowing out the speakers in Apollo Beach.” fans enjoy food that’s deliciously twisted and made fresh for everyone Boasting concepts and flavors that are big it’s the only place to experience the rock you love and the rolls you love with the ones you love To learn more about Rock N’ Roll Sushi, visit RockNRollSushi.com Contact:Jay BrasherChampion806-437-9583jbrasher@championmgt.com is a great place to do some last minute Christmas shopping The plaza is just south of Apollo Beach Boulevard and the Salty Shamrock Irish Pub owner Jennifer McCafferty’s longest-running outdoor market takes place the third Sunday of the month from October through April leashed pets are welcome and there’s plenty of parking you’re sure to find some special gifts or stocking stuffers for those on your Christmas list shops for herself at one of her recent markets pearl/shell/stone jewelry and wooden wine racks; candles picture frames and charcuterie boards; gel-wrapped pens apparel and crocheted or knitted items; skincare products McCafferty founded Jen’s Market’s & Events to help small businesses grow and prosper by providing a venue for them to bring their products directly to the public The markets have served as an incubator for vendors to expand their businesses from tents to food trucks or brick-and-mortar businesses They’re also a vehicle for the community to support local vendors who are trying to make a living JEN’S MARKET PHOTOSThe next monthly Apollo Beach Market Jen’s Markets & Events LLC is a woman-owned business registered in Florida and Georgia Its Florida markets have been serving local communities in southern Hillsborough County for more than 14 years and middle Georgia markets since 2023 monthly seasonal markets in Apollo Beach and Belmont the company also hosts special themed markets around the holidays and a fall kick-off market at the Wimauma Convention Center For information on sponsorship or vendor opportunities, email jennifer@jens-market.com/. For market information, dates and times, visit www.jens-market.com or Jen’s Markets & Events on Facebook Kittie Corral presents its annual Holly Jolly Market a free family event that you do not want to miss There will be over 100 vendors bringing you everything for Thanksgiving You will also be able to get your ‘fairy hair’ done and meet the special guests To help support Kittie Corral during the event unopened Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Dry Food; or any brand of unscented clumping cat litter to be entered into a drawing for a Wawa gift card Country Villa Estates Christmas Craft Fair Country Villa Estates mobile home community would like to invite everyone to its Christmas Craft Fair and Yard Sale on Saturday and Sunday which will have a wide variety of Holiday ideas drive around and check out the yard sale for any treasures Avoid the crowded malls and support local artisans this holiday season The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center is holding its Timely Treasures Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturday The premier event will host carefully selected vendors displaying a wide range of unique and handmade items created by talented local artists and craftspeople exquisite pottery as well as craftspeople working in mediums including glass festive holiday event in Tampa’s historic Ybor City at the annual Jingle Bell Bazaar The Jingle Bell Bazaar is Ybor City’s largest family holiday festival balloon artists and holiday-themed shopping and children can get free photographs with him The event takes place on Sunday, December 15, from 12-6 p.m. at Centennial Park, located at 1800 E. 8th Ave. in Tampa. Additional information can be found at the event’s website, www.jinglebellbazaar.com Get into the festive spirit as you stroll through the market filled with local vendors offering handmade treasures warm up with a delicious hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and sample tasty food while you soak in the atmosphere Whether shopping or just enjoying the vibe Your hometown holiday festival returns in 2024 with more lights new entertainment and the gift of family fun From Thanksgiving Day until New Year’s Eve will dazzle families with more than 1 million lights along its expanded 2- mile drive which includes the new Santa’s Winter Wonderland area Santa’s Village is packed with holiday-themed rides Over 2,000 volunteer hours have prepared this winter wonderland full of the magic of Christmas at every turn With more than 1.5 million lights adorning over 200 Christmas trees that range from 4-40 feet tall Make sure that you visit and write your letters to Santa as well as decorate ornaments and have your face painted There is also live entertainment on select nights Christmas Lane is open 6-10 p.m. from Friday, November 29, through Tuesday, December 24, at the Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds, located at 303 Berryfest Place in Plant City. Additional information can be found on its website at https://christmaslane.com/ Impact Properties has announced Hammock Bay As one of the last waterfront developments on Tampa Bay this true gated enclave offers large homesites with direct dock access and deep-water entry Custom estate homes by Bartlett Custom Homes and Tide Homes will blend elevated design setting a new standard for waterfront living Hammock Bay provides an ideal boating lifestyle Sales are managed by Century 21 Beggins Enterprises and Coldwell Banker Realty 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Impact Properties has announced the launch of Hammock Bay Offering large homesites with dockage and deep-water access and custom-designed estate homes by Bartlett Custom Homes and Tide Homes the gated exclusive residential enclave is one of the last new waterfront communities on Tampa Bay Hammock Bay will also be the ultimate boating community for its owners where premier waterfront homes will feature direct dock access and 16 miles from the scenic Skyway Bridge It's incredibly exciting to see the last and best parcel of land being developed Hammock Bay in Apollo Beach offers future homeowners the opportunity to create their perfect home in a true gated community with direct access to Tampa Bay and no CDD fees "Identifying and purchasing these 16 unspoiled acres along the shores of Tampa Bay has truly been a proud achievement for our company," said Kanji "The property had been assembled over time and owned by a family trust for generations so Hammock Bay provides a very rare opportunity to own a piece of paradise and the best of waterfront living in Florida." we are pleased to announce that during the recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton the Hammock Bay property had no adverse effects or impact we are committed to constructing homes that adhere to the latest codes and are built to the highest standards ensuring both safety and peace of mind for future homeowners." The 47 homes ultimately built within Hammock Bay will represent