TPD ceremony to honor fallen officers
TAMPA – The Tampa Police Department will commemorate the sacrifices of its fallen members during the annual Tampa Police Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 6.
Mayor Jane Castor and Chief Lee Bercaw, in partnership with the Tampa Police Memorial Committee, will lead a tribute to the 32 officers of the Tampa Police Department who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the community, as well as all law enforcement officers across the nation who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
The memorial will take place at 7:30 p.m. in front of the Monument to Fallen Officers in front of Tampa Police Headquarters, located at 411 N. Franklin St.
The ceremony will feature the Tampa Police Honor Guard, a traditional 21-gun salute, the symbolism of a riderless horse, the St. Andrew’s Pipes & Drums of Tampa Bay, and a flyover by the Tampa Police Aviation Unit.
For those unable to attend the ceremony in person, a live stream will be available at www.facebook.com/TampaPD.
Dairy farmers name Plant High senior All-State team member
TAMPA – Plant High School senior Charlie Nash has been named to the 2026 Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to high school student-athletes in Florida, Hillsborough County Public Schools reports.
Nash is among 24 graduating seniors statewide named to the 32nd annual Academic All-State Team on April 24 by the Florida High School Athletic Association. The program recognizes 24 graduating seniors statewide — 12 girls and 12 boys — for exceptional achievement in academics, athletics, leadership, and community service.
The Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team awards a total of $50,000 in scholarships annually.
Nash earned a 4.0 grade point average and the College Board School Recognition Award while demonstrating strong leadership across academic and extracurricular activities, HCPS said in a press release. He serves as vice president of communications for both the National Honor Society and National French Honor Society and is president and team captain of the Plant High School Mock Trial Team. His additional involvement includes Tri‑M, Order of the Gold and Black, Mu Alpha Theta, cross country, and track and field.
Beyond school, Nash completed an internship with the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida and volunteers with Special Olympics, Hyde Park United Methodist Church, the Gasparilla Distance Classic, and the St. Pete Run Fest.
To qualify for the Academic All-State Team, students must be graduating seniors with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA and have earned at least two varsity letters in two different sports during their junior and senior years. Selections are based on academic performance, athletic participation, extracurricular activities, community service, and an essay.
HART joins Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program for accessible transit experience
TAMPA – In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, Hillsborough Transit Authority has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program to help disabled people with accessible transportation.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is a global initiative that uses a green lanyard with yellow sunflowers to discreetly signal that a person may have a non-apparent disability, such as autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, or multiple sclerosis. The symbol allows individuals to indicate they may need additional support without having to disclose their condition.
HART is among the first transit agencies nationwide to participate in the program, underscoring its leadership in advancing accessible public transportation.
HART operators are already trained to recognize the sunflower symbol through its use at Tampa International Airport, the agency said. By joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, HART will expand training across the organization and make sunflower lanyards available to customers upon request for use throughout the system.
Customers can request a sunflower lanyard at HART Customer Service locations at the Marion Transit Center or the University Area Transit Center.
Funding available to rebuild after 2024 hurricanes
Hillsborough County homeowners that meet eligibility requirements can now apply for relief funds as part of the county’s Rebuilding for Tomorrow Homeowner Repair and Reconstruction Program.
Residents applying for assistance can live anywhere in Hillsborough County, including in the city of Tampa, Temple Terrace, or Plant City. Applications are available online and can be submitted online when completed.
Hillsborough County was awarded $709 million by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist with recovery and mitigation efforts related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. About $211 million of that amount will be dedicated to the Homeowner Repair and Reconstruction Program.
Eligible residents can qualify for up to $350,000 to replace or rebuild storm-damaged housing; $10,000-$50,000 in eligible reimbursement costs for permitted work already completed by the homeowner; or up to $150,000 in repairs that have not been covered under other programs. The program is for residents earning up to 120% of Area Median Income ($100,080 annual household income for a two-person household), with priority given to those earning 80% or less of Area Median Income ($66,800 annual household income for a two-person household).
The Rebuilding for Tomorrow Service Center is at 1029 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. The center is expected to remain open for at least several months.
Several pop-up service centers also are open until May 15. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday:
• Lee Davis Community Resource Center, 3402 N. 22nd St., Tampa
• Plant City Community Resource Center, 307 N. Michigan Ave., Plant City
• University Community Resource Center, 13605 N. 22nd St., Tampa
• West Tampa Community Resource Center, 2103 N. Rome Ave., Tampa.
The Wimauma Community Health Center, 16621 Lagoon Shores Blvd., Wimauma, will serve as a pop-up center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 11 only.
