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Beltran, Katt look to distinguish perspectives in State House 57 battle

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Republican Mike Beltran traces his inspiration for public service back to his days as a Boy Scout, while Democrat Debbie Katt cites a 2018 visit to the state legislature visit as one of the motivating factors for her decision to run for office.

Both are seeking to win election in State House District 57. It's a sprawling district that includes Apollo Beach, Balm, Fish Hawk Ranch, Gibsonton, Riverview, Sun City Center, Wimauma, and parts of Valrico. Rep. Jake Raburn, R-Lithia, chose not to seek re-election late in the process after winning three consecutive terms from 2012-2016. Both Beltran and Sean McCoy quickly mounted primary campaigns and Beltran beat him out for the Republican nomination.

Katt ran unopposed on the Democratic side in a district where active Republican registered voters outnumber Democrats 38 percent to 31 percent. The district also includes a sizable number of non-party affiliation voters (28 percent).

Beltran, a Brooklyn, N.Y., native, likes to tout his decades-long devotion to public service. The 34-year-old grew up in a middle-class neighborhood with high crime and not enough public safety. After attending Boy Scout camp one summer, he realized he recognized the sound of the shot of a rifle because of the frequent gun fights which happened in his Brooklyn neighborhood. He understood poor public safety could be the result of bad government in a city; something had to be done to change it.

That desire led him to start working on campaigns more than 20 years ago. After earning Eagle Scout honors, Beltran went on to study international relations at the University of Pennsylvania and his lean towards service continued when he earned a juris doctorate from Harvard Law School.

Being involved in government has always been on Beltran's radar.

"When I worked campaigns in high school, I helped register voters, handed out leaflets, made calls," Beltran said.-"As I got older and I had more resources, I started donating to campaigns, hosting fund raisers, organizing events, and blogging. I (now) serve on the judicial nominating commission, and I serve on my HOA in FishHawk as a board member."

Katt, 54, has campaign experience extends canvassing and phone banking for former President Barack Obama and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, but she's also engaged in community support, including organizing disaster relief programs, working with A Kid's Place (a non-profit organization that provides foster care for abused children), adopting a family every Christmas, and working with extracurricular groups at her daughter's school. She is also a member the LGBTQA Caucus and the Florida Women's Caucus.

When Katt made a trip to the state capital, she drew inspiration to run after watching the lengthy process of legislation regarding a specific portion of an omnibus bill.

"It was never on my radar to run for office," Katt continued. "But this was just a week after Parkland happened. It was just one thing after another, and it looked so rigid, and things were passing that didn't make sense. That solidified it right there. I thought, I have to be in that seat."

Katt presently works as an analytical software engineer, but she also had the opportunity to travel the world when she worked five years in the airline industry. She holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from Texas A&M University and masters in mathematics from North Carolina State University.

For 25 years, Katt's problem-solving professional expertise in engineering has allowed her to integrate different components and deliver creative results for all types of industries and environments- in the office and at home.

"Everyday I am analyzing data and fitting a square peg into a round hole. But, one thing that has truly helped me during this whole campaign since March is that I work full time," Katt said.-"I've been working a full-time job while campaigning, and I'm a mom and a wife. I feel like juggling all these things has really prepared me for this position."

As far as her stance on politics, Katt considers herself a centrist.

"I grew up in Texas, so I grew up in a conservative environment, so I get it that there are two sides. There's more than one way to solve a problem - I consider all sides and I listen to everybody in my district. But, I am on the democratic ticket," Katt said.

The first thing she wants to do if elected is lobby leaders for and additional $67 million that was stripped from last year's bill aimed at bolstering school safety.

Beltran describes himself as a fiscal and social conservative Republican, and cites his experience as a lawyer as a prime asset. He embraces traditional GOP values such as reducing government and improving transparency and accountability. His priority if elected is to obtain state funding to alleviate traffic congestion in South County.

Both Beltran and Katt cite clean water and protecting the environment as priorities, but they disagree on Medicaid expansion. Katt favors it, Beltran opposes it unless the system is significantly reformed. They're also divided on gun restrictions. Beltran doesn't support added restrictions, while Katt supports a range of changes.

Contact Lily Morford at hillsnews@tampabay.com.


PACE Center for Girls Hillsborough aims to broaden reach

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TAMPA - For 20 years, the PACE Center for Girls Hillsborough has been a beacon for young girls who were at risk of being lost to the justice system.

Next week dozens of the center's leaders, staff, and community partners will gather to celebrate this milestone at a Legacy Luncheon at the waterfront Rusty Pelican restaurant.

It's also the perfect occasion to formally kickoff a five-year, $5 million fundraising campaign that will expand the center's current space so that it can increase its reach to more girls, said executive director Tanya Hollins.

"We have the plans, we have the renderings," she said.

When completed, the new building will usher the center into a new era that's a far cry away from its humble beginnings in a small office with staff of 10 and just 40 clients.

Today, about 40 staff members run the center's alternative education program in which 65 young women are enrolled. Another 120 receive mental health counseling and other services while at school or at home, Hollins said.

Hollins, who came on board in 2012, said PACE has grown not only in numbers but also in influence with lawmakers and stakeholders.

"We are at the table helping to inform policy and being partners ... for the girls we serve and the community we serve as a whole," she said.

The center's programming also has changed, most notably in implementing career preparedness and life skills education.

Hollins said when she came in, she zeroed in on boosting services that helped students prepare for life after high-school, teaming with community partners to provide the girls with internships and vocational training.

"These girls are not the typical type to go on to college," she said. "But there was a gap in how we were preparing them self-sufficiency and economic independence."

Now, the PACE has an employment program that's placed more than 100 girls in part-time jobs, Hollins said.

It was Hollins and her staff's dedication to improving the girls' lives at any cost that prompted Tara Olmstead to join on as a volunteer three years ago.

Once a week, Olmstead held a class teaching the girls etiquette and how to build self-esteem.

She was excited, but the girls didn't match her enthusiasm. Over time, the girls came to trust Olmstead and form a bond with her.

When Olmstead was asked to join the PACE's board, she readily accepted and hit the ground raising money and advocating for the center in Tallahassee.

Olmstead said the dedication of PACE's staff and leadership to the girls inspired her to step up her commitment from weekly volunteer to board member.

"I saw how they loved these girls and I thought 'This is for me'," she said. "You cannot do this program with a broad brush. Each person is individually handled."

That personal care and attention makes a difference, Olmstead said.

"By the time they graduate, their shoulders are back, and they're ready to tackle the world," she said.

PACE's leaders and staff members strive for daily to assist the girls' transformation from downtrodden to empowered, Hollins said.

"If I know that I've done that, I can rest easy," she said.

Contact Kenya Woodard at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

Beat to go on at Tampa's African Drum and Dance Conference

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Yaye Fall Cultural Arts collaborates with Kuumba West African Dance and Drummers of Tampa and SHAE Movement African Arts from Charlotte for "Let's Come Together," Tampa's second annual African Drum and Dance conference, and for the first annual African Dance and Drum concert starting this weekend, Friday (Nov 2) through Sunday (Nov 4).

The conference aims to promote the beauty and diversity of African culture in Tampa, and it provides guests an opportunity to attend or watch dance drum classes, and shop from various vendors selling African artifacts, clothing, jewelry, shea butters, food and more.

Event organizers anticipate more than 100 dancers and drummers to attend the conference, which opens at 6:30 p.m. on Friday (Nov 2) at the Copeland Park Community Center located at 11001 N 15th St.

Dance classes start at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday (Nov 3) and from 10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m on Sunday (Nov 4), and are open to participants of all ages and levels. There are classes specifically catered to children, but kids are free to take any and all classes.

