U.S. 41 Zoning Overlay Meeting

From County Staff:

 

For the last 9 months, county staff and the U.S. 41 Zoning Overlay Working Committee (composed by property owners, business representatives and citizens) have been working on defining alternatives to improve the appearance of U.S 41 between Big Bend Road and the Little Manatee River. This is one of the main objectives for implementing the Apollo Beach and Ruskin Community Plans.

 

You are invited to an important project meeting scheduled for next week.  We will be summarizing the final recommendations of this project.

Below the details of this meeting:

 

Date:   TUESDAY, February 21st

Time:   6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Place:  South Shore Regional Library

15816 Beth Shields Way

Ruskin, FL 33573

 

Your input is very important!

 

Information and staff presentations of previous meetings of this project can be found at:

 

http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/pgm/zoning/cpiongoing/US41.cfm

U.S. 41 Project - Visual Preference Survey- Sept 29th

From Hillsborough County Planning Dept:

Dear Citizen,

Improving the appearance of U.S Hwy. 41 is one of the main objectives for implementing the Apollo Beach and Ruskin Community Plans. Hillsborough County staff have been working with the community and other stakeholders to explore the development of a zoning overlay district along U.S. Hwy 41 between Big Bend Road and the Little Manatee River. 

An important workshop has been scheduled next week. Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to indicate their preference among a series of images that illustrate various designs and planning alternatives that could be considered for U.S. Hwy. 41.  You will be able to rank photos based upon your preference and see the results of the participants instantly! (see attached flyer)

Date:   Thursday, September 29th

Time:   6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Place:  South Shore Regional Library

15816 Beth Shields Way

Ruskin, FL 33573

Your input is very important for this project. Come and joint us!

Information, staff presentations and minutes of previous meetings of this project can be found at:

http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/pgm/zoning/cpiongoing/US41.cfm

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us

Jose Fernandez

Principal Planner

Development Services

Planning and Zoning Division

Hillsborough County BOCC

p: 813.307.3435  |  f: 813.272.5348

e: fernandezjr@hillsboroughcounty.org

w: http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org

Art Classes for Kida

From Mike at Ruskin's Big Draw Studio:

There are two exciting new classes for kids this summer at the Big Draw Studio in Ruskin. Please see descriptions below. There is limited space so register quickly. You can register online at www.ruskinbigdraw.com through paypal or a check in person at the studio. If you have problems registering call 813-846-2000.

June: The Art Club
Margit Redlawsk, art teacher at Apollo Beach Elementary, will be offering a Summer Series of Art Classes for elementary artists. We will explore many different ways of creating art and use a variety of materials for making our own unique pieces to bring home each day.
1st and 2nd grade:

Thursday’s, June 16, 23, 30, July 7:

3rd, 4th and 5th grade:

Friday’s, June 17, 24, July 1, 8

4:30 pm-6:00 pm

$60.00 per child for a 4 class series

Class size is limited to 12 students, so register early to reserve your child’s spot.
July: The Exploratorium
Come join Tim Delgado, Vice Principal of Wimauma Elementary and long time art teacher, at The Studio for exciting and meaningful learning experiences in the arts. We will be exploring various media each week. Watercolor, collage, sculpture, drawing and more. Come prepared to learn a lot, have a blast, and have people marvel at your creative talent. Instructor Tim Delgado
Mondays and Wednesdays 3:30-5:00pm

July 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 August

Fee $60.00

Class size is limited to 15 students, so register early to reserve your child’s spot.
http://www.ruskinbigdraw.com/

Ruskin Elementary 50th anniversary

From the pages of this week's Observer News :

"Ruskin Elementary will celebrate their 50th anniversary from 10am-2pm on Saturday, May 14. The program begins at 10:30am in the cafeteria.
Activities include: student performances, time capsule opening, historic picture walk, classroom tours, book fair, car show, and a 1950s lunch with hamburgers, hot dogs and floats. Former students, staff and community members are welcome."

Sounds fun!

