About the Town

Jeff joins us once again to talk about low speed vehicles, scams, crime statistics and the upcoming calendar of events.

We talk to Patrol Chief Bob Smith about what's going on with the Patrol, the annual fundraising raffle which, for this year, is for a low speed vehicle, some upcoming tribute band concerts and the ongoing search for volunteers to help the patrol serve our community.

Coming up in late July is the next Pelican Players stage production: "Let's Murder Marsha." Kevin and Gwen join us to talk about that upcoming production and to give us a brief history of the Pelican Players, how they continue to support our community and how everyone who wants to be involved with live theater, can be involved.

This week's guest on About the Town is Cheri Schumacher, the Outreach Coordinator for the Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort (CARE). Located in Ruskin CARE, which was founded in 2000, is a small, no-kill shelter, with a big goal: rescue, care for, and find homes for stray and surrendered cats and dogs. We discuss the history and future of the shelter and tell listeners how they can become involved in helping our pets.

The Sun City Center History Society has actually been around since the days of Del Webb. This podcast will bring you information about what is currently transpiring with the History Society as we continue to grow our community.

For the past 20 years, Lyn Reitz has served Sun City Center as the Community Association Operations Manager, supervising 50 employees whose jobs are to attend to our facilities and keep things running smoothly. And you probably weren't aware that this position existed, were you? Let's fix that.

Cindi and Len stopped by to talk about the community July 4 pancake breakfast. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, OJ and more good food for only $8. Need we say more?

Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday celebrated on June 19th every year, honors the end of slavery in 1865. This year's celebration, sponsored by the Multicultural Heritage Club, is at Sun City Center Community Hall. Club president Vincente Lopez, Jr is here to tell us all about it.

The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center hosts a series of about 40 shows per season. From bands to orchestras to tribute shows and more, there's something here for everyone.

Sarah introduces us to Care Patrol, a nationwide organization that provides senior care options based upon individual needs and preferences to ensure the quality of life for you or your loved one.

Jeff joins us once again to talk about law enforcement activities in our community during the first quarter of 2026. We talk about the success of Operation Medicine Cabinet, water restrictions, golf cart and bicycle safety, and speed enforcement in our community. Jeff also brings us up to date on scams, crypto crime and upcoming legislation in Tallahassee to give the banking community additional tools to help us fight senior scams.

Pat is back to talk with us once again about his other passion, classic automobiles. We talk about Pat's 1969 Camaro as well as many of the other members' classics. We also discuss the charitable work that the club does raising funds for many of our communities' organizations.

Just a few miles down highway 301, you'll find the Florida Railroad Museum, where you can ride the exhibits. Those of you who have not yet gone to Parrish, treat yourself to a fun afternoon and go back in time to see some of America's great rail heritage.

Florida is the 3rd leading state in the nation for human trafficking activities because of our agricultural and recreational industries. We'll be talking about awareness and prevention.

The final part of this John Bowker tribute brings together John and Sun City Center resident Dr. Bob Lochte who co-wrote the 60th anniversary book celebrating that milestone anniversary for Sun City Center. We also have an interview with John at the dedication of the community history marker in January 2024.

For part 3, we hear about John's participation in the early days of the Security Patrol and Meals on Wheels. He also discusses his days with the Men's Club and tells us about CAMIL, the Community Association Members' Information Line.

In part 2, John tells us about his involvement with the Information Center, Hi Neighbor and the resident's orientation program. He talks more about the History Society and the prior information service he provided to the community, Sun City Center e-News.

Today's podcast, along with the next 3, will be devoted to the memory of our friend and Sun City Center legend, John Bowker. For those who may have missed the news, John passed away on February 15 at the age of 95.

John was involved in many of the organizations in Sun City Center, organizations that help make our community a great place to call home. John had a hand in the early years of the Emergency Squad, the Security Patrol, the Mens' Club and much more. John sat down with the host of Connecting with Kim, Kim Droege, 4 times...

After the recent sellout at the Eagles Tribute Concert, we thought that it might be a good idea to introduce you to the Sun City Center Community Association's activities director, Judy Cesarski. Judy is the lady who makes these events happen. From concerts, to music by the pool to food trucks and more, it's Judy.

Good friends, good food, and good times. Carrie Blaylock, chairman of the 2026 Fun Fest, stops by to showcase the annual event and talk about the changes this year necessitated by the construction of the community's new Applied Arts Building.

Ron joins us this week to talk about some of the things that Community Association can do for its members ... and some things it cannot. He also brings us timely news on the progress of the new Applied Arts building and updates us on the plans for the new resort-style pool and the adjacent restaurant.

(Taken from the Nearly New Shop's Facebook page:) The Nearly New Shop is staffed with two part time employees, as well as numerous volunteers from the community. It is truly a “mini department store” carrying a wide variety of donated items from electronics, jewelry, women and men clothing, linens, and kitchen ware. You can find practically anything from antiques/collectables to every day useful items.

Sun City Center has a full library available to members of the Community Association. The library's collection boasts the newest best sellers, the latest movie releases, periodicals, newspapers and a whole lot more, Library Administrator Joanne Gilray tells us more about this valuable community resource

One of the best kept secrets in Sun City Center is the Thrift Store at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church. This wonderful boutique consisting of costume and fine jewelry, designer purses and scarves as well as some small home decor items is open Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Jeff comes in to talk about how we did last year from a law enforcement stand point. We answer a couple of questions asked on our Facebook page and look ahead to what's coming up this year,

There's a lot that the Sun City Center Men's Club does for our community. Take an in-depth look at one of the community's first clubs founded back in the early 1960s.

Janet Dittmore spends some time talking about the Sun City Center Information Center. She reminds us that the Info Center serves residents of our community as well as visitors.

For this episode, we talk with Larry Smith, president of Sun City Center Samaritan Services about the 4 services that they provide to our community: SCC Ride In Town, SCC Ride Out of Town, Alzheimer's Respite and Meals on Wheels. Find out how you can get involved and even volunteer.

Jeff returns to the podcast to talk about all of the rules concerning the use of Golf Carts on the streets of Sun City Center

Jeffrey Wright discusses his candidacy for the Sun City Center Community Association Board of Directors

Wayne Keyes discusses his candidacy for the Sun City Center Community Association Board of Directors

Vice President of Communications Katie Shultz sat down to talk with us about the proposed funding solution for Phase 1B of the Sun City Center Community Master Plan

Carrie Blaylock, the only incumbent running for re-election, discusses her candidacy for the Sun City Center Community Association Board of Directors

Greg Eisman discusses his candidacy for the Sun City Center Community Association Board of Directors

Mary Ann Rowe discusses her candidacy for the Sun City Center Community Association Board of Directors

President of the Board of Directors Robin Watt and Chief Mike Bardell of the Sun City Center Emergency Squad come by to discuss the history of the squad and all of the free services that this last Florida all-volunteer organization provides to residents of our community

Bob Smith, the chief of the Sun City Center Security Patrol, sits down to discuss the function of the Patrol, how it helps keep Sun City Center's crime rate low, and the ongoing need for volunteers.

Note that this interview was recorded while Bob was the interim, acting chief. The Patrol has since named him the permanent chief.

Carrie Blaylock, who currently serves this community as Vice President of the Community Association, came in for a discussion of the 2025 Sun City Center Golf Cart Parade and Holiday Walk, scheduled for December 6

Master Deputy Jeff Merry talks about the services that the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office provides here in town at the sheriff's substation