over $175 million in real estate development The first phase of the development with site preparation and infrastructure construction is projected to begin in early 2025 Luxury builders Bartlett Custom Homes and Tide Homes will begin construction on both custom and early move-in homes by October 2025 Residences will reflect elevated standards of design and craftsmanship along with a unique architectural style and floorplan to reflect the tastes and requirements of each resident Each builder has a long-term reputation for crafting high-quality residences with the features finishes and style that can elevate daily living Sales at Hammock Bay are being managed by Craig Beggins of Century 21 Beggins Enterprises and Jennifer Zales of Coldwell Banker Realty "Having lived and worked in Apollo Beach for over 30 years it's incredibly exciting to me to see the last and best parcel of land being developed Apollo Beach has had new homes built in and amongst a host of older more eclectic homes Hammock Bay will epitomize the 2024 era of new homes built to new standards and all together in a cohesive neighborhood of similar homes rather than a mishmash of new and old homes co-existing in one neighborhood." The community's other sales representative "Hammock Bay redefines waterfront living with a focus on both luxury and resilience Elevated new construction homes that meet and exceed the highest building standards provide an unmatched level of protection and peace of mind Residents will enjoy the beauty of Tampa Bay and the security of knowing their community is built to withstand the challenges of coastal living We're excited to offer future homeowners the opportunity to create their perfect home in a true gated community with direct access to Tampa Bay and no CDD fees." Bartlett Custom Homes has established itself as a premier builder in the custom home industry renowned for turning clients' visions into tangible realities the company's ability to blend timeless architectural designs with cutting-edge building techniques has made them a trusted name among luxury home buyers a prominent homebuilder on Florida's west coast was established by seasoned general contractors and construction experts who bring years of industry experience to the table The company's commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of their work from the initial design phase to the final touches on a completed home Impact Properties benefits from having over 40 years of real estate development experience creating successful developments throughout Florida As Tampa Bay's exclusive new waterfront community Hammock Bay is now offering homesites starting at $600,000 and home lot packages ranging from $1.8 million to $10 million These stunning residences range from 3,500 square feet to more than 7,500 square feet with captivating waterfront views and deep-water dock access visit LiveHammockBay.com or contact premier sales agents Craig Beggins of Century 21 Beggins Enterprises or Jennifer Zales of Coldwell Banker Realty Stephanie Harrison, ULA, 1 7272182887, [email protected] Discover the future of cancer care at the state-of-the-art This advanced center is designed to enhance patient experiences and improve clinical outcomes with leading-edge technology at every turn The Moffitt at SouthShore facility offers access to groundbreaking clinical trials New and existing patients can now schedule their appointments at SouthShore To learn more, visit www.moffitt.org/closetohome or call 833-496-1420 Located at the mouth of the Little Manatee River in Ruskin Shell Point Marina offers access to the Tampa Bay within minutes Its location is just one of the many things that it has going for it Shell Point Marina has been around for decades and prides itself on being an ‘old school Florida’ marina but it has been completely transformed to incorporate the modern boating lifestyle Modern services include app-based boat-launch reservation software a handicap-compliant parking lot and a new tiki-themed entertainment pavilion with a pool table To schedule a guided tour of the marina, please call 813-645-1313 or visit its website at www.shellpointmarina.com where you can look at the full list of services it offers Jimmy and Adrienne Lynch are the owners of Ship Gulf Coast and take pride in offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the community It offers a wide range of shipping services for an easy rate comparison with FedEx Other services offered include mailbox rental Its commitment to being a one-stop destination for packing Ship Gulf Coast is located at 11232 Boyette Rd. in Riverview, across the street from Riverview High School and next to Anytime Fitness. For more information on its services, call 813-741-9600 or visit its website at https://shipgulfcoast.com/ Align Right Realty of Riverview is proud to support ECHO (Emergency Care Help Organization) a local nonprofit providing food and clothing to those in need the office raised funds through agent donations brokerage matches and contributions at every closing agents also came together for the ECHO Blessing Bag Drive creating 25 emergency kits for neighbors in need To find out more about Align Right Realty, visit its website at https://alignrightriverview.com/http://www.alignrightriverview.com/ Easterseals School For Limitless Learning Celebrates Official Opening With A Ribbon-cutting The Easterseals School for Limitless Learning (ESLL) recently held a ribbon-cutting from the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the official opening of its new private school campus in Valrico for children who are neurodiverse or have related disabilities Easterseals Florida recognized a growing need for specialized education in the Bloomingdale area leading to the founding of this new school ESLL offers hope to local families with innovative programs designed for children with autism The school’s curriculum is tailored to meet the unique needs of its students using hands-on activities and a play-based approach ESLL’s new campus is located at 2460 Bloomingdale Ave., Ste. 170, in Valrico. For more information, call 813-236-5589 or visit its website at www.easterseals.com Local resident Kathy Bass is the owner of Helping Hands Assistant LLC your go-to gal for all things organized and efficient With a career spanning from private individuals to businesses of various sizes she has the experience to make your life easier Are you running your own business and feel like you need a clone Are you a homemaker with not enough time in your day Or maybe you have aging parents who need a helping hand She will manage daily tasks like scheduling appointments handling household chores and organizing and generally offers a helping hand wherever needed She also offers compassionate and reliable support to help seniors maintain their independence and continue to live comfortably at home with services tailored to the unique needs of each individual Two hurricanes within a one-month