Saturday's dance classes lead up to the concert at 8:30 p.m. that night (Nov 3) at Chamberlain High School, 9401 N Blvd, which highlights guest artists from Africa, local African Dance companies, kids performing companies and other West African dance troupes from across the country.

Entry to the conference is open to the general public and free to watch, observe classes and to shop with the vendors. Dance class tickets range from $10 per class for early bird, $12 per class online in advance and $15 at the door.

For the concert, tickets start at $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children and students with an ID, and free for children under age five.

A portion of the profits benefit charity helping to fund school supplies for at risk children in West Africa. Tickets are available to the conference and concert online at tadc2.eventbrite.com.

Contact Monique Welch at mwelch@tampabay.com.

Jazz Club to pair jazz stylists at HCC Ybor Mainstage

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YBOR CITY- The Tampa Jazz Club brings another jazz-filled day with a special "When October Goes" concert in conjunction with the Suncoast Jazz Festival, as part of the HCC Visual and Performing Arts Series at 3 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 28) at the HCC Ybor Mainstage Theatre, 1411 E 11th Ave.

The concert is a collaboration of dynamic jazz and world music vocalists Fred Johnson and Synia Carroll, who will team up with the Phil Magallanes Trio as well.

The concert marks the debut of Synia Carroll, the Philadelphia native who has developed a strong following since moving to Sarasota four years ago. Her acclaimed CD Here's to You distinguished her in Florida's jazz scene, and she has collaborated with the Bay area's top jazz artists.

For Fred Johnson, this isn't his first rodeo at the Mainstage, but in addition to his local fame, the jazz great has also toured with B.B. King, the late-great Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, and recently Chick Corea where he performed the encore at Corea's recent solo concert in Clearwater.

Joining Johnson and Carroll are a new trio of veteran musicians including pianist Phil Magallanes, who recently toured with Al DiMeola, bassist Michael Ross and drummer James Varnado.

Tickets are available at the door or online for $20 for adults, $15 for Tampa Jazz Club members, $10 for students with an ID and free to HCC Students and Faculty. For more information visit tampajazzclub.com or call (727) 771-7415.

Contact Monique Welch at mwelch@tampabay.com.

Ruskin Seafood Festival: From simple roots to super success

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RUSKIN - Inspired by the abundance of area seafood, the local chamber pulled together vendors to provide food and fun for local families in 1988.

Christened as "The Seafood Festival," the chamber members and community leaders staged the event at what was then known as the Bahia Beach Resort off Shell Point Road. Several booths offered a variety of seafood dishes featuring shrimp, crab, and assorted fish concoctions while 25 exhibitors demonstrated marine crafts such as net throwing, fish filleting, sponge fishing and commercial fishing techniques.

Some music and games were thrown in to give the event an atmosphere of family fun.

Now the Ruskin Seafood Festival, set for Saturday (Nov. 3) and Sunday (Nov. 4), continues to build on the roots of that first event 30 years later. With 30,000 expected to attend, it stands as one of the SouthShore's biggest events and draws patrons from around Tampa Bay. The two-day feast, guided by the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, also will include live music, a kids play area and a decided emphasis on extending the food choices to healthier items.

Over the years, the festival has evolved and expanded to reach its current lofty status. In 1990, the number of exhibitors increased from 30 to 130. Another part of its evolution included performances by the Cypress Garden Ski Team in 1992.

In 1994, the chamber made the decision to move the popular community festival to November to avoid late summer rains and allow winter residents to participate.

Another big move for the Festival occurred in 1997 when the resort at Bahia Beach could no longer play host to the event. Renovations and the installation of an irrigation system prompted the change. So the Festival packed up their fish and moved to its present location at E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin.

Fortunately, the parks department waived the county ordinance against serving alcohol, so beer and wine could still be a part of the traditional fare. That year saw an estimated 25,000 attendees.

This year finds the chamber striving to improve every aspect of the event.

"Since it's the 30th year, we looked at the feedback we get most often," said chamber executive director Melanie Rimes said. "These comments usually center around the food choices. People would like to see more of a variety and not just the same fried stuff all the time. So we replaced two of our vendors with some really unique and a wider variety of food like crawfish etouffe and lobster rolls ... just to give everybody more options."

The chamber also reduced costs for the Kids Area, making most of the activities free.

"We've scaled back tremendously on the cost of the Kids Area," Rimes said. "Everything will be free except for just two activities. It will still be the same great games as last year so we're not pulling out the cool stuff. We're just footing the bill ourselves this time."

Rimes is excited about the new and exciting activities that include the Bubble Master, Blaise Ryndes, and Panama Pearl's Pirate World features a pirate ship that kids can climb all over.

There also are magic shows, balloon art, facepainting, an obstacle course and inflatable playhouses. The only events that require payment are the mechanical shark and the hamster balls.

The festival also will feature a variety of music acts ranging from reggae, oldies and country to yacht rock and steel drums. Crafters, nonprofits and vendors also will attend.

Last but certainly not least, the whole reason for this affair: food. Vendors include Mobstah Lobstah, Bearcakes, Laughing Crab, JB's Sweet Addiction, Stanford's Jerky, Ol Kentucky Kettlecorn, Hammerheads, Poppin Don's Old Fashioned Ice Cream, and Kona Ice.

Rimes says the festival will be a good opportunity for people to reflect on the SouthShore's good fortunes.

"So many areas in our state have been hit with disasters this year," Rimes said. "We haven't been impacted by a hurricane or threatened by Red Tide.

"This is just a great way to get out and enjoy the place that you live, the place that you love, and the things around you that you sometimes take for granted."

Contact Kathy Straub at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

Fall RV Show coming to fairgrounds

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The Tampa Bay Fall RV Show runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 8 through Nov. 10 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US 301.

Participating RV dealers include Arrow RV, General RV, Gerzeny's RV World, Lazydays RV, Optimum RV and Tampa RV. Door prizes from $2-100 gift card will be given away daily. There also will be more than 30 vendors for accessories, campgrounds, finance, generators and supplies.

"It's a great time to come out and see the new products," said Patty Flanagan, the regional show coordinator for the upcoming RV show.

The RV show also will have a DJ and entertainment throughout the long weekend show and face painting and bounce houses for the kids. There also will be greyhound adoptions.

Pets are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash or in a carrier.

Adult admission is $4 and Children ages 16 and younger are free. There is $1 off admission for Seniors on Nov. 8. Military and first responders get a $1 discount on all show days and attendees get a $1 discount if they bring a canned food item for Metropolitan Ministries.

Parking is $8 per car and $14 per RV. If attendees can't make it to this RV show there will be the 2019 Florida RV SuperShow from Jan. 16-20 at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

For more information, call (813) 741-0488 or visit frvta.org.

Contact Katelyn Massarelli at kmassarelli@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3436. Follow @katelyn_jou.

Joe Henderson: NRA working to hold its grip on state agriculture commissioner

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In a weird way, I guess it makes sense that the Florida Department of Agriculture oversees the granting of concealed weapons permits. There always seems to be a bumper crop of guns in these parts.

There are currently about 1.9 million people licensed in the state to conceal and carry.

With that in mind, it's appropriate that the race between Republican State Rep. Matt Caldwell and Democrat Nikki Fried to be the state's next agriculture commissioner is as much about guns, maybe moreso, than strawberries or citrus greening.

As the Tampa Bay Times reported, it's the one race where guns are the dominating issue in advance of the Nov. 6 general election.

Now, we've had more than our share of gun-related issues in Hillsborough County and close by. So, the way these permits are handled basically touches everyone who lives here. And as the Times also reported earlier this year, the agriculture department made a mess of the process.

For 13 months, the department stopped using results from an FBI database to see if there was any reason for someone to be denied a permit, resulting in 291 approvals that later had to be revoked. This state does tend to pass permits out like so many Gasparilla beads, but there are reasons even in Florida to just say no with someone wants a license to conceal and carry.

