2025 at 2:04 PM EDTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInTAMPA (WWSB) - The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a person they say scammed an elderly Sun City Center man out of more than $800,000 the 92-year-old victim was targeted in a bank and romance scam He transferred thousands of dollars to a bank account where it was siphoned off to multiple individuals through various means ATM withdrawals and point-of-sale transactions The sheriff’s office says on March 10 of this year was caught on camera at a Publix in Orlando using the victim’s Wells Fargo card to make a purchase five counterfeit checks totaling $14,300 were made payable to Swinton Jr Various other charges were made using the victim’s card Swinton had previously been in Florida State Prison for fraud Detectives determined Swinton had someone else withdrawing money from the victim’s Wells Fargo account while he was in prison Detectives arrested Swinton April 30 in Orlando He has been charged with fraudulent use of personal information of an elderly person fraudulent use of personal information over $5,000 or 10 but less than 20 victims and fraudulent use of credit card over $100 and five counts of uttering a forged instrument The crash happened about 8 a.m. when a 31-year-old Tampa man driving a Ram ProMaster east on Sun City Center Boulevard failed to stop for a red light at Pebble Beach Boulevard and crashed into a Yamaha golf cart, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The golf cart driver, a 71-year-old Sun City Center woman, was heading north on Pebble Beach Boulevard and had a green light when she entered the intersection, troopers said. She died from her injuries at a local hospital. The van driver was not injured. He had not been cited or criminally charged as of Tuesday afternoon but the investigation into the crash continued, according to Sgt. Steve Gaskins, a spokesperson for the highway patrol. Gaskins declined to release the names of either driver and referred the Tampa Bay Times to the public records section of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle. Tony Marrero is the criminal justice and breaking news reporter. Reach him at tmarrero@tampabay.com. The Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of its annual Spring Showcase ‘Expo’ in Sun City Center and we can’t wait to see even more faces this year The Spring Showcase Expo is a fantastic opportunity to connect with Sun City Center residents and fellow vendors face-to-face In a community that values relationships and trust this event provides a perfect setting to build meaningful connections while showcasing your business Whether you’re offering a product or providing a service residents here appreciate businesses they can rely on The chamber is adding even more excitement this year SouthShore Chamber director Melanie Davis encourages all attendees to sign up: “This is a great chance to make lasting impressions and showcase your business to a community that values trust and service.” Reserve your spot as a vendor today and ensure you’re part of this incredible event To register, click the link below or contact the chamber for more information at www.southshorechamberofcommerce.org/events/details/23399 feel free to email the chamber or call its office at 813-645-1366 The Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce looks forward to seeing you at the Spring Showcase Expo at St Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to connect with the community I would like to receive emails from Osprey Observer or unused drugs and prescriptions and drop them off Dec liquids and pet meds – and sharps (which need to be in some kind of container) Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Jeff Merry and Community Service Aide Shelby Hillman will be on hand for Operation Medicine Cabinet between 8 a.m and noon to accept your drop-off and ensure its safe destruction at a later date by incineration You don’t even have to leave your car or golf cart The event is open to the public and financially supported by Home Instead Senior Care Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Jeff Merry will be on hand once again at Community Hall in Sun City Center from 8 a.m 6 to accept your outdated and unwanted drugs/prescriptions during this fall’s Operation Medicine Cabinet Merry and Hillman will move on to do a second collection between 12:30 to 2 p.m There are three major reasons why you should participate: “That’s why we do this twice a year here in Sun City Center and have for the past 18 years,” said Merry There’s no need to empty containers or remove labels.” and then delivered to the HCSO’s District 2 office on Falkenburg Road in Tampa to be securely stored until it’s taken to Tampa for incineration The drugs never leave HCSO chain of custody Merry collects 750 pounds of drugs during each spring and fall collection More than eight tons have been dropped off by community residents over the years You can always drop off small quantities of pills or capsules anytime at the Dist Operation Medicine Cabinet in Sun City Center is HCSO’s only remaining drug take-back program in Hillsborough County Merry or Hillman can be reached at 813-242-5525 LOIS KINDLE FILE PHOTOSKeep your expired or unwanted drugs vitamins and more out of the Florida aquatic environment; protect yourself from medication errors; and prevent unintended users from laying hands on them by making a drop-off at Community Hall during Operation Medicine Cabinet Dec WHO: HCSO and Home Instead Senior