Riverview/ Apollo Beach
October 2025 Volume 23, Issue 10
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CELEBRATING 23 YE ARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS
COMMUNITY SET TO HONOR HEROES
AT 47TH ANNUAL RUSKIN VETERANS DAY PARADE
Staff Report
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA, FL PERMIT #1456
The streets of rade is a powerful Ruskin will be lined reminder of why this with flags, families, day matters.” and heartfelt grati“This parade is tude as the 47th anabout honoring our nual Ruskin Veterans veterans — and Day Parade steps off showing up maton Saturday, Novemters,” Barnes addber 8, at 11 a.m. along ed. “Whether you’re U.S. 41. waving a flag, clapThis year’s parade ping from the curb promises to be one or simply standing of the most memorain silence, your presble yet, with a deeply ence sends a powerinspiring local hero ful message of apserving as grand marpreciation.” shal. Local businesses, Lance Corporal schools, marching John ‘JT’ Doody, USMC Lance Corporal John ‘JT’ Doody, USMC bands, krewes, civic (retired), a SouthShore (retired), a SouthShore resident, has been se- groups and veterans’ resident, has been se- lected as the 2025 grand marshal of the 47th organizations will annual Ruskin Veterans Day Parade. lected as the 2025 all be participating, grand marshal. Doody, who was critically with many already hard at work preparinjured while serving in Iraq, has become ing a showcase of patriotism and pride. a symbol of resilience and hope within Thanks to the generous backing of Milithe community. tary Family Support, this year’s event will Born in Denver, Colorado, JT joined the go forward as planned despite increasing U.S. Marine Corps in 2006. He was de- security and operational costs. The preployed to Fallujah in early 2007, where he senting sponsor’s contribution ensures was shot just days after his 24th birth- the community can continue to celebrate day. While recovering from his injuries, this tradition without financial burden JT suffered an anoxic brain injury due to falling on the participants or the chamcomplications from a heart infection, re- ber. sulting in blindness and quadriplegia. “Military Family Support has made it Despite overwhelming challenges, JT possible for us to put on a high-qualicontinues to engage in physical, art and ty, meaningful parade that truly honors music therapy and remains an active and those who have served,” said Barnes. beloved member of the SouthShore comAny remaining funds after event exmunity. Parade organizers said choosing penses will be donated to a local military him as grand marshal is a tribute not organization. only to his service but also to his endurSpectators are encouraged to arrive at ing spirit. the Ruskin Veterans Day Parade early to “JT is the embodiment of courage and claim their viewing spot. perseverance,” said Sherell Barnes of the For more information, visit www. Greater SouthShore Chamber of Com- southshorechamberofcommerce.org or merce. “Having him lead this year’s pa- contact the chamber at 813-645-1366.
MOVE OVER, DOGS — BENTLEY THE CAT JOINS HOSPITAL THERAPY TEAM Staff Report Riverview’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-South has a new addition to its pet therapy program, but it’s not what you might think. Meet Bentley, a 13-year-old chinchilla Persian male cat. Bentley provides pet therapy to patients, patients’ loved ones, visitors, medical staff, team members and others. According to research from the UC (University of California) Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, 94 percent of therapy animals are dogs with the remainPet therapy volunteer Kathy Hofstad with Bentley. der as cats and other anmembers, pet therapy helps if they are havimals. ing a difficult day or encounter a particuRiverview’s larly sad situation at the hospital. Kathy Hofstad, Bentley’s handler and own“Pet therapy cheers them up, rejuveer and a St. Joseph’s Hospital-South pet nates them and makes the day at least a therapy volunteer, rescued Bentley eight little bit better than it was,” Wallace said. years ago and had him certified in pet “Pet therapy gives them a brief, nice respite therapy in the fall of 2024. Hofstad said and some relaxation, making them feel betBentley has the perfect temperament to be ter about what they’re doing. They can go a therapy pet. Unlike most cats, Bentley is back to caring for patients stronger than comfortable around a lot of people, doesn’t they were before.” mind noise and is not bothered by an unfa“For patients, visitors and team memmiliar environment. bers, our therapy pets are just a joy to be “He’s a sweet cat, loves attention, loves around,” Wallace said. to get petted, he’s got dog-like qualities,” Located in Riverview, Florida, just south Hofstad said. “Bentley has a calm, inquisi- of Tampa, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South is a tive disposition. He loves people. He’s just a part of BayCare, the region’s largest aca‘chill cat,’ and that makes him a very good demic health system. Offering a variety of therapy pet.” amenities for patients and visitors, from Bentley joins 11 dogs who are also pro- wireless Internet access and flat-screen viding pet therapy at St. Joseph’s Hospi- TVs in waiting rooms and theWaterside tal-South. Café, open to the Riverview community. The hospital averages between 1,500St. Joseph’s Hospital- South is located at 2,100 contacts, or ‘touches,’ monthly be- 6901 Simmons Loop Riverview. For infortween therapy pets and patients, patients’ mation, https://baycare.org/. loved ones, visitors, medical staff, team members and others. “For patients, pet therapy is a feel-good, SUNCOAST $154K DONATION............PG 3 a comfort and makes them happy,” said SALADINO LEGACY........................ PG. 8 Kim Wallace, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South’s RUSKIN SEAFOOD & ARTS........PG 18 volunteer manager, who oversees the hosTRICK-OR-TREAT STREET �� .........PG 22 pital’s pet therapy program. For St. Joseph’s Hospital-South team EYE ON BUSINESS...............PGS. 33-34
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SHELL POINT MARINA• RUSKIN The 47th annual Ruskin Veterans Day Parade steps off on Saturday, November 8, at 11 a.m. along U.S. 41. For more information, visit www.southshorechamberofcommerce.org or contact the chamber at 813-645-1366.
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