Air Pollution Advisory Issued

I guess these past 2 days were not the best days to be spending so much time in the field...
Hillsborough County News May 11, 2011:
Air Pollution Advisory Issued In Hillsborough County For Today
The Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County (http://www.epchc.org/) has issued an Air Pollution ADVISORY due to elevated levels of the pollutant OZONE (http://www.epchc.org/ozone.htm).
This advisory was in effect as of 3 p.m. yesterday, May 10, and remains in effect until dusk today, Wednesday, May 11.
OZONE (http://www.epchc.org/ozone.htm) levels reached 66 parts per billion (PPB) at the E.G. Simmons Park monitoring station yesterday afternoon, and were forecasted to stay at a high level, resulting in an eight-hour average greater than the acceptable standard of 75 PPB. A level of 76 PPB for an 8 hour average translates to an Air Quality Index (http://www.epchc.org/current_air_quality.htm) of 101.
Air Quality Index values from 101 - 150 are considered Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory ailments, the elderly, or the very young may want to take this into consideration when planning any outside activities.
For more information, contact: Tom Tamanini, Environmental Protection Commission, Air Management Division at 813-363-8815.

'Old Florida' programs at our local library

Florida Kids Pioneer Day at the SouthShore Regional Library
Wednesday, May 11 at 2 p.m. For ages 5-12. This is a school early release day.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
What was life like for the pioneers of Florida? Before televisions, electricity, or cars? Join us and find out as we play games, make crafts, recipes, and listen to stories about the people who pushed America's boundaries.
Funding for this program provided by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.
The views expressed in this program are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Hillsborough County, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries, or the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. who do not endorse the presenter(s).

Hillsborough Reads: A Land Remembered at the SouthShore Regional Library
Thursday, May 19 at 2 p.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
Spanning more than one hundred years, A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith highlights Florida's rich cultural heritage by following the fictional MacIvey family through the challenging wilderness and the developing Florida landscape.
For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.

Hillsborough Reads: Patrick Smith’s Florida – A Sense of Place at the Ruskin Branch Library(Documentary Film)
Wednesday, May 25 at 1 p.m.
Ruskin Branch Library, 26 Dickman Drive S.E. in Ruskin
Join us for a book to film discussion on A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith - our featured Hillsborough Reads selection for May 2011. We will be screening the documentary film Patrick Smith’s Florida: A Sense of Place as he takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through Florida.
Hillsborough Reads is a partnership program between the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library and the Tampa Bay History Center. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/. The views expressed in this program are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Hillsborough County, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries, or the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. who do not endorse the presenter(s).

Meetings for New Hillsborough County Commission District Boundaries

Public Input Needed To Form New Hillsborough County Commission District Boundaries
The boundaries of Hillsborough County Commission Districts 1 through 4 are changing, and public input is needed on how that should be done.
Per County Charter, Commissioners must reapportion and redistrict every 10 years following the Federal Decennial Census. Each single-member district is to have a population representation as near to equal as possible. Since Commission Districts 5 through 7 are countywide districts and include all residents of Hillsborough County, this process will not affect them.
There are many ways to provide public input - attend one of ten public meetings, attend one of two public hearings, or comment online. Details on the Redistricting effort can be found on the Web at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/redistricting/.
Each public meeting listed below will follow the same format and present the same information. Possible new districting boundaries can be reviewed at each meeting site before the meeting, at the four regional libraries and the C. Blythe Andrews Library, and online at the Web link above.
The Redistricting  public meetings in South Shore are:
Wednesday, May 11; 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
South Shore Regional Service Center
410 30th St. SE in Ruskin
Thursday, June 2, 2011; 10 a.m. to Noon
Sun City Center Community Association
1009 North Pebble Beach Blvd.
Greater Sun City

The Redistricting public workshop and public hearings are:
Public Workshop- Tuesday May 24; 1:30 p.m.
2nd Floor Board Room – County Center
601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa
Commissioners will discuss alternatives to proposed district boundaries.
Public Hearing- Thursday, June 9; 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
2nd Floor Board Room – County Center
601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa
Commissioners will discuss alternatives to proposed district boundaries.
Public Hearing- Monday, June 20; 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
2nd Floor Board Room – County Center
601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa
Commissioners will adopt new district boundaries.

