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

YOUR SEARCH FOR SUMMER PLANS IS OVEREDITION VALRICO

March 2026 Volume 23, 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.

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

Ph: 813-657-2418

See Our Summer Camp Guide Section Two

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)

By Olivia Clark

ECRWSS EDDM

Postal Customer

PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA, FL PERMIT #1456

ipate the needs of the vendors,” said Debra Ries. The market typically hosts 75-100 vendors during most seasons, offering handmade crafts, homemade baked goods and ethnic foods. Organizers also cuVisitors browse vendor tents at the Brandon Sunday Market, a community event rate the vendor that highlights handmade goods and local artisans. lineup to limit The Brandon Sunday Market conduplication and tinues to bring together local artisans, provide shoppers with a wide variety of small businesses and families through locally made products. an outdoor market that highlights hand“Our vendors offer a wide array of made goods and community connection. handmade crafts, homemade baked Now organized by Oh So Rustic Home goods and ethnic delicacies,” said Debra Goods Store owners Robert and Debra Ries. Ries, the market has become a gatherBeyond shopping, the Brandon Suning place where residents can shop local, day Market also emphasizes community discover unique products and support involvement by providing free vendor small businesses throughout the Bran- spaces for nonprofits, schools and comdon area. munity organizations. The Brandon Sunday Market was “In the spirit of community, we always created nine years ago by a group of provide a couple of spaces for nonprofcrafters who wanted a place where they it organizations and local schools at no could sell handmade items and connect charge,” said Debra Ries. with the community. Since then, it has The market also hosts themed events grown into one of the longest-running throughout the year. Upcoming events outdoor vendor markets in Brandon. include the St. Patrick’s Day Market on “It was and always has been designed Sunday, March 15, followed by Easter at by and for those who are in the business the Market on Sunday, March 29, which of selling handmade and unique items,” will feature photo opportunities with the said Debra Ries. “Our goal has always Easter Bunny and activities for children. been to provide a venue for artisans in “Our mission is simple,” said Debra our community.” Ries. “We strive to provide a safe, clean She and her husband became involved and family-friendly atmosphere for local with the market as vendors before tak- craftspeople, businesses and patrons ing on a larger role in organizing the that is affordable, unique and reflective events. of the community that supports us.” “All the while we’ve focused on how For more about upcoming markets, to better organize the market and antic- visit www.brandonsundaymarket.com.

NORM HARRIS 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT HONORS BELOVED COACH By Olivia Clark

The third annual Norm Harris 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament recently brought players, families and community members together at the Campo Family YMCA for a day of competition and remembrance. Held on March 4, the event honored the lasting legacy of longtime volunteer coach Norm Harris while raising funds to support local youth programs. Harris served as a volunteer coach with the YMCA for 13 years and was also known Players compete during the third annual Norm Harris 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at the Campo Family YMCA. in the community as a local ensure that children and families throughout the community have access to youth sports, wellness programs and other activities offered by the organization. For many attendees, the tournament is also an opportunity to reconnect and reflect on Harris’ lasting influence. “The tournament brings business owner. According to Shawn Cier- out friends, family members and former ebiej, executive director of the Campo Fam- players that Norm coached over the years,” ily YMCA, the tournament was created to said Cierebiej. “It’s a way to remember his recognize Harris’ dedication to youth sports legacy and the contributions he made to the and the positive impact he made on players YMCA and the community.” and families throughout the community. For Harris’ family, the event serves as a “The tournament was created to honor powerful reminder of how volunteer service him and his passion for youth sports while can leave a lasting impact. raising awareness and funds for our youth “Our contributions we make through volprograms,” said Cierebiej. unteering with our community matter and Now in its third year, the annual event have a lasting effect,” said Jessica Harris, continues to grow as former players, friends spouse of Norm Harris. and community members return to the As the tournament continues each year, court in Harris’ memory. The tournament is organizers hope it will remain both a celeopen to participants ages 12 and older, with bration of Norm Harris’ legacy and a meanteams organizing themselves and register- ingful way to support future generations of ing under age divisions, including 12-14, 15- YMCA participants. 17, 18-29 and 30 and older. While the tournament provides an opportunity for friendly competition, it also serves a larger purpose. Proceeds from the NEW BELL SHOALS HIGH................PG 3 event support the YMCA’s Annual Giving BIG BOY SOAP HOCKEY......... ..........PG 6 Campaign, which helps provide financial asTWO RIVERS RANCH.......................PG 14 sistance for families who may not be able to afford the full cost of YMCA programs. VIETNAM VETERANS EVENT....PG 22 Through these funds, the YMCA works to EYE ON BUSINESS................... .........PG 38

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