Florida Re-Opens: Phase 2

Florida Re-Opens: Phase 2

As of Friday, June 5, 2020, all but three Florida counties – Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade – have now entered “Phase 2” of reopening after the COVID-19 outbreak. Here’s a breakdown of what that means in a handy chart provided by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office:

Read the complete Executive Order here for a full list of all businesses that may now operate and what, if any, restrictions they must follow.

This means

In addition to the restrictions that have already been lifted in Phase 1, you will begin to see more obvious shifts toward normal service and operations at bars, pubs, restaurants, and retail stores. Bar-top seating will be allowed with proper social distancing. Retail stores and gyms can operate at full capacity. Movie theaters, concert halls, auditoriums, bowling alleys, and other similar entertainment venues may operate at 50 percent capacity with appropriate social distancing and sanitation.

Busch Gardens will open soon, and Disney World plans to phase into park re-openings in July. Some other area attractions have already opened their doors. Each of these attractions will have COVID-specific protocols in place. Call ahead or check their websites before heading over.

This does NOT mean COVID-19 has disappeared or that the risk has been entirely mitigated. Sanitation and social distancing protocols currently in place are still encouraged. Seniors and anyone with underlying medical conditions should limit their risk of exposure to COVID-19. Everyone is encouraged to avoid congregating in groups larger than 50 persons.

 

And, in Sun City Center…

Starting on June 15, 2020, the SCCCA will transition to opening these Community Association designated club rooms:

Amateur Radio, Apple Users, Art Club, Billiards, Bunka Art Stitchers, Ceramics, China Painters, Computer Club, DAV, Dollhouse Miniatures, History Society, Lapidary, Model Railroad, Needlecrafters, Photo Club, Potter’s Wheel, Sawdust Engineers, SCC Travel Club, Sew’n Sews, Shell Crafters, Stained Glass, Seniors VS Crime Office, Weavers and Woodcarvers.

In addition, the outdoor pool, walking pool and Atrium walking path will now operate without the session closures. The outdoor pool usage clubs (Deep Water/Shallow Water Aquasizers and Water Volleyball) may also resume.

The Fitness Center will remain as-is with the two-hour sessions with one and a half hours of usage and then closure for thirty minutes for cleaning and sanitizing between sessions. There will be continued monitoring for lesser capacity with social distancing and the suggestion of masks to be worn.

There will be no non-dedicated club usage, meeting/social room usage of the facilities this time.

This is for Community Association and Freedom Plaza card holding members only, No guests.  King’s Point Gold Card holders may attend their affiliated club activities. Hours of Operation for all facilities at this time will remain 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Hillsborough County Library Update

Beginning Monday, June 8, 2020, book drops will be open Monday-Friday at all Hillsborough County Library System library locations to accept returns. Your returned items will be placed into quarantine and will still appear as “checked out” on your account. They will be checked in when safety and staffing permit. This will not change the number of items you are able to borrow. Items can be returned to these locations regardless of where you borrowed them from.

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar FactoryBy Bob Sanchez In July, a small group from the Sun City Center Photo Club toured the J. C. Newman Cigar Company to see first-hand how cigars are still made in Ybor City. For the senior rate of $12 per...

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of BeerBy Andrea L.T. Peterson Thanks to a reader recommendation, we discovered the Alafia Brewing Company in Gibsonton. When the Editor asked if I wanted to check it out, I thought: “I’ve been alcohol-free...

Late Summer Reflections

Late Summer Reflections

Late Summer Reflections By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County A famous pirate troubadour from Mississippi croons through the sound system down the hall, There’s something in the wind tonight, some kind of change in the weather… I sit...

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your Yard

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your Yard

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your YardBy Andrea L.T. Peterson It’s been about five years that the Audubon Club of Sun City Center has been aggressively monitoring the area's bluebird population, which had been steadily declining....

Field Trip to a Tea House

Field Trip to a Tea House

Field Trip to a Tea House By Diane M. Loeffler On August 10, four local friends visited the Lavender and Lace Tea Room in Lake Alfred. Andrea Olson and I live in Sun City Center’s Community Association, Annette Rawlinson lives in Kings Point,...

Pottery Club Wins Again at State Fair

Pottery Club Wins Again at State Fair

Pottery Club Wins Again at State FairBy Kai Rambow “I saw a program on PBS about ugly face jugs and I became inspired,” reflected Terrie McNamara.  “I had also just broken a pot on the kiln and said ‘Oh, my gosh, perfect teeth.’ I wanted to do...

