Our Next Newsletter Will Be Friday, August 1st | | |
As we dive into the heart of summer, we want to take a moment to wish each of you a safe and joyful season filled with sunshine, laughter, and adventure! Whether you're soaking up some sun at the beach, exploring our County's many parks and recreation centers, or enjoying gatherings with family and friends, we hope you embrace every moment of this vibrant time of year.
Remember to stay hydrated and take care of yourselves because summer is all about making memories that last a lifetime.
We plan to enjoy the summer right along with you so our next newsletter will be hitting your inbox on Friday, August 1st, packed with updates and community news! In the meantime, you can rest assured we'll still have regular office hours so don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
| | Making progress in Progress Village | | This month the County's Public Works Department was making much needed improvements at the corner of Progress Blvd. and 82nd St. Thank you to a Progress Village Resident for capturing and sharing this photo. | | You are welcome to attend the final Community Meeting below from 6pm to 8pm. | |
Board Seeks Applications for
Citizen Boards and Councils
| County Commissioners are seeking residents to serve on the newly created Hillsborough DOGE Liaison Committee. 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 only serve on one board at a time unless specifically approved by the BOCC. |
Remembering
Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson
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A West Tampa native, Councilwoman Henderson touched the lives of many as a teacher, community activist, and elected official. She was sworn into the Tampa City Council on May 1, 2023, and shortly after became Chair of the Community Redevelopment Agency.
Councilwoman Henderson was a powerhouse in our community. She was a teacher, business owner, and champion for African American culture and Tampa’s history. Her sense of humor energized our city, and her loss leaves a deep void for all of us.
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School Board Member Henry "Shake" Washington proposed a Board agenda item that would allow the Board to vote on naming the auditorium at Jefferson High School for the late City of Tampa Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson. The School Board will have the opportunity to vote on the naming at their July 8 meeting.
We have community members, businesses and partners who have expressed interest in showing support for this initiative. If you would also like to articulate why Councilwoman Henderson is deserving of this naming, please send in a letter of support to kimberly.watkins@hcps.net by Friday, June 27.
We look forward to honoring the late Councilwoman Henderson.
| | Nominate an Outstanding Young Student for the 2025 YEA! Awards | | |
Each year, Hillsborough County recognizes the many positive contributions made by young people in the community through the Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards). Nominations are being accepted now through August 15, 2025.
YEA! Awards nominations can be submitted for both middle and high school students in each of the following categories:
- Leadership – This award recognizes one middle school student and one high school student who have demonstrated 21st Century skills, including: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity in how they led others academically, in extracurricular programs, or in service to the community.
- Success Despite Difficult Odds – This award recognizes one middle school student and one high school student who have persevered through challenges to make a positive impact on others.
- Volunteer or Community Service – This award recognizes one middle school student and one high school student who have dedicated substantial time to serving their community.
The nomination form is available for submission online at HCFL.gov/YEA. Nominations will be reviewed by the Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women.
The YEA! Awards were created in 2010 to recognize Hillsborough County students for making a difference in their community. Students honored show initiative, innovation, and a commitment to themselves and others, while pursuing excellence in a leadership capacity. This can be demonstrated in academics, community service, athletics, performing arts, conservation, or other areas. The YEA! Awards will be presented by the Board of County Commissioners in October.
For additional information on the YEA! Awards, visit HCFL.gov/YEA.
| | Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States. Legislation establishing the holiday was passed by Congress on June 17, 2021, and signed into law by U.S. Pres. Joe Biden the following day. Opal Lee, known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” was integral to making Juneteenth a national holiday. | | Caribbean-American Heritage Month is celebrated by proclamation of the President and Congress in the United States in June to honor the achievements and contributions of Caribbean migrants and their descendants living in the United States, particularly in government, sports, entertainment, and the arts. Events are held throughout the month celebrating and educating the public about Caribbean-American history and culture. | | Parent of Cash Strayer, Head Coach Spencer Nunez, Assistant Coach Ramses Gonzalez, Cash Strayer, Wade Boggs, and Coach Dennis Braun | | On behalf of the Board, Commissioner Hagan presented the 2025 Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award, recognizing three high school baseball players for their outstanding athletic and academic achievements. | | |
1) The Board adopted an Ordinance repealing the HOPE Affordable Housing Act, Hillsborough County Code of Ordinances and Laws Part A, Chapter 40, Article IV. Future County Administrator Recommended Budgets will no longer include $10 million of Countywide General Fund revenues for appropriation in the HOPE Fund. These revenues will become available for other uses.
2)The Board approved and executed Change Order No. Three, to the contract with Hubbard Construction Company for the Neighborhood Resurfacing Contract (North of SR60).
3) The Board approved the artist's rendition for artwork at the roundabout at Durant Road, Little Road, and Dover Road. The site- specific artwork proposal provided by Artist Daniel Borup was selected by the Site Advisory Committee and Public Art Committee as the highest-ranked and best-qualified artist.
4) The Board conducted a public hearing to consider the recommendations of a Hearing Officer and the Emergency Medical Planning Council and to authorize a waiver as requested by the University of South Florida's Medical Response Unit.
| | On Saturday, June 7, 2025, I presented a proclamation at the 2025 CANDO Caribbean American Heritage Festival which was held at the Victor Crist Community Center. The proclamation declared June 2025 as Caribbean American Heritage Month in the County. Millions of people in the United States share meaningful connections with their Caribbean American neighbors through ties of commerce and family, a relationship reinforced by common values and history. | | Carter G. Woodson Scholarship Award Reception | | Wendell Duggins, Sire Archon Elect, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc. | | On Sunday, June 8, 2025, I attended the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Scholarship Award Reception held at the Tampa River Center. The Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity is often called "the Boule," which in fraternal parlance means the "council of noblemen." The Scholarship Reception is named for the incomparable Dr. Carter G. Woodson, whose seminal work, The Mis-Education of the Negro, first published in 1933, influenced generations of scholarships in sociology, psychology, education and economics. Dr. Woodson is the founder of Black History Month. | | Summer Youth Program Kick off | | |
On the morning of Monday, June 9, 2025, I joined Councilwoman Gwen Henderson and her Aide Darlene Johnson, School Board members Patti Rendon and Lynn Gray, and City of Tampa staff to kick off the Summer Youth Program at the Tampa Police Department. It's always great to encourage our community youth to further their education and support them as they seek learning opportunities.
Congratulations to Rugina Castillo, Special Projects Coordinator, City of Tampa, on a successful kick off!
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Jag Rupnarain, Division President, SimplyDwell Homes
and Alex Chandler, Purchasing Manager, SimplyDwell Homes
| | On Monday, June 9, 2025, my Aides Wanda West and Robbi Smith joined me for a tour of the model homes at SimplyDwell in Parrish, FL. SimplyDwell Homes is a leading home builder with a wealth of experience in crafting exceptional homes. They pride themselves on offering a straightforward and simple purchasing and construction process and seek to transform the buyer's dream home into a reality with ease. | |
Florida A&M University
Tampa Alumni Chapter Scholarship Reception
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Jackie Barron, Public Affairs & Media Strategy Manager, Mosaic
and Dorothy Flowers, Treasurer, FAMU Tampa Chapter Alumni Association
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On Thursday, June 12, 2025, I attended the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Tampa Alumni Chapter Scholarship Reception. As a FAMU alumni, it warms my heart to see today's youth going off to pursue higher learning at FAMU. I am proud of this new generation of Rattlers and look forward to the contributions they will make in our community.
Congratulations to Dorothy Flowers and Wendell Duggins on a very successful Scholarship Reception!
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Progress Village
Community Development Block Grant
Disaster Recovery Meeting
| | Twanda Bradley, CEO, Grow My Giving | | On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, I attended the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery meeting in Progress Village. With just one meeting remaining, we are thrilled with the turnout at these meetings that have been held in every district in the County. | | Rick Muratti, Legal Counsel, EPC; Janet Lorton, Executive Director, EPC, and Jeanette Figari, Legal Administrative Assistant, EPC | | On Monday, June 16, 2025, my Aides and I hosted a Town Hall at the Gardenville Recreation Center in Gibsonton. We want to send a warm thank you to the Gibsonton residents who attended to engage with County staff. Also, to the staff members who came out to answer community questions and help with neighborhood concerns, your knowledge, expertise, and willingness to help your community is unmatched. | |
City of Tampa Juneteenth Flag Raising | | Jane Castor, Mayor, City of Tampa | | |
On Friday, June 13, 2025, I attended the City of Tampa's annual Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony. I am happy to support any raising of the Juneteenth flag so that we never forget the end of slavery in the United States.
Congratulations to Mayor Castor and staff on a successful ceremony!
| | Hillsborough County Juneteenth Flag Raising | | |
Bonnie Wise, County Administrator; Congresswoman Kathy Castor,
and Commissioner Christine Miller
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On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, I led the raising of the Juneteenth flag at County Center, joined by Commissioners Harry Cohen and Christine Miller, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, County Administrator Bonnie Wise, a host of elected officials, County staff, family and friends. It was an honor to have the flag presented to me by the Howard W. Blake High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC).
Thank you to all who came out in the hot Florida sun to support this very meaningful ceremony, and we want to give special recognition to the JROTC for their hard work on practicing 4-6 hours for performances and their dedication to perfecting their routines.
| | Celebrating Juneteenth in West Tampa | | |
On Thursday, June 19, 2025, I hosted a Juneteenth celebration at the West Tampa Community Resource Center, the future home of the African American Arts & Cultural Center (AAACC). It was my way of saying thank you to our donors, sponsors, and supporters as we get closer to reaching our fundraising goal.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support!
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