span won't keep manatees from gathering in one of their favorite winter spots visitors can see manatees gathering in the warm waters of Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach the center has recovered in time to welcome guests this season “We’re ready to welcome manatees to our warm waters as well as the thousands of guests who come to see them in the wild each year,” Stan Kroh manager of TECO's Land and Stewardship Programs The canal has been home to manatees since the early 1970s The warm water discharge canal of TECO's Big Bend Power Station is a refuge for large numbers of manatees when water temperatures drop to 68 degrees or lower Approximately 190 manatees have been recorded visiting the canal for over 20 years visitors can explore the nature trail and enjoy the views from the 50-foot observation tower Guests can also interact with rays in touch tanks after Thanksgiving The Manatee Viewing Center is a public-private partnership featuring both nature and technology This campus is an anchor attraction for the Florida Conservation and Technology Center (FCTC) and has served over 7 million guests to date For more information, visit TECO's website or call (813) 228-4289 — The fishing industry is still reeling from Hurricanes Helene and Milton Charter captains say it’s the worst they’ve seen when it comes to cancellations and overall lack of customers When ABC Action News introduced you to Captain Mike Murphy during an Apollo Beach community show back in 2021 life on the water has been virtually nonexistent “A lot of us captains in the past 30 to 40 days we’ve lost $6,000 to $8,000 to $10,000,” said Murphy we're sitting there wondering what’s going to happen tomorrow Is this going to be a full-time business that we can survive in?” said Captain William Wise These captains said as the cancellations begin to add up It’s hard to budget being a captain because you don’t have an annual salary You are relying on trip to trip to trip to trip,” said Murphy “So we are down about 70% in sales,” said Wilson especially in the winter—the bait that I mainly sell the live shrimp—it’s a big bait for all the captains.” as the Apollo Beach community has taken it upon themselves to compensate for the lack of out-of-town visitors “They are spending as much time on the water with us as they can to keep us going the support that local is showing local right now is absolutely amazing and that just does so much for my spirits,” said Wise These captains hope to be a voice in the fishing community There isn’t a better time to cast your line They are chewing the bottom out of the boat,” said Murphy 2024APOLLO BEACH — A thrill runs through the crowd at the sight of a gummy-gray snout leaning over the boardwalk waiting on another appearance from the slow-moving creatures They ‘oohed’ and ‘awed’ when a manatee calf and its mother broke the water’s surface there is little to signal changing seasons Leaves don’t turn to vibrant reds or oranges People watch for manatees from a pier at the Manatee Viewing Center on Wednesday in Apollo Beach [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]On Wednesday dozens of manatees dotted the water like rotund sooty snowcaps in the murky waters next to Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station at the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach when areas of Tampa Bay dipped into the upper 30s to bring out locals and tourists to the quintessentially Florida experience sat at a table near the manatee viewing area has soaked up every opportunity to be outside during the recent cold snap Her family owns an animal farm in Plant City and they seek out ways to be closer to wildlife any chance they can “They’re just like little cats of the ocean .. watch for manatees from the walkway at the Manatee Viewing Center on Wednesday in Apollo Beach [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]A manatee swims up to the surface of the water at the Manatee Viewing Center on Wednesday in Apollo Beach [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]Along the boardwalk despite the growing crowds of people Wednesday morning the area was quiet enough to hear the constant faint whirring of machinery from the mega-plant across the water you could hear a pfft of air from a manatee releasing its breath above the water’s surface She explained to those around her on the boardwalk that manatees struggle to survive in waters colder than 68 degrees Manatees gather in the in the balmy 86-degree discharged water along the power station to warm up “Which is why you don’t see them coming up,” Isaacson said they don’t want that cold wind blowing on their face,” she said speaks about and shows a manatee skull at the Manatee Viewing Center on Wednesday in Apollo Beach [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]Shelly Amato leaned over the wooden railing Shelley said her area was likely to get a foot of snow Shelly had never seen a manatee in real-life “It’s so nice that the cold allows you to see the manatees,” she said People watch for manatees to come up to the surface of the water at the Manatee Viewing Center on Wednesday in Apollo Beach [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]Underneath the boardwalk and her colleagues sat at a table filled with marine life information and stickers Blaine said when manatees arrive to these waters but will eventually have to make their way back to cooler areas for food There’s no food source in the waters near the power plant That’s a problem because manatees eat for several hours a day “They eat about 8 hours of salad a day,” Blaine said A manatee comes up to the surface to the water for some air at the Manatee Viewing Center on Wednesday in Apollo Beach [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]It was nearing lunch time on Wednesday when a boy came up to Angie Resor She’s a teacher for the Sunshine Christian Academy in Bradenton The field trip to see the manatees each year is a favorite of Resor’s and I am able to enjoy it through these field trips Wednesday was expected to be the last day of the cold snap and by Thursday temperatures will reach into the 70s A manatee swims around, while it comes up to the surface of the water at the Manatee Viewing Center on Wednesday in Apollo Beach. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]Michaela Mulligan a climate and environment reporter. Reach her at mmulligan@tampabay.com. The Apollo Beach Woman’s Club (ABWC) will start its 2024-25 season in September ABWC will welcome new and returning members and guests to a luncheon at the Ruskin Moose Lodge #183 Hillsborough County supervisor of elections will cost $35; all proceeds will go to the club’s scholarship fund Tickets and more information about this event will be available later in the year Its primary objectives are to promote sociability among its members work toward advancing womankind and provide scholarships for educating and training students who demonstrate financial need and live in Apollo Beach and surrounding areas ABWC awarded $14,100 in scholarships to 11 local high school graduates attending a two-year or four-year Florida college/university this fall Attention 2025 high school graduates living in zip code 33572 attending or zoned to attend East Bay or Lennard High School and planning to attend a Florida college/university Please watch for information about the 2025 ABWC scholarship application which is usually available on the club website starting in December ABWC will continue to help local elementary schools with needed clothing ABWC members engage in scheduled enrichment activities with the book club ABWC also sponsors scholarship fundraising events such as a bakeless bake sale (October and November) and a bus trip (New Orleans in spring 2025) New members are welcome. Annual membership dues are $50. If you wish to learn more about ABWC, visit www.apollobeachwomansclub.com or contact the Liz Pedersen, second vice president of membership, at 813-777-8215 or kenlizpedersen@msn.com Situated within the desirable Waterset master-planned community Regency at Waterset offers a variety of professionally decorated model homes and quick move-in homes available to tour at 5561 Freestone Circle in Apollo Beach Regency at Waterset features three collections of sophisticated home designs with distinctive architecture Homes include single-family homes and villas providing a range of options for discerning home buyers Home designs range from 1,602 to over 2,596 square feet Home buyers will experience one-stop shopping at the Toll Brothers Design Studio The state-of-the-art Design Studio allows home buyers to choose from a wide array of selections to personalize their dream home with the assistance of Toll Brothers professional Design Consultants “This exclusive 55+ community offers resort-style amenities and an active low-maintenance lifestyle that is perfect for today’s active adults,” said Brian O'Hara Division President for Toll Brothers in Tampa “The move-in ready villas and single-family homes at Regency at Waterset offer home buyers an exceptional combination of a prime location and luxury home designs – all within a timeline that fits their needs.” this exclusive enclave for active adults offers a private gated setting and an array of amenities just for Regency residents Featuring a dedicated Regency lifestyle director on site to curate a full social calendar of clubs each day brings new opportunities for homeowners to connect with neighbors and friends at this 55+ community in Apollo Beach The community's future amenities include The Cove an amenity center that is currently under construction and over 12 miles of walking and fitness trails Regency at Waterset is also conveniently located near shopping and the many attractions of Tampa and Central Florida The Regency at Waterset Sales Center and model homes are open daily for tours. For more information on Regency at Waterset and Toll Brothers communities throughout Tampa, call (855) 600-8655 or visit TollBrothers.com/FL. is the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes The Company was founded 58 years ago in 1967 and became a public company in 1986 Its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TOL.” The Company serves first-time Toll Brothers builds in over 60 markets in 24 states: Arizona The Company operates its own architectural The Company also develops master-planned and golf course communities as well as operates its own lumber distribution Contact: Andrea Meck | Toll Brothers, Senior Director, Public Relations & Social Media | 215-938-8169 | ameck@tollbrothers.com Sent by Toll Brothers via Regional Globe Newswire (TOLL-REG) We’d like to share more about how we work and what drives our day-to-day business How we use your information depends on the product and service that you use and your relationship with us To learn more about how we handle and protect your data, visit our privacy center Read our editorial policy to learn more about our process Expert woodworking and hand-painted designs mark the post-retirement plan for an Apollo Beach couple who tap into their respective talents to build and decorate homes and feeders for birds with a birdhouse feeder at the Birdhouse Showcase at Winthrop in December “We were watching something on television that sparked a related interest,” said Ken Wilson “and you were bored and driving me crazy because you didn’t have anything to do the then newly retired Ken Wilson did just that putting to use the talents he’s honed over the decades including during his five years as a woodshop teacher including three at East Bay High in Gibsonton and two at what was then Mann Junior High School in Brandon His love for woodworking endured throughout his 39-year career as a postal worker Creative work at the Birdhouse Showcase exhibit space at Winthrop in December Once Wilson built his first post-retirement birdhouse he turned to his wife to paint the finished wood product only she had never tried her hand at painting artwork before and she got better and better and better.” “I don’t even think I have an innate talent.” Countering that assessment were the colorful birdhouses and feeders in view Dec 9 in Riverview at the Birdhouse Showcase exhibit space the Wilsons operated at the Winthrop Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Market What started with products on three poles to display at craft fairs and markets has grown into a nine-pole enterprise and then we spray them with a marine grade spray to protect the finish,” Diane Wilson said “People have actually come back to say the painting is still good on the birdhouse Merchandise for sale at the Birdhouse Showcase exhibit at Winthrop The bird feeders feature four rows of drainage to prevent clogs from rain-washed seeds The birdhouses feature two galvanized screws at the bottom which allow the owner to drop the nest out at the end of the season and to clean the interior A newer design allows for a side panel lift That the Wilsons work well together as a birdhouse team should come as no surprise only to bump into each other again after Diane Wilson occurred “in the plumbing section at Home Depot.” it was never certain the Wilsons would be so committed to a birdhouse post-retirement career “I don’t know what you thought,” Diane Wilson said Linda Chion Kenney photosKen and Diane Wilson at their Birdhouse Showcase space at the 2024 Winthrop Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Market “We figured maybe we can sell these things,” Ken Wilson added “I bought a table saw and started working in the garage.” they’re “making money to buy stuff for the house kids and the grandkids,” as they deepen their love of creation “It wasn’t all that great in the beginning but now it’s great and I love it,” Ken Wilson said With a nod to his wife’s deepening artistic talents email birdhouseshowcase@yahoo.com/ or text Ken Wilson at 813-579-0858 COMMUNITY PARTNER That’s So