SCC Celebrates Earth Day

SCC Celebrates Earth Day

The Sun City Center Audubon Society celebrated the 51st anniversary of Earth Day on April 22 at the SCC Community Association’s West Campus Nature Trails. The weather cooperated beautifully with clear skies, a light breeze, low humidity and temperatures in the upper seventies.

Sixty-seven individuals signed up at the trailhead. Most of the participants had not been on the trail before despite living here for some time. One couple, Brent and Brenda Green, just moved into the Community Association a week before. Barb Durant joined the Audubon Society just before the pandemic hit. She is excited about the society’s programs and trips resuming. 

At 10 a.m. master birder, Ray Webb led the Bird Lovers’ Walk. Webb says, “ I have been a birder all my life. I joined the Tampa Audubon Society in 1975 and then here in Sun City Center in 2004.” Webb says he has seen 105 species of birds in the West Campus Nature Trails area. He pointed out the osprey on its nest on an elevated platform near West Del Webb saying, “Ospreys have been coming to this spot for the last three years. Great horned owls nest every year near La Jolla and North Pebble Beach.”

Since the park and its trails are near homes, there have been no prescribed burns. Some plants, animals and birds require an environment that has recently been burned. One of these is the scrub jay. Webb says, “If you want to see scrub jays, go to Duette Preserve in Manatee County, a wide-open area these birds love.”

Webb likes to walk on the West Campus Nature Trails early in the morning.  He says, “The best time to see the birds is around 7:45 in the morning. They are at their most active then. The best place to see them is along the water.”

Melanie Higgins led the 10:30 Tree Huggers Walk. She says, “I am passionate about restoration.” She explained the various habitats we saw along the walk and which plants and creatures need specific environments. Higgins also pointed out examples of the phases trees progress through. Did you know that slash pines and longleaf pines go through a grass phase before looking anything like a tree?

John Lampkin put some Spanish Moss under a microscope so we could see its scales. Lampkin says, “Spanish Moss has a tremendous amount of surface area to absorb water.” Lampkin led the 11 a.m. Bugs and Blooms walk. Lampkin not only tells the names of the “bugs and blooms,” he also describes how they interact with each other and the environment. For example, the button plant— a very tiny plant with a small bloom—is visited by 37 different types of bugs.

Peter Aluotto Is the Chairman of Conservation for the local Audubon Society. This event was his inaugural project. Aluotto says, “We were going to do something like this last year but cancelled because of the pandemic. We hope that residents know about the trails and become familiar with them. If you look at Ideal Living magazine, trails have become a selling point for housing areas. This community is a pioneer in having nature trails.”

Mary Duncan has been the president of the Audubon Society for four years. She says, “ZOOM meetings have continued to take place during the pandemic.” Duncan says, “There used to be field trips every month.  We plan to resume them after things begin to reopen.”

Duncan says, “I love being out in nature. This club is enjoyable on all levels of interest and knowledge of nature and birds. We have a variety of speakers at our monthly meetings. We travel to many places such as the Bishop museum, boating trips and nature preserves.”

Currently, only the south side of the canal is available for walking. The Audubon Society has drawn up plans for developing the part of the preserve north of the canal at some point in time. Doing so would require approval from the board and funds for a bridge and boardwalks.

There is talk of another Earth Day Event possibly being held next April 22. In the meantime, tours are available the first Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. Bug spray, closed toe shoes and hats are recommended. The trails are on the west side of West Del Webb just south of Vincennes and just north of Seton Hall. Cars can park along the road. Golf cart parking is available in the field or back under the trees.

The Information Center

The Information Center

The Information Center A Place for Prospective Buyers, New Residents and All of the Rest of Us    By Diane M. Loeffler The Information Center sits at the southeast corner of Cherry Hills and North Pebble Beach. Some people think of it as our...

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February 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Get to know SCC at the Information Center, read a recap of the January SCCCA membership and board meetings, learn how the SCC Beautification Corporation helps keep the community looking its best, show your gratitude for our First...

