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OLDSMAR, FL, February 10, 2023 – Sometimes the weather gods suck. Four hours is a long way to drive for a wet track, but there’s a 70% chance of ca-ca for Saturday which would render the Tampa Bay Downs surface wet for Saturday’s Sam F Davis and Suncoast, two terrific races.

(As this is updated Saturday 8:34 a.m., so far, so good... Notah has been scratched form the Davis; entered back for Sunday).

Fortunately for Gothamites, the once-canceled frigid Withers rescheduled for Saturday will be renewed over a partly-cloudy dry track, so all is good there, a two-horse affair on paper after which one might emerge a serious Derby hopeful.

Now we’re not saying that this year’s Sam F Davis winner will repeat in in Louisville this spring but will posit unequivocally that the 1-1/16 miles for three year olds is the most interesting and deepest field assembled this year. A dozen entrants with half as many having a puncher’s chance.

There’s reason to expect that both Withers favorites; Arctic Arrogance (8-5) and Hit Show (9-5) will bring their ‘A’ game to the contest.

1-Arctic Arrogance was a very game second at the Withers distance of 9 furlongs when second in the G2 Remsen at 2, his best effort to date. Subsequently came another place finish in the Jerome, his three year old debut, stalking the pace through but remaining one-paced in deep stretch.

Trainer Linda Rice is hoping that newly added blinkers will help him focus and break him of his habit to stay with other horses. Rice told the NYRA press staff that rider Jose Lezcano worked him with the head gear and both were pleased with the improvement shown.

4-Hit Show ships in for Brad Cox having won two of three lifetime starts, coming from mid-pack to win an Oaklawn allowances, short-run and all going a two-turn mile. No Lasix today, unlike last time, but shows five subsequent works, four either bullets or near bullets. He was scratched from the G3 Southwest for this longer test. Manny Franco rides.

AQUEDUCT

G3 Withers Stakes Race 9

DESERVING FAVORITE: Arctic Arrogance

MOST PROBABLE WINNER: Arctic Arrogance

STRAIGHT WAGER and EXOTICA: Arctic Arrogance to win, no price restrictions. Exacta Box: 1-4. Trifecta Key: 1 first and second with 3.4.5 [General Banker (8-1)]. 6 [Ninetypercentmaddie (8-1)].

TAMPA BAY DOWNS

SUNCOAST STAKES Race 9

The Skinny: Ungraded this year but if there’s any justice it won’t be the case next year as the 1 mile 40 yards attracts Juvenile Filly champion Wonder Wheel and promising undefeated prospect, winner of the 9 furlong Demoiselle in her two year old finale.

Mark Casse has gone on record, stating that 1-Wonder Wheel (1-1) was the best two year old he ever trained. But for Oaks intended fillies, it’s about the transitioned from two to three that matters.

Easily the most accomplished, Casse loves the way she’s been training at his Ocala training center for this, even if she’s only had four published workouts after her brief staycation. This is her bridge to the G3 Florida Oaks, the local prep for the big dance on May’s first Friday. Tyler rides.

The wise guys were out in droves following 9-Julia Shining’s (5-2) Demoiselle’s score, noting her final time was two seconds slower than the Remsen boys. But it’s also true that the six-furlong split was two seconds slower than the colts, making her late run noteworthy indeed.

Julia Shining boasts a strong workline for her three year old debut but will need to overcome her outside draw, which could be a blessing for this late runner. It will be up to Luis Saez to figure it all out.

While the favorites own a class edge on form, two price shots are worthy of mention: 2-Opus Forty Two (10-1) was visually impressive winning both local starts including the 7 furlong Gasparilla, a useful bridge into this. Sharp working 8-Ticket Tape Home (8-1), the “other” Casse, was a game runnerup in Woodbine’s Display in her juvenile swansong.

DESERVING FAVORITE: Wonder Wheel

STRAIGHT VALUE WAGER and EXOTICA: Julia Shining to win at 5-2 or greater. Exacta Box: 1.2.8.9. Trifecta Wheel: 1.9 // 1.2.8.9 // 1.2.8.9

G3 SAM F DAVIS STAKES Race 10

The Skinny: This is what the video revealed; 2-Prairie Hawk (6-1) set laughably slow early pace but withstood strong pressure for over a half mile; won two Tampa routes for Saffie and Camacho. 4-Laver (15-1) should have broken maiden three back, much the best in tough-trip maiden breaker, ran deceptively well in Mucho Macho Man; better than most believe.

6-Classic Car Wash (20-1) set an easy pace but finished powerfully late on Gulfstream Tapeta; would surprise but would not shock. 7-Dubyuhnell (9-5) freaked when taking wet-track Remsen; obviously proven but soft work schedule for return and looms underlay.

9-Champions Dream (9-2) chased three across the track the entire Pasco trip just missing after winning Grade 3 in juvenile finale, Tyler for Casse again. Locally based 10-Dreaming of Kona (12-1) was a hickory game second in adventurous Mucho Macho Man and returned with big local work subsequently. 11-Litigate (5-1) was good second on the raise and stretch-out with tough 4-wide turn move behind impressive winner; bred for added ground.