The snafu, the result of a now-former department employee being unable to log into a computer to do the background check, helped deep-six the gubernatorial aspirations of Adam Putnam, the self-proclaimed "proud NRA sellout."

Fried made this an issue and promises, if elected, to implement new safeguards in the permitting process. Sounds like common sense to me, but here's where the hysteria comes into play.

Marion Hammer, the NRA lobbyist whose influence among politicians and Second Amendment supporters is considerable, decided to stoke the fires of opposition. She flatly declared in a statement to NRA members, "Fried opposes your Second Amendment right to self-defense. If Fried gets elected, she will do everything she can to eliminate our gun rights. That is the plain truth."

That is plain balderdash.

First off, Fried would be eliminating her own rights, since she owns a gun and has a concealed weapons permit. I know lots of women who do the same for protection, and I don't blame them a bit.

But there have to be safeguards in place to keep the wrong people from acquiring a weapon capable of inflicting mass casualties like we saw at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland earlier this year, and that seems to be a problem for the NRA.

Oh, Hammer and her supporters won't say that out loud, of course. Hammer was furious when the story about the bungled permits came out. Hammer always says she wants to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people.

She also is prone to hyperbole, though, and she doesn't like pushback. She appears to be afraid that Fried might run a tighter ship on permitting, and in the NRA's world that is just unacceptable.

Gun violence has become a part of everyday life, both here and around the country. One side argues the best way to deal with that is to take away all the guns. The other says the answer is to put more guns in circulation.

Guns here, there and everywhere.

That's an argument built on fear, but I think we've found something that is even scarier to the NRA. The idea of having a new way of doing business at the agriculture department seems to be unacceptable to Marion Hammer.

That's how you get the argument that a gun-carrying, concealed-permit holding candidate is out to destroy the Second Amendment.

No wonder they call this the Gunshine State.

Find A Friend: Lucky the All-American mutt.

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Howdy partner. Saddle up for some tricks and pass along the treats. Here's the finest cowpoke you'll ever meet. Lucky is a red-blooded, American-mix that studied hard at school for a chance to live on your ranch. He's friendly, obedient, playful, housebroken and loves kids. Not sure about cattle, but Lucky's sure sweet on kitty cats. He comes fully neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, too. Rustle on over to meet him at the Par For Paws Golf Tournament at Valrico's River Hills Country Club on Nov. 16. For event and adoption info, contact SecondChanceFriends.org today or find them on Facebook@SecondChanceFriendsInc.


For King and Country's Luke Smallbone keeps the faith

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A few years ago, Luke Smallbone of the Christian-music duo For King and Country, battled life-threatening ulcerative colitis.

The singer spent months in and out of hospitals, dropped to 125 pounds and tried multiple treatments. His brother Joel, the other half of For King and Country, toured without him.

In 2015, Luke Smallbone went into remission. For King and Country became Grammy-Award winners and reached No. 13 on Billboard's top 100. The brothers wrote music for the film Priceless, about human trafficking, in which Joel starred.

In January 2018 Luke Smallbone nearly lost his 2-month-old son to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Doctors discovered the infant needed skull reconstruction surgery. He's now recovered.

Through it all, the singer and his family never lost sight of joy, Smallbone says.

In May 2018, Joy, the first single released from For King and Country's album Burning Ships, hit No. 1 on Christian radio.

On Dec. 14, For King of Country brings the "Little Drummer Boy Christmas Tour" featuring Zach Williams to the Amalie Arena.

"It's the highlight of our year," Smallbone said of the show that features holiday classics, For King and Country Originals, big lights and Christmas décor.

I spoke to Luke Smallbone about the tour and keeping the faith.

You write a lot about maintaining joy through difficult circumstances. How is the theme relevant to the Christmas season?

Well, the reason I wrote Joy, I was literally scrolling through Facebook seeing all these horrible things going on in the world and I couldn't help but feel sad. So, I wrote the song about how you can choose joy or you can choose to let things affect and defeat you. I know a lot of families really feel the effects of things like loss during Christmas. Maybe our tour can play a part in helping people hold onto joy despite their struggles.

It's a theme in a lot of your music. How has it played out in your personal life?

I know it's definitely been a reality in my own life, with circumstances like my own health and other things my family has walked through. There are times when I had the choice to allow sadness to overcome me or to find joy through the different seasons. For us, even when I was really sick, it didn't mean my wife and I didn't make some beautiful memories together. I had to ask myself am I going to be someone who chooses joy or focuses on what I don't have. I look back at some of those moments in hard times as being positive. It's not possible to feel joy all the time but we can be mindful and change our outlook.

How is your son doing?

Leo is doing really well. We walked through this journey where he was at an age these are not things he will remember, but he is now such a content happy child. It really has proven to me that the experience of trials can produce strong characteristics of perseverance.

Many Christian artists mention For King and Country as a musical influence. What music inspires you?

Switchfoot is one of the bands that really inspired me to get into music. They are always finding ways to reinvent their music but also remain culturally relevant.

Switchfoot receives air play on secular radio? Are you interesting in crossing over?

For us it's really about finding places where our music can live. I believe music should be used as much as possible and as widely as possible.

With the Christmas tour, will you be home for the holidays? What are some family traditions at home?

Our last show is Dec. 21 so we will be home. Really, Christmas isn't just one day. It's really until Jan. 1 that we are with family and making family memories. We like to go to a Christmas tree farm and pick out a tree together. There are fires burning in the barrels at the farm and it is really a feel-good experience.

In Tampa, the Little Drummer Boy tour sold-out but they added more seats to accommodate interest. Does it still surprise you how many people want to see your shows?

We are grateful people want to make us part of their Christmas celebrations. It is a tremendous honor. When we are performing for a few thousand people it can still feel surprising. We are extremely serious about our live shows. We want them to be wildly entertaining. We are competing with cell phones so we want to make sure heads are looking up.

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For more information and tickets visit, https://www.forkingandcountry.com. Concert begins at 7 p.m. Dec, 14 at the Amalie Arena. Ticket prices start at 22.50.

Contact Sarah Whitman at sarahrothwhitman@gmail.com.

Forest Hills man seeks new sight through innovation

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FOREST HILLS - Always a cautious biker, Donny Capelle put on his protective helmet, leather riding jacket, boots and gloves when he boarded his motorcycle one fateful morning in June 2010.

As he departed his Brooksville home, he experienced the same sense of safety and comfort as the other countless mornings he made that same trip.

But Capelle had driven less than a mile from his home when an unknown vehicle struck him head on. His motorcycle flew into the air and landed in a ditch. The driver sped away leaving his body mangled, bleeding and unconscious.

It didn't take long for a passerby to see the aftermath and immediately call for emergency rescue.

The accident left him inches from death.

Paramedics raced Capelle to Tampa General Hospital where he spent the next 41 days in the intensive care unit.

On a 24-hour ventilator, multiple trauma doctors and nurses surrounded his severely damaged and comatose body. His friends gathered outside his room. Many prayed for a miracle that he would endure.

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Capelle, now 49, did survive, but the accident left him with a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) that now affects his short-term memory. He also had broken ribs, a lacerated liver, and multiple compound fractures to his right arm. What's more, he's legally blind in both eyes.

Starr Barineau, Capelle's loving mother, proved to be a special miracle, staying at his bedside until doctors released him.

"For him to survive, I knew I had to be strong for Donny and the entire family," said Barineau, as tiny tears rolled down her cheek. "I am no longer just his mother. I am his legal guardian as well."

As a result of his injuries, including his impaired sight, Capelle now requires 24-hour care.