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January Membership Meeting By Diane M. Loeffler At 3 p.m. on January 5, 2022, 294 people attended the Sun City Center Community Association Membership Meeting in person and 89 virtually attended using Zoom. In order to meet quorum, two hundred...

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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...

JUNE 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

JUNE 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…

Celebrate Earth Day, enjoy local wildlife, get updates on the upcoming Entertainment Series, learn about a benefit event for local pets, go back in time to a wacky and wonderful rendition of the Renaissance, experience turning 100 in SCC, see where your neighbors took The News, explore Ybor City and step on Cuban soil, discover how TPRO is keeping us safer from COVID, celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the Kings Point Garden Club, and mark your calendar for the SCCCA 4th of July Family Fun Day!

And be sure to check out the SCC Club News, Kings Point News, Military News, and Community News to help you plan your month.

Read the June 2021 Issue of The News

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Info

Florida hospitals, county health departments, and local pharmacies have received hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses. Learn how these will be distributed and get more information at the Florida Department of Health website, “floridahealth.gov.”

The Information Center

The Information Center

The Information Center A Place for Prospective Buyers, New Residents and All of the Rest of Us    By Diane M. Loeffler The Information Center sits at the southeast corner of Cherry Hills and North Pebble Beach. Some people think of it as our...

99th Birthday Party at Bob’s Vets

99th Birthday Party at Bob’s Vets

99th Birthday Party at Bob’s VetsBy Diane M. Loeffler On the morning of December 16, a party was held at Bob Evans Restaurant for Maurice (Mo) Lanouette. Mo’s actual birthday was Saturday, but the Bob’s Vets group decided to honor Lanouette...

February 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

February 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Get to know SCC at the Information Center, read a recap of the January SCCCA membership and board meetings, learn how the SCC Beautification Corporation helps keep the community looking its best, show your gratitude for our First...

January Membership Meeting

January Membership Meeting

January Membership Meeting By Diane M. Loeffler At 3 p.m. on January 5, 2022, 294 people attended the Sun City Center Community Association Membership Meeting in person and 89 virtually attended using Zoom. In order to meet quorum, two hundred...

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...

May 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

May 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…

The Photo Club members wow us once again, the SCCCA announces a very important Town Hall meeting; a local Club donates thousands for lifesaving equipment; we visit the reopened Tampa Theatre; make some local Family Connections; celebrate support groups helping people in our community; catch up with a resident who hopes to introduce hockey to kids in Ukraine; our travel guide, Kai, spends a fun Weekend in Wimauma, before cruising over to Grape Hammock for an Adventure At High Speed… Did you know there are bison in Florida?? Then, we catch up with several local charities and civic organizations doing great work both here and abroad, and we learn why – this year only – the Renaissance has relocated to Dade City.

And be sure to check out the SCC Club News, Kings Point News, and Community News to help you plan your month.

Read the May 2021 Issue of The News

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Info

Florida hospitals and county health departments have received hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses. More are coming. Learn how these will be distributed and get more information at the Florida Department of Health website, “floridahealth.gov.”

The Information Center

The Information Center

The Information Center A Place for Prospective Buyers, New Residents and All of the Rest of Us    By Diane M. Loeffler The Information Center sits at the southeast corner of Cherry Hills and North Pebble Beach. Some people think of it as our...

99th Birthday Party at Bob’s Vets

99th Birthday Party at Bob’s Vets

99th Birthday Party at Bob’s VetsBy Diane M. Loeffler On the morning of December 16, a party was held at Bob Evans Restaurant for Maurice (Mo) Lanouette. Mo’s actual birthday was Saturday, but the Bob’s Vets group decided to honor Lanouette...

February 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

February 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Get to know SCC at the Information Center, read a recap of the January SCCCA membership and board meetings, learn how the SCC Beautification Corporation helps keep the community looking its best, show your gratitude for our First...

