Bloomingdale/ FishHawk
June 2024 Volume 23, Issue 6
Ph: 813-657-2418
34
MAY 24 - AUG.4
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CELEBRATING 22 YE ARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS
PLANS FOR FIRST FAMILY JULY 4TH FESTIVAL AT COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS: MUSIC, CONTESTS, DRONES & MORE
Staff Report
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
RETIRED MARINE INSPIRES HIS COMMUNITY TO GET OUT AND MOVE By Jane Owen
Sgt. Maj. William A. steps at a time on the Hines is known by many FishHawk trails with in the Lithia community his dogs Mia and Layas ‘the Man With Two la. Before long, a quarShepherds’ because of ter mile turned into the miles he has put in a half mile. Now, he throughout the comoften puts in 10 miles munity with his German a day and on an avShepherds, Mia and erage month hits the Layla. Those that know gym around 34 times. him are drawn to his inIn 2023, he amassed fectious positivity and well over 365 visits, the path he takes day in the most gym visits in and day out to embrace a year since the facility fitness. opened in 2016. Daily, neighbors will Hines said he doesn’t see Hines outside walkhave daily goals. He has ing or running and at a life goal to go out and his gym, Anytime Fitenjoy life. Sgt. Maj. William A. Hines walking with ness. “There is no excuse in his German Shepherds, Mia and Layla. Anytime Fitness life. You’re gonna have owner Ronald Rigaud ups and downs. But said Hines is a constant are you gonna get up? encouragement to evOr are you gonna let it eryone he encounters. beat you down?” Hines “Bill embodies the said. “Is your glass Warrior Ethos that exempty or half full? Live ercising is a way of life, with a full glass. And not a seasonal or simget out and move. Go ple period in life to get enjoy life. Don’t just sit in shape. It’s everyday and do nothing.” putting in the work,” Hines said making Rigaud said. time for fitness is key A career Marine who achieved the high- for quality of life. est noncommissioned rank, Hines’ dedica“There’s always time. If you make it a tion to fitness may seem typical; however, priority in your life, you can do it. EveryHines retired after 27 years due to severe body can squeeze in an hour. There’s an illnesses. hour of wasted time in your day,” Hines After a run in 2010, he was rushed said. to Tampa General Hospital because he Hines highly recommends people to couldn’t breathe. Doctors found blood find a gym with a personal trainer for acclots in his lungs. What followed was a countability. To see Hines in action or for dark period in his life: forced retirement, information about Anytime Fitness Lithia countless doctor appointments, extended (FishHawk), located at 16144 Churchview time at Mayo Clinic, and a final diagnosis Dr., Ste. 201 (second floor) in Park Square, that included fibromyalgia, factor V Leiden email lithiafl@anytimefitness.com. thrombophilia, lupus and severe chronic fatigue. By the time Hines had the diagnoses, he was in the worst shape of his life, hardly being able to get up the stairs to his 4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL .................PG 3 bed at night. MOTORING TAMPA BAY..................PG 5 He was at rock bottom emotionally ACE $1 GOLF FOR KIDS.................PG 11 and physically. Then, doctors cleared him EYE ON BUSINESS.................PGS 25-26 for physical activity. He went out a few
IN THIS ISSUE:
IRON ROCK CELEBRATES ............PG 27
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Get ready to the Eric Von Band immerse yourself continues the in a day of patriottoe-tapping beats ic revelry as Hillsbeginning at 6:30 borough County p.m. Fairgrounds unYoung ones can veils plans for its have a blast petinaugural July ting and feeding 4th festival, enfarm animals and titled Catch the sliding down inSpirit & Celebrate flatables in the America, present- A watermelon-eating contest is just one of many activi- kids’ zone, while ed by Odiorne ties planned for the fun-filled July 4th Catch the Spirit & adults can unwind Insurance. Ad- Celebrate America festival at the County Fairgrounds. with a refreshing mission is free for beverage at one this community of the beer tents. e x t rava g a n z a , Fans can explore which promises a craft vendors, adday packed with mire the antique fantastic food, car show and exciting activdiscover organiities, engaging zational displays contests and live throughout the entertainment, day. culminating in The evening a breathtaking, culminates with patriotic drone show afa one-of-a-kind, patriotic ter sunset. Gates open at 1 drone show beginning at 9 p.m. for this family-friendly p.m. Produced by Sky Eleevent, with parking availments Drone Shows, the able at $10 per vehicle. leading provider of drone “Hosting a July 4th feslight shows in the U.S., tival is a natural fit for the this sensory-friendly specHillsborough County Fairtacle features 150 drones grounds,” said fair managchoreographed to stirring er Suzanne Holcomb. “By expanding our marches and iconic American music, proroster of self-produced events, the Fair- viding a perfect celebration for all. grounds is becoming the go-to venue for Catch the Spirit & Celebrate America is family-friendly activities throughout the part of a full day of activities in the Branyear.” don area, kicking off with the annual Fourth An array of interactive activities will fill of July parade at 10 a.m. hosted by the the afternoon, including a charming pet Greater Brandon Action Network. parade and costume contest, the adorable The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker competi- are located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in tion and watermelon-eating challenges. Dover. Visit https://hillsboroughcountyfair. The Ridge Country Band takes the stage in com/ for the complete schedule of events, the Entertainment Pavilion at 3 p.m., and contest applications and more information.
Visit BuschGardensTam
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$40 OFF BRAKES Kimbri Long and daughters Riley & Madalynn recently went on a Geocache hunt and found the Osprey Observer cache. Will you be next?
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