DESERVING FAVORITE: Dubyuhnell

STRAIGHT VALUE WAGER and EXOTICA: Betting Litigate to win at 7-2 or greater. Betting Laver to win at 12-1 or greater. Exacta Key-Box 11 // 2.4.6.7.9.10 Exacta Box: 4.7.11

In the past year, Sunbelt has grown from one office to three, and they have doubled their internal workforce for a total of 250 colleagues. The company is projected to reach 350 colleagues by 2024, bringing new jobs to the Tampa area. This has increased their capacity to serve schools and healthcare systems with over 2,500 healthcare and education professionals across the U.S.

“At Sunbelt, everything we do starts with a premium mindset. We never settle for second best or good enough. We strive for the best in all we do for our colleagues, clients, and healthcare and education professionals,” said Ken Kistner, vice president of healthcare at Sunbelt. “This rebrand reflects our core purpose of using our unmatched knowledge, unwavering commitment, and unrivaled grit to advocate for and empower every professional we work with.”

As part of the rebrand, Sunbelt has revitalized their website to attract clients and professionals and to improve user experience and accessibility. In addition to a fresh look, the website also has an optimized job search function for easier navigation and quicker results.

“Much of our focus for this rebrand was on improving the experience for our colleagues, associates and clients, and supporting them throughout the different seasons of their lives,” said Kim Western, senior vice president of education at Sunbelt. “When we created the new brand, we worked to incorporate feedback and ideas from our healthcare and education professionals and clients. This allowed us to capture who we are and what we have evolved to be, and it gives our clients and associates a better understanding of how we can serve their needs.”

To apply for positions in the newly expanded Sunbelt offices, visit sunbeltstaffing.com/about/careers. To learn more about the staffing company, visit sunbeltstaffing.com.

About Sunbelt

Sunbelt, headquartered in Oldsmar, FL, is a healthcare and educational staffing company and has been connecting professionals to healthcare facilities and schools nationwide for more than 30 years. It offers travel and permanent placements for school and healthcare professionals. To learn more about Sunbelt, please visit sunbeltstaffing.com.

            May HarrelsonDalton Agency843-271-7370mharrelson@daltonagency.com            

Fans of Mexico’s signature liquors — tequila and mezcal — will want to check out Tequila Daisy, a new craft cocktail bar set to open this summer on the ground floor of ONE St. Petersburg at 120 1st Avenue North, across from the Sundial parking garage.

Tequila Daisy — the name was inspired by the margarita, the classic tequila cocktail whose name means “daisy” in Spanish — is the latest concept from the owners of other downtown St. Petersburg hotspots, including Pour Judgement, Whiskey Exchange, and One Night Stand. They envision it as having an upscale neighborhood bar feel during the week, with DJs and dancing on the weekends.

“We’re going to be a craft cocktail bar,” co-owner Monique Grespan tells St. Pete Rising, “but we’re trying to step away from what you traditionally see in a cocktail bar, such as dim lighting, leather, copper, that kind of thing.”

“When you drink tequila, you get this bright, fun buzz,” adds Grespan. “We’re trying to bring that into the space and evoke that feeling at Tequila Daisy. The bar will be vibrant and colorful, with murals from some of your favorite local artists.”

Teals, golds, and purples will decorate the bar, which will include a variety of seating options, such as high-tops, booths, and bar seating, as well as seating on an expansive outdoor patio.

The 3,000-square-foot bar, Grespan says, will stock more than 150 tequilas and mezcals from well-known brands as well as small-batch distilleries. The cocktail menu hasn’t been finalized but she says it will probably feature 10 to 12 different drinks. 

Grespan will operate the bar with Melissa Powell, who worked at One Night Stand for several years and then Pour Judgment, where she’s a co-owner along with Michael Jennings, Miles Duncan, Jerrad Atkin, Billy Orfanakos, and Joe Moledo. Tequila Daisy is the group’s next exciting venture.

“Our goal is to educate people,” Grespan says. “That’s going to be a big part of our bartenders’ training — making sure that they're educated on tequila. We already have a great relationship with our liquor reps in the area, and they're excited to bring in a lot of education for us. They’ve already sent me books, but we’re also learning as we go along.”

One of Tequila Daisy’s signature drinks will be called The Namaste, which was finalist in Chilled magazine’s Transcend the Ordinary Cocktail Competition and features Santo Reposado tequila, coconut water, black walnut bitters, key lime simple syrup, coconut fruit bar, a toasted coconut rim, and strawberry garnish.

“It’s delicious,” Grespan says, “and it’s just a beautiful drink.”

Customers who prefer vodka, rum, gin, etc., will be able to get non-tequila and non-mezcal drinks.

“Our bartenders are already trained craft cocktail bartenders,” Grespan says, “so they know how to make a good Old Fashioned, an Aperol Spritz — all that stuff. We’ll offer everything, but obviously we’re not going to carry 50 different types of vodka. We’ll have the basics and tequila is going to be our main focus.”