January Membership Meeting

January Membership Meeting

January Membership Meeting By Diane M. Loeffler At 3 p.m. on January 5, 2022, 294 people attended the Sun City Center Community Association Membership Meeting in person and 89 virtually attended using Zoom. In order to meet quorum, two hundred...

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...

April 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

April 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…

Visit the Arcadia Rodeo, laugh and learn with Phoney Baloney, marvel at the blue Angels, enjoy Gazebo concerts, celebrate local volunteers, appreciate Andy Ledoux, take a Nature Break, join a grief support group, explore the phenomenon known as pareidolia, shop the marketplace at St. John, get Pickin’ again, and meet local photographer Kai Rambow.

And be sure to check out the SCC Club News, Kings Point News, and Community News to help you plan your month.

Read the April 2021 Issue of The News

COVID-19 Vaccine Info

 

Florida hospitals and county health departments have received hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses. More are coming. Learn how these will be distributed and get more information at the Florida Department of Health website, “floridahealth.gov.”

The Information Center

The Information Center

The Information Center A Place for Prospective Buyers, New Residents and All of the Rest of Us    By Diane M. Loeffler The Information Center sits at the southeast corner of Cherry Hills and North Pebble Beach. Some people think of it as our...

99th Birthday Party at Bob’s Vets

99th Birthday Party at Bob’s Vets

99th Birthday Party at Bob’s VetsBy Diane M. Loeffler On the morning of December 16, a party was held at Bob Evans Restaurant for Maurice (Mo) Lanouette. Mo’s actual birthday was Saturday, but the Bob’s Vets group decided to honor Lanouette...

February 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

February 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Get to know SCC at the Information Center, read a recap of the January SCCCA membership and board meetings, learn how the SCC Beautification Corporation helps keep the community looking its best, show your gratitude for our First...

January Membership Meeting

January Membership Meeting

January Membership Meeting By Diane M. Loeffler At 3 p.m. on January 5, 2022, 294 people attended the Sun City Center Community Association Membership Meeting in person and 89 virtually attended using Zoom. In order to meet quorum, two hundred...

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...

March 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

March 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue…

Hear from the newly elected SCCCA Board Members, see who helped SCC residents get their COVID-19 vaccine, get away for the day at Apollo Beach Preserve, mark your calendars for a very special livestream theater event, enjoy a stroll through Monet’s Garden, read about Irish American heritage, discover river rapids right here in Hillsborough County, help a local resident celebrate a century, cheer on some award-winning athletes, hear about vaccine experiences from local residents, discover how the Florida Orchestra is managing social distancing, and explore the outdoors at Camp Bayou.

And be sure to check out the SCC Club News, Kings Point News, Community News, and South County News sections to help you plan your month.

Read the March 2021 Issue of The News

Florida is in Phase 3. Get the latest updates.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Florida hospitals and county health departments have received hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses. More are coming. Learn how these will be distributed and get more information at the Florida Department of Health website, “floridahealth.gov.”

Testing Centers in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County has a new testing reservation line. Call 888.513.6321 to make an appointment for a test at any of the seven county testing locations, including three in South County:

Redeemer Lutheran Church, 701 Valley Forge Blvd., Sun City Center

Wimauma Opportunity Center, 5128 SR-674

SouthShore Community Resource Center, 201 14th Ave. SE, Ruskin

Suncoast Community Health Centers, 313 S. Lakewood Drive, Brandon

Lee Davis Community Resource Center, 3402 N. 22nd St., Tampa

Plant City Community Resource Center, 307 N. Michigan Ave., Plant City

Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa

Reservation call center hours are weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Individuals arriving without an appointment will not be tested. You must have your confirmation code, as well as a photo ID with the name and date of birth of all persons being tested, when you go for the test. For further testing information, visit “www.hillsboroughcounty.org” and search “getting-tested”. In the results, scroll down to “Testing & If You’re Sick”.