Residents can apply over the phone by calling 813-540-7767 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Applications are also available at RebuildingForTomorrow.HCFL.gov .
Tampa Fire Rescue re-re-repeats accreditation
Tampa Fire Rescue has once again been awarded Accredited Agency status by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, marking the fourth time the department has achieved this distinction. The accreditation, granted through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, secures the department’s status for the next five years.
The unanimous decision by the commission follows a comprehensive on-site evaluation conducted by a peer assessment team, which reviewed Tampa Fire Rescue’s operations, training, emergency response, and service delivery.
Out of more than 30,000 fire departments nationwide, less than 2% of fire departments in the United States receive accredited status. Tampa Fire Rescue was first accredited in 2011. The CFAI accreditation process is a rigorous, voluntary program that evaluates agencies against more than 250 performance standards and best practices in fire and emergency services.
Hillsborough Schools break ground on middle-elementary school combo
TAMPA — Hillsborough County Public Schools has broken ground on a new shared campus for Stewart Middle Magnet School and Just Elementary School, a $77 million redevelopment project that will serve more than 1,500 students in West Tampa.
The project will replace the existing Stewart Middle Magnet School facility and integrate both schools on a shared campus designed to support collaboration, efficiency, and 21st century learning, HCPS said in a press release.
Designed by FleischmanGarciaMaslowski Architecture, the new campus will include more than 135,000 square feet of instructional space, with shared amenities such as a cafeteria and media center. Stewart Middle Magnet School will accommodate more than 1,000 student stations, while Just Elementary School will serve more than 530 students. Stewart Middle Magnet will re-open in January of 2028; Just Elementary in August of 2028.
As part of the redevelopment, the district will preserve the historic Stewart Middle Magnet gymnasium, which holds significance for many reasons, including its original use as part of Blake High School. The gym will remain on campus and receive lighting upgrades, necessary code improvements, and other enhancements.
Port gets $24M grant for upgrades
TAMPA – Port Tampa Bay has been awarded a $24 million grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation to support its Berth 300 Extension Project at Port Redwing. The total project cost is $40 million, with Port Tampa Bay providing a $16 million local match.
The project will extend Berth 300 by 800 feet, creating a 1,300-foot berth. Combined with adjacent berths, Port Redwing will offer approximately 2,800 contiguous linear feet of berth space — nearly half a mile — expanding the port’s ability to accommodate multiple vessels at once.
“This investment enhances Port Tampa Bay’s capacity to support Florida’s position among the world’s top economies, while improving supply chain efficiency and resilience across regional and national markets,” said Port Tampa Bay President and CEO Paul Anderson.
The expanded seawall will allow up to four 650-foot handysize bulk carriers, or three of the largest dry bulk vessels in the Gulf, to dock simultaneously. This added capacity will reduce vessel wait times, improve turnaround efficiency and provide greater flexibility for a wide range of vessel types.
Port Redwing primarily handles dry bulk cargo, including aggregates such as granite and limestone, cement, gypsum and grain. All are essential materials that support construction, infrastructure and agricultural sectors.
Phase II of Seventh Avenue roadwork completed
TAMPA – Work on the second phase of the Seventh Avenue bricking project in Ybor City has wrapped up ahead of schedule, and the section between 17th and 19th streets has reopened.
The first phase of the bricking, funded by the Community Redevelopment Agency or CRA, occurred in 2024.
The total project used about 140,000 historic bricks, collected and stored by the city for use on historically significant projects such as the rebricking.
Bringing brick back not only enhances the character and feel of the National Historic Landmark District, the city reports, but it also provides natural traffic calming and promotes walkability. It is also expected to benefit the local businesses in Ybor City and help stimulate economic growth.
Hillsborough schools recognized for music education efforts
TAMPA – Hillsborough County Public Schools has again been named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation, a national honor that celebrates school districts demonstrating a strong commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality music education for all students.
The 2026 designation reflects the passion, professionalism, and dedication of HCPS music educators, whose efforts ensure students across the district have meaningful opportunities to learn, perform, and grow through music, the school district said in a press release. From classroom instruction to performances, advocacy, and community collaboration, HCPS music programs continue to make a lasting impact on students and the broader community.
“Being recognized once again at a national level is a testament to the passion and commitment of our music educators,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “Because of their work, students throughout our district experience high-quality music education and arts programs that inspire creativity, build discipline, and foster collaboration at every grade level.”
City seeks citizen advisors for ongoing projects
TAMPA – The city of Tampa is accepting applications from residents to serve on a non-partisan board that will advise the mayor and other officials on how to best implement development projects.
