Noteworthy News

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted Tuesday, November 18 to keep Commissioner Ken Hagan as chair, Commissioner Christine Miller as vice chair, and Commissioner Gwen Myers will remain as chaplain. 

Chair Hagan, District 2, has served as a commissioner since 2002. This marks the ninth time he has been selected to serve as board chair. Commissioner Hagan has served as the Board of County Commissioners’ representative on key economic development boards including Visit Tampa Bay, Tampa/Hillsborough Expressway Authority, and the Tampa Sports Authority, as well as the Florida Association of Counties and the Hospital Authority. 

The Hillsborough County School Board voted for member Karen Perez to serve as chairperson Tuesday at its annual re-organization meeting. The board voted for Nadia Combs to serve as vice chairperson. The board thanked outgoing chairperson Jessica Vaughn for her leadership during a contentious year in which the district found itself in the crosshairs of state scrutiny, and at times in tension with the district superintendent.

Fire Rescue Announces New Division with Roving Paramedics and Ambulances

Fire Rescue is creating a Peak Rescue Division of roving paramedics and ambulances that will offer efficient and quick response times to medical calls and transports, helping to save lives throughout the County. 

The Peak Rescue Division will add a total of 48 Hillsborough County Fire Rescue first responders. They will include 20 rescue lieutenants and 26 paramedics. A section chief and training officer will manage the division. The goal is to have the Peak Rescue Division, which will be administered under the Rescue Division, operating in the spring of 2026. 

The Board of County Commissioners approved the new division at its November 5 regular meeting. It also approved the purchase of five new rescue units for the Peak Rescue Division. 

The division will have a total of 10 units that will be on the move and operating away from fire stations. It will be staffed 12 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. The units will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., which is the busiest time for emergency calls. 

With the additional units in service, Fire Rescue expects to reduce some of its current reliance on third-party ambulance companies. While Fire Rescue expects the number of medical transports to increase, the medical transport revenue will offset the increase in cost to manage the additional units. 

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue is accepting applications for the Peak Rescue Division through November 29. Apply today. 

Hillsborough County Public Schools is excited to announce the opening of a brand-new middle school in Wimauma, scheduled for August 2027.

The new school will help relieve overcrowding at several neighboring middle schools and will be conveniently located next to Aquilla J. Morgan High School on West Lake Drive in Wimauma. This middle school will offer dynamic courses that will complement the academic excellence at Morgan High School. These academic and enrichment options will provide rigorous, engaging, and accelerated opportunities such as high school credit courses, Career/Technical Education, and Industry Certifications. In addition, clubs and sports will be offered based on student interest.

At the November 18 School Board meeting, board members voted to approve the new facility. Over the next few months, Hillsborough County Public Schools will host parent and community meetings to review school programs and gather feedback.

The community meetings will be:

• December 11, 6-7pm, in the Eisenhower Middle School Cafeteria (7620 Old Big Ben Road, Gibsonton)
• January 15, 6-7pm, in the Shields Middle School Cafeteria (15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin)

We encourage families to join us and learn more about this exciting addition to our district.

For more information and to view the proposed attendance boundaries, please visit: Growth Management & Planning | Hillsborough County Public Schools.

Holiday and Observance

As we approach that wonderfully cozy time of year, it’s time to dust off those cookbooks, gather your loved ones, and prepare for a Thanksgiving celebration like no other! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, Thanksgiving is all about coming together to share gratitude, laughter, and, of course, delicious food. Thanksgiving is more than just a day for feasting; it’s a time to reflect on what we’re grateful for. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook the little things. Take a moment this holiday to share what you appreciate most with those around you. It could be a simple "thank you" to a friend or family member or even keeping a gratitude journal during the month of November to jot down daily blessings. So, as we prepare to gather around the table, let’s embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving with open hearts and open minds.

May your turkey be moist, your sides be plentiful, and your conversations be filled with warmth and laughter. Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with love, gratitude, and a whole lot of pie!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 

Be sure to check the County website for holiday closings! www.hcfl.gov

November is a time to shine a spotlight on something truly special: Native American Heritage Month. This month-long celebration is all about honoring the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American communities across the United States. Native American Heritage Month was officially designated in 1990 after a long history of advocacy and awareness efforts. It’s a time to recognize the diverse cultures and histories of the over 500 federally recognized tribes and the countless other tribes across the country. Each tribe has its own unique traditions, languages, and stories that contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Native American heritage.