Public Meeting To Discuss the U.S. 41 - May 12

From: HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY NEWS April 22, 2011
Hillsborough County Holding Public Meeting To Discuss the U.S. 41 Zoning Overlay District
Hillsborough County invites the public to attend an introductory open house on the proposed U.S. 41 zoning overlay district.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss creating a zoning overlay district along U.S. 41 between Big Bend Road and the Little Manatee River as part of implementing the Apollo Beach and Ruskin Community Plans.
The overlay district will not affect the current zoning of properties, but will address establishing standards to improve and enhance the physical appearance of the U.S. 41 corridor. Standards typically address landscaping, signage, architecture and site design.

Staff will make a presentation at 7 p.m. describing intended outcomes, as well as an overview of the process that will be followed. Staff will also be available to provide information and answer questions. Please attend. We need and welcome your input. You may stop by anytime between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 12
Time: 6 p.m.-8p.m.
Place: South Shore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin
All meeting facilities are ADA compliant. For additional assistance, please call us. Translation will be available to Spanish- speaking residents.
For more information, please call Steve Valdez, Client Services, at 272-5275 (TTY: 301-7172). Para información, llamar al 272-5275.
###

Chili Cook-off, Flea Market and Classic Car Show

From:  Hillsborough County News
February 17, 2011
Chili Cookers and Eaters Needed Feb. 19
What: Chili Cook-off, Flea Market and Classic Car Show
When: Saturday, Feb. 19
Where: E.G. Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave. N.W. in Ruskin
Cost: No fee for chili cookers
$3 to sample the chili
$12 for flea market vendors
$2 park entry per vehicle; Free with annual parks pass
Registration: www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks

Chili cookers and flea market vendors are needed for the Annual Chili Cook-off, Flea Market and Classic Car Show to be held Saturday, Feb. 19 at E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin. Attendees may purchase a bowl of chili for $3 to taste the various recipes and vote for their favorites. Chili tasting and judging begins at noon.

There is no entry fee for chili cookers. However, contestants need to prepare at least five gallons of their favorite chili. Cookers compete for cash prizes paid out to the top three chili recipes, as well as a trophy for the best decorated booth.

Flea market vendors will be selling their goods at the outdoor market. The cost is $12 for a 12 X 12 space. Vendors must provide their own tables and may rent more than one space. The flea market opens at 8 a.m.

This year's event will also feature a Classic Car Show which begins at 10 a.m.
This event, hosted by the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, and benefits the Friends of the County Parks, a 501 (3) (c) not-for-profit group that promotes financial and community support to the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department.

Applications for chili cookers and flea market vendors are available on the Parks Web site at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks. Look under " PRC News."
Call (813) 671-7655 for additional information.
###

Multi-Chamber Mixer

From Ruskin Chamber's weekly Memo (sent to members but I'm sure there are folks (perhaps potential members?) who would like to meet some of our local business owners/managers)

Tuesday, March 15, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Join us for a wee bit o' cheer! RUSKIN-SOUTHSHORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MULTI-CHAMBER MIXER at The Resort and Club at Little Harbor, 611 Destiny Drive, Ruskin 33570. FREE. Don't miss this special opportunity to meet business leaders from local chambers: Greater Riverview, Apollo Beach, Sun City Center and Ruskin-SouthShore. RSVP (not required but appreciated) by March 11 to 813-645-3808 or ruskinadmin@earthlink.net. Sponsored by The Resort & Club at Harbor AND the Ruskin-SouthShore Chamber. .