Tampa has been the most trusted local resource for discovering All Things Good in Tampa Bay APOLLO BEACH, Fla. — The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center is at capacity with the amount of sea turtles being treated The center is currently treating more turtles at once than ever before treating 55 turtles at one time when the previous record was around 30 “We’ve got turtles everywhere right now,” said Dr senior vice president of conservation for The Florida Aquarium “We’ve had an unprecedented year where our facility and just about every other one is at capacity for the number of turtles that we can take in and treat at one time.” has received dozens of cold stunned turtles from the Florida east coast and from New England they came in January and in larger numbers “We’ve gone through cold spells up and down the eastern seaboard,” Luke said officials with the center had to get creative they’re using their deep dive tank that’s normally used to rehab turtles to see if they’re able to make it back out into the wild “We’re making space wherever we can,” Luke said They have other tanks on the ground floor of the facility too It’s a lot of work and with only about four and half full-time staff working “You’ll see with all the barnacles that grow on them that they’ve really been struggling for quite a while out there,” she said they’re putting in the time working long hours to help as many turtles as possible because they see what that work can do for the life of the shelly reptiles “To see them barely survive and going through the stages with our help on being able to get them back out into their natural environment is one of the most rewarding things we could ever do,” Luke said It’s what makes a job like that so special because it makes a difference for these endangered species According to Luke, a way to support their work is by going to The Florida Aquarium where a portion of the ticket will go to their center or to go online and donate to them directly — It’s Saturday morning and the SouthShore Sportsplex in Apollo Beach is packed Boys and girls running around the fields playing one of the fastest growing sports in the country Hundreds of players representing teams from all over competed in the NFL Flag Regionals Winners advance to the NFL Flag Championships Twelve-year-old Cora Hernandez quarterbacks the Pirate Bay Krewe team She’s been playing flag football for four years “It’s something that everybody can play,” Cora said “It doesn’t matter if you’re a girl or a boy Cora’s age group represents one of the real benchmarks in the popularity of flag football: that there are opportunities to play outside of the high school experience is a great example of the sport’s development the first time a girl played flag was ninth grade,” Coach Matt Hernandez said One of the biggest reasons that opportunity exists is the support from the Tampa Bay Bucs They sponsor an annual tournament to kickoff the high school season They host the FHSAA state championships and they provide scholarships That backing is everything to Bay area flag football teams “They are the ones who made everyone else around the country realize what this sport could do with a little bit of backing and a lot of support and push,” Hernandez said Coach Hernandez has experienced that support first hand as the Alonso High School head coach And now he sees it with his daughter’s Pirate Bay Krewe team “This is the biggest girls' version of this tournament ever,” he said “So it’s always exciting seeing this many people excited to play and compete.” Its popular cownose rays are gone for the season but there’s still plenty to see and do at Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center The Apollo Beach nature attraction opened Nov 1 for its 38th season and has already welcomed some of the hundreds of thousands of visitors it attracts annually hundreds of manatees will start returning to TECO’s warm water discharge canal at the Big Bend Power Plant as they have since the early 1970s when the water temperature of Tampa Bay is 68 degrees or colder TECO has reported about 190 of those sea cows have been documented visiting the canal for more than 20 years MANATEE VIEWING CENTER AERIAL PHOTOThe Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center has opened for its 38th season in Apollo Beach 2 free attraction in the country by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel awards Last year more than 500,000 people visited TECO PHOTOThe Manatee Viewing Center’s 50-foot observation tower has several platforms to view all of Tampa Bay and even the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on a crystal clear day JAMIE WOODLEE PHOTOA second observation platform jutting 150 feet off the Manatee Viewing Center’s 900-foot-long tidal walk gives visitors an even closer look at wintering manatees and other marine life in TECO’s warm water discharge canal TECO PHOTOThe Manatee Viewing Center’s 900-foot ADA compliant tidal walk features an estuary of native coastal plants birds and animal life on the left and TECO’s warm discharge canal on the right blue crabs and other marine life in the canal from both the viewing center’s main observation platform and another opened last year off the tidal walk The latter gives folks an even closer look at manatees and whatever else is moving in the canal LOIS KINDLE FILE PHOTOThe Manatee Viewing Center is a great place for families to spend time together outdoors and learn about manatees and other Florida wildlife The attraction has lots of things to see and do and everything but the snack bar and gift store items is free which would normally be on site in the viewing center’s touch tank are safely spending the season at The Florida Aquarium after Hurricanes Helene and Milton damaged the habitat and equipment None of the rays were on site during the storms “You won’t even notice anything happened,” Woodlee said The Manatee Viewing Center is the anchor attraction for the Florida Conservation and Technology Center a public-private partnership between Tampa Electric Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the University of Florida The Florida Conservation and Technology Center includes the Manatee Viewing Center Florida Aquarium Coral Conservation Center and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center FWC Florida Youth Conservation Center and FWC Fish Hatchery TECO PHOTOManatees are the starring attraction at Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center plant-eating giants come in by the hundreds to TECO’s warm water discharge canal during the cold winter months when water temperatures dip below 68 degrees The Manatee Viewing Center’s regular hours of operation are 10 a.m Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing The center’s boardwalks are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and only trained service animals are permitted on site “It’s a great place to be outdoors and spend time with