Camp Bayou gets ready for summer!

Camp Bayou gets ready for summer!

Camp Bayou Gets Ready for Summer!

By Dolly Cummings, Director Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center

 

There’s lots of sun and fun this season as Camp Bayou gets ready for summer! Saturday, June 1 is National Trails Day. There will be cart tours, scavenger hunts, and other activities. New this year is our guided Fern Walk, starting at 9 a.m. Explore the wild west side of Camp Bayou, for a trail that is less traveled. No registration necessary. An 8 a.m. Fun Run will hit the trails for an easy 5K. Those who complete the run will be treated to ice cold watermelon slices as a reward. Register here.

The Third Saturday Paddle Tours continue through the summer, as weather conditions allow. Be sure to reserve your space if you wish to join the group. Call 813-641-8545. You can rent a canoe or kayak for just $25 or bring your own for a $5 donation. Please arrive by 9 a.m. for a 90-minute tour. 

Save the Date: Saturday, August 3, 2019 is our annual Back to School-Back to Nature event, 9 – noon. Kids visit various nature stations and get a free school supply item, plus raffles for backpacks, binders and more!

Teachers: the school year may be just about over but it’s never too early to book your field trips for the fall. Fill out this request form to secure your preferred day.

Camp Bayou is always looking for a few good volunteers to help with youth programs, plus other tasks that keep the Center running smoothly. If you are interested in volunteering, fill out this volunteer form.

The Center is open from Thursday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. for passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching, nature photography and trail walks. General admission is still free.

The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is a public- private partnership between Bayou Outdoor Learning and Discovery, Inc. (B.O.L.D.), and Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management. Camp Bayou is located three miles south of SR-674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. Visit the website.

 

In the photo: Kids enjoy discovering critters at Camp Bayou! (Photo courtesy Camp Bayou)

SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

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Arches National Park

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SCC Celebrates 60 Years

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Veterans Fair Draws Tremendous Response

Veterans Fair Draws Tremendous Response

Veterans Fair Draws Tremendous Response

By Kai Rambow

 

“I went all the way around, and I probably stopped at ninety percent of the tables,” commented wheelchair-bound veteran, Patrick Clarahan.  “Just about every table, people were very easy to talk to.  There were a few tables at which I had to wait, but it wasn’t that bad.”

The wait was due to the tremendous response from community veterans. Hundreds showed up to learn about services available to them. Pam Smith-Beatty, a 21-year veteran herself, is the Women Veterans Program Manager with the VA.  When asked about the focus on women, Smith-Beatty illuminated: “A lot of times they don’t think of themselves as veterans. Women do so many things, they often push their service to the side and we don’t think about it. In reality, that service means that you’re eligible for health benefits, care, loans and the GI bill. If you’ve ever served in any service, you should look and see what you’re benefits might be.”

Not knowing what is available was a common theme. Manuel Guevara with The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay shared how very few veterans knew about their center. “It is the epicenter for crises or referral.  We answer the 211 calls, the substance abuse hotline, and the suicide prevention line.” Just about any question related to mental health and well-being can probably be answered by this center.  More importantly, they can let veterans know where to find help.

Clarahan was enthused to learn about some extracurricular activities that should help him get out of the house more.  “Because of my disabilities, I spend a lot of my time watching TV.”  This well attended event was clearly helpful to many veterans.

 

In the photo: Bud Brubaker and Bill McKiernan volunteered to let Marine veterans know about the Leathernecks club.

Golf Cart Parade Kicks Off Holiday Season

Golf Cart Parade Kicks Off Holiday Season

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As we turn our clocks back (November 6) and look forward to fall, we hope you are doing well and excited about another beautiful month here in Sun City Center and South Hillsborough County. In this issue… After Hurricane Ian, our...

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“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade   By Diane M. Loeffler Kick off the holiday season by attending the December 4 SCC Holiday Golf Cart Parade. The parade starts at 10 a.m. in the parking lot just south of the Security Patrol...

Chalk Festival: Art on the Street, Literally!

Chalk Festival: Art on the Street, Literally!

Chalk Festival: Art on the Street, Literally!