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss at the SouthShore Regional Library
Sunday, Feb 27 at 2 p.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
FREE
There are stories and cake on a plate.
A craft you can make, so mark the date.
Lots of fun to partake, so don't be late.
It will be great, can't hardly wait!
For school age children ages 5-12. Funded by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.
The views expressed in these programs are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Hillsborough County, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries, or the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. who do not endorse the presenter(s).
Media/Event Contact: Lorri Robinson/Branch Supervisor

Local Prescribed Burn set

If you smell smoke in Ruskin it may be this...

From Hillsborough County News; February 1, 2011
Prescribed Burn Scheduled for Feb. 1 in Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve

The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, in cooperation with the Florida Division of Forestry, will be conducting a prescribed burn today, Tuesday, February 01 at Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve, 3709 Gulf City Road in Ruskin. The burn will last one day. The purpose of the burn is for site restoration.
For more information, residents should contact the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department at (813) 672-7876.
Prescribed burns are part of the management plan objectives for lands operated by the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, and is an essential tool to maintain and, often, restore the delicate Florida ecosystems. These burns maintain the biological diversity of our natural areas and ensure public safety through the reduction of hazardous fuels in a balance between natural lands and urban living environments.
Additional information about prescribed burns is available at http://hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/resources/publications/prescribedfireinformation.pdf
###

Annual Chili Cook Off, Flea Market and Car Show

E.G.Simmons County Park has a nice beach too!

Saturday, February 19, E.G. Simmons Park Annual Chili Cook Off, Flea Market and Car Show
at E.G. Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave NW, Ruskin, FL 33570,
Ph: 813-671-7655.
$2 Park Entry Fee.
Flea Market: 9:00 am, Car Show: 10:00 am, Cook Off: Noon.
Needed: Chili Cookers, Car Enthusiasts and Flea Market Vendors.
Cash Prizes for Best Chili. Beer will be served this year. Hamburgers, Hotdogs, and Sausage also available.

January at The Big Draw Studios

From Ruskin's Big Draw Studios:

Greetings Art Enthusiasts,
The Studio has a great lineup for the new year! Our two featured classes, 'Drawing Faces' and 'Painting', have new start dates beginning the first week of January. We will also be hosting The South Sore Arts Council's annual community arts project which has taken on an exciting new form. The first meeting on January 29th at 1pm will serve as an artist and community member exchange focusing on possibilities for community based projects in Ruskin and the South Shore area.
And wow, two new exciting workshops, 'Perception' and 'CoLaboratory', that will replace your "dinner and a movie" for sure!

As always we need your help spreading the word, so if you think your friends would be interested please forward this on.

Thank you and we hope to see you soon!

For more information visit: http://www.ruskinbigdraw.com/

Programs at SS Regional Library

From Hillsborough County News:
January Programs at SouthShore Regional Library
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
For more information about these and other FREE programs @ your library®, visit the information desk at the library or call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.



Opening Art Reception
Thursday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m.
FREE- The SouthShore Regional Library welcomes artists Diane Simon and Cynthia Wortmann for this interesting show of watercolors and pastels. Diane and Cynthia are accomplished artists and very well known in the SouthShore arts community. Light refreshments and music will be provided. Funding provided by the Friends of SouthShore Regional Library and co-sponsored by the SouthShore Arts Council.

Adult Watercolor Pencil Class
Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m.
FREE - – Registration required. Limited to 20 attendees;
Join art instructor Melissa Miller-Nece for this popular and informative class. Students will learn different techniques by exploring the many possibilities of this medium. Class is limited to 20 and registration is required. Funded by the Friends of SouthShore Regional Library.

Master Gardener: Vegetable Gardening 101
Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m.
FREE- Master Gardener Phil Channell will discuss the basics of vegetable gardening. Co-sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Hillsborough County Extension and the University of Florida.

Heritage Hunting
Saturday, Jan. 15 at 11 a.m.
FREE - Genealogist Sharon Tate-Moody outlines the steps to take in order to find your long lost ancestors. Funded by the Friends of SouthShore Regional Library.

