Riverview/ Apollo Beach
May 2025
Volume 23, Issue 5
Ph: 813-657-2418
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CELEBRATING 23 YE ARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS
FROM ROLLER DERBY TO REAL-LIFE ARIEL: HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY OFFERS FREE MEET FLORIDA’S MERLYMPIC CALIBER MOSQUITOFISH TO COMBAT SUMMER PESTS Staff Report ATHLETE & INSTRUCTOR MERMANDY By Libby Hopkins
2025
Class of
ECRWSS EDDM
Postal Customer
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA, FL PERMIT #1456
Mandy Walker their teams to of Riverview, also perform races, known as Merrescues, poses Mandy, is origiand synchronally from Michnized swimming igan and moved to compete for to Florida a few the gold,” Walkyears ago with er said. “Just her family. like any other “When I high-achievmoved, I had ing sport, our just retired from points are added competition rolland ranked for er derby and top-performsought scuba as ing athletes and a sport to ease Mandy Walker of Riverview, also known as MerMandy, teams. This year, the transition is originally from Michigan and moved to Florida a few it is in Wolfsburg, into something a years ago with her family. Walker has competed in the Germany, on May little more relax- Merlympics and was instrumental in getting High 5 Inc. 24. After making involved with training for the Merlympics. ing, but it wasn’t it on the team, my only passion,” Walker said. “I wanted the next thing I know I am hosting Team to learn all things water and dove into the USA, with mermaids from all over our deep end with freediving and found out country here at my home in the Brandon that mermaiding wasn’t just a cartoon. It area for a training weekend. High 5 is one was a real thing, and I could be a profes- of the nicest facilities I had been to, and the sional mermaid.” staff was accommodating and so kind.” It is something every young girl wishes When Walker is not competing in the deep down to be, and Walker had opportu- Merlympics, she is being a mermaid and nities sitting right here in her own backyard. helping other residents become mermaids. “I started as a hobbyist until my children “I become who I want with no interstarted asking for mermaid tails,” Walker ruption or influence of the human world,” said. “It was the beginning of my calling. Walker said. “The water is my therapy, and I trained and became a professional PADI no matter what is going on outside of it, Mermaid instructor to bridge the gap for mermaiding brings joy to me; and as an parents to help their children learn the instructor, I get to watch it create joy for skills of mermaiding. Little did I know my other people. The moment that someone client base would range from ages 6-70. I realizes they can swim as a real mermaid started Mermandy’s Professional Mermaid is something I cherish and hold near and Services and am now one of the most pop- dear to my heart because I got to be a part ular and successful mermaids in the Tampa of it. When children meet me, I have a silly, Bay area.” inner goofy child wake up and join them in Walker has competed in the Merlympics giggles, laughs and splashes. Mermaiding is and was instrumental in getting High 5 Inc. life changing.” involved with training for the Merlympics. If you would like to learn more about “The Merlympics is an International Mer- MerMandy, you can visit her website at maid Competition where countries submit https://mermandy.com/.
CELEBRATE YOUR GRADUATE WITH YOUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY! Purchase a Graduation Advertisement in The Osprey Observer Community Newspaper
The fish are bred locally at the county’s Mosquito Management Services headquarters, which helps ensure their health and sustainability. 2025 Giveaway Schedule: Fish will be available from 8 a.m.-12 Noon on the following Saturdays: • Saturday, May 17 — Southshore Regional Library at 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin. • Saturday, June 21 — Oscar Cooler Sports Complex at 766 W. Lutz Lake Fern Rd. in Lutz. • Saturday, July 19 — Fishhawk Sports Complex at 16000 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. • Saturday, August 23 — Northdale Park & Recreation Center at 15510 Hooting Owls Place in Tampa. For more information on mosquito control, prevention tips or to learn about the county’s mosquito management efforts, visit the Mosquito Control section of the county website, https://hcfl.gov/. Questions about the events can be directed to 813-635-5400.
IN THIS ISSUE: BEER MILE AT BULLFROG..............PG 3 HISTORY TALKS BRANDON..........PG 6 THAT 1 PAINTER..............................PG 18 HONORARY MAYOR’S RAC .........PG 25 EYE ON BUSINESS................SECTION 2
DRY AND WET STORAGE AVAILABLE We Are So Proud Of You,
LARGE DIY SERVICE YARD• 35 TON TRAVEL LIFT
“Kid, you’ll move mountains! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way!” ....Dr. Seuss We are so proud of you Troy! You are an amazing young man with so many talents. You are kind, thoughtful, a hard worker, a great big brother, an Eagle Scout, a Viola player, an employee, a High School Graduate, a world traveler and so much more!!!! UCF is going to be lucky to have a student like you!! Have fun, learn lots and..... Call Your Mom!!!
Troy Gilmore 2023
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
Mosquito Ninja and the Gambuzi-San Mobile Lab truck.
Hillsborough County residents looking for a natural way to fight mosquitoes this summer can pick up free mosquitofish at several events happening throughout the county. Hosted by the county’s Mosquito Management Services, the annual mosquitofish giveaway returns with multiple Saturday events scheduled from May through August 2025. Keep an eye out for the ‘Mosquito Ninja’ and the ‘Gambuzi-San Mobile Lab’ truck as they travel to different locations, distributing the tiny, but powerful mosquito fighters. The free events are open to all Hillsborough County residents. To receive fish, attendees must show a photo ID to verify residency. County staff will scan or record the ID before handing out the mosquitofish. Supplies are limited and will be given out on a first-come, firstserved basis. What Are Mosquitofish? Mosquitofish are small, native freshwater fish known for their appetite for mosquito larvae. They are effective in controlling mosquito populations when placed in standing water like ponds, fountains, animal troughs, or unused swimming pools. Low-maintenance and hardy, these fish require no feeding and breed without special conditions. However, they must be kept away from pesticides, chlorine and garden chemicals to thrive.
We love you, Mom, Dad, Cross and your biggest fan Rhett!
For more information, call 813-657-2418. After purchase, send us a student photo, your graduate’s name, school name and a message to be included to:
graduation@ospreyobserver.com We will design and send a proof for approval.
It’s time to celebrate our upcoming graduates!! Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school or college. Celebrate by purchasing a $100 commemorative ad. Send a photo, your graduate’s name, school name and details to: graduation@ospreyobserver.com.
SHELL POINT MARINA• RUSKIN
813-645-1313
WWW.SHELLPOINTMARINA.COM