Cast your vote now through November 1, 2026
7 AM to 7 PM
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General Election
November 3, 2026, 7 am to 7 pm
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As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, we're reflecting on the importance of awareness, early detection, and support throughout the year.
Breast cancer affects people and families in many different ways. Staying informed about screening recommendations, knowing what's normal for your body, and speaking with a healthcare professional about any concerns can all be important steps. Screening guidance varies based on individual circumstances, so check with your provider about what's right for you.
Thank you to everyone who helped share information, encourage conversations, and offer support this month. Let's carry that care and awareness forward all year long.
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Designated by Congress in 2017, National First Responders Day is observed each year on October 28. This special observance is a great opportunity for everyone to show their appreciation for the everyday heroes on the front lines who serve and protect our community. On this day, we honor over 4.6 million career and volunteer first responders who support the communities where they live, often putting their own lives on the line, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Please join me in thanking all first responders to their selfless service!
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Tampa Bay Partnership Announces Vistra Communications' Brian Butler as New Chair | |
Team Vistra is proud and honored to share that founder, president and CEO, Brian Butler, has been named the 28th Chair of the Tampa Bay Partnership.
The appointment reflects the commitment to service, collaboration and community that has defined Brian’s leadership throughout his career and shaped the culture of our firm.
As Chair, Brian will help guide the Partnership’s work on some of the region’s most pressing priorities, including housing affordability, transportation and talent development.
We wish Brian much success on his new appointment!
| | 38 Hillsborough Schools Named 2025-2026 Florida Schools of Excellence | | |
Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to announce that 38 schools have been designated as 2025-2026 Florida Schools of Excellence by the Florida State Board of Education on October 14, 2026. The designation recognizes schools whose sustained academic performance places them among the highest-performing schools in the state.
The Schools of Excellence designation is awarded by the Florida State Board of Education pursuant to Florida law and honors schools that demonstrate exceptional student achievement and academic outcomes.
The following Hillsborough County Public Schools were included in the 2025-2026 designation:
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Elementary Schools:
- Alexander
- Bevis
- Bryant
- Chiles
- Clark
- Deer Park
- FishHawk Creek
- Gorrie
- Grady
- Hammond
- Lithia Springs
- Mabry
- MacFarlane Park Magnet
- McKitrick
- Mitchell
- Northwest
- Pride
- Roosevelt
- Schwarzkopf
- Stowers
- Westchase
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Middle Schools:
- Benito
- Coleman
- Farnell
- Martinez
- Randall
- Walker Magnet
- Williams Magnet
- Wilson
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High Schools:
- Bloomingdale
- Newsome
- Plant
- Sickles
- Steinbrenner
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K-8s:
- Apollo Beach
- Maniscalco
- Roland Park Magnet
- Tinker
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HART Announces Appointment of
Robin Lockett to Board
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Tampa Mayor Jane Castor appointed Robin Lockett to the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) Board of Directors!
Robin has a strong commitment to our community, and we are confident she will bring thoughtful leadership, experience, and a dedication to improving transportation across Hillsborough County.
Congratulations, Robin! We wish you continued success in your new role!
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Hart Announces Appointment of
The Honorable Sandy Murman to Board
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Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has appointed former County Commissioner Sandy Murman to fill the vacated City of Tampa representative position on the HART Board of Directors.
Sandy brings decades of public service and experience in Hillsborough County to this important role.
Congratulations Sandy! Thank you for continuing to serve our community!
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On behalf of the Board, the 2026 Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards) were presented by Commissioners Ken Hagan, Harry Cohen and Donna Cameron Cepeda. The Board recognized 5 students who have displayed initiative, innovation, leadership, and commitment to themselves and others.
This year’s YEA! Awards recipients are:
Leadership
Vanshika Prabhu, Roland Park K-8 Magnet School
Arman Ahluwalia, Hillsborough High School IB
Volunteer or Community Service
Amelia Dashner, Martinez Middle School
Zach Hartman, Sickles High School
Success Despite Difficult Odds
Kelsie Meister, Sickles High School
Thank you to Lee Lowry and the Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women for reviewing nominations and selecting these talented students at both the high school and middle school levels.
| | On behalf of the Board, Commissioner Chris Boles presented a proclamation declaring October 28, 2026, as First Responders Day in the County. | |
1) The Board adopted a Resolution allocating up to $200,000 in funding to Friends of the Riverwalk, Inc., for preliminary engineering design of the Cass Street Underpass Extension of the Tampa Riverwalk
2) The Board approved the proposed CDBG-DR Public Service Workforce Training and Certification Program as outlined in the "Hillsborough County CDBG-DR Public Service Workforce Training & Certification Program Blueprint" and award and execute a subrecipient agreement with Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida, Inc.