By Diane M. Loeffler

 

Florida loves to throw a party. There are festivals and expos somewhere in central Florida nearly every weekend. The Chalk Festival may well be one of the most visually pleasing of all them. This year’s Chalk Festival theme was “The Chalk of the Town.” The event is usually held in Venice, but this year it was on the streets of Sarasota.

Getting there was an easy drive by car, but you could also hop on the bus provided by Glory Tours and let them drop you off right at one of the entrances.

Artists sat on the pavement and completed their masterpieces under a bright, Florida sun. Signs listed their names and the state or country from which they came. Some artists came from as far away as Mexico, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy.

Lines crept past the works of art. Some onlookers asked the artists about their creations. A handful of the chalk drawings needed to be viewed from a specific place to see the 3D effect. A few artists set up lenses mounted so that observers could get the full effect.

If you would like to visit the Chalk Festival next year, you may wish to check their website, “chalkfestival.org”, or check the schedules provided by the local travel groups to see if they will have a bus going there. The two local bus options are Glory Tours, Kings Point North Clubhouse, and Sun City Travel Club, Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Road.  

New Freestanding ER in SCC

New Freestanding ER in SCC

New Freestanding ER in SCC On May 11, Manatee Memorial Hospital debuted a new freestanding emergency room in our community: The ER at Sun City Center. The new ER, located in front of Walmart at 16504 S. U.S. 301, will expand access to emergency...

Cygnet Yacht Club Awards

Cygnet Yacht Club Awards

Cygnet Yacht Club AwardsBy Paula Lickfeldt, Photo by Rich Link On May 3, the members of the Cygnet Yacht Club had dinner at Club Renaissance. They had a night of socializing and awarded the trophies that the members had won the month before....

Meet Your Neighbor: Young Chung-Hall

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Meet Your Neighbor: Young Chung-HallBy Ilona Merritt It was a cool morning when I met Young in the Tillers & Toilers Garden. She radiated warmth and friendliness, and it turned out to be one of the most exciting and informative visits I...

Our Earth Day Celebration

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Our Earth Day CelebrationBy Diane M. Loeffler April 22 was Earth Day. Once again, the local Audubon Club celebrated the day at the West Campus Nature Trails with tours of our own little piece of “the real Florida.” Free fruit, snacks, water, a...

Houseboating on the St. Johns River

Houseboating on the St. Johns River

Houseboating on the St. Johns River By Ilona Merritt If you’re looking for entertainment, shopping, or fancy restaurants on your vacation, this one is not for you. However, if you ever wanted a truly relaxing holiday, houseboating on the St....

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DECEMBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Ring in the December holidays with the annual Golf Cart Parade, celebrate 60 Years of SCC, set sail on America’s Tall Ship, get to know some local clubs, remember a tireless volunteer who made a big difference, meet a local war...

SCC Celebrates 60 Years

SCC Celebrates 60 Years

SCC Celebrates 60 Years By Kai Rambow Sun City Center recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.  The event, spread out over a Sunday afternoon, had the added bonus of reuniting people.  “It’s been almost two years since we saw you,” was a...

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Celebrate The Opening Of SCC

Celebrate The Opening Of SCCA Special Invitation From The History Society, December 30By Ilona Merritt “Time flies when you’re having fun” … It seems like just yesterday that SCC celebrated our 50th anniversary. And what fun we had! Now, ten...

It’s a pretty big deal

It’s a pretty big deal

It’s a pretty big deal By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County I heard a whispered conversation in the dining room and pretended not to notice, busying myself preparing the evening meal. It was beef stew night, so the slow...

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade   By Diane M. Loeffler Kick off the holiday season by attending the December 4 SCC Holiday Golf Cart Parade. The parade starts at 10 a.m. in the parking lot just south of the Security Patrol...

The Comics Club Celebrates 30 Years

The Comics Club Celebrates 30 Years

When it comes to fun businesses, selling comic books, games and toys ranks up there with the best of them. That’s exactly what The Comics Club in Brandon, Fla., has been doing for since 1989. For D.J. Stamper, owner of The Comics Club, it just gets better and better with each passing year.

“It’s a golden age for comic books, comic book-related movies and television shows, and for entertainment retailers like me who get to be at the center of it all at our comic shops,” said Stamper.