Care – Sun City Center WHAT: Operation Medication Cabinet fall take-back event for prescription drugs and other medications All opinions and views are of the advertiser and do not reflect the same of WFTS You shouldn't have to pay a crazy amount of money to get the hair cut and color you love We're taking you to the Sun City Fantastic Sams — busting some myths and talking about the services they offer They're located at 3846 Sun City Center Blvd in Ruskin For more information or to find a salon near you, visit FantasticSams.com New guests can get 20% off their first visit at participating locations Report a typo local lifestyle show focused on providing our audience with informative It features a variety of community organizations It is a marketing-friendly program dedicated to offering businesses the opportunity to showcase their company/products reach potential customers and gain results Grow Your Business With Us!For Sponsor Information:TBMorningBlend@wfts.com The Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce will host its 2nd Annual Spring Showcase in Sun City Center from 10 a.m we had an incredible turnout for this expo-like showcase with a twist,” said Melanie Davis “It was purposefully set up to encourage attendees to come meet the folks “behind the table” and get to know them as people they can trust to call when they need a good or service is one of two food vendors returning March 28 to the Greater SouthShore Chamber’s 2nd Annual Spring Showcase at St Andrew Presbyterian Church in Sun City Center “It’s meant to be fun and interactive for everyone,” she continued “In addition to great local businesses and nonprofit groups like the Sun City Center Barbershop Quartet; pet vendors and pet blessing; Roamin’ Oldies car show; hands-on activities We want people to enjoy their time spent and leave with lots of new resources and relationships.” JunkLuggers Tampa/East Hillsborough will be on hand to accept one small electronic item like an old laptop gaming console or DVD player from each visitor at no charge and take it to an e-waste recycler COURTESY PHOTOSThe Greater SouthShore Chamber’s 2nd Annual Spring Showcase in Sun City Center it’s a great place to get to know the business folks who serve the community The 2nd Annual Spring Showcase in Sun City Center is one community event you won’t want to miss “It’s a great way to fill a couple hours of your day and learn more about the people who live and work in your community,” Davis said For more information or to sign up as a vendor call the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce at 813-645-1366 Hearing is vital to our overall health and quality of life It’s an essential part of our ability to communicate maintain meaningful relationships and engage in daily activities the way we hear negatively impacts all of our interactions which experts say is associated with dementia earlier mortality and higher rates of falling Being unable to hear clearly contributes to growing isolation and loneliness if hearing loss is caught early through annual testing by a board-certified hearing specialist Board-certified audiologist Alaina Becker recently opened Clarity Hearing in Sun City Center to demystify all aspects of hearing loss how hearing tests work and the use of hearing aids “I want people to feel comfortable about getting tested asking questions and becoming better informed.” in the Ripple Room at Kings Point’s North Clubhouse She’ll be there in person to discuss anything and everything about hearing aids why they’re sometimes ineffective and more She’ll also discuss how untreated hearing loss affects health and quality of life “No questions are off the table,” she said visit https://clarityhearinghdd.com/seminar-registration/ or call 813-922-2119 You’re also invited to join Clarity Hearing’s grand opening Feb Everyone who attends will be entered into a drawing for a Platinum SoundMind 4-year treatment plan which includes a set of Starkey Genesis AI 24 RIC rechargeable hearing aids – a $6,999 value Alaina Becker walks and talks her profession marketing her practice as “Hearing Done Differently.” and I’m here to help people address any ear-related issue In addition to diagnostic hearing and hearing aid evaluations Clarity Hearing offers a wide array of services for folks of all ages These include four-year treatment plans; fittings that include Real Ear Measurements counseling and hearing aid adjustments; professional wax removal; Cognivue cognitive screening; positional vertigo testing and treatment; custom ear molds for hearing protection; hearing aid sales and repairs; high-frequency testing for patients undergoing chemo or taking Tepeeza for TED (thyroid eye disease); and treatment for muffled hearing and tinnitus patient-centered experience that goes beyond simply improving hearing,” Becker said “We’re here to ensure every person leaves our clinic not only hearing better but feeling fully supported confident and wishing they had come to us sooner for their hearing health.” Come meet Alaina Becker and see for yourself how her 15 years of hearing-healthcare experience and deep commitment to exceptional patient care sets her apart from others in her field Clarity Hearing is open Monday and Friday from 9 a.m and can often honor the discounts offered by many Advantage Plans For more information or to make an appointment visit https://clarityhearinghdd.com/schedule-an-appointment/ email admin@clarityhearinghdd.com or call 813-922-2119 “Hearing is what connects us to other people,” Becker said “Every