As the summer of 2022 comes to a close, I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. I am happy to welcome everyone back with our August edition of my office's newsletter! | |
From August 8th to August 21st, Early Voting for the Primary Elections will be available here in Hillsborough County. Let us all take the time to exercise this sacred right to vote and make sure our voices are heard!
To Find Your Early Voting Location
Click Here
| As Hillsborough County students return to school on August 10th, let us all be mindful of children crossing streets and waiting for the bus. Let's make sure our next generation gets to school and return from school safely! | |
On August 5th, I had an opportunity to tour Dawning Family Services. This organization is formerly Alpha House of Tampa, and they have been providing emergency shelter, housing, and supportive services to homeless families for the past 40 years. You can learn more about what they do by visiting their website: dawningfamilyservices.org
It was a pleasure meeting:
- Jamie Whitehurst, Director of Development
- Tammi Casagni, VP of Programs and Operations
| Pictured with the Men of KAPPA: Reuben A. Shelton, III, Esq., Grand Polemarch, The Honorable Les Miller, Dr. James Brookins, Jr., and Roland Daniels | Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha | |
Pictured with Tangela Dupree,
President of Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.
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Pictured with the Honorable Gwen Miller, Joyce Daniels,
Estrella LoBerry, and Tangela Dupree
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On August 4th, I had an excellent time at the 86th Grand Chapter Meeting Kapparilla Release Show giving greetings on behalf of District 3. We are looking forward to hosting the Kappas for their conclave here in Tampa. It was also great to see:
- Santiago Corrada, President & CEO, Visit Tampa Bay
- Sherri Brown, VP of Multicultural Sales & Development, Visit Tampa Bay
- Ida Walker, Sr. Executive Aide, Tampa Police Department
| Board of County Commission (BOCC) Action: August 3rd | |
1) The BOCC approved a budget amendment resolution to accept and appropriate $1,029,000 from the State of Florida, Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and realign $71,000 in R3M Program Countywide Ad Valorem matching funds for a total of $1,100,000 funding for the All Peoples Life Center Hardening Project.
2) The BOCC approved and executed the construction contract with Orion Marine Construction, Inc., for the Demolition and Construction of South Maydell Drive Bridge over Palm River.
3) The BOCC approved a net increase of $216,805.16 for mechanical, electrical and site upgrades to the Yuengling Center (formerly known as the "Sun Dome") for use as a Special Needs Center by the County.
4) The BOCC approved and executed the 2022-2023 State of Florida Statewide Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Provider Contract with the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) and Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Head Start (HS) Department for qualified children being served in the Head Start Program, during the 2022-2023 VPK School Program Year which begins August 10, 2022.
5) The BOCC conducted a public hearing to consider enactment of an Ordinance amending Article IV of the Hillsborough County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Part A, Chapter 16, as pertaining to the notice period for termination of residential leases without a specific duration and requiring prior notice of certain residential rent increases of more than five percent (5%).
This Ordinance requires:
- for termination of residential tenancies without a specific duration, a notification period of thirty days for leases where rent is payable monthly, and sixty days for leases where rent is payable in time periods longer than monthly; and
- that in order to increase the rent of a residential dwelling unit by more than five percent (5%), a landlord must provide a tenant with at least 60 days' prior notice.
The Board passed the ordinance with the amendment at the end of Line 99 to add the following sentence: "The written notice shall include notice of all fees and costs to be paid by the tenant during the new rental term."