The Information Center

The Information Center

The Information Center A Place for Prospective Buyers, New Residents and All of the Rest of Us    By Diane M. Loeffler The Information Center sits at the southeast corner of Cherry Hills and North Pebble Beach. Some people think of it as our...

99th Birthday Party at Bob’s Vets

99th Birthday Party at Bob’s Vets

99th Birthday Party at Bob’s VetsBy Diane M. Loeffler On the morning of December 16, a party was held at Bob Evans Restaurant for Maurice (Mo) Lanouette. Mo’s actual birthday was Saturday, but the Bob’s Vets group decided to honor Lanouette...

February 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

February 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Get to know SCC at the Information Center, read a recap of the January SCCCA membership and board meetings, learn how the SCC Beautification Corporation helps keep the community looking its best, show your gratitude for our First...

January Membership Meeting

January Membership Meeting

January Membership Meeting By Diane M. Loeffler At 3 p.m. on January 5, 2022, 294 people attended the Sun City Center Community Association Membership Meeting in person and 89 virtually attended using Zoom. In order to meet quorum, two hundred...

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...

The February 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

The February 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

In this issue…

Get to know the SCC Beautification Corporation, discover who won the SCC Photo Club’s Best of the Best contest, get up to date on local infrastructure projects, stay on your toes with the Ballet Club, explore art and nature at Ringling, see how Operation Warm Heart is helping our veterans, grab a flat of fresh berries or a delicious strawberry shake at Goodson Farms, learn how to avoid the latest scams, meet a “kindergarten dropout” who became an honor student with the help of some caring local volunteers at The Hope Fund, and celebrate 79 years of wedded bliss with the Meixners.

Then be sure to check out the Club News, Kings Point News, Community News, and Military sections to help you plan your month.

Read the February 2021 Issue of The News

Florida is in Phase 3. Get the latest updates.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Florida hospitals and county health departments have received hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses. More are coming. Learn how these will be distributed and get more information at the Florida Department of Health website, “floridahealth.gov.”

Testing Centers in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County has a new testing reservation line. Call 888.513.6321 to make an appointment for a test at any of the seven county testing locations, including three in South County:

Redeemer Lutheran Church, 701 Valley Forge Blvd., Sun City Center

Wimauma Opportunity Center, 5128 SR-674

SouthShore Community Resource Center, 201 14th Ave. SE, Ruskin

Suncoast Community Health Centers, 313 S. Lakewood Drive, Brandon

Lee Davis Community Resource Center, 3402 N. 22nd St., Tampa

Plant City Community Resource Center, 307 N. Michigan Ave., Plant City

Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa

Reservation call center hours are weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Individuals arriving without an appointment will not be tested. You must have your confirmation code, as well as a photo ID with the name and date of birth of all persons being tested, when you go for the test. For further testing information, visit “www.hillsboroughcounty.org” and search “getting-tested”. In the results, scroll down to “Testing & If You’re Sick”.

The Information Center

The Information Center

The Information Center A Place for Prospective Buyers, New Residents and All of the Rest of Us    By Diane M. Loeffler The Information Center sits at the southeast corner of Cherry Hills and North Pebble Beach. Some people think of it as our...

99th Birthday Party at Bob’s Vets

99th Birthday Party at Bob’s Vets

99th Birthday Party at Bob’s VetsBy Diane M. Loeffler On the morning of December 16, a party was held at Bob Evans Restaurant for Maurice (Mo) Lanouette. Mo’s actual birthday was Saturday, but the Bob’s Vets group decided to honor Lanouette...

February 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

February 2022 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Get to know SCC at the Information Center, read a recap of the January SCCCA membership and board meetings, learn how the SCC Beautification Corporation helps keep the community looking its best, show your gratitude for our First...

January Membership Meeting

January Membership Meeting

January Membership Meeting By Diane M. Loeffler At 3 p.m. on January 5, 2022, 294 people attended the Sun City Center Community Association Membership Meeting in person and 89 virtually attended using Zoom. In order to meet quorum, two hundred...

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...