According to Stamper, it was in early 1989 that he made the decision to start a mail-order business selling comic books to fans and collectors. Starting with 3,000 comic books from his own collection, Stamper grew the business year-by-year, accumulating an ever-growing inventory of comic books and other collectibles. When his inventory reached 20,000 comics, in 1994, he launched The Comics Club into the retail world with a brick and mortar store. Today, his inventory has expanded to more than 120,000 comic books, plus thousands of graphic novels, as well as hundreds of games and toys.

“My love of comic books, especially the amazing artwork that the medium is known for, has been part of my life since I was a child growing up in Michigan. I have spent my adult life as a self-professed comic book pusher, trying to get as many people as possible involved in this great fun hobby,” says Stamper.

In celebration of its 30 years in business, The Comics Club has been offering monthly discounts on selected merchandise at 30 percent off, the sale changing to offer different items from different categories of merchandise (comics, games and toys) each month. But the first big event of the year, Free Comic Book Day on May 4, will be extra special this year.

“We’ve been helping fans enjoy their hobby for three decades now. It’s always brought me great joy to see a fan get that hard-to-find comic that fills out a collection, or to listen to them talk about their favorite games. It’s just that kind of business – much more fun than it is work.”

The Comics Club is located at 714 W. Lumsden Rd, Brandon, FL. 33511, For hours and other information, call 813-653-4111.

Golf Cart Parade Kicks Off Holiday Season

Golf Cart Parade Kicks Off Holiday Season

Golf Cart Parade Kicks Off Holiday Season By Kai Rambow There may have been fewer golf carts participating in this year’s parade, however, those that entered put a lot of thought into their decorations.  It was fun to see the creativity put into...

December 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

December 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Celebrate 60 years with the Men’s Club, mark the season with the Holiday Cart Parade, join in the fun of Lighting Up SCC, review the progress of the Long Range Planners over the past year, enjoy “Hi, Neighbor!”, learn whooo...

November 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

November 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

As we turn our clocks back (November 6) and look forward to fall, we hope you are doing well and excited about another beautiful month here in Sun City Center and South Hillsborough County. In this issue… After Hurricane Ian, our...

October 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

October 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

First and foremost, all of us at The News hope that all of you reading this came through Hurricane Ian healthy and safe. Our News team fared well, considering. A few trees and power lines down, loss of power, and the general inconveniences of temporarily...

Welcome Aboard America’s Tall Ship

Welcome Aboard America’s Tall Ship

Welcome Aboard America’s Tall Ship By Ilona Merritt Welcome aboard! You are invited to visit “America’s Tall Ship.” Since 1946, every new Coast Guard cadet undergoing officer training has begun their career by learning to sail on Eagle – the...

DECEMBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

DECEMBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Ring in the December holidays with the annual Golf Cart Parade, celebrate 60 Years of SCC, set sail on America’s Tall Ship, get to know some local clubs, remember a tireless volunteer who made a big difference, meet a local war...

SCC Celebrates 60 Years

SCC Celebrates 60 Years

SCC Celebrates 60 Years By Kai Rambow Sun City Center recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.  The event, spread out over a Sunday afternoon, had the added bonus of reuniting people.  “It’s been almost two years since we saw you,” was a...

Celebrate The Opening Of SCC

Celebrate The Opening Of SCC

Celebrate The Opening Of SCCA Special Invitation From The History Society, December 30By Ilona Merritt “Time flies when you’re having fun” … It seems like just yesterday that SCC celebrated our 50th anniversary. And what fun we had! Now, ten...

It’s a pretty big deal

It’s a pretty big deal

It’s a pretty big deal By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County I heard a whispered conversation in the dining room and pretended not to notice, busying myself preparing the evening meal. It was beef stew night, so the slow...

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade   By Diane M. Loeffler Kick off the holiday season by attending the December 4 SCC Holiday Golf Cart Parade. The parade starts at 10 a.m. in the parking lot just south of the Security Patrol...

Charity Bingo May 10

Charity Bingo May 10

Come out and see if it’s your turn to yell, “Bingo!” while supporting the Campaign Against Human Trafficking-Southshore (CAHT). Friday, May 10, 2019, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Located in the Florida Room, 945-D North Course Lane. $10 for an 8-pack of bingo cards. No entry fee. Special games, concessions. Gift cards, and fantastic prizes. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., first come basis. Game starts at 4 p.m. Don’t be late! For more information, call Robbie Chapin, 319.360.7025 or email robertainscc@gmail.com.