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After our meeting, I was happy to take a picture with my colleagues and those who came to speak in favor of Hillsborough County renters:
- Pat Kemp, County Commissioner
- Mariella Smith, Vice Chair, County Commissioner
- Chloe Coney, Founder, CDC of Tampa
- Robin Lockett, President, Florida Rising
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On August 1st, it was a blessing to stand with Patricia Brown, President, and Johnny Johnson, Vice President, of Rise Up For Peace and County staff as we opened offices for Rise Up For Peace at Lee Davis Community Center in Tampa. At Lee Davis, Rise Up For Peace will be able to provide counseling and support to the families of victims of gun violence. While I pray that their services will never be needed as we work to stop senseless gun violence in our community, I am proud to know they will be there for families in their darkest hours. Thank you to:
- Audrey Ziegler, County Social Services Director, and her incredible staff
- Brenda Vallecilla, Manager County Properties
- Diedre Clark, Space Planning Coordination
I remain steadfast in my commitment to combatting the scourge of senseless gun violence in our community!
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Coffee with Castor
Tampa residents in Armory Gardens, Oakford Park, MacFarlane Park, and surrounding neighborhoods in West Tampa: Join Mayor Jane Castor for a coffee and some conversation! Mayor Jane Castor remains steadfast in her mission to Transform Tampa's Tomorrow, tackling our city's key issues from all angles. On August 17th from 9 A.M. – 10 A.M., have a café con leche at Alessi Bakery with the mayor while sharing YOUR ideas on how to continue improving the quality of life in our city.
Mural Celebration
On August 11th at 5:30 P.M., help celebrate the new mural at the Gwen Miller Community Center. Painted by the talented Nneka Jones of Art You Hungry? This beautiful new mural titled "History Starts Here" was commissioned by the City of Tampa Arts & Cultural Affairs Division as part of Mayor Jane Castor's Art on the Block initiative.
Job of the Week
The Technology & Innovation Department is looking for an Applications Systems Analyst - Business Applications to perform a variety of assignments pertinent to the analysis of data systems and manual systems for data processing applications. Tasks are of more than average difficulty and include developing functional specifications, analyzing operational procedures and production systems, and preparing test data.
|  | Hillsborough Eying 3.5 Acres Near USF for Affordable Housing | On the morning of July 30th, it was a joy to attend a 3 C's Extravaganza at New Salem M.B. Church in Temple Terrace. This event helped teach children in the community chess, "the game of kings". It was excellent to see Pastor Kaleb D. Barnum, Joel Barnum, Ernest Coney Sr., and the New Salem Church family. | Lamb Elementary Back to School Event | Also on July 30th, I was thrilled to help support Lamb Elementary Back To School Event. It is wonderful to see so many citizens and school staff put such thought and dedication towards the children of our community! Thank you to all those who volunteered to help our students succeed! | |
V.I.C.C.T.O.R.Y., Inc. Presents
Community Impact Affair
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Later on July 30th, it was awesome to get out in the sunshine with V.I.C.C.T.O.R.Y. Inc., Community Impact Affair at Victory A.M.E. Church in Tampa. This event was fun for the whole family with vendors, games, and a book bag and school supplies give away. Thank you to Pastor Michael B. Price and all the partners who came together for this event:
- Victory A.M.E. Church
- Metropolitan Ministries
- Venom Ryderz
- All Love Tampa
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95th & 90th Birthday Celebration Honoring
Mr. and Mrs. William Jr. & Ira M. Ellison
| On the evening of July 30th, I was honored to attend and present a commendation at a 95th and 90th Birthday Celebration for Mr. and Mrs. William Jr. & Ira M. Ellison at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel. It is always a blessing to be able to pay respects to the elders of our community. Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Ellison for your many decades of community service! | |
Greater Palm River Point CDC
Back to School Bash
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On July 29th, I had a fantastic time joining the Palm River CDC and their partners for a Back To School Bash. It was awesome to see our future leaders get equipped with all they will need to succeed this school year and it was excellent to see:
- Tony Altman, Executive Director, Palm River CDC
- Anthony Collins, Major, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
- Melissa Moore, Colonel, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
- Tom G, local rapper
| Budget Reconciliation Meeting | |
One of the chief responsibilities of the Board of County Commissioners is to approve the budget. It is often said that budgets are a moral document identifying what a community values. On July 28th, it was my honor to champion District 3 on the Fiscal Year 23 Budget including the following items:
- Brothers United Building Brothers Alliance (B.U.B.B.A): $50,000
- Caribbean American National Development Organization (CANDO): $50,000
- Caribbean Festival: $50,000
- Dress For Success: $25,000
- Gamma Theta Omega, Inc.: $100,000
- Harram Temple No. 23 of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine, Inc.: $100,000
- Kings Forest Recreation Center Renovation (Community Investment Tax Funding): $1,500,000
- Masjid An Nasr (Sulphur Springs After School Program): $75,000
- MLK Parade Foundation: $25,000
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP): $50,000
- Project Link, Inc.: $50,000
- Second Chance Program for Felony: $150,000
- STEM Xposure, Inc.: $50,000
- Tampa Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.: $75,000
- Tampa Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.: $75,000
- The Late Honorable Betty Reed Marker: $30,000
- United Bikerz: $10,000
- Urban League of Hillsborough County: $50,000
Staff to identify potential funding sources prior to final budget hearing on September 22nd:
- Kings Forest Recreation - Splash Pad: $850,000
- Progress Village Park Improvements: $2,354,000
To Read More About The BOCC Budget Flags
Click Here
The BOCC will be hosting Public Hearings on September 15th, 2022, and September 22nd, 2022, at 6 P.M. at Frederick B. Karl County Center.
| | | Hillsborough County names Cheryl Howell new Assistant County Administrator (ACA) for Equity and Community Impact | |
On July 27th, County Administrator Bonnie Wise named Cheryl Howell, current County Affordable Housing Director, Assistant County Administrator for Equity and Community Impact (ACA). This will place Ms. Howell in position to replace herself as Affordable Housing Director, and eventually phase all of the County Community Liaison offices under the new Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI).
County Administrator Bonnie Wise will implement these changes on the following timeline:
- Naming of ACA for Equity and Community Impact : 30-45 days
- Establishment of Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: 45-60 days to publish an Administrative Order, and create and amend position descriptions as required
To Watch The 7/27 Equity Workshop
Click Here
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On July 22nd, I had the opportunity to tour Palm Harbor Homes, one of the largest manufacturing plants in the State. With the challenges of affordable housing that we are facing in our community, it was interesting to explore a possible option for housing. I was accompanied by:
- Cheryl Howell, County Director of Affordable Housing
- Jim Ayotte, CEO, Florida Manufactured Homes Association
- Kevin Law, New Business Development Manager
- Todd Pressman, President of Pressman & Associates, Inc.
It was amazing to walk around this factory, located in Plant City, and see firsthand a manufactured home being built. What an awesome experience! I am looking forward to finding out additional information on how Hillsborough County can make this an affordable home option for citizens seeking less expensive, but quality homes.
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On July 21st, I was proud to attend a Safe & Sound Hillsborough Teen Presentation at the Carey Family Brandon Boys & Girls Club. I am incredibly thankful to Freddy Barton, Executive Director, Safe & Sound Hillsborough, for the thorough work he is doing working with young people to prevent gun violence in our community. It was also wonderful to see:
- Julianne Holt, Hillsborough County Public Defender
- Anthony Collins, Major, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
- Melissa Moore, Colonel, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Thank you for coming to speak to these teenagers about the importance of staying safe. We appreciate this partnership between Safe & Sound Hillsborough, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and the Boys & Girls Club for allowing us to reach the youth where they are at to talk to them about ways to prevent gun violence.