family or friends,” Woodlee said You can see a lot of Florida in a very small space.” except for gift shop items or foods at the snack bar.” For more information, visit www.TampaElectric.com/Manatee or call 813-228-4289 This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page ‘Exceptional,’ ‘the hardest worker,’ ‘responsible,’ ‘determined,’ ‘organized,’ ‘highly driven to succeed,’ ‘the most dedicated,’ ‘natural leader,’ ‘unwavering commitment to learning’ and ‘great energy’ are just a few of the words and phrases used in the recommendations to describe the Apollo Beach Woman’s Club (ABWC) 2024 college scholarship recipients ABWC awarded $14,100 in college scholarships to 11 local high school students: four from East Bay High School five from Lennard High School and two from Sumner High School The scholarships were funded by fundraisers club members/family memorials and donations from the Estate of Betty Fay Eileen Sengstock (in memory of her daughter) and Zeta Kappa Sorority (in memory of Sonja Davidson) Recipients attending a four-year Florida university received $1,500 and Hillsborough Community College students received $700 for tuition their family members and their guidance counselors were honored at the ABWC May 8 luncheon held at the Moose Lodge in Ruskin All applicants must meet the club’s scholarship criteria: They must reside in Apollo Beach (33572) and/or be zoned to attend either East Bay or Lennard High School; plan to attend a Florida college or university; show financial need; have outstanding scholastic accomplishments extracurricular activities and leadership roles; have two recommendations; write a 500-word student essay and have community service hours The college scholarships were awarded to these students: Jhada Camacho (University of South Florida Shawn Dowe (Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University political science/military science) and Landon Hernandez (Hillsborough Community College fire science) from East Bay High; Alexis Behnken (University of Florida biology/premed) and Kathryn Huard (University of Tampa international studies) from Lennard High; and Ryan Mercer (Hillsborough Community College construction management) and Nicolas Mercer (Hillsborough Community College The club’s primary objectives are to promote sociability among its members work toward advancing womankind and provide scholarships for educating and training students living in Apollo Beach and surrounding areas who demonstrate financial need attend any events (resuming in September) or join the club (annual membership dues are $50) visit www.apollobeachwomansclub.com or contact ABWC’s second vice president of membership Hillsborough School Board members have agreed to turn Apollo Beach Elementary into a school for kindergarten through grade eight starting with the addition of grade six for the 2024-25 school year The school board voted in May to allow for the addition of grade seven in school year 2026-27 making complete the answer to a community push for a K-8 school at 501 Apollo Beach Blvd approximately five modular classrooms will be added to the Apollo Beach Elementary school site for the new school year There will be no boundary changes and seats will be available through choice with an additional window for middle school enrollment offered to students assigned to Apollo Beach for the elementary grades Enrollment will be capped at 100 students for each new grade level The K-8 initiative reportedly was the choice of parents who send their children to the school in a community that over the past decade has seen rapid growth Colleen Bianucci presented herself as a chair of the community’s Apollo Beach K-8 initiative She reported that more than 1,700 signatures had been obtained in favor of the K-8 proposal Bianucci reported that organizers had polled more than 200 former Apollo Beach families to determine if they would opt to resend their children to the elementary school if it offered the additional grades “the overwhelming majority said ‘yes,’ and those who said ‘no’ said no because their children are entering eighth or ninth grade.” before the vote that secured Apollo Beach’s new direction where Bianucci again spoke in favor of the community push for additional grades “our community is bursting at the seams,” she said and yet “we haven’t had a middle school open in more than 20 years.” Even with what she called charter school encroachment and moreover the school district is losing full-time equivalent (FTE) state dollars that follow a student from public school to their school of choice Better to invest in “a proven successful school,” Bianucci added which in turn she said will solve a splintering problem for Apollo Beach and a growing problem for the district parents have been “jumping ship for charters home schools or private schools,” Bianucci said because they want to secure a spot for middle school enrollment private and charter schools typically give preference to students who already are in their schools or have siblings in attendance The K-8 issue for Apollo Beach opened a spirited dialogue among school board members She said that with “thousands of homes being built,” she would like to see a broader plan that addresses academic and overcrowding needs throughout the district guidance and other positions will be afforded at Apollo Beach K-8 until school year 2025-26 Sport options will be fully considered in year three after all middle school grades have been added Students will have the option of playing with their assigned middle school if the sport they desire cannot be filled otherwise Transportation routes were to be reviewed before setting the school bell schedule For more information, visit Hillsborough County School Choice at www.hillsboroughschools.org/choice News Index Calendar Want to purchase reprints of your favorite 32963 or VeroNews.com photos Copies of Vero Beach 32963 can be obtained at the following locations: New racquet game complex proves big hit at Orchid Club A key component of Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club’s ongoing $20-million upgrade came online this summer when a brand-new racquet and lawn game center opened for the use of members “We opened in late May and even though it was already hot the pickleball courts were immediately all taken in the mornings,” said Kainoa “Kai” Rosa That says something about the almost fanatical enthusiasm for pickleball that continues to increase on the barrier island since more than 80 percent of club members typically leave town for the summer “We have seen a huge surge in pickleball,” said Rosa “More and more people are playing and there is a desire for more pro-run clinics and pickleball-themed social events.” Club general manager Rob Tench told Vero Beach 32963 the 2.2-acre complex took a year to plan and build and cost $2.5 million The six new pickleball courts have high-tech cushioned surfaces that Rosa said are much easier on players’ knees and other joints