As we conclude Black History Month, it is a great time to reflect on the profound significance of this annual observance. Originally established to honor the contributions of African Americans throughout history, this month serves not only as a celebration of achievements but also as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. Let's continue to commit to honoring the legacy of those who fought for justice throughout the year!

Dwight Wilson, Manager, Affordable Housing Services (AHS); Carl Harness, Chief Human Services Administrator; Tramaine Whittey, Project Manager, AHS; Chief Kenneth Forward, Fire Rescue; Jodi Jenkins, Project Manager, AHS; Jamaal Johnson, Contracts Manager, AHS; Wesley Hughes, Community Liaison, AHS; Demorris Lee, Public Relations Strategist, Communications & Digital Media Services; Ken Jones, Director, MBE & SBE Programs

On the morning of February 28, 2025, a group of Hillsborough County staff members participated in a reading event at Sheehy Elementary School.

Thank you to staff for being excellent role models for our community children.

In the Know

Commissioners Seek Applications

for Eighteen Citizen Boards and Councils

Applications due by close of business on March 12, 2025

County Commissioners are seeking residents to serve on several County citizen advisory boards and councils. Residents interested in seeking appointment must reside in and be registered voters in Hillsborough County. These are voluntary positions and members serve without compensation. Applicants may apply to more than one board but may only serve on one board at a time unless specifically approved by the BOCC.

Citizens interested in being considered for appointment must submit:

• A complete Application/Questionnaire
• A Standards of Conduct Form

All forms must be signed and dated, and all questions must be answered in entirety to be eligible. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you apply to a board that requires a background check, you will be provided with a link to complete the online background check process. A response within 72 hours is required at which time the link will expire.

Know anyone looking for a summer job? The County is hiring part-time and seasonal employees for its parks and recreational summer camps and programs. These positions offer an opportunity to gain hands-on experience while making a difference in the community. Summer camp leaders help create a fun, engaging, and educational experience for children ages 5 to 16. Learn more by reading the Newsroom article.

2 positions remain open until filled.

Commissioner Miller presented a proclamation on behalf of the Board declaring February 27, 2025, through March 9, 2025, as Florida Strawberry Festival Days in the County.

Commissioner Miller presented a commendation to Brad Gregory, CEO, A Kid's Place to celebrate the organization's achievements and their dedication to foster care.

Mr. and Mrs. Strawberry

The Board reviewed and approved the 2025 Hillsborough County State Legislative Agenda. The costs associated with the legislative programs are limited to staff's and contracted lobbyist's time involved in advocating for the Board's legislative priorities and any staff travel associated with that advocacy. These funds are included in the department's FY 25 adopted budget.

The Board approved and executed a 10-year agreement with the highest-ranked and best-qualified firm, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, for administration of the County's self-funded group health plan for the Human Resources Department.

The Board approved the Amended and Restated Interlocal Joint Project Agreement (JPA) between Tampa Bay Water (TBW) and Hillsborough County for construction of the South Hillsborough Pipeline Project, which is included within the Water Resources Department.

The Board conducted a Public Hearing to receive citizens' input and discuss whether to arbitrate two Tampa Bay Water (TBW) Water Use Permit Applications.

The Board dispensed with the 2025 Board of County Commissioners Rules of Order Review Committee pursuant to Board Policy 01.01.00.00 to review the Board's current Rules of Order and recommend changes, if necessary. There is no financial impact associated with this action.

In the Community

Freddy Barton, Executive Director, Safe & Sound Hillsborough

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, the 509 Committee hosted the Youth Opportunity Expo at the Skills Center in Tampa. My Aide, Robbi Smith attended and gave remarks on my behalf. The Youth Opportunity Expo was designed to connect local youth and young adults with employers, resources, and opportunities such as mentorships and internships. Business leaders were on hand to support the diverse crowd of young people.

Greater Bethel Senior Ministry

24th Anniversary Sunday

Commissioner Myers with her mother and sisters

Front Row: Dorothy Williams and Carolyn Williams

Back Row: Norma Gilbert, Rosalyn Wise, and Dorothy Flowers

On Sunday, February 16, 2025, my church, Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church celebrated 24 years of senior ministry. Elder Sterlin Woodard presented an inspirational Black History Tribute of our nation's 44th President, Barack H. Obama. Pastor Ernest Coney led the prayer for the unsaved and unchurched. Deacon Lonnie Jackson delivered the Memorial Tribute for the bereaved sisters of the senior ministry. Deaconess Rosalyn Marie Wise, one of the pillars of the congregation, after 64 years of membership, delivered an inspiring message from Psalms 121:5 and Micah 6:8.