Irish Folk Dance
Sunday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m.
FREE- Traditional Irish Folk Dancer Jessica Glover performs dance routines and provides a lively discussion about the history behind the dances. Funding provided by Friends of SouthShore Regional Library.

Finding Your Zen Through Painting
Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
FREE – Registration required. Limited to 20 participants;
This four week adult course will explore the Zen of creativity and painting. Join art instructor Anne Walker for this creative painting series of classes, and let your spirit out by expressing yourself through a mandala and paintings of landscape, still life and figures. Funded by the Friends of SouthShore Regional Library.

All About Stars and Planets
Saturday, Jan. 29 at 11 a.m.
FREE; A multi-media astronomy presentation about our near neighbors in space.
Magic for Everyone
Monday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.
FREE; Join us for this special magic show featuring magician, Cesar Domico. Enjoy this energized interactive show full of illusions.

What to do after the tree comes down...

From Hillsborough County News


Dec. 28, 2010

Reduce, Reuse or Recycle Your Live Christmas Trees
Make a dent in holiday waste this year by reducing, reusing or recycling your live Christmas tree after you are done celebrating. Hillsborough County Extension offers the following five environmentally-friendly tips.
• Yard Waste Processing Facilities

In Hillsborough County, there are three Yard Waste Processing Facilities that accept Christmas Trees for residential solid waste customers.
350 Falkenburg Road, Tampa, FL 33619, phone 813-744-5591
13001 U.S. Highway 41, Gibsonton, FL 33534, phone 813-671-7611
8001 West Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33625, phone 813-264-3816
Residential customers must bring their current tax bill and proper identification to access and use the facilities listed above. All decorations, lights and tinsel from trees must be removed. Trees do not need to be cut into sections if delivered to one of above the mentioned sites. However, all trees must be unloaded by the customer. Christmas trees will then be recycled into mulch and other environmentally beneficial by-products. Non-County residential solid waste customers must pay a tonnage fee to use these facilities. Note: Artificial trees are not accepted at County yard waste processing facilities
• Curbside Pick-up

Live Christmas trees can be placed outside for curbside pick-up on regular yard waste collection days. All decorations, lights and tinsel must be removed, and trees must be cut into pieces that are no more than four-feet in length and no more than six-inches in diameter.
• Back Yard

Christmas trees placed in the back yard will provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife. To provide food for birds, hang suet or sliced fruit from the branches.
• Mulch

Chop or grind live Christmas trees and use as mulch around trees, shrubs and flower beds.
• Firewood

Christmas trees can be used as firewood for outside fires, not in a fireplace. The tree must be allowed time to age as burning sap can be smoky and hazardous. Freshly cut wood does not burn as well as aged wood.
For more information regarding recycling live Christmas trees contact:
Lynn Barber
Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Agent
UF-IFAS Hillsborough County Extension
5339 County Road 579
Seffner, FL 33584
(813) 744-5519 x 105

Shop Local

I am all for shopping locally- Check out some South County sales from the Ruskin-Southshore Chamber of Commerce:
Are you planning on getting out and finding some good BLACK FRIDAY SALES? Support your fellow chamber members who are offering great specials…and avoid all the traffic and chaos at the same time!
Start your Christmas shopping off right- CHAMBER STYLE (local)… Make your shopping list, grab a map and print out this email! You are sure to find something for EVERYONE if you drop in at all of the following shops:

Southern Grace-Ruskin, 10am-5pm, 301 Highway 41 S
Hangover’s Boutique- Apollo Beach, 10am-6pm, 1311 Apollo Beach Blvd. S
2nd Hand Rose - Ruskin, The Rose Boutique, 10am-2pm, E. Shell Point Rd.
Bogg’s Jewelry- Sun City Center, 9am-5pm, 4845 Sun City Center Blvd
SouthShore Bait & Tackle- Ruskin, 6am-8pm, 55 US Hwy 41
Ochunsoino’s Spiritual & Natural Health- Wimauma/Ruskin, 10am-6pm, 5129 SR 674 Unit F

Want to shop WITHOUT the kids? Apollo Beach Racquet and Fitness Club is offering “drop in” Sport Camp for the day! Kids ages 5-12 are ONLY $25. Bring a lunch or include $5.00 additional for a lunch! This is an incredible offer they are extending- be sure to pass the word! 813.641.1922.