He did not have enough insurance at the time of the accident to cover the enormous cost of on-going treatment. So, he relies on his mother and step-father Buck for emotional and physical support while living with them in Forest Hills.

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Barineau, diligent in her son's daily care, found a new innovation on the Internet from a company called eSight. The company developed and sells an optical device that has the technology to assist a person with low vision to see in greater clarity and color.

Worn like a normal pair of glasses, they house a high-speed, high-definition camera that captures everything the wearer looks at and then displays it on two near-to-eye displays that can be adjusted to the viewer's needs.

Advanced, medically-validated algorithms optimize and enhance the footage so that the individual's eyes can truly see it, and in real-time.

Company spokesman Eric Down said eSight works to enable everyone who is visually impaired to have true independence.

•••

Barineau was elated about the product and its life-changing prospects for her son until learning of eSight's $10,000 price tag.

Despite the sticker shock, she accepted an invitation from the company to let son try the glasses at its Tampa in Woodland Park Executive Center off of Waters Avenue.

However, the eSight representative reminded her the glasses might not work for Capelle. Undaunted, the brave mother and son drove to the appointment with hope and promise.

"Don't worry Donny, if these work for you we will find a way to get the money," said his optimistic mother.

•••

They arrived at the location and met product demonstrator, Rick Pam. He explained to Capelle what he was going to do. He had to put the glasses on him and then he needed to sit still until he could adjust them.

He asked Capelle if he could see him, he said he thought so. Pam told him he needed him to read the eye chart. He adjusted the glasses and Capelle said he could see the letters.

"I was in tears," said Barineau.

Capelle read the 20/20 line, turned to his mother and realized it was the first time he had seen her in eight years.

"Mom, you've gotten old," he uttered.

•••

With the unbelievable success of the demonstration, Barineau reviewed her lacking finances with Pam.

He then offered a funding website page sponsored by the company. It enables family, friends and local organizations to donate to Capelle in order for him to reach his financial goal and receive the glasses.

"I want the eSight so I can see all the people that I have missed seeing for so long," said a hopeful Capelle. "I want to be able to walk around without bumping into things. I will be able to actually see, see my family and friends.

"I want to see Christmas again, that will be a real miracle."

To date, Donny Capelle has raised $6,100 toward his goal. If you wish to donate to help him purchase the glasses, please go to giving.esighteyewear.com/starr-barineau.

Contact Mike Merino at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

Amy Scherzer's Diary: Weekly Wrap-Up of the Tampa Social Scene

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Starlight Gala

Florida Hospitals Foundation West Florida Division took Starlight Gala guests to the future before zooming back to the past. First, CEO Brian Adams presented the inaugural Taneja Family Philanthropist Award to Jugal, Manju, Supriya, Rhianna and Mihir Taneja for their multi-million dollar gift to build the Taneja Center for Innovative Surgery. Then '70s rockers Styx took over the Amalie Arena stage and showed the 700 guests how they've-"outlasted 8-track tapes." FOX13 anchor Linda Hurtado emceed during dinner over the ice featuring several patient video-testimonials and a $30,000 Super Bowl LIII auction package.

Broadway Ball

Hamilton fever hit the Broadway Ball, firing up patrons of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in anticipation of the brilliant hop-hop, historical musical coming in February and March.

Jose Rosario, Jr., Alonso High class of '06 , who played many roles in a touring Hamilton production, added more buzz rapping with Patel Conservatory students costumed as 18th-century Federalists during Saturday'sblack-tie dinner on the Morsani Hall stage.

"I wouldn't be here without people like you," Rosario told the 365 guests, recalling how he launched his career at a high school thespian festival at the Straz. In minutes, the young Patel talent inspired $55,500 in scholarship donations.
Curtain call: Broadway After Dark drew nearly 200 more theater-lovers just for dessert and dancing till midnight.

Rock the Dock

Chapters Health Foundation had the honor of hosting the first major fundraiser at the River Center in Tampa's beautiful new Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, and they rocked it. Rock the Dock's dinner and auction guests grooved on the Hillsborough River dressed in rock concert casual (John Wolfe could headline KISS any night) and danced to the aptly named Rivers Crossing Band.
Previously called Island Night at Jackson's on Harbour Island, the party helps fund Hospice palliative care, three childrens' grief camps and other medical services in seven counties. Jackson's continued its support Saturday by arranging to have the beer, wine and liqueur donated.

Contact Amy Scherzer at ascherzer@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3332. Follow @Amy_Scherzer.

America's Got Talent didn't burst this Land O' Lakes resident's bubble

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LAND O' LAKES - The dimmed variation of colorful lights and music drew suspense as the audience waited for 17-year-old master bubble performer and magician Blaise Ryndes to enter the stage during one of his "Spheres" shows.

Blaise, who resides in Land O' Lakes, found himself not on a stage at the Pasco County Fair or Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry, but in Hollywood, competing on Season 13 of America's Got Talent. Before 2,000 people, he enveloped host and supermodel Tyra Banks in a giant bubble.

Blaise got a standing ovation for the performance that aired on NBC over the summer. He may get another one when he performs at the Ruskin Seafood Festival Saturday (Nov. 3) and Sunday (Nov. 4). He'll be part of an effort to entertain kids at the 30th edition of the popular SouthShore event.

The festival attendees may not realize how much it took for Blaise to make the show. Out of 70,000 who auditioned, he earned one of 250 spots before judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell.

"I like bubbles and I like you," Mel B. told the teenager.

Blaise felt fortunate to be part of that group even though it took him several attempts, his persistency and hard work paid off.

"I received a call last year and I am just honored that I could fulfill my dream of wanting to be on America's Got Talent since the age of nine," Blaise said.

In regards to working with some of the celebrities on America's Got Talent he found it to be more exciting than intimidating.

"The people seemed genuine and care," Blaise said. "They made me feel right at home."

The exposure has exponentially improved his business. He's on pace to conduct more than 200 shows. He's performed around Florida and put on shows at the Boston Children's Museum and in San Diego, along with making appearances on various local television channels.

Blaise says all the attention has motivated him to enhance his career, improve his act and bring new ideas to the table.

His interest in entertainment began in 2010 when he got a magic kit for his ninth birthday. He devoted thousands of hours studying Tom Noddy's bubble magic material. Blaise went on to develop his own techniques through self-teaching. In addition, Blaise also can juggle, do balloon art and magic tricks.

"Overall, I appreciate the support from my parents as they gave me a chance to follow my dreams," Blaise said.

For more information about Blaise Ryndes, visit spheresbubbleandmagicshow.com.

Contact Tatiana Ortiz at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

Democratic challenger faces uphill battle against incumbent State Senator Tom Lee

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Kathy Lewis was fed up.

For months, she had tried unsuccessfully to obtain full Medicaid and other benefits for her disabled 18-year-old daughter, who suffered from extreme insomnia and needed 24-hour care.

Frustrated with the snail pace of the process, Lewis said she fired off an email at 3 a.m. that landed in the inboxes of state officials and the office of then U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price.

At 9 a.m., she got a call from Price's office. Within two days, Lewis's daughter's case was resolved and shortly after she received access to her benefits.

But the ordeal left the 56-year-old writer worried for other families that were in a similar position - and inspired her to help them.

"It made me incredibly angry that I had to write to D.C. to get people in Florida to do their jobs," said Lewis, who lives in Wesley Chapel. "There's fraud and waste in the system and no one is doing anything about it. So I will."

Lewis, a mother of two, is the Democratic challenger to Republican Sen. Tom Lee who has represented District 20 since 2012. Lee first served in the Legislature from 1996 to 2006. He was Senate president from 2004 to 2006.

Unseating Lee, a homebuilder, could be an uphill battle for Lewis as District 20 leans Republican and covers the corner where Hillsborough, Pasco, and Polk counties meet and includes much of the University of South Florida area.