 

Welcome Aboard America’s Tall Ship

Welcome Aboard America’s Tall Ship

Welcome Aboard America’s Tall Ship By Ilona Merritt Welcome aboard! You are invited to visit “America’s Tall Ship.” Since 1946, every new Coast Guard cadet undergoing officer training has begun their career by learning to sail on Eagle – the...

DECEMBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

DECEMBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Ring in the December holidays with the annual Golf Cart Parade, celebrate 60 Years of SCC, set sail on America’s Tall Ship, get to know some local clubs, remember a tireless volunteer who made a big difference, meet a local war...

SCC Celebrates 60 Years

SCC Celebrates 60 Years

SCC Celebrates 60 Years By Kai Rambow Sun City Center recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.  The event, spread out over a Sunday afternoon, had the added bonus of reuniting people.  “It’s been almost two years since we saw you,” was a...

Celebrate The Opening Of SCC

Celebrate The Opening Of SCC

Celebrate The Opening Of SCCA Special Invitation From The History Society, December 30By Ilona Merritt “Time flies when you’re having fun” … It seems like just yesterday that SCC celebrated our 50th anniversary. And what fun we had! Now, ten...

It’s a pretty big deal

It’s a pretty big deal

It’s a pretty big deal By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County I heard a whispered conversation in the dining room and pretended not to notice, busying myself preparing the evening meal. It was beef stew night, so the slow...

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade   By Diane M. Loeffler Kick off the holiday season by attending the December 4 SCC Holiday Golf Cart Parade. The parade starts at 10 a.m. in the parking lot just south of the Security Patrol...

Interfaith Council Supports American Legion Youth

Interfaith Council Supports American Legion Youth

Interfaith Council Supports American Legion Youth

By Jay Sparkman

 

The Sun City Center Interfaith Social Action Council recently presented a $2,500 grant to American Legion Post 246 for the purpose of financing four registrations for Florida Boys State and two registrations for the Florida Youth Law Cadet Academy. The students will be chosen from Lennard HS and East Bay High School.

The SCC Interfaith Council uses monies from the sale of donated goods at the Nearly New Shop in Sun City Center Plaza to fund grants and scholarships in the South Shore area. For more information go to www.InterfaithCouncilofSunCityCenter.com or call 813.642.9099.

In the photo: L-R, Jim Haney, Post 246 Boys State Coordinator; Nick Caleca, Interfaith Council grants committee; Jim Wendell, Commander Post 246.

 

Welcome Aboard America’s Tall Ship

Welcome Aboard America’s Tall Ship

Welcome Aboard America’s Tall Ship By Ilona Merritt Welcome aboard! You are invited to visit “America’s Tall Ship.” Since 1946, every new Coast Guard cadet undergoing officer training has begun their career by learning to sail on Eagle – the...

DECEMBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

DECEMBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Ring in the December holidays with the annual Golf Cart Parade, celebrate 60 Years of SCC, set sail on America’s Tall Ship, get to know some local clubs, remember a tireless volunteer who made a big difference, meet a local war...

SCC Celebrates 60 Years

SCC Celebrates 60 Years

SCC Celebrates 60 Years By Kai Rambow Sun City Center recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.  The event, spread out over a Sunday afternoon, had the added bonus of reuniting people.  “It’s been almost two years since we saw you,” was a...

Celebrate The Opening Of SCC

Celebrate The Opening Of SCC

Celebrate The Opening Of SCCA Special Invitation From The History Society, December 30By Ilona Merritt “Time flies when you’re having fun” … It seems like just yesterday that SCC celebrated our 50th anniversary. And what fun we had! Now, ten...

It’s a pretty big deal

It’s a pretty big deal

It’s a pretty big deal By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County I heard a whispered conversation in the dining room and pretended not to notice, busying myself preparing the evening meal. It was beef stew night, so the slow...

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade   By Diane M. Loeffler Kick off the holiday season by attending the December 4 SCC Holiday Golf Cart Parade. The parade starts at 10 a.m. in the parking lot just south of the Security Patrol...