Congratulations on 24 years of Senior Ministry!

Christopher Johnson, Mosaic and Shelby Langford, Senior, Gaither High School

On Monday, February 17, 2025, the last day of the Florida State Fair, my Aides joined me at the Champion of Champions dinner where Shelby Langford, a senior at Gaither High School, accompanied by her parents Marisa and Chance, won the Champion of Champions award.

Congratulations to all the winners from across the state of Florida!

EPC Retirement

Elaine DeLeeuw, Director, Administration; Jeff Sims, Senior Environmental Manager; Janet Lorton, Executive Director; Joan Hallgren, Environmental Scientist; Cody Winter, Environmental Supervisor; Diana Lee, Director, Air Division, and Rick Muratti, General Counsel

On the morning of Thursday, February 20, 2025, the EPC Board met for their regular meeting and to recognize Joan Hallgren, who served in the EPC's Air Division for 23 years as an Environmental Scientist.

Congratulations on your retirement Joan! Thank you for 23 years!

Wanda West, Legislative Aide and MaryJo McKay,

Nutrition and Wellness Manager, Aging Services

The morning of Thursday, February 20, 2025, my Aide, Wanda West attended Hillsborough County Aging Services' | Sr. Connection Center’s – Black Heritage Celebration. Aging Services' staff and the Seniors celebrated Black History Month with a ‟Mardi Gras theme as an ode to New Orleans,” where African Americans have a rich history of contributions to culture, music, cuisines, and entertainment. The event was held at the Regent in Riverview and featured: Louisiana-inspired soul food, music, and door prizes.

What an amazing time celebrating with the Seniors! It was a spirit-filled and hallelujah good time. The Aging Services team knows how to bring the Seniors together for laughter, fun, and plenty of dancing. Seniors from Gardenville, Town ‛N Country, Brandon, Lee Davis, Oaks at Riverview, Wimauma, Ruskin, and Progress Village all provided show-stopping performances from line dancing, poem readings, and much more. We’re already looking forward to celebrating with them next year.

Kudos to Mary Jo McKay and her staff for putting in all of the hard work to create such an amazing and memorable event that put smiles on so many of our Seniors’ faces.

Town Hall at Les Miller All People's Life Center

Wanda West, Legislative Aide; Anessa Freeman, Code Enforcement Office,

and Robbi Smith, Legislative Aide

On the evening of Monday, February 24, 2025, my staff hosted a Town Hall at the Lesley "Les" Miller All People's Life Center on my behalf. Nearly 100 community members and staff braved the wet weather to come out to support County efforts. It is great to see so much love for our community.

A warm thank you goes out to staff for supporting the District 3 office.

Bles'd Productions One Black History Showcase

Wanda West, Legislative Aide and Reverend Isaac Ruffin, Minister of Music, Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

On the morning of Tuesday, February 25, 2025, my Aide Wanda West attended the Bles’d Productions One team’s Black History showcase “A Family Reunion Musical Performance” at Franklin Boys Preparatory Academy in Tampa. Drs. Phyllis Tucker-Wicks and Philetha Tucker-Johnson (“the Tucker Twins”) pulled together talented students and performers from all over Hillsborough County and presented an amazing show that entertained and educated the audience. Principal, Mr. Konrad McCree was very appreciative that Commissioner Myers sent a representative from her office since she was not available to attend. Music Director Isaac Ruffin did an amazing job with sound design for the show.

Eric Hall, Secretary, FL Department of Juvenile Justice

On the morning of Tuesday, February 25, 2025, my Aide Robbi Smith attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Juvenile Detention Center in Tampa. Remarks were given by Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary, Eric Hall, State Senator Jay Collins, FL State Representative Susan Valdes, FL State Representative Berny Jacques, and 13th Judicial FL State Attorney, Suzy Lopez. We have not had a new juvenile detention center in 25 years. This new facility is designed to not only hold youth offenders accountable for their decisions, but to also show them some compassion by rehabilitating them and reducing recidivism. Detention centers are for youth who are detained under specific circumstances set by Florida statute. There are 21 facilities divided into 3 regions throughout the state of Florida. They hold youth that are awaiting court dates or placement in a residential facility.

