Marie Gilmore

Brandon

Managing Editor at Osprey Observer

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Articles

Valrico FishHawk Chamber Awards 2025 College Scholarships

1 week ago | ospreyobserver.com | Marie Gilmore

The Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce (VFCC) recently celebrated the achievements of four exceptional local high school seniors, awarding them $1,000 scholarships to support their academic futures. The scholarships were presented at the chamber’s April meeting, recognizing the hard work and dedication of these young individuals as they prepare to continue their education at prestigious universities.
Greater Brandon Meals On Wheels Seeks Additional Support As Volunteer Needs Grow

1 week ago | ospreyobserver.com | Marie Gilmore

Greater Brandon Meals on Wheels volunteers Roberta Murphy (left) and Sue Parker were recognized for more than 42 years of volunteering service. Every weekday, over 200 of Brandon’s most vulnerable residents receive a visit from a Greater Brandon Meals on Wheels volunteer driver delivering a hot meal and a friendly face. These residents have been carefully screened for need, and without the daily meal delivery, many would have little to no contact with others during the week.
Artist Offers Free Art Classes To Community As Outreach

3 weeks ago | ospreyobserver.com | Marie Gilmore

On the second Thursday of every month, young artists come together for a 90-minute session to create seasonal artwork at Grace at Lithia Church on Lithia Pinecrest Road. Led by watercolor artist Carol McSpadden, the free art classes provide children with the opportunity to explore their creativity using canvases, paints, brushes and their imagination.
Residents Get Preview Into Upcoming Florida Legislative Session

1 month ago | ospreyobserver.com | Marie Gilmore

In February, residents, business owners and local officials gathered at The Regent in Riverview for a preview of the upcoming Florida legislative session. The event, part of the Good Morning Brandon program, was hosted by the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Livingstone Academies, The Regent, TECO and Raulerson Castillo & Company. It provided businesses with an opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with elected representatives.
Aquilla J. Morgan High School Selects Mascot And Prepares For Fall Opening

1 month ago | ospreyobserver.com | Marie Gilmore

Aquilla J. Morgan High School, the newest addition to the district, is set to open in August, bringing much-needed relief to nearby Lennard and Sumner high schools. The 359,000-square-foot school will introduce a variety of new programs and a state-of-the-art campus. Named after Aquilla Jackson Morgan, a beloved former Wimauma Elementary School teacher and dedicated community member, the school will be a testament to her legacy.
51st SUN ‘n FUN Expo Introduces New Shows, Drone Competitions And Blue Angels

1 month ago | ospreyobserver.com | Marie Gilmore

There is nothing quite like the sounds of jets flying overhead, and every April, the second-largest aviation expo in the U.S., attracting more than 200,000 visitors per year, is in our backyard in Lakeland. From its humble beginnings in 1974 as a fly-in for sport aviation enthusiasts, the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo has grown into one of the largest and most successful aviation events on earth.
TMS Of Central Florida Now Offers FDA-approved Therapy For Depression, Anxiety And OCD For Patients

1 month ago | ospreyobserver.com | Marie Gilmore

TMS of Central Florida, a leading treatment center in Brandon, is offering cutting-edge therapy to help local residents manage depression, anxiety for those ages 15-plus and OCD for adults using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The therapy is FDA-approved for individuals ages 15 and older, making it a safe, effective option for both teens and adults. Most insurance plans cover the treatment, providing greater accessibility to those in need.
Lake Brandon Village Chick-fil-A Marks 27 Years With Fresh Look

1 month ago | ospreyobserver.com | Marie Gilmore

As the Lake Brandon Village Chick-fil-A celebrates its 27th anniversary, owners Paul and Tammy express gratitude to the community for its continued loyalty over the years. When the couple opened the location on June 18, 1998, it marked the first freestanding Chick-fil-A in Brandon and the second of its kind in the Greater Tampa Bay area. At the time, employees were hired out of a construction trailer on-site, and the surrounding area was mostly empty cow fields.
Alafia Canoe Rentals Reopens For River Adventures After Hurricane Damage

1 month ago | ospreyobserver.com | Marie Gilmore

The double hurricanes that battered the region in 2024 caused significant damage along the Alafia River, even reaching areas that had never flooded before. For Sybil Cribbs, who has lived and worked from her river home since the 1960s, this was an unprecedented event. Sybil, who has operated Alafia Canoe Rentals since 1976, saw floodwaters reach the second floor of her home — something she had never experienced.
Selah Freedom Safe House: A Critical First Step In Human Trafficking Recovery

2 months ago | ospreyobserver.com | Marie Gilmore

In the heart of Southeast Hillsborough County, the Selah Freedom safe house stands as a beacon of hope for survivors of human trafficking, providing a crucial first step toward healing. Serving as the first point of recovery for victims across a six-county radius, the safe house has even welcomed individuals from other states, thanks to collaborative efforts and outreach.