day I’m excited to come to work and help people improve their relationships LOIS KINDLE PHOTOBoard-certified audiologist Alaina Becker recently opened Clarity Hearing at 4040 Upper Creek Drive Passionate about helping folks with any ear-related issue live in Riverview with their three children – daughters she provides free hearing aid services once a month at Sun Towers Retirement Community and Freedom Plaza PRLeap is a press release distribution service© 2020   The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center (SCCUMC) is welcoming several bands and musicians to its beautiful sanctuary for 7 p.m state-of-the-art ventriloquism and (most recently) magic effects unforgettable program that connects people through those things that bind us: laughter magic and the shared experience of something special something original and something unforgettable His appearance at SCCUMC last year was outstanding so don’t miss this evening of laughter and entertainment Tickets for adults are $15 in advance or $20 at the door Next is Keith Allynn with a Neil Diamond tribute concert on Friday Allynn has been entertaining audiences for over 20 years and will be performing hits like “Hello Again,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Play Me,” “Song Sung Blue,” “Brother Love,” “Pretty Amazing Grace” and “America.” This show is designed and produced to appeal to everyone or a simple fan of quality entertainment and showmanship prepare to take a journey that will leave you amazed America’s ‘Minister of Encouragement,’ on Friday With his down-home charm and heaping helping of hospitality this Texas-born pastor-turned-comedian has won the hearts of audiences across the country Swanberg takes Barney Fife and over 20 other lovable impersonations together with his side-splitting stories of growing up a pocketful of hilarious stories and a great big bag of joy and laughter to the audience Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door Finishing the lineup is American Pride with a Statler Brothers tribute concert on Friday you can relive the musical memories of the Statler Brothers through American Pride They have captured the true authenticity of the Statler Brothers’ sound keeping the legacy alive and promoting traditional country music which is generational yet crosses age boundaries You’ll surely love the well-known favorites like “Do You Know You Are My Sunshine” and the “Class of 57.” are honored to represent the legendary heritage of the Statler Brothers All tickets are available at the Pages of Life Book Store on Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and from Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; at the church office from Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; and online at www.sccumc.com/events For more information about concerts and recitals, contact Larry Hirchak, concert series coordinator, at 646-831-4008. To learn more about SCCUMC, located at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center, visit www.sccumc.com 2025 at 6:05 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A woman driving a golf cart died Wednesday morning after a crash in Sun City Center FL — A woman driving a golf cart was killed in a crash on State Road 674 in Sun City Center on Wednesday morning according to a Florida Highway Patrol news release The 71-year-old Sun City Center woman was heading north on Pebble Beach Road when she was hit by a van that didn’t stop for a stop light at the intersection around 8 a.m Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. A veteran went into rehab in Sun City Center after a knee replacement and came out with a more than $19,000 bill Roger Brown received that bill nearly a year later he was then told the $19,000 charge would not be covered by Medicare “I think people need to speak up and make things happen instead of just sitting back,” Brown said That’s what prompted him to contact the ABC Action News I-Team and share his story The 81-year-old disabled Army veteran served our country before fighting to get the customer service and support he needs to combat a bill that took his breath away for $19,453.52,” Brown told I-Team Reporter Kylie McGivern Brown had an operation for a new knee in February 2024 “So I came home and I was having a little bit of problems she was having a problem getting up at night to help me go to the bathroom,” Brown said Brown called his doctor and was admitted to St Brown said a nurse told him that they made an error in coding we're going to have to keep you two more days for Medicare to kick in,” he said Brown then went to Palm Garden in Sun City Center for rehab “I’ve never got something like that from Medicare saying you've been rejected he received a letter from Palm Gardens saying his payment is past due “Private payments are due fully by the 10th of each month” Brown said “I said surely this has got to be a scam letter So I took it to Palm Garden and I handed it to her He was told he is responsible for the payment Brown said the woman working at Palm Garden told him “Medicare will not pay this because of the coding error at the hospital And we have tried working with the hospital to move dates to take care of this So you got two parties trying to work and none of them want to work together and it's got into this Brown said he had no intention of making a private payment “They said this is very important that we take this up the ladder,” Brown said That ladder — leads to Dan Hoy, the director of hotline operationsfor the Office of Inspector