All posts by Elise Cruz

Current Gazette

Bloomingdale Artist’s Work to be Hung in the Capitol

Sophomore artist Ireland Cates is taking Bloomingdale talent all the way to Washington, D.C., after winning the 16th Congressional District Art Competition. Her artwork will be displayed in the United States Capitol for the next year as part of the nationwide Congressional Art Competition, a program that recognizes high school artists from across the country.

Sophomore Ireland Cates.

Cates’ win continues a growing tradition for Bloomingdale High School artists. This marks the second consecutive year that Bloomingdale students have entered and won the prestigious competition, further cementing the school’s reputation for artistic excellence.

As part of the honor, Cates will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where winning students from across the nation are recognized for their work. According to the Congressional Institute, the winning artwork from each district is displayed in the U.S. Capitol for approximately one year, where it is viewed by lawmakers, staff members and millions of visitors.

The Congressional Art Competition, sponsored annually by members of the U.S. House of Representatives, was created to encourage and recognize artistic talent among high school students nationwide. Since its launch in 1982, hundreds of thousands of students have participated in the program.

Current Gazette

BNA Celebrates Senior Landon Holschauer with BJ Stelter Award

Bloomingdale High School senior Landon Holschauer has been named the recipient of the B.J. Stelter Scholarship from the Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association, recognizing his leadership, service and commitment to making a difference in his community.

Throughout high school, Holschauer has been heavily involved in community service efforts both on and off campus. His work with the Bloomingdale IncrediBULLS Games, a student-led event supporting the Special Olympics, became one of the defining experiences of his high school career.

“Being part of the planning team showed me that service is not just about volunteering hours, it’s about creating environments where people feel valued and included,” Holschauer wrote in his scholarship essay.

In addition to his work with the IncrediBULLS Games, Holschauer contributed to Relay for Life fundraising efforts, student government initiatives and community events such as Cimino Paint Night. Through those experiences, he said he learned the importance of perseverance, teamwork and servant leadership.

“Leadership is not about recognition, but it is about making sure others feel seen and supported,” Holschauer wrote.

The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate strong character and dedication to serving their community, qualities Holschauer consistently displayed throughout his time at Bloomingdale.

As he looks toward the future, Holschauer said community service has changed the way he defines success. Rather than focusing solely on personal achievement, he hopes to continue creating positive opportunities for others through leadership and service.

“The most fulfilling moments of my high school career have not been personal achievements, but the times I helped create opportunities for others,” Holschauer wrote.

Holschauer said the lessons he learned through community involvement — empathy, humility and leadership — are experiences he plans to carry with him long after graduation.

 
Current Gazette

Electric Road Safety for All Neighbors

As electric scooters, mini bikes and small motorized vehicles become increasingly common in neighborhoods across Bloomingdale, residents are raising concerns about safety on local roads and sidewalks.

Many community members say they have noticed an increase in reckless riding, especially in residential areas where children walk, bike and play outdoors. Concerns include speeding through neighborhoods, weaving between cars and riding motorized vehicles on sidewalks not designed for high-speed traffic.

According to Deputy Clifford Fletcher of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, many riders may not realize that certain vehicles are not legally permitted on sidewalks or roads.

Electric scooters.

“Any scooter over 55cc or goes more than 20 mph is not allowed on road or sidewalk,” Fletcher said. “Electric peddle bike can be on sidewalk or roadway.”

With schools set to release for summer within the next month, residents say the issue becomes even more urgent. Warmer weather and increased free time often lead to more young riders using electric scooters, mini 4-wheelers and other small motorized vehicles throughout neighborhoods.

Safety officials warn that reckless riding can increase the risk of accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Sidewalks are designed to protect walkers from traffic, but high-speed motorized vehicles can create dangerous situations, especially in crowded neighborhoods or near parks and schools.

Residents are encouraging riders and parents to become familiar with Hillsborough County regulations and to prioritize safe, responsible riding practices as summer approaches.

Current Gazette

BNA Briefs

Event Updates

With the new year in full swing, we’re looking to update how we get the word out about our increased visibility in the neighborhood. Check out the Events tab on the left hand side of the navigation to see our full roster of events, and come back often as we update regularly!

Service Hours for Students

If you’re looking for a little help within your organization and want to offer service hours, make sure to reach out to Mindy Edgeman at Bloomingdale High School. She can help navigate you through the process so our students get the hours they need for Florida Bright Futures, and you get the most assistance from our Bloomingdale students.