But Lewis said she isn't deterred.

"'Unwinnable' means nothing to me," she said. "It's time to stop letting Tom Lee walk on to the job just because no one else is challenging him."

But even with 20 years of experience under his belt, Lee said he isn't taking anything for granted and is campaigning aggressively as he has for every election he's entered.

"Nobody owes me anything," he said. "I have to get up every day and earn my community's support."

Lee said his top community concerns include "extraordinary growth" along the Interstate-4 corridor, which has "presented a number of challenges."

"I've watched what happened in Pasco happen in Hillsborough County 25 years ago," he said. "When business grows fast, you have to build up infrastructure."

If re-elected, the Thonotosassa resident said he'll return to Tallahassee ready to tackle those economic development and infrastructure challenges, as well as the state's burgeoning healthcare issues including Medicaid expansion.

The latter is familiar territory for Lee, who in 2015 supported a plan to tap federal dollars to expand the program. Lee's efforts were mentioned by Tallahassee mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum during his debate with Republican candidate and former Congressman Ron DeSantis.

Both candidates are correct in their assessments that using the emergency room to seek care for medical conditions is unhealthy and inefficient, he said.

"It makes sense for people to have some insurance on the front end," Lee said. "The question is how do you finance that? We're going to have to have federal government's help."

Education is another area where change and new ideas will be necessary to see improvement, he said.

"The Legislature spends 70 to 80 percent of money on education and healthcare and if you're not trying to innovate in those areas, you're playing small ball," Lee said.

Lewis said the key to increasing teacher pay could be in an overhaul of the state's testing system.

"I believe we need to look at how (testing) benefits students ... and if it doesn't make sense we need to end it ... and use that money to pay our teachers," she said.

Lee, who's revered as a level-headed fiscal conservative with moderate views on social policy, said he's prepared for the "give and take" that's needed to solve the problems that affect all constituents.

"I know politics doesn't put up a lot of points on the board," he said "Whether they vote for me or not, I'm their senator."

Contact Kenya Woodard at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

Laser Ops Extreme Gaming Arcade opens in North Tampa

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TAMPA - The new owners of the former DMV and Tax Collector's Office site on W Waters Ave. originally planned to turned it into a laser tag center.

But when 15,000 square feet of adjacent space became available, the owner and manager at Laser Ops Extreme Gaming Aracde took the opportunity to expand their original plan.

"It's going to be a lot of different things," said general manager Lynn Thompson.

Laser Ops offers tactical laser tag, Bazooka Ball, indoor Archery Tag, arcade style games, virtual reality games, plus a bar and grille. It is slated to open in early November.

"It's a great value for families," Thompson said.

One of the goals at Laser Ops is to get kids away from their computers, phones, and gaming systems and have them actively engaged with their peers in a safe and fun environment.

The tactical laser tag area is an 8,000 square foot, post-apoclyptic themed arena where teams of players become immersed in realistic missions for 45 minutes. Laser Tag is suitable for ages 8 and up.

A sports court houses Archery Tag and Bazooka Ball. In Archery Tag, players use foam tipped bow and arrows to tag one another and targets. Bazooka Ball is similar to Archery Tag, but uses soft foam balls and is ideal for kids eight and under.

There are 55 arcade games, including Lane Master SkeeBowl, air hockey and a super-sized Crossy Road and Space Invaders. There is also the Hologate virtual reality game, which was previously only available to play in Orlando.

A full bar and grille area offers a spacious seating area with numerous TV's, and there is a birthday party area.

Laser Ops also has two large, private meeting rooms with catering services that can be used for meetings, corporate events and team building.

Laser Ops is at 6283 W Waters Ave. For more information, call (813) 443-6509, or visit laserops.com.

SHARE YOUR NEWS: If you have an item for Everybody's Business, contact Danielle Hauser at danihauser20@gmail.com

Taylor Morrison unveils new Starkey Ranch homes in Odessa

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Homebuilder and developer Taylor Morrison hosts a grand opening celebration at its new single-family homes in the Whitfield Preserve neighborhood of Starkey Ranch.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday (Nov. 3), and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday (Nov. 4) at 4374 Barbour Trail in Odessa.

Guests will have the opportunity to tour the new Bimini and Tortola model homes. In addition, attendees can take advantage of limited-time introductory offers and have a chance to win a $100 gift card.

Taylor Morrison's new homes at Starkey Ranch will range from approximately 2,755 to 4,830 square feet in living space, featuring open floor plans with spacious gathering rooms, designer kitchens, owner's suites and flexible upgrade options throughout. Homes are priced from the high $300,000s.

For more information, call (866) 495-6006 or visit taylormorrisonstarkeyranch.com.

SHARE YOUR NEWS: If you have an item for Everybody's Business, contact Danielle Hauser at danihauser20@gmail.com


Westfield Brandon to salute veterans with special event

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BRANDON - Like most malls, Westfield Brandon has already started sprinkling its decor with traditional holiday trimmings.

In the center of its courtyard, however, shoppers will find a static display saluting the military, including a large U.S. flag made of fresh flowers - perfect for a photo backdrop - as well as patriotic images depicting all five branches.

It's all a part of the mall's Dining Under the Stars-& Stripes event set for 6 p.m. on Wednesday (Nov. 7). A limited number of tickets remain available on Eventbrite for a gathering that aims to make veterans and military members feel appreciated.

"We have a lot of active military in our backyard and a large number of veterans and retired military that live in our community," said Westfield marketing manager Dawn Arvidson. The past few years we've done events around the veterans and this year we said, 'Let's do something different.'"

In 2017, Team Red, White and Blue's Old Glory Relay - a 4,000 mile delivery of a single flag from Seattle to Florida - concluded in the parking lot at Westfield Brandon with a patriotic festival and thousands of well-wishers.

Now Westfield turns to a more intimate event that allows the community to buy tickets for a special dinner while raising funds for Valor Service Dogs, a Tampa-based nonprofit organization that helps post 9/11 wounded veterans regain their independence through the assistance of trained dog.

The event will include live music, special recognitions and a three-course dinner from Westfield Brandon restaurants, as well as beer and wine service.

"It's really going to be an elevated experience," Arvidson said. "We're bringing in special tables. There going to be a beautiful red, white and blue ambience."

Dining Under the Stars extends Westfield Brandon's on-going efforts to maintain its role as the suburban area's town center has included a variety of events driven by mall management and various retailers.

As retail outlets seek to compete with the burgeoning popularity of online purchasing, they've emphasize giving patrons an experience that goes beyond simply shopping. With families making up more than 40 percent of its shoppers, Westfield wants to capitalize on promotions that can involve children and families.

With that in mind, its Veterans Day celebration will include weekend family gatherings from 1-3 p.m. on Nov. 10, Nov. 17 and Nov. 24 that will feature patriotic face painting, balloon twisters, stilt walkers and other activities.

Arvidson also said the mall will invite nonprofits that support veteran initiatives to join the weekend events and use them as a platform to educate the community on the services they provide. Groups should contact Arvidson at dawn.arvidson@urw.com to learn more.

Of course, Black Friday, holiday gift buying and filling the aisles with eager shoppers remain a priority for Westfield, but for Veterans Day and the days and weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, it's going to embrace what Arvidson calls one of Westfield's national pillars: honoring the men and women who serve.

"They went to war for us to protect us where we're at," Arvidson said. "They left their families, a lot of them young families, to go defend us. It's what we should do and what we need to do in order to honor them and say, 'Thank you for your service.'

"Not only that, but those (military) families that are coming to shop with us -- we want them to see that we recognize their sacrifice. It gives me chills talking about that."

Sometimes we forget this nation has been at war for 17 years, and experts say we continue to need a presence in Afghanistan. With surveys revealing that many military members and their families feel unappreciated, we need to not only embrace opportunities to salute them, but take the time to talk to them and understand their service, their motivation and their sacrifice.

That's all I'm saying.

Carrollwood Day students come up with hair-raising idea

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They walked in with long locks and walked out with warm hearts.

On Oct. 23, Salon Inga donated 105 inches of hair to Children with Hair Loss thanks to the efforts of Aidan Gonzalez and her fellow Carrollwood Day School students.

Aidan generated the idea for a "cut-a-thon" as part of a school project.

"Choosing this campaign for my personal project really came as I was watching my cousin who is 15 months older receiving chemo on her 16th birthday," Aidan said. "The timing of the springboard meetings for personal project and her diagnosis came around the same time. This seemed like a natural choice and a way for me to help since I knew no other way to do so."

Aidan didn't stop with her own sacrifice. She committed to gathering friends who would all cut and donate their hair.

They asked Salon Ingá to do the cuts, and the Cut-A-Thon was born.

"When I approached Salon Inga for guidance with this, they sprang into action and directed me to Children With Hair Loss organization," Aidan said."They also graciously offered to hold a cut a thon. Seeing this all come together from just being an idea to an actual event was amazing. I felt so proud of what we were doing as a group of friends and strangers all for the goal of helping kids who for whatever reason have to suffer from hair loss."

Salon Ingá opened the event up to the public, offering free cuts to customers interested in donating at least 8 inches. They also launched a Wig Drive, accepting wigs that are no longer being used. They will clean and refurbish and add these to their collection of complimentary wigs that they provide for women undergoing cancer treatment and experiencing hair loss.

Salon Ingá is going to continue offering half-priced cuts for donation, and plans to hold another Cut-A-Thon event in January.

Tiny Home Show to return to Ruskin

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RUSKIN - After drawing impressive crowds last year, the Circle Pond Tiny Home Community presents the second Annual Tiny Home Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday (Nov 10) at the Hillsborough Community College SouthShore Campus, 551 24th St NE.

Similar to 2017, guests will have the opportunity to view and tour tiny houses, bus conversions,gypsy wagons and other styles of tiny structures.

In addition, guests also have the opportunity to attend workshops and hear presentations from returning tiny house celebrities and recognized leaders from the tiny house community such as Andrea Burns, a critical thinking expert with Tomato Box Tiny House, and Jo-Ann Peck with Historic Sheds, who will speak on zoning and building codes for tiny living.

Andrew Bennet and Barbara Reilly, also will present, shedding light on best building practices, insurance, inspections and IRC codes with "Future Proofing Tiny Housed." Pat Dunham will give tips and solutions on "Living Well In Small Spaces."

John and Fin Kernohan, the founders of the United Tiny House Association, are this year's keynote speakers and will share insight on "Living Your Tiny House Dream - No Matter What It Might Be."

This comes at a perfect time for the Kernohans, who are also longtime HCC supporters, and just recently concluded filming the series, Dream Big, Live Small. They also have a book coming out in January 2019: Our Tiny House Love Affair.

The couple is known nationwide for their organization, which is the largest membership tiny house support organization, and they are the organizers of the World's three largest tiny houses on record.

For more than six years, the Kernohans have been living in their 304 square foot, DIY, off-grid tiny home known as the "Beloved Cabin." They travel the country in their towable 148 square foot tiny house, the "Tiny Firehouse - Station No. 9", which is a tribute to firefighters, supports fire stations, and is used to promote fire prevention awareness.

This year's show is no different. All proceeds benefit the South Shore Coalition for Mental Health-& Aging and the Ruskin Community Development Foundation.

General admission tickets cost $5 and are free to veterans and HCC students with a valid student ID.

The 2nd annual Tiny Home Show also features entertainment from pop and country duet "Harmonica Harold with Bonnie" as well as vendors such as Costco, Down 2 Earth- Earth Friendly Gifts, Denique Vintage Designs and on-site food trucks.

Contact Monique Welch at mwelch@tampabay.com.

County looks to new athletic facility as revenue generator

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TAMPA - County and sports officials are raving about the millions of dollars of economic benefits the $17.3 million Hillsborough County Tournament SportsPlex is expected to generate after it opens in January.

"Isn't this place awesome? What this will do for tourism and hotel room occupancy in this portion of town is going to be dramatic," said Eric Hart, president and CEO of the Tampa Sports Authority (TSA), which is managing the 65-acre complex for the county.

County Commission Chairman Sandra Murman called the complex "a labor of love".

It is expected the complex will generate $7.3 million in economic impact during first year of operation and $25 million by its fifth year.

"The SportsPlex will improve the marketability of Hillsborough County as a destination for amateur sports tournaments," said County Commissioner Ken Hagan, who was credited for his years-long vision and support that helped make the complex possible.

"I can't wait to see the fields full of kids," said Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Kemp.

The tournament sports complex, located on Columbus Drive near Falkenburg Road, has been in the planning for more than a decade. The county put it on the fast track two years ago when bids awarding bids for its design and construction.

Construction costs are being covered by the county, tourist development taxes, and the Hillsborough County Tourist Development Council.

"We came in on time and within budget," said Project Manager Chris Postiglione.

At a preview event on Nov. 1, a GPS-operated robot rolled across 15 very green sports fields to paint white lines for future games.

Those fields are designed to accommodate a wide variety of sports from soccer to cricket, lacrosse, football, rugby, and field hockey.

Night games will be illuminated with premium LED lighting.

A nearly-completed building sits in the center of the complex and will include restrooms, a concession area, and a second floor viewing area for coaches to monitor games playing on the surrounding fields.

The complex includes 330 parking spaces and two sets of aluminum bleachers that can seat 300 people. It is located close to both Interstates 4 and 275, and is within 10 minutes of more than 6,000 hotel rooms.

In addition, downtown entertainment and restaurant venues, Tampa International Airport, and area attractions are all within a 10-20 minute drive.

The complex, which is a partnership between the county, theTSA, and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, will host a small event on Dec. 8, a College Soccer Exposure Showcase Girls' Camp, and its first major event, the U.S. Flag and Touch Football League National Championships in January.

The January event is expected to attract up to 400 teams that are estimated to involve up to 40 people per team who will be staying in the Tampa Bay area during the tournament.

In addition, TSA Executive Director Rob Higgins announced the USA Field Hockey National Hockey Festival has booked the complex for November 2019.

That festival will involve 3,000 athletes, 175 teams, 450 coaches, 4,500 spectators, fans and families, and more than 100 college coaches, according to Higgins.

Contact Sheila Estrada at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

Brandon: Say goodbye to Kmart, hello to Lucky's Market

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BRANDON - Although razed walls, dusty concrete and remnants of Blue Light Specials remain hidden behind the fencing near the northeast intersection of West Brandon Boulevard and Lakewood Drive, there's a lot going on and even much more to come.

Demolition crews and a developer are busy preparing the site for a makeover that will include Lucky's Market, Bealls Outlet and Home Centre. Until recently the 228,176 square-foot center was home to a longtime Kmart store and other merchants that still include Chuck E. Cheese's, Top China Buffet and Kane's furniture.

SITE Centers, a real estate investment trust headquartered in Beachwood, Ohio, now owns and will develop and manage the Brandon property. It's in the early stages of revamping the center that has been renamed the Collection at Brandon Boulevard. It is the newest among the company's ownership of 78 shopping centers spread throughout the United States.

The right half of the former Kmart building has been razed to make room for the stores, including Lucky's, a Colorado-headquartered grocery chain that currently has 33 stores throughout the country, 15 of which are in are in Florida.

Founded in 2003 by husband-and-wife-duo Trish and Bo Sharon in a Boulder, Colo., convenience store they owned, Lucky's is now financially backed by the Kroger Co., considered a giant among grocers.