General for the U.S The hotline accepts tips and complaints about potential fraud waste and abuse within HHS programs like Medicare “I’ve dedicated my life to public service," Hoy told the I-Team "I find it extremely rewarding taking care of Medicare beneficiaries they’re some of the most vulnerable population in our country and they deserve quality healthcare and they deserve not to be taken advantage of." Hoy said the hotline receives about 140,000 contacts a year and makes sure that they get to the appropriate place for further review by senior agents and senior investigators," Hoy said “He absolutely did the right thing in reaching out. And I’m so thankful that he was able to get that resolved," Hoy said it’s led to over 2,200 case being opened by our office of investigation and has brought back almost $500 million in monetary recoveries," Hoy said “If you see something that doesn’t look right please report it. As soon as you see something Submit a hotline complaint I'm not going to take this lightly,” Brown told the I-Team After Brown’s own fighting and a push from the I-Team “You are not liable for these charges,” Brown read from the letter “Just a little bit what your fine station has done The I-Team contacted Palm Garden in Sun City Center multiple times to discuss Brown’s bill 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 I-Team Investigations from ABC Action News Circle these dates: the annual Kings Point Follies returns to Veterans Theater and the show is sure to be a back-slappin’ choral and solo singing and dancing and be performed at 7:30 p.m director and choreographer; and Dick Yarger Tickets are $14 and are available at the Kings Point Box Office Both bleacher and cabaret seating at tables of 10 are available Feel free to bring along your own drinks and snacks highly entertaining and include lots of opportunities for audience participation,” said Follies director and choreographer who introduced themed performances several years ago Her previous shows included A Blast from the Past Remembering the ’60s and Life Relationships The Kings Point Follies has been performed in the Sun City Center community for four decades The show gives talented local performers the chance to perform in public while contributing to an effort that benefits local nonprofits such as the SCC Emergency Squad Samaritan Services and SCC Security Patrol Proceeds also help support theater improvements This year’s cast of 30 auditioned stars are no exception It includes members of the chorus comprised of Kings Point Freedom Plaza residents – and even MiraBay plus performers from Sun City Center Jazzmatazz and SCC dance groups Twenty additional folks work behind the scenes COURTESY PHOTOThese talented folks will be performing for you at Follies Goes Country U.S.A. March 14 and 15 at the Kings Point Veterans Theater director Linda Stone and the show’s director and choreographer The popular variety show also includes about 20 East Bay High School Sound of Time students The Kings Point Follies has been sponsored by Vesta Property Services since 2015 the show was sponsored by the Pelican Players LeFrancois wants folks to have a good time The Kings Point Follies is open to the public Anyone attending from outside the Kings Point community should go to the visitor side of the entrance gate and let the security staff know you’re there to see the show The Kings Point Veterans Theater is at 1900 Clubhouse Drive — The Florida Highway Patrol said a woman driving a golf cart died after she was hit by a truck crossing a road in Sun City Center FHP said the truck was traveling east on Sun City Boulevard around 8 a.m The truck failed to stop at a red traffic signal at Pebble Beach Boulevard and hit a 71-year-old woman who was on the golf cart attempting to cross with a green light The woman was taken to the hospital but later died from injuries in the crash The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office closed eastbound lanes at Sun City Center Boulevard near Pebble Beach Boulevard while investigating the crash Latest Hillsborough County News from ABC Action News 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 Dispatchers received a call shortly before 11 p.m. about a possible shooting in the 7200 block of Camp Island Avenue, which is in the Cypress Mill community, according to Caitlin Wilson, a spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies arrived and found a man dead with at least one gunshot wound. Detectives had identified people of interest Monday morning, but no arrests were made, Wilson said. In an update Monday, the sheriff’s office said the man was shot during an altercation among a group of people who had gathered outside the neighborhood’s community center. Wilson asked that anyone with information call 813-247-8000. “Even if you think it might be a small piece of information, it could drastically help with this investigation,” Wilson said. Jack Prator is a reporter covering breaking news and environment. Reach him at jprator@tampabay.com. If you’re in the mood for a wonderful evening of lighthearted comedy and entertainment make plans now to attend A Walk Down Memory Lane to noon at the kiosk in the Sun City Center Atrium Building off North Pebble Beach Boulevard on North Course Drive and weekdays between 8:30 a.m at the Kings Point North Clubhouse Box Office COURTESY PHOTOSHCSO Community Resource Deputy Jeff Merry seen here during a rehearsal for the final dance routine of A Walk Down Memory Lane is one of 13 men in the Sun City Center