stressed by the high-speed “I think these are the first padded courts on the island,” he added “There is no noticeable difference in ball bounce but if you take a tumble you are going to be a little better off.” two bocce lanes and a full-size croquet lawn all gathered around a central pavilion with a bar a lounge area and plenty of room for small to medium-sized “They are looking forward to bocce and croquet events in the fall.” “It’s a cool time to be in this profession with the explosion of different sports coming in and gaining popularity offering more for our members,” said Rosa who took over as director of racquets 20 months ago “When we had our opening day for bocce 110 members came out for it,” an amazing showing in a club with only 375 memberships “The new facility is fantastic,” said Orchid Island Realty broker Anne Torline “When we give our tours for prospective buyers It is great to have such a variety of sports and games that anyone can play but sometimes the spouses or partners are not so it is nice to have all these other options for recreation.” because all the programing will be brand new and members are looking forward to Bocce and Brews and Wine and Wickets in the fall,” said Rosa who seems like just the right guy to oversee a new era in racquet sports at the club Currently a director at large for USTA Florida Rosa started playing tennis in first grade and pickleball when he was “10 or 12” on a court in Seattle “My uncle was a pickleball pioneer and he had a court poured at his home so I have been playing for a long time,” said Rosa Rosa moved to Seattle as a child and came up in a highly competitive junior circuit before returning to the islands to play four years at the University of Hawaii on a full tennis scholarship he tried his skills in smaller prize-money tournaments in the northwest before deciding to go the coaching and country club route After coaching in college and corporate settings in Washington State and then at Apollo Beach Racquet & Fitness Club where he worked his way up to Director of Tennis & Operations seeking career advancement and a home closer to the beach than where they lived in Tampa He landed the plum position at Orchid island in November 2022 bringing new energy and insight to the racquets program “We interviewed a number of excellent candidates but immediately Kainoa stood out,” Tench told Citybiz.co at the time “His energy and experience impressed us and he’s a great fit with the Club and our members We are excited for the new initiatives he will be bringing to expand and enrich our racquet programs.” “Kai is a great guy to have in that position,” said Torline Played with a kind of wiffle ball and small polymer or aluminum paddles on a court less than a third of the size of a tennis court pickleball has great appeal for racquet lovers who can’t cover the ground they once could and people new to racquets who love the fast Pickleball was invented In 1965 by politician and businessman Joel Pritchard a World War II veteran who served in congress and as the lieutenant governor of the state of Washington During a social gathering at Pritchard’s Bainbridge Island summer home he and friends William Bell and Barney McCallum decided to get a game of badminton going but couldn’t find the shuttlecock or rackets,” according to a history of the sport on pickleballrush.com including ping pong paddles and a wiffle ball and played an unorthodox game on the badminton court in honor of “the Pritchard’s family dog who would get in on the game and often take the ball away as if it were playing a devious game of fetch.” the game slowly gained regional popularity in 1972; in 1984 “the USA Pickleball Association was established and an official rulebook developed.” When Rosa first played the game at his uncle’s house in the early 2000s the sport was still very much under the radar but he said he saw it start to “explode” when he was 15 or 16 It has been the fastest growing sport in the U.S for the past five years and is a burgeoning professional sport widely regarded as the top pickleball player “known for his dominant presence in men’s doubles and mixed doubles,” will make $2.5 million in 2024 from tournaments That is a small fraction of the estimated $45 million earned over the past 12 months by top-earning tennis player Carlos Alcaraz but a 1,000-percent increase over the money pickleball professionals could hope for just a few years ago “Tennis will always be king – and queen – but over the past few years we have seen pickleball really take off and become a major force in the racquets industry,” said Rosa “It is super popular with our members Rosa said several former top-100 tennis players are among those who play in Vero “[Ivan] Lendl plays with us quite a bit also Mikael Pernfors and Marco Osorio,” director of sports at Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club who in April won the silver medal in singles in the pro senior division at the U.S where 3,250 players from 31 countries competed in front of 50,000 spectators Orchid Island recently completed a major golf course renovation as part of its $20-million improvement program and is now renovating the golf clubhouse “I think all good clubs have a similar mindset,” said Tench “Continuous improvements are essential to remaining competitive We plan to complete many more projects over the next five years We want to make sure we are serving both current and future members.” “The new racquet center is a big part of the package that is attracting the prospects we are seeing this summer,” said Torline “You see their reaction when we show it to them A 17-year-old male driver from Gibsonton was driving a Chevy Silverado just before midnight on Saturday, traveling on U.S. 41 just north of Big Bend Road. Reports said the girl entered the path of the truck and was struck by the vehicle. The 13-year-old from Tampa suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash. A spokesman for FHP said there are no additional details at this time, and the case is still under investigation. Sharon Kennedy Wynne is a reporter covering events, things to do and family experiences through the region. Reach her at swynne@tampabay.com. — Publix says it will not open over 25 stores along Florida's coast Thursday as Hurricane Helene approaches the area Residents can check the current status of their store by visiting Publix's store locator   there’s one question everyone wants to answer: that question could matter for Tampa Bay even more than in most storms the worst of Milton’s surge flooding could be decided by just a few miles’ difference in track several forecast models have predicted that Milton could land somewhere around the entrance to Tampa Bay off the Gulf of Mexico Whether the eye of the storm passes north or south of that gap — spanning roughly 12 miles from the southern tip of Pinellas County to around Palmetto — will determine whether the bay sees several feet of flooding or up to 12 feet of