| 73 Hillsborough Neighborhoods Getting Sidewalk Repairs Through American Rescue Plan Funding | Approximately $5,000,000 dollars will be invested in sidewalk improvements in District 3! | |
Work will be conducted at the following locations in District 3:
- Clewis Avenue, East Lake Orient Park
- Wishing Well Way, Greater Palm River
- Julian Lane Drive, Greater Palm River
- Tarpon Drive, East Lake Orient Park
- Maydell Drive, Greater Palm River
- South 87th Street, Greater Palm River
- South 82nd Street, Greater Palm River
- North 50th Street, East Lake Orient Park
- South 86th Street, Greater Palm River
- Lancelot Loop, Greater Palm River
- 20th Avenue South, Greater Palm River
- Waikiki Way, Greater Palm River
- North Armenia Avenue, City of Tampa
- Porpoise Drive, East Lake Orient Park
- North 15th Street, University Area Community
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Board of County Commission (BOCC) Action: July 20th | |
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1) The BOCC adopted a resolution authorizing the approval of a License Agreement between Hillsborough County and Phoenix Programs of Florida, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 Florida not for profit corporation for 3,630 square feet of health clinic space and associated non exclusive parking located at the West Tampa Community Resource Center at 2103 N. Rome Avenue, Tampa.
2) The BOCC approved an agreement with the University of South Florida for the College of Public Health Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research to develop a data driven multi group Susceptible Exposed Infectious Removed (SEIR) Model simulator to analyze COVID 19 spread among population sub groups in Hillsborough County inclusive of Hillsborough County and Hillsborough County Health Care Plan (HCHCP) members.
3) The BOCC approved an agreement between Hillsborough County and Tampa Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for funding for a community project in Hillsborough County in the amount of $50,000 for the period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023. The Tampa Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (The Tampa KAP Fraternity) has committed an additional $25,000 to the project selected by the organization for the betterment of the community which will be announced by the fraternity at their 86th Grand Chapter Meeting in 2023 held in Tampa.
4) The BOCC approved an agreement with Gamma Theta Omega, Incorporated for the provision of services to Hillsborough County youth and their families through educational programs and workshops that provide assistance with college admission, financial literacy, social justice, health and wellness.
5) The BOCC approved an FY 22 budget amendment resolution to accommodate the transfer of Transportation Improvement Surtax revenues, previously received by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (known as the Transportation Planning Organization) under Article 11 of the Hillsborough County Charter, to the Clerk of the Court and Comptroller of Hillsborough County, pursuant to the Final Judgment issued on July 7, 2022 by the Circuit Court of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.
6) The BOCC approved an agreement with the Agency for Community Services, Inc., to increase their contractual budget, for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) FY 18 Improving Reentry for Adult Offenders with Co occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Grant Program, also referred to as the Hillsborough County Recidivism Reduction Initiative (HCRRI), by $12,459.21. The project is a partnership between the County, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and the Agency for Community Treatment Services. The goal of the program is to reduce criminal justice system recidivism for persons with serious mental illness by providing essential services needed to gain stability including treatment, housing, employment, and financial and life skills supports.
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 05, 2022
Media Contact: Doug Tobin
TobinD@CareerSourceTampaBay.com / (813) 397-2054
CSTB Hosts Hiring Event for Tampa Bay Restaurant
~ Bolay Fresh Bold Kitchen is hiring for full-time team members ~
TAMPA, FL – CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) is hosting an in-person hiring event on Tuesday, August 9th, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Bolay Fresh Bold Kitchen. The event will take place at CSTB’s Tampa Center, located at 9215 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33612.
Bolay Fresh Bold Kitchen is hiring full-time and part-time Kitchen Team Members and Guest Services Team Members for their new location opening soon and is offering the following benefits:
· Competitive Pay: up to $16/hour
· Fun & Energized Environment
· Free Shift Meals
· Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits Opportunities
· 401K Opportunities
· Closed or Early Closures on Holidays (Easter, July 4, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, and more)
· Paid-Time-Off (Certain eligibility requirements apply)
· Career Growth Opportunities
All job seekers must complete an Employ Florida Registration on www.EmployFlorida.com
“At CareerSource Tampa Bay, we regularly host Job Fairs, benefiting both employers and job seekers,” says Jonathan Foss, CSTB Sector Strategist. “If an employer wants an individualized Job Fair, we can set that up for your business. Doing an Independent Job Fair gives job seekers the unique opportunity to connect directly with Hillsborough County employers, and we are excited to do so with this local restaurant.”