"The Sharons shared a vision of creating a grocery store where food lovers like themselves would want to shop, with quality products sold at affordable prices with genuine personal service," Lucky's Market spokesperson Krista Torvik said in a statement sent to the Times.

She added that the heart of the store is the produce department with its more 350 fresh, seasonal and mainly locally grown items. It also features ready-to-eat meals made daily from scratch, grab-and-go sushi options, a made-to-order ramen bar, and a cheese shop with close to 100 selections.

Adult customers may also purchase a $3 glass of wine or a $2 pint of wine to sip on while they stroll through the 30,467-square-foot market, complete with a bulk-food section and an apothecary department where customers can make their own teas and create their own healing remedies and also pick up over-the-counter medicines.

The 28,000-square-foot Beall's Outlet is expected to open on the western end of the complex and the Home Centre, headquartered in Dubai, will feature furniture, home décor and other accessories. All the stores should open in 2019.

SITE Centers officials hope the site's transformation, will attract much attention from the close to 82,000 vehicles on average that travel daily on along that stretch of West Brandon Boulevard, according FDOT figures.

"I like that there will be a variety of stores to help fill the gap that Kmart offered," said nearby Timber Pond resident Barbara Routen. "It's nice, too, that the shops will be close to home so that I don't always have to go to the mall or Valrico."

Additional spaces are still available for lease at the center. To learn more log onto www.loopnet.com.

Contact Joyce McKenzie at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

Joe Henderson: Athletic departments need to heed the warnings of dwindling attendance

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My daughter-in-law is a University of Florida graduate, and she is total Gator.

She even once convinced my son to drive them from Hillsborough County to Gainesville to watch a UF gymnastics meet.

She also held football season tickets to The Swamp - that is, until she got the bill to renew them for this year. The price had basically doubled from the previous seasons because the "recent graduate" discount she had been receiving had expired.

Well, so did her season tickets. She decided not to renew.

She is not alone. Actually, she appears to be part of a trend affecting major sports all over the state and nation, and right here in Hillsborough too.

As Matt Baker noted in the Tampa Bay Times sports section, attendance at last Saturday's UF Homecoming game with Missouri was the lowest for a Gator home since 1990. The announced crowd was 80,017, but on television it looked like there were large sections of unoccupied seats for a team that has been having a good season.

The same phenomenon is visible at Florida State's Doak Campbell Stadium, and here in Tampa poor attendance at University of South Florida games has been an ongoing story for years.

Even mighty Alabama shows some cracks. Coach Nick Saban complained recently that more students need to show up.

What gives?

There is creature comfort, of course. September and even October games in Florida can be miserable affairs, what with high temperatures, soaking humidity, and the ever-present chance of storms and lightning delays.

Let's just say The Swamp is aptly named.

But this is Florida. We love football and it's not as if the weather is a new phenomenon here.

Earlier, I mentioned the cost. It goes beyond what people pay for tickets.

The Buccaneers, another football team where attendance often seems to be a story, charge $25 just to park in a stadium lot. Add the cost of tickets and food, and you're making quite an investment - especially for 1 p.m. games where, oh yeah ... it's Tampa, and it gets warm here.

For what it costs to take the mythical family of four to one of these deals, you could invest in a 60-inch hi-def TV, with money left over for beer.

Hotels are culpable too. It's not unusual for fans coming from out of town to college games to see a two-night minimum at an elevated rate, which is annoying. It's hard to plan, too, what with the great god television moving start times around from week to week to cater to its audience.

Also, it's not uncommon for a college game to last four hours or more, and it looks like more people are deciding it's just easier to watch it from home.

I don't come to bury football, though - particularly the college game.

The atmosphere in the stadium for a big Southeastern Conference game is hard to match. I love the horse and the flaming spear at Florida State. I love the video of a swamp filled with alligators when UF takes the field. I love when USF runs out of the tunnel for the start of its game while the band is playing the fight song.

But just maybe, and this applies to all sports, the people in charge have over-estimated how much the paying customer is willing to put up with in exchange for things they like.

The Lightning seem to have figured out the formula of in-game experience versus cost. It also helps that they're really good and people obviously see value in investing their time and money.

When you add everything up though, I'm not sure we can say the same thing about football. This might be a blip, or it might be a societal change. Either way, the warning signs are there. They better pay attention.

Contact Joe Henderson at joehtampa@gmail.com.

Something for everyone at Junior League's annual Tampa Holiday Gift Market

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TAMPA - A scratch-off map of America might be Isabel Dewey's favorite find at the Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gift Market.

"You scratch off all the places you've been," said Dewey, president of the 2,000-member women's organization. "We are actually planning our summer vacations to places we haven't been to yet. I bought it last year and they're coming back again."

Kristin Douglas Art and 200 other merchants have booked booths to sell home accessories, clothing, jewelry, personalized gifts, toys and art Friday (Nov. 9), Saturday (Nov. 10) and Sunday (Nov. 11) to an estimated 30,000 shoppers at the Florida State Fairgrounds' Expo Hall. Admission is $10.

Ellenton author/illustrator Rebekah Phillips, 36, is thrilled to have been selected to promote her business, Pawz Publishing. As the league's fourth Young Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) award winner, she receives a booth valued at $1,100 to sell her children's books and plush velour toys that "carry the main character into kids' everyday lives." Titles include Lily the Fancipoo, co-written with her mother, and Piper was Afraid. "My mother was my inspiration," Phillips said. "She used to make up stories for me and my three brothers." Her newest series, Farlee-& Friends, aims for older children, up to age 9. "It's about healthy friendships, reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh, about what it means to be a true friend."

Holiday Gift Market co-chairs Sarah Heller and Kimy Marino have lined up entertainment and activities throughout the weekend, several events requiring a separate ticket, starting Thursday(Nov. 8) with a festive preview party from 6 to 10 p.m. featuring food, music and shopping for $35.

New this year: a mimosa Sip n' Shop pre-opening experience Saturday costs $25 and includes admission to the market before the crowds arrive.

Too early? How about High Tea from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for $25. TeBella Tea Company, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Alessi Bakery will provide the treats.

Holiday crafts with Santa occupy the little ones at Clause's Cabin from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for $40. Two Princesses breakfasts are sold out but the pretty ladies will be around for photo ops Friday morning for $25. There is no charge to romp in the Glazer Children's Museum's Imagination playground. Don't worry about dad - the man cave area has two televisions and several food vendors close by.

The annual shopping extravaganza has raised more than $1 million since Publix signed on as presenting sponsor in 2016, Dewey said.-"Almost every aspect of the Market has an underwriting sponsor, even our gift bags, so we clear more than $300,000 a year which funds the majority of our community projects."

Child welfare and education, with an emphasis on foster children, is the focus of 14 current community projects delivering literacy and life skills, health and fitness programs by partnering with community organizations, businesses and government agencies.

Contact Amy Scherzer at ascherzer@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3332. Follow @Amy_Scherzer.


Brandon's Nativity Catholic Church gears up for another Novemberfest

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BRANDON - Retired Nativity Catholic School teacher MaryAnn Whitman fondly recalls the days leading up to Novemberfest every year.

"Once the food tent went up it was a struggle to keep the kids focused," she said. "But it was great to see their excitement."

That same enthusiasm is evident today as students count down the wait time to Novemberfest 2018, which runs Nov. 14-18 on the school campus, located just east of Bryan Road at 705 E. Brandon Blvd.

The family-friendly attraction filled with an assortment of freshly prepared and ethnically diverse foods, rides, games, band performances and a multitude of gift cards and other raffle items - including a grand prize of $5,000 in cash - is fashioned to attract folks of all ages.