The JUNE 2020 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

The JUNE 2020 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

In this issue…

We celebrate our healthcare heroes, review updates to the COVID-19 guidelines, shine the spotlight on a local disaster relief crew, look at life during lockdown, plan ahead for emergencies, review hurricane preparedness tips, learn what Samaritan Services did with a generous grant, and talk about the latest “fashion trend.” We also have some creative fun with Bunka, celebrate a socially distant birthday, ask readers how they’ve been spending their time at home, and explore the wonders at Selby Gardens.

Florida Full Phase 1

Testing Info, Courtesy of HCSO

Read the JUNE 2020 Issue of The News

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar FactoryBy Bob Sanchez In July, a small group from the Sun City Center Photo Club toured the J. C. Newman Cigar Company to see first-hand how cigars are still made in Ybor City. For the senior rate of $12 per...

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of BeerBy Andrea L.T. Peterson Thanks to a reader recommendation, we discovered the Alafia Brewing Company in Gibsonton. When the Editor asked if I wanted to check it out, I thought: “I’ve been alcohol-free...

Late Summer Reflections

Late Summer Reflections

Late Summer Reflections By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County A famous pirate troubadour from Mississippi croons through the sound system down the hall, There’s something in the wind tonight, some kind of change in the weather… I sit...

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your Yard

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your Yard

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your YardBy Andrea L.T. Peterson It’s been about five years that the Audubon Club of Sun City Center has been aggressively monitoring the area's bluebird population, which had been steadily declining....

Field Trip to a Tea House

Field Trip to a Tea House

Field Trip to a Tea House By Diane M. Loeffler On August 10, four local friends visited the Lavender and Lace Tea Room in Lake Alfred. Andrea Olson and I live in Sun City Center’s Community Association, Annette Rawlinson lives in Kings Point,...

Pottery Club Wins Again at State Fair

Pottery Club Wins Again at State Fair

Pottery Club Wins Again at State FairBy Kai Rambow “I saw a program on PBS about ugly face jugs and I became inspired,” reflected Terrie McNamara.  “I had also just broken a pot on the kiln and said ‘Oh, my gosh, perfect teeth.’ I wanted to do...

The May 2020 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

The May 2020 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

In this issue…

We review COVID-19 updates and get some information on testing, thank our SCC Emergency Squad and Security Patrol volunteers for staying “on the job” through the pandemic, and take a look at how some of the talented and creative Photo Club members are passing the time while social distancing. We share the results of the recent SCCCA vote, explore the causes of compassion fatigue, learn about lawn bowling, meet some local musicians who shared their talent with an impromptu concert, and thank local volunteers who came together to create and distribute face masks for health care workers and the community. Then we hop in the time machine with the History Society and come back to the future to debunk common myths about growing orchids.

Read the MAY 2020 Issue of The News

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar FactoryBy Bob Sanchez In July, a small group from the Sun City Center Photo Club toured the J. C. Newman Cigar Company to see first-hand how cigars are still made in Ybor City. For the senior rate of $12 per...

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of BeerBy Andrea L.T. Peterson Thanks to a reader recommendation, we discovered the Alafia Brewing Company in Gibsonton. When the Editor asked if I wanted to check it out, I thought: “I’ve been alcohol-free...

Late Summer Reflections

Late Summer Reflections

Late Summer Reflections By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County A famous pirate troubadour from Mississippi croons through the sound system down the hall, There’s something in the wind tonight, some kind of change in the weather… I sit...

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your Yard

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your Yard

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your YardBy Andrea L.T. Peterson It’s been about five years that the Audubon Club of Sun City Center has been aggressively monitoring the area's bluebird population, which had been steadily declining....

Field Trip to a Tea House

Field Trip to a Tea House

Field Trip to a Tea House By Diane M. Loeffler On August 10, four local friends visited the Lavender and Lace Tea Room in Lake Alfred. Andrea Olson and I live in Sun City Center’s Community Association, Annette Rawlinson lives in Kings Point,...

Pottery Club Wins Again at State Fair

Pottery Club Wins Again at State Fair

Pottery Club Wins Again at State FairBy Kai Rambow “I saw a program on PBS about ugly face jugs and I became inspired,” reflected Terrie McNamara.  “I had also just broken a pot on the kiln and said ‘Oh, my gosh, perfect teeth.’ I wanted to do...

