When Andy Warrener went to Villagio Cinemas in Carrollwood last week, he wasn’t going merely as a movie patron. He was there to see the Florida premier of “The Black String,” a movie which the Odessa native co-wrote and co-created. For Warrener, the film’s Florida debut was a moment that was years in the making. “I’ve been in the screenplay format since I was 19,” he said. … [Read more...]
What a difference a decade can make in real estate
July 25, 2018 By
Even the most casual of observers can easily see that housing demand and residential real estate values have rebounded in recent years in Hillsborough and Pasco counties. There are new subdivisions popping up all over. But, to put a finer point on what’s happening, Craig Nowicke, a real estate broker with RE/MAX, based in Carrollwood, dropped by the Rotary Club of Lutz to talk about the … [Read more...]
Home Depot offers jobs in spring hiring spree
March 8, 2017 By
Home Depot is looking to fill 1,350 jobs in an estimated 30 stores across the Tampa Bay region, including in Pasco County. The “Jobs in Bloom” hiring spree anticipates adding 80,000 jobs at stores and distribution centers nationwide. There are full-time, part-time and spring seasonal jobs available, according to a news release from the Atlanta-based Home Depot. More than half of Home Depot’s … [Read more...]
Heroes for Hire playing the right tunes
February 22, 2017 By
Being a boy band with a first release on iTunes is heady stuff. But, Heroes for Hire is getting used to the attention, playing their brand of edgy, alternative rock at venues such as Skipper’s Smokehouse, New World Brewery and Buckets. Louis Mittens, 15; Ben Hense, 13; Ryan Romero, 15; Corey Fox, 15; and, Josh Morin, 14, came together as a band at Jim Chambers Music Box. Chambers is … [Read more...]
Primary elections over, now onto November
September 7, 2016 By
Fewer than one-fifth of the registered voters in Hillsborough and Pasco counties decided the outcome of the primary elections on Aug. 30. Some of the more notable races had Pat Frank defeating Kevin Beckner for the Democratic primary for Clerk of the Circuit Court in Hillsborough County, and Gary Joiner defeating Ted Schrader in the race for property appraiser in Pasco County. In other … [Read more...]
Raising funds to strike out cancer
December 23, 2015 By
On Jan. 10, the Saint Leo baseball team will have its first practice of the year. Players will run drills, hit, catch and field the ball in anticipation of a new season. They'll also shave their heads. Just like last season. It's not a fashion statement. It's a celebration of their off-season project, which is raising money for the Vs. Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization … [Read more...]
Nostalgia, newer songs in ‘Mary Poppins’ production
August 5, 2015 By
Julie Nelson has a challenge as lead choreographer for the latest New Tampa Players show. On one hand, it's something most people know. On the other hand, it's something people don't really know at all. "I think people know the songs more than anything. I think they remember the songs more than they remember the storyline," Nelson said. She's talking about "Mary Poppins," the story … [Read more...]
Health care reforms pass House, onto Senate next
July 29, 2015 By
The House of Representatives has passed legislation that could pave the way for more treatment options for people who are ill, and the bill’s bipartisan support bodes well for its passage in the Senate, said Congressman Gus Bilirakis, who has taken a leadership role on this issue. The 21st Century Cures Act passed the House by a vote of 344-77 on July 10. “Now, we’re waiting on the … [Read more...]
Natural Market keeps it fresh and in the family
July 15, 2015 By
A thriving business in Carrollwood prompted the Kim family to open Natural Market II in Land O’ Lakes. Now nearing its first anniversary, the store is settling into its new community and giving customers another choice for locally grown fruits and vegetables. The store also stocks an eclectic mix of Asian, Latin and American grocery staples. A recurring plea from Carrollwood customers … [Read more...]
Art quilts show off Tampa Bay history
June 3, 2015 By
Joanne Rodriguez knew immediately which historical Tampa landmark she wanted to create on her appliqued quilt – the image of the iconic minarets at the University of Tampa. “When I came down to Florida in the 1980s, I just thought they were so beautiful,” said the Wisconsin native. “It’s very Tampa.” Her quilt is one of several on display through June at an art exhibit – “Memories of … [Read more...]