The 49th annual affair, stemming from what was once the school's semi-annual small carnival-like gathering held mainly for students and their parents, has grown into what organizers say is Hillsborough County's third largest days-long events behind the Florida State Fair in Tampa and the Plant City's Strawberry Festival.

The fest tends to draw its biggest crowds on the Friday night when the Soul Circus Cowboys, led by Nativity graduate Billy McKnight, performs under the big tent. Former Nativity students gather with graduates from area high schools to create an informal all-class reunion. Brandon native Wes Dearth will open for the Cowboys this year.

Perhaps even more significant about Brandon's Novemberfest, which typically draws close to 100,000 people from throughout Tampa Bay and beyond, is that it is the largest volunteer-run event in the eastern part of the county.

More than 1,000 volunteers donate close to 10,000 hours toward its success every year, according to 12-year chairman R.J. Brauneker, a 1983 Nativity school graduate, whose two sons followed in his footsteps by attending the school.

Like her husband, Brauneker's wife Debbie Brauneker, a teacher at the school, also stays very involved year after year in the planning and implementation of Novemberfest.

She pumps up the students by organizing pep rallies and providing incentives that encourage them to ask their relatives, neighbors and family friends to buy armbands and food tickets in advance online at discounted prices through Sunday (Nov. 12). On the website NativityCatholicChurch.org/Novemberfest one-day ride armbands are available for $17, whereas the on-grounds cost is $23; and 10 food tickets may be purchased for $9 in contrast to $10 at the festival, where parking and admission are free.

In addition, details regarding Novemberfest's hours of operation, special appreciation days, and the dates and times of musical performances can be found on the website.

"For me it's all about community and families. I enjoy how much fun everyone is having," said Debbie Brauneker, who also helps count the money brought in daily at the festival and along with her husband takes a week's vacation from her job during Novemberfest to do their part.

All proceeds benefit Nativity's school in the form of need-based scholarships for students, classroom needs and Nativity Catholic Church's programs that benefit the youth.

"The money really makes a huge difference for our school," said principal Maureen Ringley. "It's used to improve our technology, our academics and our religious program."

Chris Assaro, a Novemberfest chairman in the early 2000s who this year will perform for the first time on Thursday evening with the five-member Classix rock band he put together, looks forward to taking on a different role in a happening he always looks forward to and has attended for close to 35 years.

"It's a phenomenal event and I wouldn't miss it," he said

Contact Joyce McKenzie at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

Land O' Lakes veteran finds new purpose in adaptive sports

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On a late Friday evening in the Afghanistan capital of Kabul, the last thing on George Vera's mind was meeting royalty.

But the events of that day, and the aftermath, put Vera on a path to meet Prince Harry, the culmination of an inspirational story about recovering from the wounds of war.

It was late Aug. 7, 2015. Members of the Taliban attacked Camp Integrity, the U.S. Special Operations Forces headquarters near the Kabul airport. Vera, who now lives in Land O' Lakes, was a member of the 7th Special Forces Group, and assigned to a quick reaction force to respond to the attack, which took the life of his best friend, Army 1st Sgt. Andrew McKenna.

Risking his own life, Vera helped pull troops out of the line of fire after the Taliban attacked the camp with an explosives-laden vehicle. In the ensuing battle, he said he killed at least five insurgents.

After 30 minutes into the battle, Vera was shot four times. He survived, but was paralyzed from the stomach down.

For a guy who was used to being an active, robust Green Beret, the injury proved devastating. And the recovery, which brought him to the Tampa area to recuperate at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, was challenging.

Not just for him, but for his wife, Angela M. Vera, and daughter, Angela I. Vera.

Vera went through numerous surgeries. There were down days. But in January, he made a decision that would change his life for the better.

"I decided I wanted to try out for the Warrior Games," said Vera. The Defense Department's adaptive sports competition helps participants regain a sense of normalcy and teamwork often found missing after being wounded, ill or injured.

"My big thing is that I always liked the team concept," said Vera, 41. "I knew for me, I wasn't going to be a Special Forces guy anymore, but adaptive sports gave me that team feeling and allowed me to start getting to normality."

Vera picked up adaptive sports fairly quickly, making both the U.S. Special Operations Command's Warrior Games team as well as a spot on the U.S. entry to the Invictus Games, created in 2013 by England's Prince Harry after he witnessed the inspiration that is the Warrior Games.

Vera's glidepath to adaptive sports glory may have been short, but it wasn't easy.

"I didn't feel better," he said. "It was rough. I woke up sore all the time, but as time passed, it got better and I could do more things."

As if his own personal goal wasn't enough, Vera said he was additionally motivated by his daughter, Angela.

"It is inspirational when you have an 11-year-old daughter who won't let you lay around in bed all day," said Vera.

During the Warrior Games, held over the summer in Colorado Springs and heading to Tampa next year, Vera won gold medals in shotput and discus and earned two bronze medals in cycling.

And on Oct. 27, he was part of the U.S. wheelchair basketball team that won the gold medal at the Invictus Games, held in Sydney, Australia.

Achievement aside, it was a trip of a lifetime for Vera, and his wife and daughter, both named Angela.

"It was on our bucket list," he said.

Meeting a prince was not, but that happened as well.

"It was good to compete and win the gold medal," he said. "Prince Harry and his wife presented us with the medals. It was pretty neat."

Topping that may be tough, but Vera is not done with adaptive sports. Not only will he try to compete in both the Warrior Games and the Invictus Games next year, but as an active duty soldier, he has been assigned to a planning cell for the 2019 Warrior Games, which are coming to Tampa from June 21 to June 30 and will be hosted by SOCom.

Vera has another goal on his bucket list.

"I would like to try out for the U.S. National Paralympic Team," he said. "But I am a little older, so we'll see how it goes."

•••

The Pentagon announced no new U.S. troop deaths last week.

There have been 2,347 U.S. troop deaths in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan; 54 U.S. troop deaths and one civilian Department of Defense employee death in support of the follow-up, Operation Freedom's Sentinel; 56 troop deaths and two civilian deaths in support of Operation Inherent Resolve; one troop death in support of Operation Odyssey Lightning, the fight against Islamic State in Libya; one troop death in support of Operation Joint Guardian, one death classified as other contingency operations in the global war on terrorism; one death in Operation Octave Shield and six deaths in ongoing operations in Africa where, if they have a title, officials will not divulge it.

Contact Howard Altman at haltman@tampabay.com or (813) 225-3112. Follow @haltman.

Culture, culinary delights highlight Tampa Greek Festival

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The 38th Tampa Greek Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 9) and Saturday (Nov. 10) and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday (Nov. 11) at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 2418 W Swann Ave. Attendees can share in the rich history, culture, community and culinary delights of Greece.

Attendees will find Greek food, music, dancing and shopping. This is one of Hillsborough County's oldest cultural celebrations with the Tampa Greek Festival established more than 30 years ago.

St. John's famous finishing touches such as baklava, kourambiedes, koulourakia and many other famous Greek pastry treats can be found at the event. More than 8,000 people are expected to attend the Greek Festival at the Greek Orthodox church in South Tampa's Hyde Park neighborhood.

The event shares the Greek Heritage, its orthodoxy and food with the Tampa Bay community. Throughout the weekend, guests will stroll through the Grand Hall, indulging in inventive spirits at the Opa! Party Tent and discover market treasures. There will also be evenings with live music and dance.

The Greek Festival will raise funds and share with the Tampa community by giving a portion of the festival proceeds to LifePath Hospice. This is to help continue their effort to meet the needs of patients and families who can't pay for hospice services.

Tickets are $2 per person at the door, but there will be free admission today (Nov. 9). Military families and children under 12 years old are free and parking is also free.

For more information, email stjohngoctampa@gmail.com or visit greekorthodoxchurchtampa.org.





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