In 2023, City Council approved the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) program to create a process that considers the social and community impact of upcoming development plans. But the program came with a caveat: it required developers to provide community benefits for projects that receive public funds, through the help of an advisory council.
Members of the council will advise the mayor, city council, the developer and Tampa residents on how to best impact the community with ongoing development projects.
Applications can be submitted through the Clerk’s Office website:
https://www.tampa.gov/city-clerk/info/boards-and-commissions by selecting either “Apply for Initial Board Position or for Reappointment.” The deadline to apply is Monday, May 11.
Hillsborough students win 3Rs art, poetry contest
TAMPA – Several Hillsborough County Public Schools students were recently named winners in the city of Tampa’s 21st annual 3Rs Art & Poetry Contest, a initiative that encourages students to share creative messages focused on waste reduction and environmental responsibility.
Each year, students are invited to submit original artwork and poetry inspired by the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Contest winners are selected through public voting. The 2026 HCPS winners include:
Elementary School Category
• Art: Ariana Mendiola-Monrroy, Roland Park K–8
• Poetry: Henry Luksik, Roland Park K–8
Middle School Category
• Art: Swaroopini Meenakshi, Roland Park K–8
• Poetry: Olivia Joyner, Roland Park K–8
High School Category
• Art: Bella Guzman, Blake High School
“Our students continue to show how powerful learning can be when creativity and purpose come together,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “Through their art and poetry, these students are not only expressing themselves but also inspiring our community and we are very proud of each of them.”
Winning student poems will be displayed at Julian B. Lane Park. Winning artwork will be featured on the city’s recycling trucks.
In addition to public recognition, student winners will receive prizes in honor of their achievements.
Following an awards ceremony, winning entries will be showcased online at Tampa.gov/3Rs.
County student athletes honored at winter sports awards
Hillsborough County Public Schools recently honored fall sports student athletes for individual awards and team GPA awards at their Winter Sports Awards on Thursday, April 23.
2025-2026 Winter Sports Team GPA Awards
• Plant Cheerleading – 3.828 GPA
• Steinbrenner Girls Soccer – 3.793 GPA
• Robinson Girls Wrestling – 3.710 GPA
• Brandon Boys Wrestling – 3.566 GPA
• Wharton Girls Basketball – 3.612 GPA
• Plant Boys Basketball – 3.551 GPA
• Newsome Boys Soccer – 3.532 GPA
Alston “Mac” McGahagin Boys Basketball Award – Jackson Byam, Sickles High School
Byam is a three-year letterman and point guard at Sickles High School who averaged 19 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 43% from three-point range, 61% from two-point range, and 85% from the free-throw. He maintains a 3.7 GPA and is undecided on his post-high school plans.
Hillsborough County Female Wrestler of the Year – Hazuki Sykes, Sumner High School
Sykes is a three-year letter winner at Sumner High School with an impressive 83–18 career record and 71 pins, including a dominant 31–1 senior season. She is her school’s valedictorian, earning a 3.7362 unweighted GPA and an 8.8962 weighted GPA. She is currently undecided on her post-high school plans.
Hillsborough County Male Wrestler of the Year – Arron McCarty, Robinson High School
McCarty is a four-year letterman at Robinson High School who completed his wrestling career with a 168–46 record and 124 pins. He captured multiple American Division, county, district, and regional titles, finished as a state runner-up his senior year, and earned All-American honors while also receiving the FHSAA Russ Mauger Mental Attitude Award. He holds a 3.3 unweighted GPA and a 3.79 weighted GPA and plans to major in physical education, with his college choice yet to be determined.
Williamson-Snapp Outstanding Cheerleader Award – Madelynn Hardwick, Plant City High School
Hardwick is a four-year letter winner at Plant City High School who demonstrated elite versatility and athleticism throughout her cheerleading career. After serving as center top girl for three years, she transitioned to side base as a senior and successfully performed advanced stunts while also showcasing high-level tumbling skills. She has a 3.68 unweighted GPA and a 6.57 weighted GPA and plans to attend Florida State University.
Joel Medgebow Wrestling Coach of the Year – Mark Church, Bloomingdale High School
Church, head wrestling coach and assistant girls wrestling coach at Bloomingdale High School, is recognized for building a highly competitive program grounded in sportsmanship and athlete development. Under his leadership, the team made significant improvement, finishing as county runner-up and district champions while competing strongly at the regional level with a young roster. His commitment to excellence has earned widespread respect among fellow coaches throughout the county.