Vesta Thanks Community Volunteers

Vesta Thanks Community Volunteers

Vesta Thanks Community Volunteers

Please help if you can, and if you need help, keep reading.

 

A huge thank you to those who participated in our efforts to feed health care workers, first responders, and volunteers in the Sun City Center area. Over 270 pizzas have now been delivered to feed approximately 1,000 med techs, CNAs, LPNs, RNs, caregivers, dietary workers, housekeepers etc. who are on the front lines protecting Sun City Center residents and patients.

With estimates of over 30% unemployment, our food banks have been hit hard and we will be partnering with Inspired Living of Sun City Center to help replenish Feeding Tampa Bay’s inventory.

If you are interested in helping, on April 23, residents can drive in and drop of non-perishable items under the Kings Point North Clubhouse Portico from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. The drop off will be contactless and Inspired Living will pick up the items from the Portico to drop off that evening.

Non-perishable food items suggested include: canned meat, tuna, salmon, peanut butter, jelly, canned or dry soup, canned stews, tea bags, ground coffee, canned pasta or vegetables.

 

Food Assistance for Seniors

Hillsborough County residents age 60 and older can apply for food assistance through Hillsborough County Aging Services. There is no income requirement to participate in the federally funded program. For more information on receiving meals and to apply, call (813) 272-5250.

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar FactoryBy Bob Sanchez In July, a small group from the Sun City Center Photo Club toured the J. C. Newman Cigar Company to see first-hand how cigars are still made in Ybor City. For the senior rate of $12 per...

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of BeerBy Andrea L.T. Peterson Thanks to a reader recommendation, we discovered the Alafia Brewing Company in Gibsonton. When the Editor asked if I wanted to check it out, I thought: “I’ve been alcohol-free...

Late Summer Reflections

Late Summer Reflections

Late Summer Reflections By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County A famous pirate troubadour from Mississippi croons through the sound system down the hall, There’s something in the wind tonight, some kind of change in the weather… I sit...

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your Yard

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your Yard

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your YardBy Andrea L.T. Peterson It’s been about five years that the Audubon Club of Sun City Center has been aggressively monitoring the area's bluebird population, which had been steadily declining....

Field Trip to a Tea House

Field Trip to a Tea House

Field Trip to a Tea House By Diane M. Loeffler On August 10, four local friends visited the Lavender and Lace Tea Room in Lake Alfred. Andrea Olson and I live in Sun City Center’s Community Association, Annette Rawlinson lives in Kings Point,...

Pottery Club Wins Again at State Fair

Pottery Club Wins Again at State Fair

Pottery Club Wins Again at State FairBy Kai Rambow “I saw a program on PBS about ugly face jugs and I became inspired,” reflected Terrie McNamara.  “I had also just broken a pot on the kiln and said ‘Oh, my gosh, perfect teeth.’ I wanted to do...

Hillsborough County to Open 2 Quarantine and Isolation Sites

Hillsborough County to Open 2 Quarantine and Isolation Sites

Hillsborough County to Open 2 Quarantine and Isolation Sites

 
 

Hillsborough County, Fla. (April 1, 2020) – Joining communities across the nation, Hillsborough County will open quarantine and isolation sites at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 2 to house residents and family members impacted by COVID-19 coronavirus. The sites will allow isolation of residents who have tested positive for coronavirus or quarantine of those exposed.

The sites will help prevent further spread of the virus by providing shelter, food, telemedicine options, and basic services such as laundry and sanitation for residents who are able to care for themselves but unable to stay in their own home.

The sites – two adjacent hotels on East Fowler Avenue in Tampa with a total of 362 rooms – will be managed by Hillsborough County and the Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH – Hillsborough). By stepping up to assist the community and leasing these facilities to Hillsborough County, 111 jobs have been preserved.

Residents eligible to use the sites must first be pre-screened by DOH – Hillsborough. Those housed at the sites could include single individuals or family members like a spouse and child.

Hillsborough County has signed a six-month lease with both hotels to serve as quarantine and isolation sites. The length of time the facilities will stay open and whether additional sites will be opened will be determined by local conditions. The length of time individuals will stay in the quarantine or isolation sites will be determined by the Department of Health and each person’s specific needs.

The two sites are the Quality Inn & Conference Center, 2701 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa, and West Wing Hotel, 2501 E. Fowler Ave. The sole entrance for those using the sites will be the Quality Inn, 2701 E. Fowler Ave.