Tequila Daisy also plans on running weekly specials, like Jose All Day on Saturdays and Sundays, and Friday Night Flights.

Grespan, who grew up in Oldsmar, has years of experience in the restaurant industry, including at local establishments like The Melting Pot, Three Birds Tavern, and Toasted Monkey on St. Pete Beach.

“I've always loved tequila, and I was into the idea of a tequila bar,” she says. “We saw tequila as an up-and-coming liquor — it seems to be everywhere, and people are taking tequila shots like it’s the ’90s again. I thought I could take it on, especially with Melissa and her drink-making abilities. The menu she’s already come up with is amazing.”

Follow Tequila Daisy on Facebook to keep up-to-date on new drink offerings, specials, and grand opening plans.

OLDSMAR — On Sept. 6, the Pinellas County Commission celebrated the completion of Brooker Creek South, the first industrial manufacturing building supported in part by the county’s Employment Sites Program (ESP). The developer, Harrod Properties Inc., constructed the facility at 500 Brooker Creek Blvd. in Oldsmar’s industrial market.

The ribbon-cutting was attended by officials from Pinellas County Economic Development, the city of Oldsmar, Harrod Properties, and the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.

The building represents an investment of $15 million into Brooker Creek South by Harrod to develop a 130,000-square-foot modern industrial space for three companies over a span of 11.27 acres. County commissioners approved $908,500 of gap funding through the ESP to assist with the higher cost of development and to ensure the industrial facility will accommodate employers for at least 20 years.

Commission Chairman Charlie Justice stated in a news release, “Today marks an important milestone in the history of Penny for Pinellas. The Pinellas County Commission understands that construction of industrial, manufacturing, office and flex space has a profound impact on local economic development and attracting companies. That’s why we developed the Employment Sites Program, which facilitates economic development through strategic investments of the Penny. On behalf of the Pinellas County Commission, we are thrilled that Harrod Properties, Inc. has completed the first ESP project to bring new product into the Oldsmar market.”

Harrod recruited tenants Edmund Optics, Future Development and Design, and Belac’s Chromalloy to join the development.

“Building speculative industrial space is always risky," said Rob Webster II, president of Harrod Properties. "However, in the COVID era it has become even more so given the unprecedented inflation we have been experiencing. Land and construction costs have more than doubled since the start of COVID. Fortunately, we have been able to overcome the cost increases thanks in part to the ESP program, a very strong local workforce and increased demand for new industrial and manufacturing space within Pinellas County.”

Oldsmar leaders say they are proud to boast a robust manufacturing industry.

"The city of Oldsmar has a rich history of supporting the significant manufacturing base that Pinellas County continues to sustain in Florida," Mayor Dan Saracki said. “The improvements to Brooker Creek South add to our ability to offer the right facilities to attract new business, and to provide opportunity for existing businesses to expand. The location of our community provides access to skilled workers that help our local businesses grow."

The County Commission will review the latest round of ESP applicants in September.

OLDSMAR, Fla. - Celebrating "Mr. Steve" has become a bit of a tradition at this Chick-fil-A in Pinellas County.

For more than 20 years, Stephen Bellissimo has been going to the same Chick-fil-A restaurant in Oldsmar. Until 2018, he visited every single day (except Sundays, of course) — always sitting in the same booth, ordering the same breakfast, and reading the paper from that day.

Staff at the restaurant enjoyed getting to know him, and began lovingly referring to him as "Mr. Steve."

FROM 2018: Chick-Fil-A surprises regular customer with 100th birthday party

From 2018: Chick-Fil-A hosts 100th birthday party for dear customer

Stephen Bellissimo has been going to the Chick-Fil-A in Oldsmar for 20 years, so the employees threw him a very special birthday party!

"His visit was a daily highlight and our team would carve out a good 5-10 minutes each day to sit and talk with him," the restaurant wrote in a Facebook post. "He always gave the best advice about life, about what's really important, and expressed a genuine interest in the happenings of our lives."

So for his 100th birthday back in 2018, they wanted to do something special for their favorite customer. They surprised him with a birthday party, decorating his favorite booth and even giving him the gift of free Chick-fil-A for life.

RELATED: South Florida Chick-fil-A experiments with three-day workweek for employees

Every year since, they've continued to celebrate Mr. Steve's birthday — and they didn't let the pandemic stop them either.

They threw a socially distanced home driveway party in 2020, and opened their dining room just for him for his birthday in 2021.

"But the heart of the celebration has remained the same — honoring a man year after year who has not only made an impact on our team, but captured the attention of the company and the whole country," they said.

This year, they were back inside the restaurant at his favorite booth, with handwritten cards, balloons and cake for the man they called "one of the sweetest, most genuine, kind, and humble people we have had the pleasure to know."

They ended by saying they are grateful for the opportunity to return "even a portion of the love that he shares with our team."

Happy 104th birthday, Mr. Steve!