Native American Heritage Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate, learn, and grow. By taking the time to honor the rich cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples, we can foster a deeper understanding and respect for their ongoing contributions to our society. Let’s come together this November to uplift Native voices and celebrate the extraordinary resilience of Native American communities.

Happy Native American Heritage Month! Let’s make it meaningful!

In The Know

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue will welcome a group of 33 new firefighters with varying backgrounds to the ranks at a graduation and pinning ceremony set for Friday, November 21. 

The new Hillsborough County Fire Rescue class includes a former college football quarterback, a champion four-wheeler driver, and a former New York Yankees employee. Five members of the inaugural Specialized Training for Emergency Professionals (STEP) program will also graduate and be pinned. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue created the STEP program this year to offer an opportunity for qualified candidates who face a challenging economic situation to be able to pursue a career in firefighting. This summer, 15 students graduated from the STEP program, earning their Florida Emergency Medical Technician Certification and their Florida Fire Compliance Certification. This allows them to pursue a firefighting career in any fire department throughout the state of Florida. 

All the new firefighters joining Hillsborough County Fire Rescue have graduated from the Fire Academy and are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). For the past five weeks, this recruiting class has been through a Hillsborough-specific orientation to get them ready for their first days on the job. 

HCFR has nearly 1,300 firefighters at 47 fire stations serving the 1.1 million residents of unincorporated Hillsborough County.

In the Community

Carolyn House Stewart, Esq., 28th International President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Gamma Theta Omega Chapter; Tangela Dupree, President, Gamma Theta Omega Chapter, and Marsha Lewis Brown, 17th South Atlantic Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. hosted their 85th Anniversary Reception at the Robert W. Saunders Library in Tampa. the evening was filled with joy, reflection, and sisterhood. The event was a magnificent tribute to the chapter's rich history and impactful contributions to the community. Throughout the evening, members were treated to a series of engaging presentations that highlighted the chapter's accomplishments over the past 85 years.

Congresswoman Kathy Castor

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the County's Consumer & Veteran's Services Department and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County held their 61st annual Veterans Day Tribute at 10 a.m. on the grounds of Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 N. U.S. Hwy. 301. The annual event salutes Veterans of all eras and military branches with a family-friendly celebration that is free and open to all.  For the ninth consecutive year, the national Veterans Day Committee of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has named Hillsborough County's Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum to its list of official Regional Veterans Day Sites, a recognition of excellence for patriotism and honor to our nation’s military.

Cheryl Howell, Assistant County Administrator, Community Impact

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, the affordable Housing Services department hosted the first of several community meetings. The Hillsborough County Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program is designed to ensure low, very low, and moderate-income Hillsborough County families have the opportunity to live in safe, decent, and sanitary homes. The countywide initiative utilizes State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) funding to rehabilitate the homes of residents who live in unincorporated Hillsborough County, Plant City, and Temple Terrace. The program provides financial assistance to homeowners who cannot afford to bring their homes into compliance with the Florida Building Code or make other necessary repairs affecting life, health, safety, and accessibility. There are income restrictions, and the program focuses on single-family homes that have been homesteaded as a primary residence for at least two years.

Root Awakening Farm Ribbon Cutting

Amanda Sharp, PhD, MPH, Founder and

Tampa City Councilman Guido Maniscalco

On Friday, November 14, 2025, I gave remarks at the ribbon cutting for Tampa's Root Awakening Farm. The farm provides a therapeutic environment for clients to commune, learn, work, and recover and also produces various agricultural products disseminated to the community to support urban food sustainability efforts for underserved populations. Root Awakening Farm aims to create a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can reconnect with self, nature, and others by combining the therapeutic benefits of farming with cutting-edge comprehensive behavioral health services. Also attending the ribbon cutting was Councilwoman Naya Young.