Congratulations to Secretary Eric Hall and his team on the new Hillsborough County Juvenile Detention Center.

TGH Behavioral Health Center Ribbon Cutting

Wanda West, Legislative Aide, and Wendi Goodson-Celerin, DNP, APRN, NI-BC, Executive VP & Chief Nursing Executive for Florida Health Sciences Center

The afternoon of Tuesday, February 25, 2025, my Aide Wanda West attended Tampa General Hospital’s (TGH) Behavioral Health Hospital Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The four-story, state-of-the-art facility was established by a partnership with TGH, Lifepoint Health, and the University of South Florida. It’s Florida’s first and only freestanding academic medical behavioral health hospital. The building will be utilized as a hub of innovation, teaching and research, and is closely linked with the nationally recognized TGH Neuroscience Institute.

Dr. Antoinette Jackson, USF, Professor of Anthropology and

Robbi Smith, Legislative Aide

On the morning of Wednesday, February 26, 2025, my Aide Robbi Smith attended the Zion Cemetery Historical Marker Dedication on my behalf. Zion Cemetery holds a unique place in the heart of Tampa, serving as a testament to the resilience and spirit of its inhabitants. Established during a time of great social change, this cemetery has witnessed the stories of countless families who have contributed to the vibrant tapestry of our city. It is a resting place for pioneers, leaders, and everyday heroes whose contributions have often gone unrecognized, yet whose impact resonates through generations.

Wanda West, Legislative Aide and Tina Young, Florida Blue

On the evening of Thursday, February 27, 2025, my Aide Wanda West attended Tampa Bay Lightning’s Celebrating Black Heritage game versus the Calgary Flames at the Amalie Arena in my absence.

The Tampa Bay Lightning recognized the Honorable Arthenia Joyner and the Honorable Lesley "Les" Miller, Jr. and won the game 3-0…7th win in a row.

Thank you to Florida Blue and Tampa Bay Lightning for all that you do for the community!

March Observances and Awareness Days

Women's History Month is celebrated every year in March. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women throughout history. We honor the achievements of women across various fields. What we now celebrate as Women's History Month began in the early 1900s as International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8, then became Women's History Week in 1982. Then in 1987, after years of lobbying by women's organizations, Congress expanded the celebration to a month, officially designating March as Women's History Month. Since then, each year has been marked by a specific theme, highlighting different aspects of women's contributions.

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a vibrant and colorful celebration that marks the culmination of the Carnival season, leading up to Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. While its roots are deeply embedded in Catholic tradition, the festival has evolved into a multifaceted event that highlights diverse cultural expressions, community bonding, and joyous revelry. Mardi Gras is more than just a day of indulgence; it is a rich tapestry of cultural significance. The celebration encompasses parades, masquerade balls, music, and dance, drawing participants from all walks of life. Each element of the festival reflects the history and traditions of the communities involved.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a solemn period of reflection, prayer, and fasting observed by many Christians around the world. This day, which occurs 46 days before Easter Sunday, holds profound significance in the liturgical calendar and serves as a poignant reminder of the themes of repentance, mortality, and spiritual renewal. On Ash Wednesday, Christians attend services where they receive ashes, typically made from the burnt palms of the previous year's Palm Sunday. The ashes are applied to the forehead in the shape of a cross, accompanied by the words, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:19) or "Repent, and believe in the Gospel" (Mark 1:15). This ritual serves as a powerful visual reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God.

You're Invited!

Dr. Carolina McEnnan has been promoted to serve as Chief Medical Examiner for Hillsborough County. Dr. McEnnan previously served as the County’s Deputy Chief Medical Examiner since December 2020. Prior to that role, Dr. McEnnan joined the Medical Examiner’s Office as a Fellow in 2018; she was elevated to Associate Medical Examiner in 2019. Dr. McEnnan completed her pathology residency at the University of South Florida and is board-certified by the American Board of Pathology in Forensic Pathology and in Anatomic & Clinical Pathology. Finally, Dr. McEnnan also has international experience as a Medical Examiner.

Congratulations Dr. McEnnan!

Save the Date

Was this Newsletter forwarded to you by a friend, colleague, or family member?