Ruskin Chamber Notes

By Daniel Kushmer

Travel down Tamiami Trail through downtown Ruskin and you will see many changes. Most significant, the Christmas banners have been removed. It was very difficult securing a deputy to follow behind us while on top of a forklift with a bucket. Many Hillsborough County Deputies have been called up for service in "Enduring Freedom." Anyway, the job is complete and I would like to thank Wade Clark, Deputy Radkie and Rod Budd of Bay Welding for all of their help and support. If you would like to volunteer to be on the committee overseeing the banners and flags give us a call at the chamber.

Have you noticed the new palm trees in the medians? "U.S. 41 Beautification" once just a dream of the Ruskin Community Development Foundation is now becoming reality. Over the next few months look for more improvements, SouthShore Landscape will sponsor the median in front of their location and plans to complete the work soon. By May, you will start seeing activity along the shores of Marsh Creek. Once again the Ruskin Community Development Foundation along with the Southwest Florida Water Management District and their SWIM program will remove all invasive, nonnative species and bring this creek back to the beauty it once had.

The 2003 SouthShore Fishing Tournament is just around the corner. March 29 and 30 are the dates and E.G. Simmons Park is the location. Fish for snook, trout and redfish in this Photo-Catch and Release Tournament and compete for a minimum purse of $3,500. Participate in the tournament slam and win cash and a signed print "Hangin Out" by artist, Joyce Lazzara. This beautiful piece of art has a value of more than $600 and is sure to be displayed proudly on the winner's wall.

Tampa Electric Company, South Bay Hospital, Alligator Bob's, The Ruskin Redneck Trading Company, T.A. Mahoney's and Bob's Machine Shop have all joined forces to make this year's tournament better than ever. For $300, you and three of your friends and a boat may enter this tournament, this amounts to a $200 savings over last year's amount. Don't wait, space will fill up fast and the chamber will cutoff all registration without notice.

As I mentioned earlier Bob's Machine Shop has partnered with the chamber and is offering a $700 Hydraulic Jack Plate for some lucky winner. Stop by the chamber and purchase your chance to win this Hydraulic Jack Plate. Tickets are $2 a piece or 3 for $5. Don't be left out, buy your tickets today. You do not have to fish the tournament to enter this giveaway, drawings will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 30 at E.G. Simmons Park, and you do not have to be present to win.

For more information about the tournament or tickets call the chamber at 645-3808.