3) The Board approved a resolution amending the Adopted FY 27 - FY 31 Capital Improvement Program to add the following new CIP project: ZooTampa Capital Improvements.
4) The Board conducted a public hearing to receive public input and discuss amending the approved list of infrastructure projects for the Renewed Community Investment Tax as described below.
| 1) The Board conducted a public hearing on Agricultural Enclave Certification application AG-ENC 26-1535 and deny certification based on the subject property not qualifying as an agricultural enclave as defined in Section 163.3164(4) Florida Statutes. | | Freddy Barton, Executive Director, Safe and Sound; Commissioner Gwen Myers and Thaddeus Wright, Reporting Center Manager, Safe and Sound | | |
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, Safe & Sound Hillsborough and the 509 Committee hosted the 2026 Safe Summit at The Skills Center. I was happy to open the program with welcome remarks and greetings. The youth and young adult attendees participated in mock trials and workshops with a focus on safety, justice, and legal processes. The event was sponsored by Hillsborough County, The State Attorney's Office, The Public Defender's Office, The Sheriff's Office, Men of Vision, Hillsborough County Public Schools and The Skills Center.
Thank you to Freddy Barton, the 509 Gun Violence Committee and all of the volunteers who worked together to make this event a success.
| | Tampa Bay Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc Chartering Ceremony | | Phyllis Walters, Jewel Warren, Laurell Jones and Commissioner Myers | | |
On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the Tampa Bay Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. held their Chartering Ceremony VIP Session at the Egypt Shrine Event Center in Tampa. The ceremony marked the beginning of a permanent Tampa Bay institution dedicated to ensuring that the courage, excellence, perseverance, and service represented by the Tuskegee Airmen continue to inspire generations to come.
I was honored to stand alongside founding members, students, veterans, military leaders, educators, and community partners as we made history in Hillsborough County.
| | Jim Wujek, President, University Square Civic Association | | |
On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, I was pleased to be the guest speaker at the University Square Civic Association Meeting held at Copeland Park Community Center on 15th St. in Tampa. The residents of Briarwood and University Square neighborhoods came out to ensure I felt a warm welcome. One of the most important topics to the group was development impacts of the former University Square Mall site and the areas north of Fowler Ave. Another topic of interest was the MOSI site which was recently approved for development.
I want to extend a heartfelt Thank You to everyone who made time to attend the community meeting and share their thoughts and concerns with me.
| | Iris Thurman, CEO, ECHO and Robbi Smith, Legislative Aide, District 3 | | On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, I was invited to the ECHO Good Morning Gala, held at the Regent in Riverview. The Good Morning Gala is an annual celebratory fundraising event. My Aide, Robbi Smith, attended on my behalf. ECHO is a nonprofit organization serving residents of unincorporated Hillsborough County who are experiencing crisis. They provide emergency food and clothing while helping individuals and families access the resources, programs, and support they need to move toward long-term stability. | | Craig Richard, President & CEO, Economic Development Council (EDC) | | On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Tampa's EDC hosted their annual meeting at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Attendees received economic development updates, sector highlights, and updates on regional growth initiatives. The meeting showcased the council's role in advancing regional prosperity, highlighting job creation, economic growth, and Tampa's position as a top destination for business and talent. | | Farewell Councilman Viera | | Luis Viera, Tampa City Councilman and Jane Castor, Tampa Mayor | | On Thursday, October 15, 2026, the Tampa City Council and Mayor Jane Castor hosted a farewell luncheon and reception in honor of Councilman Luis Viera who is stepping down from his Tampa City Council, District 7 seat to run for the Florida House of Representatives, District 67 seat vacated by term-limited Representative and Senator-elect Fentrice Driskell. | |
2nd Annual Masquerade Ball
and Community Awards Program