Clerk's Office Annual

Employee Appreciation Gala

Victor Crist, Clerk of Court and Commissioner Chris Boles

On Saturday, November 15, 2025, County Clerk Victor Crist hosted the annual Clerk Employee Appreciation Gala at the Victor Crist Community Center Complex under the theme of Vieux Carre: Orleans. Guests enjoyed drinks and music on the patio, dinner and awards followed by dancing in the ballroom and more music on the patio. County Commissioners Harry Cohen, Chris Boles and Donna Cameron Cepeda were in attendance as well as Public Defender Lisa McLean. A great time was had by all!

Commissioners Chris Boles and Harry Cohen

On Monday, November 17, 2025, a new rotating art installation launched with a photography exhibit in downtown Tampa in the County Center lobby at 601 E. Kennedy Blvd.

"Rising Voices: Creative Works by Hillsborough County Youth" is a new series of rotating exhibits featuring youth-created artwork. The exhibit celebrates the imagination, skill, and creativity of Hillsborough County youth. The first in the series, “Riverfest Reflections: Immersive Event Photography,” is an exhibit highlighting the work of Blake High School students who took images at this year’s Tampa Riverfest. 

The photography was sponsored by a Community Arts Impact Grant from the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, which helped purchase the cameras the students used. The Tampa Riverfest event was also sponsored in part by the Arts Council of Hillsborough County’s Special Event Partnership Grant program. Hosting the installation at County Center enables the public to easily access and enjoy the artwork, since it is a publicly accessible building. 

TRIUMPH: Tampa's Untold Chapter

in the Civil Rights Movement

Leroy Long, Original Sit in Participant and Dorothy Flowers

On Monday, November 17, 2025, I attended the documentary titled Triumph: Tampa's Untold Chapter in the Civil Rights Movement at the Tampa Theatre. The documentary, produced by Tampa Theatre and WEDU PBS, highlights the courageous actions of a group of Black high school students who organized peaceful sit-ins at a downtown lunch counter. These sit ins were pivotal in sparking a broader movement that led to the desegregation of restaurants, theaters, pools, and beaches in Tampa. Through firsthand accounts and historical footage, the film brings to life the voices of ordinary individuals who played a crucial role in transforming their community and influencing the national Civil Rights Movement.

The Mark Tampa Groundbreaking Ceremony

On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for The Mark Tampa with the project's developers Landmark Properties, Canyon Partners Real Estate, and Peninsula Investments. The development will be a six-story student housing community with 215 units, offering a mix of studio to five-bedroom layouts. The project is located at 2700 University Square Drive, Tampa, Florida, and is expected to be completed for the 2027-2028 school year. The Mark Tampa will feature a variety of amenities, including a rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, and study areas, all within a 25,000 square feet of on-site facilities. The development is strategically positioned near the University of South Florida, providing convenient access for students and residents.

Marva Johnson, FAMU President

and Dr. Carolyn Collins, Past President of Alumni Association

On Thursday, November 20, 2025, I attended the FAMU 2025 Student Recruitment Tour: Destination FAMU. The "Destination FAMU" event is a 2025 Student Recruitment Tour organized by Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). This initiative aims to bring the Rattler spirit to various cities across Florida, inviting prospective students and families to explore the university's offerings. The tour includes stops in cities like Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Tampa, and Orlando, and is designed to enhance student success and retention strategies. 


Great American Teach-In

Potter Elementary School

Potter Elementary School Staff

On Thursday, November 20, 2025, I attended the Great American Teach-In at Potter Elementary School in Tampa. The Great American Teach-In is an annual, nationwide event during which guests from various trades and professions visit classrooms to challenge students to begin thinking about future career paths. It is hosted as part of American Education Week. The event provides an opportunity for parents and members of the community to come in and speak with students about their occupations, hobbies, or areas of interest. Members of the community are invited into our school to share information with students about their career, lead an activity, read a story, or teach a lesson. I was honored to receive a certificate of appreciation from the students.

Sandy Murman, Vice President and Principal Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP; Commissioner Christine Miller, and Janet Lorton, Executive Director, EPC

On Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Environmental Protection Commission hosted their annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. As the Chair of the EPC, I gave welcoming remarks to staff and thanked everyone for attending! Thank you to EPC staff for another successful Thanksgiving Luncheon!

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