Men’s Golden Review performing Jan A Walk Down Memory Lane is a major fundraiser to aid the Alzheimer’s Association’s research for a cure All proceeds will go to the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and will be funneled to various research facilities throughout the Tampa Bay area “It’s about neighbors helping neighbors,” said organizer Renee Bray who began planning the event earlier this year “That’s what makes Sun City Center such a great place to live Our committees have done a tremendous job building props gathering items for gift baskets and more in preparation for the event “Area clubs and businesses have been so supportive knowing our goal is to raise money to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s,” she said we were amazed at the generosity and responsiveness of the community,” she said “There’s such a personal and immediate connection to a cause involving Alzheimer’s a horrific disease that touches everyone in one way or another.” The BYOB event features performances by award-winning age-appropriate comedian Gid Pool and the Sun City Center Men’s Golden Review Purple Costume Contest and a 50/50 drawing with the fun starting at 6:45 as Pool cracks jokes for the next hour A 15-minute intermission is set to give guests the opportunity to bid on more than 80 gift baskets and other items which will then be followed by a 30-minute high-energy dance/skit performance by the Men’s Golden Review involving instantly recognizable music from the 1950s through the 1980s including hits like “Jailhouse Rock,” “YMCA” and “Let’s Get Physical.” community dance troupe are choreographer Jeff Marshall These are among more than 80 gift baskets and other donated items to be raffled off in A Walk Down Memory Lane The BYOB event also features performances by award-winning a purple costume contest and 50/50 drawing “We’ve got a great group of guys having fun while bonding and building lifelong friendships – all in the name of charity,” Marshall said “We’ve had so much fun rehearsing for this performance which we’re doing to give back to everyone who’s supporting us The costumes alone are fantastic and so era-correct They just jump out at you as the guys perform Sponsors include the Sun City Center Pickleball Club Spirit Entertainment and the Sun City Center Shellcrafters A Walk Down Memory Lane will be a great way to kick off the new year so get your tickets now while they’re still available you’ll have an incredibly fun evening while supporting a cure for the most common form of dementia and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States (CBS12) — Deputies are investigating a deadly shooting that led to the death of a man according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) its communication center received a call about possible shots being fired near Camp Island Avenue in Sun City Center deputies found a man suffering from a gunshot wound The sheriff's office investigation revealed a group gathered outside the community center when an altercation suddenly occurred Deputies found that during the incident the man was struck by gunfire It's unclear if the man died at the scene Deputies ask if anyone has information regarding the case to contact the sheriff's office at 813-247-8200 55+ adult community has a median age of 71 and includes folks living in single family homes within the Sun City Center Community Association and Villages of Cypress Creek; villa condos within the Kings Point Condo Owners Association; the community’s independent living assisted living and memory care residences; and its skilled nursing facilities Doctors of every specialty are available either within the community or close by plus four hospitals – an HCA hospital in Sun City Center a BayCare hospital and VA hospital seven miles away and another being built by Advent Health within 10 Moffitt Cancer Center’s new outpatient facility will open in October in neighboring Ruskin Add to that the all-volunteer organizations and 12 houses of worship in the community also offer active support with a variety of ministries which provides medicine and food to residents in need at no cost A combined total of more than 200 SCC Community Association and Kings Point clubs offer residents an incredible array of age-appropriate activities – including everything from sports Sun City Center is a 45-minute-or-less drive to the cities of Sarasota Hillsborough Community College – SouthShore which offers seniors free noncredit classes golf carts replace automobiles on specified roads within the community The current median list price of a home is $315,000 ranging anywhere from $102,900 for a one-bedroom condo to $754,900 for a single family home Buyers can opt for lower homeowners association fees on the one hand or higher condo-owners fees for maintenance-free living on the other According to the MLS [Multiple Listing Service] there were 297 active listings in Sun City Center and Kings Point and 79 pending sales as of mid-June CHRISTINE ROGERS PHOTOSun City Center was recently recognized by Realtor.com as the No 1 place in the country for people to retire “It’s definitely a buyer’s market right now,” said Flo Vachon A longtime resident of Sun City Center herself Vachon tells prospective clients they’ll “love Sun City Center’s amazing facilities It’s the perfect location for a convenient ride to airports “There’s something here for everyone,” she continued It’s the best of all worlds without the stress of big city life.” Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page.