It was a beautiful April afternoon and as I needed to take care of a few light chores in town, I figured that I would roll the Suzuki out of its bay and get them done.
The first order on the list was to get my haircut. I decided that I would give a different barber some business and headed for the storefronts located behind the Wendy’s (on South Broad Street). When I rolled up on the intended target, there was a sign on their door stating that on Thursday, April 17, they would close early at 1:00 p.m. for the Easter weekend holiday observance. I looked at my watch and saw that I just missed them by an hour. (Typical!)
It looked like I was going to be going to my regular barber (Pete’s) behind the Applebee’s on the bypass. As I was getting ready to steer the scooter away from that area, I noticed that there were lights on in the building that used to be the Candlelight Fitness Center.
My next thoughts quickly centered on the prospect of a swimming pool closer to home than the YMCA in Spring Hill. I parked the bike and walked into this new business, looking to just inquire about the prospect of public swimming.
I was greeted by two people: the manager, named Patrick Beatty, and his associate, named Nichole. Pat was quite cordial and told me that this place, called Watermelon Swim, was a learning pool for children. He then answered my main (swimming) question by stating that there were, at present, only instruction classes. (Bummer!)
Yet, I mentioned to Pat (Mr. Beatty) that I would like to do a story on this business and its mission, and that as I had recently seen a story on the evening news of a young autistic boy that wandered from his home and drowned in a pond (just three houses away from where he lived), this would be good for a public service reminder.
I told him that I still had a few things to take care of in town, and that they may see me returning later that day.
Upon my return, Pat was able to set aside some time for me, and we got to talking. He mentioned that his family owns (and works) the business, and that there are four other centers located in the Tampa Bay market. Those would be in Lutz, Riverview, South Tampa, and Wesley Chapel.
Importantly, this swimming facility does provide services for children with disabilities. As I had previously mentioned to him about the child that recently died being autistic, this was valuable information!
I also learned that they have classes designed for newborn children as young as one week old! Pat also mentioned that they are working with a blind child, and also one who is a quadriplegic!
Also needing to be mentioned is that the old weight training room (of the previously designed business) is being outfitted for gymnastic classes. If you would like to know more about this facility and its many services, their (current) phone number is: (813) 229-7946 or you can email [email protected].
There is one other note that I feel the need to leave you all. As of late, I have received my first piece of “Hate Mail,” stating that the person saw me as “full of myself” and a “blowhard.”
I started this “Opinions” writing as a hobby, and as I grew into the position, I found out that it is not an easy thing for one (like me) who is not formally educated in journalism, to find topics worthy of entering this fine newspaper.
I thank the editor, her family and God for the privilege to be able to do this, and it is for public awareness stories (just like this) that I strive to maintain my little corner of this paper! I also thank all of you readers who have given me many positive comments and replies. It means a lot to me!
I hope that y’all had a blessed Easter, and I look forward to doing this again next week!