| | Zannie Mount, Charter Member & Masquerade Ball Committee Chairman, Phi Beta Sigma, Fraternity, Inc; Commissioner Gwen Myers and Danny Smith, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Florida State Director | | On Saturday, October 17, 2026, the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. hosted their 2nd annual Masquerade Ball and Community Awards Program at The Westshore Grand in Tampa. It was my pleasure to give remarks. Roderick "Rod" Carter served as the Master of Ceremonies. The event celebrated outstanding local achievements while fostering an atmosphere of elegance, creativity, and community spirit. | | Commissioner Gwen Myers, Rev. Larry Roundtree, Senior Pastor, New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church (MBC); Rev. Gary Adams, Associate Minister, New Mount Zion MBC, and Jeffery Rhodes, Co-Owner, Ray Williams Funeral Home | | On Sunday, October 18, 2026, my church, Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, led by Rev. Dr. Brett Snowden, Pastor, celebrated its 133rd church anniversary. Greater Bethel MBC is located at 1207 N. Jefferson St. in Tampa. The theme for the occasion was "Building Bridges, Inspiring Lives", and the guest speaker was Rev. Larry Roundtree, Senior Pastor, New Mount Zion MBC. | | On Monday, October 19, 2026, I attended The Benchmarking Phoenix Post-Trip Debrief, held at the Tampa Bay Chamber office located at 201 N. Franklin St. The debrief, an invitation-only event, was designed to share trip takeaways and apply Phoenix best practices to Tampa Bay. Attendees reflected on the ideas, innovations, and conversations that made the trip impactful. It was a great opportunity to continue the momentum from the trip. | |
Rays Clinch ALCS with Game 6 Win to Face Brewers in World Series | | Congratulations to the Rays and Best of Luck in the World Series! | | 2026 25th Anniversary Harvest Awards | | Commissioners Joshua Wostal, Gwen Myers, Christine Miller, and Chris Boles, and the Harvest Queen and her Court | | On Wednesday, October 20, 2026, the Hillsborough County Fair hosted the 25th Harvest Awards presented by Mosaic. The event was held in the Exhibition Building at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover. The awards honored local agricultural leaders, farm families, and community advocates. Astin Farms was named Farm Family of the Year. John Davidson received the Lifetime Achievement in Agriculture Award. Hilda Castillo was honored with the Woman in Agriculture Award. Plant City Commons Community Garden received the Outstanding Public & Community Service Award, and Everglades Farm Equipment received the Outstanding Agribusiness Award. It was an honor to participate in this year's Harvest Awards! | | Ross Anderson, Education Advocate Liaison; Georgie Collins, District Resource Teacher; Tracie Bergman, Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction; Christina Raburn, Executive Director of High Schools; Emerald Morrow, Emmy Award-winning Journalist, 10 Tampa Bay, Moderator; Commissioner Gwen Myers; Marcos Murillo, Chief of Innovation and Strategic Planning; Larissa McCoy, Region Superintendent, High Schools; Robert Nelson, Region Superintendent, High Schools, and Gary Brady, Chief Academic Officer | | |
On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the 509 Committee and members of the Hillsborough County Public Schools hosted a Panel Discussion and Community Meeting in the Fellowship Hall of the Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa. The panel shared statistics on Hillsborough County's increased test scores and graduation rates. They also fielded questions from the moderator and from the audience. During the discussion, the panel emphasized the importance of attendance from both the students and the faculty at every stage from pre-kindergarten through high school.
Thank you to the panel members and our moderator, Emerald Morrow, for your participation in this meeting. Your contributions were invaluable to the discussion!
| | Janet Lorton, Executive Director, EPC, and staff recognized Commissioner Donna Cameron Cepeda for her public service to the County. | | Commissioner Myers recognized four EPC Interns | |
Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Wall Located on the first floor in County Center | | |
ShredFest: Fright-Free Data Disposal
Don’t let your personal information come back to haunt you.
During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, protect yourself from identity theft and cybercrime by safely disposing of confidential paper documents and unwanted electronic devices during Hillsborough County Code Enforcement’s free, drive-thru ShredFest event.
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 8:00 to 11:00 AM
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 602 U.S. 301 N.
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