Brandon/Winthrop
29
June 2023
Volume 18, Issue 6
10
Ph: 813-657-2418
CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
HIGH 5 INC. DEDICATES NEW MEMORIAL GARDEN TO SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM DIRECTOR
By Lily Belcher
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
Postal Customer
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PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2118
High 5 Inc. regoing garden that cently dedicated will be continuousthe new TRIDENT ly improved by the Memorial Garden TRIDENT Team,” during the nonprofit said Burgess. organization’s 60th The TRIDENT anniversary celebraTeam, Brandon tion. Leadership Class The garden was of 2023 and othCandy Corsi’s sons unveil the new Trident dedicated to Candy er members of the Memorial Garden located on High 5 Inc. as a Corsi, former TrainHigh 5 team worked legacy to her service to the program. ing and Recreation to create the memofor the Intellecturial garden. Comally Disabled Enmunity donations abling their Natural from Rivard Buick Talents (TRIDENT) GMC, Home Depot, director, on May Kerby’s Nursery and 20. Corsi became Rotary Club of Branthe director in 2011 don supported the and built the speteam during the five cial needs educamonths of construction program into tion. what it is today. The TRIDENT Her two sons are Team is a daily prostill active memgram for adults with bers of the TRIspecial abilities. The DENT program, program acknowlbut, after her death edges that some in 2021, the orgastudents may not nization wanted a be able to live indeway to remember pendently, but High her legacy. 5 and TRIDENT can “[The garden was built] to honor and re- help them maximize their strengths. member an amazing woman with a huge Through the program, special needs kids heart that touched the lives of everyone she and adults have the opportunity to particimet,” said High 5 Inc. CEO Chuck Burgess. pate in social, educational and recreational The memorial garden is located in High 5 activities, like building High 5’s first memoInc.’s back fields by its 25-meter pool. The rial garden. garden is filled with flowers, water feaHigh 5 Inc. is a nonprofit organization tures, gazebos and picnic tables. Burgess that serves local adults and kids by posiand current TRIDENT director Joe Somers tively impacting their mental, physical and came up with the idea for the memorial spiritual wellbeing at their location off garden to involve their special needs mem- Highway 60 in Brandon. For more inforbers. mation on High 5 or its TRIDENT program, “This project began back in January with contact memberservices@high5inc.org or the planning phase and will be a living, on- call 813-689-0908.
Get your Monster Jam tickets! Coming to Tampa on August 19 for one day only! This thrilling, edge of your seat experience is a favorite event for all ages. Fans can see the massive trucks up close, meet their favorite drivers and crews, get autographs, take pictures and enjoy other family-friendly activities. Read full article on Page 28.
FRIENDS OF TAMPA RIVERWALK’S HOSTS BOAT PARADE, POKER RUN AND BLESSING OF THE FLEET FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY
Staff Report
Celebrate IndeWater Ski Team pendence Day at will thrill the audithe Tampa Riverence near Sparkwalk with a specman Wharf with tacular day of fun aerial tricks during and family-frienda 45-minute waly activities. This ter show. Also, at year’s line-up of Sparkman Wharf, events, hosted boats in the parade by Friends of the will be able to take Tampa Riverwalk, part in the BlessThe Latitude Lindsey II will be leading the boat includes the third ing of the Fleet. parade again this year. annual July 4th Boat PaThis centuries-old tradition rade and Blessing of the draws its heritage from Fleet, plus a digital boat Mediterranean fishing compoker run and a water munities and is celebrated ski show by the Tampa around the globe. Local Bay Water Ski Team. All clergy will bless the vessels the events are being held to help ensure a safe and in conjunction with the bountiful season. Star-Spangled SparkRegistration to particman festivities hosted ipate in this year’s July at Sparkman Wharf, 4th Boat Parade began on which will conclude with June 1. The registration fee a spectacular nighttime is $50 per boat. Captains fireworks display. who are interested must The July 4th Boat Paregister their vessel online rade will feature patriotat https://thetampariverically decorated vessels walk.com/. Registration that will sail approximately 7.5 miles on the fees help cover the cost of the parade. Hillsborough River. The grand marshals for For public viewing of the boat parade, visit this year’s parade riding in the lead boat, these locations at the (approximate) desigLatitude Lindsey II, will be Tampa Fire Chief nated times: 6:15 p.m. at Tampa Convention Barbara Tripp and 13th Judicial Circuit Center, 6:30 p.m. at Curtis Hixon WaterState Attorney Suzy Lopez. front Park, 6:45 p.m. at Armature Works, The course for both large and small ves- 7:15 p.m. at Davis Islands and Channel Drive sels will end at Sparkman Wharf, where and 7:30 p.m. at Sparkman Wharf. guest judges from the Boys & Girls Club Public viewing is also available at Water will evaluate each vessel and select one to Works Park and Harbour Island. To view receive a trophy and gift basket full of local the entire route, visit https://thetamparivprizes for the Most Patriotic Boat. erwalk.com/. Following the boat parade and During the July 4th Boat Parade, boat- water ski show, spectators can stay to enjoy ers will participate in Friends of the Tampa an exciting free fireworks display beginning Riverwalk’s digital boat poker run. Boaters at 9 p.m. at Sparkman Wharf. will check in at various GPS hot spots along the Hillsborough River parade route. Participants who successfully check into each location will be entered into a random drawing CHICK-FIL-A 25 YEARS ..................PG 3 for an assortment of local prizes. LIVINGSTONE TRIP ..........................PG 5 There are public viewing areas all along the route where residents and visitors can 2023 VALEDICTORIANS............. PG 12 cheer on the boaters and enjoy the festiv- EYE ON BUSINESS..........................PG 25 ities. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT..........PG 31 At 6 p.m., members of the Tampa Bay
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