record-setting leaving places such as Sarasota and Venice at extreme risk Tampa Bay is one of the most vulnerable places in the country in the face of storm surge Developed land surrounds it like a cul-de-sac with hundreds of thousands of people near water water will stack up and race into places like St An output of a model run generated Saturday and published on the website Tropical Tidbits This is just an example of a track that could bring destructive surge to communities surrounding Tampa Bay [ Langston Taylor ]That’s what would happen if Milton’s eye passes north of the bay’s mouth which is moving northeast and spinning counterclockwise It could deliver a surge even higher — and more violent with breaking waves — than Helene’s last month But if Milton’s eye passes south of the bay the wind on the storm’s left side could instead suck water out — decreasing the potential for catastrophic flooding for parts of the coast An output of a model run on Monday and published on the website Pivot Weather This is an example of a scenario that could bring less surge to Tampa Bay and more to its south [ Langston Taylor ]“Little wobbles and shifts in the track do make a big difference,” said Christianne Pearce a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Ruskin “The worst of that surge is going to be at landfall and south of landfall.” Milton’s setup is much different than Helene’s was two weeks ago. Helene, a massive storm, churned up surge levels not seen since 1921 Helene was destined to lash a broad area with winds that pushed water onshore a hurricane scientist formerly with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration But Milton will instead hit the coast head-on meaning its winds may be more intense and swirl in multiple directions Stiff gusts would be a much bigger problem but the surge could be less consistent across the map the cone for its projected landfall will shrink That means meteorologists will get more certain about where the storm’s powerful eye could land But they won’t be sure until Milton is actually tearing into the coast Atmospheric blips jostle even big storms — and those shifts can happen late in a hurricane’s path the hurricane center forecast isn’t perfect a storm’s eye at that point is within 30 miles of the projection “We need to have a 10-mile resolution in our ability to forecast the track in order to know what’s going to happen to Tampa Bay,” Masters said But Hurricane Michael and Hurricane Ian offer examples of how destruction from storm surge can vary greatly on either side of the eye made landfall near Tyndall Air Force Base in Bay County on Oct 2018 — potentially six years to the day before Milton’s arrival Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe, about 15 miles southeast or more, were battered by surge up to 14 feet deep above ground Ruthless flooding and wind ripped homes from their foundations Hurricane Ian in 2022 made landfall near Cayo Costa as a strong Category 4 hurricane. Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel, about 20 to 25 miles to the southeast, saw a surge that swallowed the first stories of buildings. Dozens of people drowned The full progression of the MASSIVE storm surge at Ft Myers Beach from SurgeCam 9 during Hurricane Ian. This cam was placed 8+ feet above the street surface.@weatherchannel @johnhumphress @JordanHallWX pic.twitter.com/T72Btg1PLo Data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency shows the highest rates of flood damage claims were made for homes just south of Ian’s landfall in coastal areas from Fort Myers Beach to Naples and along the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River Hurricane evacuations are largely ordered to protect people from water emergency managers offer Floridians pithy advice: Run from the water The uncertainty on Milton’s exact track is why so much of the Tampa Bay region is under evacuation orders Some slice of the coast will almost certainly receive unprecedented flooding when the storm makes landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday But damage — and danger — will be widespread even if the storm’s eye ends up passing south of where you live Forecasters say upcoming weather patterns mean the portion of the storm immediately north of the eye could carry some of the strongest winds could still pile up surge on parts of the Pinellas coast — including Clearwater Beach — because some winds will blow toward shore “Tampa Bay has not experienced this sort of wind in living memory that I expect to happen.” 5 things to know about the 2024 hurricane season, according to forecasters. Forecasters predict ‘extremely active’ 2024 hurricane season. Here’s why. Could Tampa Bay flood insurance rise after a hurricane? A warning from Hurricane Ian Want to know what areas are flooding in Tampa Bay? Here’s where to look Checklists for building all kinds of storm kits. Zachary T. Sampson is an investigative reporter. He can be reached at zsampson@tampabay.com. The full progression of the MASSIVE storm surge at Ft Myers Beach from SurgeCam 9 during Hurricane Ian. This cam was placed 8+ feet above the street surface.@weatherchannel @johnhumphress @JordanHallWX pic.twitter.com/T72Btg1PLo Site development is under way for HCA Florida South Shore Hospital’s freestanding Emergency Room in Apollo Beach The land’s been cleared and the property is currently being built up and leveled with construction set to begin within the next six weeks This $18 million-project is aimed at improving access to health care and emergency services in this rapidly growing The 10,860-square-foot ER will be located on the east side of U.S 41 North near Harbor Isles and across from MiraBay It’s projected grand opening is February 2025 “This is a full-service emergency room for the entire family not a walk-in clinic,” said Cathy Edmisten and function as a department of our hospital.” a trauma room for life-threatening emergencies and offer CT (computerized tomography) scans South Shore Hospital’s new vice president of operations “If someone needs to be admitted to the hospital for further care we’ll have our own ambulances available to bring them,” Edmisten said if you or anyone in your family needs quick medical attention for issues like abdominal pain a breathing problem or uncontrolled bleeding; a broken bone burns or the flu; a heart condition or heart attack; high fever South Shore’s medical team will be right around the corner HCA HEALTHCARE RENDERINGHCA Florida South Shore Hospital’s full-service 41 in Apollo Beach is expected to open in February 2025 and function as a department of the hospital “We’re progressing quickly and are thrilled to be offering exceptional emergency care services to the residents of Apollo Beach and the surrounding South Shore community,” Edmisten added “We aim to be the go-to hospital for all of their needs.” The facility will eventually be attached to a brand new HCA Florida Healthcare hospital to be built in the future