Residents excited by word of new Bealls

RIVERVIEW -- Some brighter news ahead for the local economy:  A new Bealls department store is scheduled to open in February. The store at Big Bend Road and U.S. 301 will feature wider aisles and larger shopping carts to get around its 80,000 square feet, according to published reports. The store's spokesman was unavailable Wednesday.

“I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for Riverview,” said Billie Gordon, president of the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce. “It will add employment in the area. Everyone I’ve talked to is looking forward to it.”

Andrew Meacham, Times Staff Writer

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Alafia River water withdrawal extended

Tampa Bay Water will be able to pull more water from the Alafia River to help meet demands, even though the river has been at near-historic lows.

An order that allowed the utility to take more water from the river to prepare for the upcoming dry season was set to expire Dec. 31. It will now last until Sept. 30.

This extension will reduce the need to use ground water, officials from the Southwest Florida Water Management District said.

The order allows Tampa Bay Water to take up to 19 percent of the flow from the Alafia River. It won't harm the river, SWFMD said.

Tampa Bay Water provides water to Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, as well as the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa.

-- Jessica Vander Velde, Times staff writer

Marine Corps League meeting

RIVERVIEW -- The next meeting of the Riverview detachment of the Marine Corps League will be Jan.6.

The detachment is seeking new members, and all active duty Marines and Navy Corpsmen who have served a tour with the Fleet Marine Force are eligible to join.

The meeting is at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post at 148 7240 U.S. Highway 301.  For more information, call Jack Skelding at 813-672-1778 or visit the detachment's Web site.

-- Jessica Vander Velde, Times staff writer

Folk musician coming to Brandon

BRANDON -- Jack Williams, a folk musician, will give a free concert at the Brandon Regional Library.

The concert is Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. at the library at 619 Vonderburg Drive.

Visit his Web site to hear some of his live recordings.

-- Jessica Vander Velde, Times staff writer

Chabad, mall collecting food in holiday charity

What's a canorah? It's a menorah made out of canned foods, and you can see one -- and contribute to it -- this weekend at Westfield Brandon mall.

The Chabad of Brandon is teaming up with Westfield to construct the canorah as part of a food drive and Chanukah Wonderland at 4:30 p.m. Sunday in the mall's outdoor restaurant courtyard. All donations will go to Tampa Jewish Family Services and The Portamento of Hope, a local organization that feeds the homeless of Brandon.

-- Kevin Smetana, Times staff writer

Boats to light up MiraBay in holiday parade

APOLLO BEACH -- The MiraBay community is holding its annual holiday parade of lighted boats tonight to benefit Southeastern Guide Dogs.

The boats will make their way around the MiraBay Lagoon beginning at sunset. Spectators can watch the parade from the community's clubhouse and welcome center. An award will be given to the best decorated boat.

After the parade, there will be a reception and silent auction at the welcome center. MiraBay is located at 205 Manns Harbor Drive in Apollo Beach.

-- Kevin Smetana, Times staff writer

Volunteers to renovate home of disabled Valrico boy

VALRICO -- On Saturday, a team of volunteers will renovate the home of a 12-year-old boy with muscular dystrophy.

Joshua Kruger suffers from a severe form of muscular dystrophy characterized by rapid muscle degeneration and eventual paralysis. His mother, Heidi Kruger, works from home to be with her son.

On Saturday, volunteers from Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay and the International Code Council will make the bathroom handicap accessible, paint the exterior of the home, provide minor kitchen repairs, and finish landscaping at the home at 3835 Twilight Drive in Valrico.

Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay provides home repairs for low-income families, the elderly, the disabled, members of the military, and veterans and their families.  To find out more about Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, how to refer a family, or how you can help, visit their Web site or call (813) 878-9000.

-- Jessica Vander Velde, Times staff writer

Plant City Christmas Parade tonight

PLANT CITY -- The annual Christmas Parade will be snaking through the streets of Plant City tonight.

The event, originally scheduled for Dec. 5, was rescheduled after a search for a murder suspect prompted the city to cancel the parade.

Parade planners are expecting 57 entries, including two middle school bands, local law enforcement and plenty of business-sponsored floats.

The parade starts at 6 p.m. at the intersection of S Collins and W Alsobrook streets and continues north on Collins Street to the courthouse on Michigan Avenue.

-- Jessica Vander Velde, Times staff writer

Two more nights of biblical satire

"The Bible:The Complete Word of God (Abridged)," a comedy put on by the Frenzie-Life Theatre, has its two final shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Barn Theatre at Winthrop, 11349 Bloomingdale Ave.

With portrayals of more than 60 characters, it's a fast-paced satire through the Old and New Testaments. The play will include audience participation, word play, sight gags and shtick.

General admission is $15, and students can get in for $10 with identification. To reserve seats, call 655-0789.

Kevin Smetana, Times staff writer

County offers adoption special on kittens and cats

TAMPA -- For the holidays, how about giving yourself a new kitten or cat? Hillsborough County Animal Services is celebrating "The 12 Days of Catmus!" through Dec. 24, giving residents a way to get felines into the house for less than half the normal price.

Through Dec. 24, cats at least one year old will be available for $12; kittens (under 1 year old) can be purchased for $25. The regular price is $60 for cats or kittens and $75 for dogs or puppies. That includes surgery to spay or neuter the animal, vaccinations, a subdermal microchip for identification and a first-year county license tag.

This event takes place during normal adoption hours through Christmas Eve at Hillsborough County Animal Services, 440 Falkenburg Road:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The shelter is closed on Sundays and holidays.

You should bring along photo ID, proof of current address, permission from landlord (if renting), and proof of current rabies vaccination and licensing of other pets currently in the household. Cash, credit cards and local checks are accepted.

The county reminds prospective pet owners that ownership is a commitment for the life of the animal. They are for you -- pet "surprise" gifts are almost always a bad idea. For more information, contact Hillsborough County Animal Services at 744-5660.

-- Andrew Meacham, Times Staff Writer