Make Your Voice Heard

It’s no secret there’s a lot of changes going on in our next of the woods. Stay abreast of what’s happening through our monthly meetings, where we invite those in the community to hear proposed intiatives from guest speakers, find out new events, and talk to our BNA board. We’re here to serve, and would love to have you with us on this journey!

Road Closures? Know Before You Go

Keep tabs on which roads are open and closed as the county begins construction on the new water pipeline. You can find closure dates and more information at https://southhillsboroughpipeline.com/

Current Gazette

Yard of the Month

Home of the Galgays.Congratulations to our winner, Toni and Peter Galgay of 3705 Hollowwood Dr! Don’t forget to nominate your neighbors and their beautiful yards for the chance at an ACE Hardware Gift Card, a free month from the Campo Family YMCA, and recognition in The Bloomingdale Gazette. 

Current Gazette

Hillsborough County High Schools Recognized for Civic Engagement

Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer recognized VoteHillsborough High School Voter Registration Champions at yesterday’s School Board meeting.

The Supervisor of Elections Office holds voter registration drives in high schools every fall and spring semester.

The seven schools recognized for having the most successful voter registration drives this academic year were Brandon High School, Durant High School, East Bay High School, Gaither High School, Jefferson High School, Newsome High School and the Grand Champion — Sumner High School.

This recognition went to those schools in which more than 25% of the senior class population or more than 150 students registered to vote during the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections voter registration drive at their school. Sumner High School, the Grand Champion, had both the highest percentage and the highest total number of registrations, with 321 students registering.

 

Archived Gazettes

Proposed Hawk Springs development sparks debate in Bloomingdale

A proposed residential development known as Hawk Springs is drawing mixed reactions from community members as Bill Sullivan of the Potomac Land Company presented plans to the Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association.
 
The project, discussed with board members including Laney Balis and Suzy Watts, would bring a new subdivision to roughly 15 acres off Lithia Pinecrest Road, near an existing county park and across from Cimino Elementary School.
 
Sullivan is seeking to increase the number of homes from 34 previously approved units to 55 single-family houses, citing affordability and land use efficiency.
 
The homes would sit on 6,000-square-foot lots, slightly larger than some nearby properties, and are set sell in the $300,000 to $400,000 range. The plan includes:
  • Sidewalk connections to Lithia Pinecrest Road and nearby neighborhoods
  • A 3,100-square-foot pedestrian pathway
  • Tree buffers surrounding the development
  • Proximity access to an adjacent county nature park
Developers emphasized that the site sits within an “urban service area” and is supported by existing infrastructure, including nearby traffic signals and road capacity.
 
Community members pushed back on several aspects of the proposal, especially the claim that the development would provide “affordable housing.”
 
Board members questioned whether homes priced near $400,000 meet that definition and raised concerns about:
  • Market demand: Residents pointed to nearby developments struggling to sell similar homes
  • Density and spacing: Plans allow about 10 feet between houses, which some said feels too tight
  • Environmental impact: The property is currently wooded, and green space preservation is a priority for many neighbors
  • School and infrastructure strain: Questions were raised about contributions to local schools and capacity
One major critique focused on whether the project fits the area at all. “I feel like it’s the wrong kind of project for this area,” Laney Balis said, citing pricing, lot size, and current housing trends.
 
Residents suggested that townhomes or higher-density housing might better meet affordability goals while preserving more green space.
Developers acknowledged the idea but said zoning and political barriers make that option unlikely. The land is currently zoned for up to four units per acre, and shifting to a different housing model would require additional approvals.
 
Beyond housing, safety concerns were raised about student access to Cimino Elementary.
 
While a proposed sidewalk expansion was denied by the county, the developer committed to adding rapid flashing pedestrian beacons to improve crossing safety along nearby roads.
 
The proposal is still in early stages. A zoning hearing is scheduled for May 26, 2026, and developers said they are presenting early to gather feedback and address concerns.
Archived Gazettes

Yard of the Month

Home of Carol Copeland

Congratulations to our winner, Carol Copeland of 701 Isleton Dr! Don’t forget to nominate your neighbors and their beautiful yards for the chance at an ACE Hardware Gift Card, a free month from the Campo Family YMCA, and recognition in The Bloomingdale Gazette.