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YOUR SEARCH FOR SUMMER PLANS IS OVER Home to more than 12,000 animals and world-class coasters, Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay has camps for both animal lovers and thrill seekers alike.

YOUR SEARCH FOR SUMMER PLANS IS OVER Kids in Kindergarten through 12th grade can enroll in one-of-a-kind camps.

Day Camp: K-12 • Resident Camp: 7 -12 th

Book today and start counting down to the best summer ever.

Home to more than 12,000 animals and world-class coasters, Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay has camps for both animal lovers and thrill seekers alike. BuschGardens.com/camps • (813)884-4FUN (4386) Kids in Kindergarten through 12th grade can enroll in one-of-a-kind camps.

See Our Ad On Page 25 Day Camp: K-12th • Resident Camp: 7th -12th

YOUR SEARCH SouthS FOR hore SUMMER PLANS ISBeach/Rusk OVER in/Wimauma Apollo

March 2026 Volume 1, Issue 3

Home to more than 12,000 animals and world-class coasters, Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay has camps for both animal lovers and thrill seekers alike. Kids in Kindergarten through 12th grade can enroll in one-of-a-kind camps.

NOW OPEN IN SOUTHSHORE

Day Camp: K-12th • Resident Camp: 7th -12th Book today and start counting down to the best summer ever.

Ph: 813-657-2418

13 SEE OUR AD ON PAGE ____

C E L ENOW! B R A T I BuschGardens.com/camps N G 2 4 Y E• (813)884-4FUN A R S (4386) OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS REGISTER

BuschGardens.com/camps • (813)884-4FUN (4386)

SPURLINO FAMILY YMCA TO HOST COLOR RUN AND SENIOR FASHION SHOW TO SUPPORT PROGRAMS

By Olivia Clark

By Marie Gilmore The 16th annual Crawfish Festival is set to bring a taste of Louisiana to Riverview in April, inviting the community to enjoy a lively day of food, music and family-friendly fun — all for a good cause. Hosted by the FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club, the popular event will take place on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Winthrop Town Centre in the Winthrop Commons field behind Donovan’s. Admission and parking are free, making it an accessible outing for families, friends and even four-legged companions, as the festival is dog-friendly. Fe s t i va l g o e r s can look forward to fresh crawfish delivered straight from Louisiana on the morning of the event, served Cajun-style with corn and potatoes. In addition to the signature dish, attendees will find a variety of Louisiana favorites, including gumbo, crawfish étouffée, red beans, rice and dirty rice. Other menu options, such as pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs and smoked fish dip, ensure there is something for every palate, along with sweet treats offered by local vendors. Live entertainment will be provided by Mike Imbasciani & His BluezRockerz, setting the tone for a festive atmosphere, while more than 30 vendors will offer local goods, crafts and festival merchandise. A dedicated children’s area will provide activities for younger attendees, making the event a well-rounded experience for all ages. Food and beverages at the festival are purchased using ‘Crawfish Cash’ or prepurchased meal tickets, available online and at the event. A standard crawfish

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said Athena Reed, wellness director for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA at the Spurlino Family YMCA at Big Bend Road. “We provide financial assistance to families that cannot afford membership fees, summer camp, swim lessons and other programs that we offer at our center.” Both YMCA members and nonmembers are invited to participate in the run by registering through the RunSignup website. The other highlight on the YMCA’s event calendar, the Senior Participants celebrate during a previous Color Run event at Fashion Show, is organized by the the Spurlino Family YMCA at Big Bend Road. center’s active older adult members. Now in its fourth The Spurlino Family year, the event has YMCA at Big Bend Road is grown into a fun and preparing to host two upmeaningful tradition for coming community events participants and spectadesigned to bring people totors alike. gether while raising funds to The show, to be held support programs that benon Saturday, April 25, efit local families. The Senior features a committee of Fashion Show and the annumembers who help orgaal Color Run both serve as nize the event as well as fundraisers for the YMCA’s volunteer models from the YMCA commuannual giving campaign, which helps ennity who take to the runway. sure access to programs for individuals and “This event brings fun, community and families regardless of their ability to pay. helps raise funds for our annual giving camThe Color Run will offer a morning filled paign,” said Reed. with fitness, music and community celebraFunds raised through both events help tion. The event begins at 8 a.m. on Sunday, ensure that YMCA programs remain accesApril 19, with a Zumba warmup before parsible to everyone in the community. ticipants begin the walk or run. Through“Our fundraising ensures that everyone out the course, runners and walkers will be in our community — regardless of their showered with colorful powder, creating a ability to pay — has access to programs vibrant and festive experience for all parthat strengthen youth, improve health and ticipants. build a stronger, more connected commuRegistrants will receive a T-shirt and nity,” said Reed. medal for participating. After the run conCommunity members interested in parcludes, attendees can enjoy an after-party ticipating in the Color Run or attending the featuring local vendors, food trucks, music Senior Fashion Show can contact Reed at and dancing. athena.reed@tampaymca.org for addition“The Color Run is one of our fundraising al information. events for our annual giving campaign,”

16TH ANNUAL CRAWFISH FESTIVAL PROMISES FLAVORFUL FUN FOR A CAUSE

dinner, featuring approximately 2 pounds of crawfish, is priced at $25, with additional food items ranging from $2-$8. Beyond the food and entertainment, the Crawfish Festival serves a meaningful purpose. Proceeds benefit the FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club Foundation, which supports initiatives aimed at alleviating hunger, poverty, illiteracy and disease both locally and internationally. Notably, 90 percent of proceeds remain in the local community, funding charitable organizations, youth scholarships and leadership development programs. With the support of attendees and volunteers, the foundation contributed $40,000 to community organizations in the past year alone. “This event is about more than great food — it’s about bringing people together to make a difference,” organizers said. To purchase tickets in advance, visit www.luvcrawfish.com.

IN THIS ISSUE: REALTY SEEKS NEW AGENTS.....PG 3 BIG BOY SOAP HOCKEY......... ..........PG 6 GIFT CARD SCAMS............................PG 15 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE.......PGS 19-28 EYE ON BUSINESS.............................PG 30

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