Valrico
33
May 2023
Volume 20, Issue 5
2
Ph: 813-657-2418
CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
BUSCH GARDENS HONORS MILITARY WITH FREE PARK ADMISSION FOR ACTIVE DUTY, VETERANS AND FAMILIES
BULLFROG CREEK BREWING CO.
Staff Report
By Marie Gilmore
ored to continue this long-standing tradition as a small gesture of our deep gratitude towards members of our military.” Eligible U.S. military veterans and retirees can register for complimentary single-day tickets for themselves and up to three dependents before Sunday, May 14 at www.wavesofhonor.com. After registering, all tickets must be redeemed at the park by July 9. U.S. active-duty, activated or drilling reservist and National Guardsmen also can take advantage of one complimentary admission for themselves and up to three dependents per year to Busch Gardens. Additional discounts and offers are available for active military and veterans through MWR and ITT offices on U.S. military bases and online at www.wavesofhonor.com. These offers are available year-round and may differ by park. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA-accredited zoo with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species and exciting seasonal events all year, providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit www.buschgardenstampa.com.
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
Five years clude Buckhorn ago, longtime loBaltic Porter, cal residents and Bloomingdale business owners Brown, Alafia Jamie Ratcliff Wheat and the and his wife, newest addition, Kelly, opened Pizza Rock IPA. Bullfrog Creek “Our team Brewing Co. in is passionate an abandoned about beer and gas station in the art of brewthe heart of the ing,” said RatB l o o m i n g d a l e Valrico’s own Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. owners Jamie cliff. “We believe and Kelly Ratcliff. community. in using only the Well today, that finest ingredients to little gas station in create unique and the Erindale Plaza is delicious beers that a 3,000 sq. ft. cenare sure to satisfy ter core of activity, the taste buds of events, members, even the most disfresh brews, live cerning craft beer music, charitable enthusiasts.” Over events, markets and the five years, Bullall embraced within frog has created Live music, trivia, music bingo, car shows, fesa fun, family-friendly 386 beers, served tivals, events & more can be found every night. atmosphere. 6.4 million ounces And credit has to be given to a busi- of beer and had 340 beers gifted to visness that not only survived the 2020 iting veterans. shutdown and pandemic but is also conIn addition to the best local brews, stantly evolving its business model, even Bullfrog Creek has a full-time dedicated making to-go cases of beer, cider and food truck serving pub favorite, such as root beer and offering curbside delivery. burgers, fries, wings and more, directed As Valrico’s first brewery, Ratcliff, a by head chef Cormac McCarthy. proud veteran, is also proud of the busiBullfrog Creek opened to the public in ness they have created, and he said, “We March 2018 and is dedicated to crafting love this community and we love to drink high-quality, innovative beers for beer our beer with friends and family. Com- lovers in the community. It is located munity is everything to us and we love to at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. give back.” Hours are Monday through Thursday, 12 And give back they do. Ratcliff esti- Noon-10 p.m.; Friday through Saturday, mates that over the five years and hun- 12 Noon-11 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 Noondreds of music bingo events, local non- 8 p.m. Visit www.bullfrogcreekbrewing. profits have raised more than $400,000 com for a full listing of upcoming events. thanks in part to a generous program where Bullfrog provides the equipment and the preregistered charity provides the audience, the sales team and the priz$1 MINI-GOLF......................................PG 3 es. Bullfrog is a fully working brewery and ALL PRO DAD .......................................PG 5 pub under the supervision of head brew- MUSEUM OF ART ...............................PG 9 er Nicholas DiGioia and general manag- EYE ON BUSINESS................PGS 25-26 er Alex Volovar. Iconic local brews in-
IN THIS ISSUE:
AGEREJUVENATION......................PG 26
Postal Customer
ECRWSS EDDM
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2118
Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is honoring military veterans and up to three guests with free one-day admission to its parks from now through Sunday, July 9. Active-duty military and their guests continue to enjoy one-day complimentary admission throughout the year. The offers are part of Busch Gardens’ long-standing Waves of Honor program that salutes active-duty military members, veterans and their families by offering special pricing and promotions throughout the year. For more than 20 years, Busch Gardens has been proud to provide complimentary park access to members of the United States military. More than 10 million guests — active-duty military members, veterans and their families — have enjoyed free admission to the company’s parks. Whether it’s educational animal experiences or thrilling attractions, Busch Gardens invites military families for a day of family fun. “We take great pride in providing military members and their families the opportunity to create memories at one of our parks,” said Marc Swanson, chief executive officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “Extending free park admission to military service members, veterans and their families allows us to show our utmost appreciation to all the brave individuals who serve and sacrifice for our county. We are hon-
CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF COMMUNITY EVENTS
One of our all-time Tim Burton favorites, Beetle Juice, comes to life at the Straz Center for the 23/24 season. The slate also includes Funny Girl, Mrs. Doubtfire, Peter Pan, Clue, Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Jesus Christ Superstar, THE BOOK OF MORMON and Les Misérables. The full article can be found on Page 11.