Job Seekers are encouraged to bring:
· A Resume
· Dress for a potential interview
· Any supporting documents to get hired on the same day.
To learn more about this event and others, visit the following webpage: https://careersourcetampabay.com/event/bolay-fresh-bold-kitchen-hiring-event/
Download the flyer for this event: https://careersourcetampabay.com/wp-content/uploads/Bolay-Fresh-Bold-Kitchen-Hiring-Event-07292022-1288B.pdf
For more information, Contact Jonathan Foss via email at fossj@careersourcetb.com or Madison Harte at (813) 763-2977 or via email at hartem@careersourcetb.com.
About CareerSource Tampa Bay
Programs and initiatives are sponsored by CareerSource Tampa Bay and the State of Florida, Department of Economic Opportunity, and fully supported by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Agriculture as part of awards totaling $23,321,277.
CareerSource Tampa Bay works with businesses and candidates to leverage their training, retraining, and competitive opportunities in the workforce. CareerSource Tampa Bay provided 173,319 services to 37,054 active Wagner-Peyser individuals during the program year 2019-2020. CareerSource Tampa Bay, with our four full-time career centers and two satellite locations, is the single largest source of job candidates in the region, from entry-level to executive-level candidates. We also work closely with all Veterans.
Businesses can access CareerSource's wide range of services, including recruiting, training for new and existing employees, targeted hiring events, and retention support strategies. All resources and services are provided at no cost to businesses and job candidates. Programs funded through CareerSource Tampa Bay are equal opportunity programs with auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Persons using TTY/TTD equipment use Florida Relay Service 711. A proud partner of the American Job Center network, to learn more, visit www.careersourcetampabay.com.
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The Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) is creating a Rider Advisory Committee and hosting an Open House for interested applicants.
Rider input is essential to HART’s success. It allows HART to make informed decisions to continue providing excellent public transportation that keeps Hillsborough County moving.
Interested applicants can attend an Open House on Thursday, August 11, 2022; 5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M., at the HART Administrative Office - 1201 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL.
Open House attendees will learn more about the Rider Advisory Committee and be able to apply for the Committee in person.
"Customer input is invaluable to our organization to ensure that we continue to meet the County's transportation needs," said Adelee Marie Le Grand, HART CEO. "The Rider Advisory Committee will give us a constant pulse on rider sentiment."
The application is available online for those unable to attend the Open House.
Committee applications can be sent to MorenoY@goHART.org or mail it to HART Community Engagement, 1201 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL, 33605. All applications must be received by Friday, September 2, 2022.
| Hillsborough County Grants Collaborative Annual Training Conference Open for Registration | |
The Hillsborough Grants Collaborative is an all-volunteer-run Collaborative that provides opportunities for hundreds of grant writers, non-profit leaders and their staff, and those interested in becoming grant writers in all types of non-profits and governmental agencies to come together to learn, network and share ideas and insights. All regular meetings are free and cost nothing to join and receive our emails.
What: DEVELOPING WINNING GRANTS: SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
Operational for 25 years, the Hillsborough Grants Collaborative provides meetings at no cost and an annual training at minimal cost. From those interested in learning about grant writing to the seasoned grant writer, all will be engaged. This year, the one-day training will include:
• Top tier grant writers and presenters who will share their knowledge and successful tips for developing winning grants.
• Hands on sessions covering grant writing, building high scoring financials and budgets, management and latest in data mining for creating a highly competitive Need section.
• Lunch provided during which a Funder’s Panel, composed of personnel who oversee grants to non-profits, will be presented.
• Minimal registration fee.
Where: Children’s Board Hillsborough County; 1002 East Palm Avenue; Tampa, Florida 33605
When: September 15, 2022
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Hillsborough County Friday 5 | | | | | |