Looking for places to dine on Black Friday? Search no more…call the following chamber members for their hours on Friday-
Apollo’s Bistro 641.2685
Beanie’s Family Sports Grill 649.1700
Bella Cucina Italian Family Restaurant 634.7521
Cherry’s Bar and Grill 641.9333
East Coast Pizza 385.6540
Five Guys Burgers and Fries 677.0400
Hungry Howie’s 684.0622
Little Habana Café, LLC. 672.5111
Little Harbor 645.3291
Popi’s Place V 649.1315
S&S Tacos and Stuff 645.8226
San Vito Restaurant 645.5351
The Fish House 641.9451
Sava Café 645.9595
Mabry’s Market 642.0191
Hydro Harvest Farms 645.6574

Now there is NO EXCUSE to not support the local business & chamber community on the BIGGEST SHOPPING DAY OF THE YEAR! Why not keep your money right here in our community?
Please pass this email on to as many friends and family as you like!

If you go, tell them Dolly sent you. It won't get you anything special but it will show SOMEONE reads my blog :o)

Backyard Gardening Workshop 10/10/10

This just in...

On 10/10/10, as part of the 350 Global Workday, people around the world are getting together to participate in activities that promote the reduction of CO2.


In Ruskin, people can be part of this event by coming to the Backyard Gardening Workshop on Shell Point Rd. at First St. SW (one block west of Hwy 41) and learning how to transform their lawns into sustainable vegetable gardens – composting & soil preparation, beneficial bugs, growing in different mediums, Florida-friendly and organic plant sales. Sunday, October 10 from 9am to 1pm. For further information contact anitajimenez@ymail.com.


350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide - measured in "parts per million" - in our atmosphere. 350ppm is the number humanity needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change. We are currently above 390ppm, and we are witnessing the results of higher CO2 levels manifested in record high temperatures around the globe, melting glaciers, rising sea levels and extreme weather.

350 is also a global grassroots movement that focuses on the barriers to climate solutions, working to implement real climate solutions in our communities and demonstrating the benefits of moving to a cleaner energy economy.

To learn more about the 10/10/10 Global Workday, go to www.350.org.

Aerie

Years ago, I went on a volunteer work-vacation to Wyoming. One of the reasons I wanted to go was to see an eagle in the wild. I did and they were as majestic as all those documentaries said they were. Sailing over the canyons, blue skies- I might just break into a John Denver song! It was memorable as something I may never get a chance to see again.
A few years later I moved to Ruskin where I was thrilled to find that we had an eagle's nest just down the road from us, just yards off the paved road, in plain sight for any who cared to look up. I watch for their return each year. This photo was taken last week so they are hopefully getting ready for the season.
It was good to see the eagle perched on its nest. It has been nesting in that pine on Shellpoint Rd for as long as I've lived here and I've been told its been returning there for decades. It is one of the nests monitored by FWS whose website shows it was actively used up until last year. I did see the eagle sitting on its nest last year but did not see any tell-tale signs of nesting or chicks. I hope they have a better year this year!

Fundraiser 9/11/10- 6pm

When: September 11, 6 pm
What: A fundraiser
Where: The Elks Club, 1630 S US Highway 41 in Ruskin
Who: Cindy-Lou Wood is a South County resident and daughter of Penny Fletcher, news report and columnist for this area.
Why: Cindy was the victim of a violent crime in Tennessee and has had 4 hospitalizations, including 2 brain surgeries. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. For more info, contact Jeanie Irwin (813) 927-2677 or jkirwin@hotmail.com; or Pat Smit (813) 677-8352.