Valrico
31
September 2023
Volume 20, Issue 9
Ph: 813-657-2418
See Ad On Page 25
CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
AIR FORCE & USPS VETERAN BRAUN SIR HENRY’S HAUNTED TRAIL CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF SEASONAL NAMED VALRICO POSTMASTER Staff Report ATTRACTIONS, HAYRIDES & EVENTS By Avery Ranieri
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
Postal Customer
ECRWSS EDDM
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2118
The Valrico Post and much growth. Office recently an“Technology is the nounced the apgreatest change pointment of a new at the postal serpostmaster, Samuvice,” he said. “The el Braun. He began average time to his postal career in deliver a letter or 1999 as a distribupackage from the tion clerk in Osweeastern seaboard go, Illinois. Today, he to the west coast serves as the new — and everywhere postmaster of the in between — is 2.5 Valrico Post Office. days, which is quite “I feel I can share amazing.” my knowledge and “I am delivering teach my employfor America by enees in this position,” Samuel Braun was recently appointed to suring all mail dethe position of postmaster at the Valrico said Braun, who livered out of my Post Office. oversees 62 emoffice is made daily, ployees and 34 rural and I strive for acroutes. curate delivery to Braun certainly serve my customers has lots of USPS exproperly,” he added. perience to lean on. Braun is married He served as a city to his wife, Tonya, carrier in Naperand has two grown ville, Illinois and as children, a son who a supervisor of cuslives in New York tomer services in and a daughter in Joliet, Illinois; TamTampa. pa; and Brandon. “I am excited to His first postmaster be here and want to position was in Seffner, get to know the Valrico not too far from the Valricommunity. I am proud co Post Office. to serve as its postmasBraun is also a veteran, ter,” said Braun. having served as an airThe Valrico Post Office man in the Air Force from is located at 2406 E. SR 1996 to 1999. 60 in Valrico. It offers “My friend was a city assistance from postal carrier and loved it,” Braun workers with more than said of his decision to apjust general delivery, inply at USPS after he left the Air Force. cluding P.O. boxes, passport appoint“I already had federal government expe- ments, passport photo appointments, rience and a family, and the postal ser- money orders and more. It also offers vice has excellent opportunities.” self-service kiosks for general mail. For With close to 25 years working for questions and more information, call the USPS, Braun has seen many changes 813-657-0495.
Friday Night Lights are back! Osprey Observer Sports Editor Nick Nahas previews the season for four local high schools including Bloomingdale, Strawberry Crest & Durant High Schools. Each team has a chance to build its program with this year’s schedule and strong seniors and talented juniors will build up team rosters. For full stories see Pages 28-30 the second section.
Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, a series of haunted trails aimed at giving guests a surging adrenaline rush and a high scare factor, is celebrating its 10th year in business. Located at 2837 S. Frontage Rd. in Plant City, Sir Henry’s is excited to announce some new additions to its yearly scares. This is the perfect place for adrenaline junkies. On top of its three one-of-a-kind haunted trail themes, two escape rooms and laser tag, Sir Henry’s is premiering its brand-new Haunted Hayride. Owner Zach Glaros stated, “The special effects, sets and theatricals of the hayride are on another level.” This year’s hayride is titled ‘Legends of Halloween.’ The Haunted Hayride is not the only innovative idea Glaros has had over the past 10 years. At a young age, his and his dad’s interest in Halloween displays grew into a passion to serve people with an attraction experience they will never forget. “Entertaining guests to the highest degree possible while allowing themselves to have a memorable time is critical,” said Glaros. Sir Henry’s family of cast and crew is eager to celebrate 10 years with customers and each other. Glaros touched on the closeness of employees, saying, “From our management to those who act within the trails, we all care for one another. Everyone that comes through feels that there is a huge sense of community and belonging within Sir Henry’s. We are always pushing each other to be even better than we thought possible.” A work environment like this allows this business to thrive and improve each year. Halloween is not the only time to visit this incredible attraction. Sir Henry’s
hosts Christmas and Valentine’s Day haunted trails that have the same amount of, if not more, enthralling scares. With astounding, newly developed makeup, costumes, props and animatronics, Glaros and his team are bringing Halloween to life. Sir Henry’s is classified as a 501(c)(3) and purchases support charities such as Give Kids The World Village and Folds of Honor. Sir Henry’s relies on volunteers of all ages and works with high school students who would like volunteer hours. This team’s work ethic, connection and dedication to service is impeccable. Glaros stated, “If you are interested in being part of our team and volunteering with us, please send us an email at sirhenryshauntedtrail@gmail.com.” There is no cost to park and souvenirs are typically available for purchase. Sir Henry’s is family-friendly although parental discretion is advised for children under 12. Guests can purchase a season pass with perks such as one front-of-the-line haunted hayride pass each visit and 10 percent off merchandise discount. One or more visits to Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail this spooky season, with its well-rounded family of staff providing frightful entertainment, will surely generate remarkable memories. For more information or to purchase tickets and set off on an eerie adventure, visit www.sirhenryshauntedtrail.com.
IN THIS ISSUE: WALK FOR F.R.I.E.N.D.S. .................PG 3 HOWL-O-SCREAM ..............................PG 5 AREA FALL ACTIVITIES .............PG 12 EYE ON BUSINESS................PGS 25-26 FALL FOOTBALL ....................PGS 28-30