Alafia Repubican Club Open to Broadened Base of Greater Brandon Membership

What began as a FishHawk Ranch club has expanded to include Republicans from throughout the Greater Brandon area, according to an article first published in the Bloomingdale Patch.

The Republican Club of FishHawk is changing its name to the Alafia Republican Club, to better reflect the members it serves, according to club President Chris Shalosky.

"We now have members from FishHawk to Riverview, all along the Alafia River," Shalosky said. "But we will still be doing plenty of activities in the FishHawk area as evidenced by our Presidential Primary Party in January."

Tickets are on sale for the Alafia Republican Club's Presidential Primary Party on Jan. 24. The happy hour party will take place at Park Square Cellar, 16132 Churchview Dr., Lithia. Republicans are invited to meet with Republican candidates or their campaign representatives during the party.

For tickets, contact the club's vice president, Kelly Clem-Rickon, at 813-598-5643.

Other upcoming events include:

• Lessons in Liberty Class, Dec. 27, from 6-8:30 p.m., in the small meeting room at Beef O' Brady's in Valrico, at 4330 Bell Shoals Road. For information on joining the class, contact Shalosky at 813-857-6973.

• Also at Beef O' Brady's, the Alafia Republican Club will host its annual meeting and elections Feb. 27. Anyone interested in running for president, vice president, secretary, treasurer or membership chairman should contact Shalosky. The starts with a social at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:45 pm. Scheduled as the guest speaker is E.J. Otero, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives.