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)

October 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press

October 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press

In this issue… Take a Brief Trip to Albuquerque, then stroll down memory lane to the beginning of SCC on Cherry Hills, get the latest LRPC Update, save the date for “Hi, Neighbor!”, learn about Little Free Libraries, hear All About the Bees,...

Back to School Back to Nature

Back to School Back to Nature

Back  to School Back to NatureJust the way it should be in Camp Bayou   By Gezil Andrews I’ve been in the area three-plus years so Camp Bayou was a new venue for me – After my first visit, this weekend, I rated it “well worth the wait!”  I visited the camp...

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders   By Diane M. Loeffler On Wednesday, December 22, a group of Kings Point and Sun City Center Community Association residents met in the lobby of South Bay Hospital to donate money to three groups...

JANUARY 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

JANUARY 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Relive the festive fun of the Holiday Cart Parade, cruise SCC to find colorful lights and holiday decorations, swing by St. Andrew for Rock ‘n’ Roll Crafts and Cars, meet the new SCCCA Board members, check in with the Security...

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...

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.

January 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

January 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Discover why bird lovers flocked to Community Hall, save the date for the Volunteer Picnic on February 15; cruise with the Holiday Cart Parade, see how folks celebrated Christmas in Wimauma, enjoy the Shrine Christmas party, hang...

Christmas In Wimauma

Christmas In Wimauma

Christmas In WimaumaBy Paula Lickfeldt Event planners promised “all the fixins' and trimmings, arts, crafts, homemade goods, and so much more…” and they delivered. Vendors were inside and outside the building offering every holiday item...

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...

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders   By Diane M. Loeffler On Wednesday, December 22, a group of Kings Point and Sun City Center Community Association residents met in the lobby of South Bay Hospital to donate money to three groups...

JANUARY 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

JANUARY 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Relive the festive fun of the Holiday Cart Parade, cruise SCC to find colorful lights and holiday decorations, swing by St. Andrew for Rock ‘n’ Roll Crafts and Cars, meet the new SCCCA Board members, check in with the Security...

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...

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.  

Making History at the Olympics

Making History at the Olympics

Making History at the OlympicsBy Kai Rambow When Ana Zolotic won her gold medal match, she was so exuberant NBC showed her reaction to winning for several days.  It all started quite differently. “We had to enter an after school...

June 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

June 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Discover a new ER in SCC, meet the new SCCCA director, celebrate with Cygnet, commemorate Earth Day, take a low and slow balloon cruise, marvel at the world’s largest flamingo, catch up on Entertainment News, save the date for...

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

Meet Your Neighbor: Young Chung-Hall

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...

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders   By Diane M. Loeffler On Wednesday, December 22, a group of Kings Point and Sun City Center Community Association residents met in the lobby of South Bay Hospital to donate money to three groups...

JANUARY 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

JANUARY 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Relive the festive fun of the Holiday Cart Parade, cruise SCC to find colorful lights and holiday decorations, swing by St. Andrew for Rock ‘n’ Roll Crafts and Cars, meet the new SCCCA Board members, check in with the Security...

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...

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.

January 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

January 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Discover why bird lovers flocked to Community Hall, save the date for the Volunteer Picnic on February 15; cruise with the Holiday Cart Parade, see how folks celebrated Christmas in Wimauma, enjoy the Shrine Christmas party, hang...

Christmas In Wimauma

Christmas In Wimauma

Christmas In WimaumaBy Paula Lickfeldt Event planners promised “all the fixins' and trimmings, arts, crafts, homemade goods, and so much more…” and they delivered. Vendors were inside and outside the building offering every holiday item...

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...

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders   By Diane M. Loeffler On Wednesday, December 22, a group of Kings Point and Sun City Center Community Association residents met in the lobby of South Bay Hospital to donate money to three groups...

JANUARY 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

JANUARY 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Relive the festive fun of the Holiday Cart Parade, cruise SCC to find colorful lights and holiday decorations, swing by St. Andrew for Rock ‘n’ Roll Crafts and Cars, meet the new SCCCA Board members, check in with the Security...

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...

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.

 

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders   By Diane M. Loeffler On Wednesday, December 22, a group of Kings Point and Sun City Center Community Association residents met in the lobby of South Bay Hospital to donate money to three groups...

JANUARY 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

JANUARY 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Relive the festive fun of the Holiday Cart Parade, cruise SCC to find colorful lights and holiday decorations, swing by St. Andrew for Rock ‘n’ Roll Crafts and Cars, meet the new SCCCA Board members, check in with the Security...

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...

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.

 

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders

A Special “Thank You” for Our First Responders   By Diane M. Loeffler On Wednesday, December 22, a group of Kings Point and Sun City Center Community Association residents met in the lobby of South Bay Hospital to donate money to three groups...

JANUARY 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

JANUARY 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Relive the festive fun of the Holiday Cart Parade, cruise SCC to find colorful lights and holiday decorations, swing by St. Andrew for Rock ‘n’ Roll Crafts and Cars, meet the new SCCCA Board members, check in with the Security...

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...