Temple Terrace fire department holds open house
The Temple Terrace Fire Department held its annual open house Saturday as part of Fire Prevention Week, giving families a chance to learn fire safety tips and watch live demonstrations.
“We can teach them CPR, we can teach them fire safety, we can show them the trucks, as long as you can keep people engaged, you will further advance fire prevention,” said Micheal Hagewood, the Division Chief.
The event was canceled last year due to hurricanes Helene and Milton, but its return has brought the fire departments focus to community education and safety.
“Public education is worth its weight in gold, without it, communities wouldn’t have the knowledge or education to keep themselves safe,” said Becky Zarella, a fire inspector.
The department plans to continue hosting the open house each year to raise awareness about fire safety and emergency preparedness. Next year’s event is scheduled for October 10.
Fire Department | Temple Terrace, FL – Official Website
Local farmers market keeps old tradition alive
For more than a decade, Bearss Groves has celebrated fall by showcasing a giant pumpkin at its farmers market, a tradition that began with the farm’s original owner and his love for oversized pumpkins.
“The previous owner used to love going to pumpkin patches when he was a kid and was obsessed with seeing the biggest ones. In 2006, he decided to bring the biggest pumpkins to his own patch, and we continue to keep that tradition alive,” said Dana Calgano, Bearss Groves CEO.
This year, current owners Martha Zarokiewicz and Calcagno struggled to find a locally grown pumpkin large enough to meet the farm’s annual standard. Their search extended out of state, eventually leading them to Wisconsin, where they found a pair of twin pumpkins weighing a combined total of more than 900 pounds.
Visitors have been stopping by to see the massive pumpkins in person since they were revealed on October 3.
“Yeah man I love that they bring it to the community, it’s really cool for us and the kids to see these massive pumpkins thousand plus pounds we’ve never seen it before,” said Rob Santiago, a Bearss Grove visitor.
The Bearss Groves pumpkin patch is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through November 2.
Bearss Grove Farms – Fresh Produce in Tampa
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