When the quarantine and isolation sites are no longer needed, both hotels will undergo medical-grade cleaning and sanitation. Hillsborough County extends its deep gratitude to both hotels for their willingness to serve as community partners and provide valuable shelter and services to those affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Media will not be provided access to the property.

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar FactoryBy Bob Sanchez In July, a small group from the Sun City Center Photo Club toured the J. C. Newman Cigar Company to see first-hand how cigars are still made in Ybor City. For the senior rate of $12 per...

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of BeerBy Andrea L.T. Peterson Thanks to a reader recommendation, we discovered the Alafia Brewing Company in Gibsonton. When the Editor asked if I wanted to check it out, I thought: “I’ve been alcohol-free...

Late Summer Reflections

Late Summer Reflections

Late Summer Reflections By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County A famous pirate troubadour from Mississippi croons through the sound system down the hall, There’s something in the wind tonight, some kind of change in the weather… I sit...

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your Yard

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your Yard

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your YardBy Andrea L.T. Peterson It’s been about five years that the Audubon Club of Sun City Center has been aggressively monitoring the area's bluebird population, which had been steadily declining....

Field Trip to a Tea House

Field Trip to a Tea House

Field Trip to a Tea House By Diane M. Loeffler On August 10, four local friends visited the Lavender and Lace Tea Room in Lake Alfred. Andrea Olson and I live in Sun City Center’s Community Association, Annette Rawlinson lives in Kings Point,...

Pottery Club Wins Again at State Fair

Pottery Club Wins Again at State Fair

Pottery Club Wins Again at State FairBy Kai Rambow “I saw a program on PBS about ugly face jugs and I became inspired,” reflected Terrie McNamara.  “I had also just broken a pot on the kiln and said ‘Oh, my gosh, perfect teeth.’ I wanted to do...

The APRIL 2020 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

The APRIL 2020 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

In this issue…

Get the latest on the COVID-19 pandemic response from the CDC, Hillsborough County, and other local and state agencies and organizations. Learn how to outsmart scammers with tips gleaned from the Elder Care Summit. Celebrate artistic creativity with the Stained Glass Club; meet your very talented neighbors; get to know a family with deep connections to SCC; learn about some new local clubs; go Trail Blazing; revisit the colorful, musical fun of the Swim Dancers; and explore some SCC history.

Then be sure to…

Check out the Entertainment Corner, SCC Bulletin, Kings Point, Community News, Dance, Military News, Faith & Service, Arts, Sports, and South County Events sections to help you plan your month.

NOTE: Many events have been canceled or postponed, and some venues are currently closed. Be sure to contact the event organizer listed before attending.

Read the April 2020 Issue of The News

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar Factory

Touring Ybor City’s Last Cigar FactoryBy Bob Sanchez In July, a small group from the Sun City Center Photo Club toured the J. C. Newman Cigar Company to see first-hand how cigars are still made in Ybor City. For the senior rate of $12 per...

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of Beer

Alafia Brewing Company and the Queen of BeerBy Andrea L.T. Peterson Thanks to a reader recommendation, we discovered the Alafia Brewing Company in Gibsonton. When the Editor asked if I wanted to check it out, I thought: “I’ve been alcohol-free...

Late Summer Reflections

Late Summer Reflections

Late Summer Reflections By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County A famous pirate troubadour from Mississippi croons through the sound system down the hall, There’s something in the wind tonight, some kind of change in the weather… I sit...

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your Yard

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your Yard

May the Bluebirds of Happiness Nest in Your YardBy Andrea L.T. Peterson It’s been about five years that the Audubon Club of Sun City Center has been aggressively monitoring the area's bluebird population, which had been steadily declining....

Field Trip to a Tea House

Field Trip to a Tea House

Field Trip to a Tea House By Diane M. Loeffler On August 10, four local friends visited the Lavender and Lace Tea Room in Lake Alfred. Andrea Olson and I live in Sun City Center’s Community Association, Annette Rawlinson lives in Kings Point,...

Pottery Club Wins Again at State Fair

Pottery Club Wins Again at State Fair

Pottery Club Wins Again at State FairBy Kai Rambow “I saw a program on PBS about ugly face jugs and I became inspired,” reflected Terrie McNamara.  “I had also just broken a pot on the kiln and said ‘Oh, my gosh, perfect teeth.’ I wanted to do...