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mar. 9 – may 19 Concerts included with admission! ©2024 United Parks & Resorts, Inc.
19
April 2024
Volume 23, Issue 4
Ph: 813-657-2418
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CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
ANNUAL KEEL FARMS BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL RETURNS TO PLANT CITY APRIL WEEKENDS By Makenzie Atkins Noel
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
RACES THROUGH ST. PETERSBURG IN INDY NXT SEASON
By Lily Belcher
When Nolan Ala race. But it’s not laer was 4, he went the same as being go-karting. At the in his car on the time, it wasn’t track. meant to set him “The thing you up for a career in don’t get is the car racing. It was g-force and the simply a way for sensation and his parents to get speed,” he said. him used to drivOn top of that, ing because they this was the lonwanted him to be gest race he had a safe driver when ever done. After he got his license. his first practice Then something run earlier that changed. The forweek, he felt like mer FishHawk he was going to resident got his pass out. After the license at 16 and next practice and found a renewed qualifying round Nolan Allaer placed 14th out of 21 racers in the St. interest in cars. to determine his Petersburg Indy NXT Race. Allaer comes from starting place for a family of racers. the actual race, he His dad and mafocused on relaxternal grandfather ing. race cars compet“It’s just kind itively. It shouldn’t of taking all that have been a surstress off of you prise that Allaer and just doing is participating in what you have to this year’s Indy do to last,” he said. NXT season. Allaer finished Allaer made his Nolan Allaer started his racing career early but in 14th place in his found a passion for it when he got his license. debut in the first debut race. While race of the Indy NXT season, the racing he said he normally wouldn’t settle for equivalent of Triple-A baseball, at the be- that, he and his team were very happy ginning of March in St. Petersburg. The with the results. It’s his first round in the 45-lap, 55-minute race took Allaer and series and his fastest lap was already just the 20 other racers alongside the water .3 seconds off the fastest time. of the South Yacht Basin and down the “We’re pretty thrilled with it,” he said. Albert Whitted Airport runway, turning Stay in touch with Nolan at https:// through the streets of St. Petersburg. www.nolanallaer.com/ or at @Nolanallaer “I always loved it but I never imagined I on IG. would be back in it full time,” he said. The track itself was a challenge. Over three Gs of force weighed on Allaer as he made sharp turns on the bumpy track bor- RANDALL GREENHOUSE.................PG 3 dered by walls. He topped out at 158 mph. EARLY STEPS PROGRAM.................PG 5 The Bevis Elementary and Randall Mid- HCSO .........................................................PG 6 dle School graduate, sponsored by Keel and Curley Farms and Martini, has been SUMMER CAMP.....................SECTION 2 practicing with simulators in his apart- EYE ON BUSINESS.................PGS 46-47 ment. It’s the only real way to prepare for
IN THIS ISSUE:
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The 16th Keel Farms annual Keel will be releasFarms Blueing three new berry Festival drinks throughpromises to out the month: kick off spring blueberry Mosin Tampa Bay cato, blueberry with its monthvanilla cider and long celebrablueberry Sertion of Florida’s rano cider. blueberry har“ S e e i n g vest. Join Keel smiles on chilBringing the community together for over 20 years, those at farms every dren’s faces Keel Farms are excited to continue celebrating farming with weekend this as they pick everyone in the Tampa Bay area. month with their own live entertainblueberries, the ment, delicious laughter among food and bluefamilies enjoyberry U-picks. ing the day out The Blueberand the shared ry Festival will moments over take place on a glass of our Saturday and finest wine — Sunday, April 6 these are the and 7, 13 and 14 moments that and 20 and 21, make the bluefrom 10 a.m.-3 berry festival p.m. every day. so special to Admission to me and to all the event is From camel rides to live entertainment, there is something for of us at Keel everyone at the Keel Farms Blueberry Festival. free, but parkFarms,” said ing is $10, and some activities will have an Clay Keel, president of Keel Farms. additional cost. With limited parking availThe festival is a cherished tradition that able, carpooling and cash payments are began in 2007, launched by Clay’s father, recommended for seamless entry. Joe Keel, with the goal of celebrating the This multiweekend event offers a variety bountiful blueberry harvest and fostering of activities for everyone in the family. In- community spirit. dulge in some shopping with over 50 food “Here at Keel Farms, the blueberry festiand craft vendors, enjoy music from DJJP val is much more than just a celebration of on the Garden Stage and the Golden Bottle the harvest; it’s a reflection of the joy and Hunts. Bring the kids and let them get their community spirit that farming brings to energy out in the bounce houses, enjoy the our lives,” said Clay. petting zoo, take a camel ride or get a face Get excited for a weekend filled with painting. Plus, don’t miss the Blueberry blueberry delights, great entertainment Shortcake Eating Competition. and a host of family-friendly activities. Guests can spend time in the blueberry For more information, go to www.keelU-pick fields starting at just $5 or purchase farms.com or visit Keel Farms at 5202 Thoprepackaged blueberries by the pound. notosassa Rd. in Plant City.
FISHHAWK NATIVE NOLAN ALLAER
With seasonal events, unforgettable animal encounters and up-close experiences, there’s always a reason to visit ZooTampa at Lowry Park. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is featured among the ‘Top 25 Zoos in the U.S.’ by TripAdvisor. ZooTampa at Lowry Park is located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave. in Tampa. The new Stingray Shores touch tank is now open. Read full article on page 34.
Not to be combined with any other offer. Only valid at Riverview, FL - Boyette location.
8/31/23 4/30/24
OFFBRAKES $50 OFF $40
Includes Free Brake Inspection CHECK! AC
Regular Price: $109.99 1234YF system not included. Only valid at Riverview, FL - Boyette location.
8/31/23 4/30/24