The Tampa Bay Estuary Program is now accepting applications for its Bay Mini-Grant initiative. The competitive cash awards fund community-led environmental restoration and education projects throughout the region. The deadline to apply for up to $5,000 is Sept. 15, and for more information, visit the website here.
The Tampa Bay Rowdies hosted a Community Clinic and Backpack Drive Tuesday evening that included 20 local schools and organizations. Players provided basic soccer skills through three drills on Al Lang Stadium’s pitch and concluded the event with an autograph session. Every child also received a backpack and school supplies for the upcoming year.
The Center for First-generation Student Success recently announced that St. Petersburg College (SPC) is one of 76 new members of its First Scholars Network. The national network now includes over 350 higher-learning institutions with demonstrable success supporting first-generation students. Membership provides engagement opportunities with peer institutions and development resources.
Pinellas County Emergency Management and the Family Center on Deafness will host the second annual Deaf Day Saturday to provide storm and emergency-related resources. Officials will give away hurricane kits and Florida Telecommunications Relay phones and provide information on local emergency features for the deaf and hard of hearing. The event is in the Magnolia Room at the Pinellas County Cooperative Extension at 12520 Ulmerton Rd. in Largo.
The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg has partnered with Bayfront Health to award $2.9 million across two grantmaking priorities. Those include mental health and wellness initiatives for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and economic equity and justice efforts. To receive a first look at the Foundation’s request for proposals and how to apply when applications open Aug. 8, visit the website here.
The University of South Florida St. Petersburg’s UMatter program, which launched in August 2021 with a $1.2 million gift from Andrew and Eileen Hafer, received a five-year, $2.5 million grant. The funding and coinciding designation as a Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program allows young people with intellectual disabilities to continue experiencing higher education and campus life.
Mayor Ken Welch recently announced that he selected The Well to lead St. Petersburg’s design and implementation of Community Support Hubs throughout the city. The Pinellas Community Foundation will administer $8.58 million of the city’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to establish the network. Officials from Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services and People Empowering and Restoring Communities will collaborate with Dr. LaDonna Butler, co-founder of The Well, to bolster neighborhood health and safety across St. Pete.
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch will proclaim July as Bebe Moore Campbell National BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) Mental Health Awareness Month in the city. The declaration aligns with a national movement to increase awareness, promote understanding and provide support for mental health issues among minority populations. The Miller Auditorium at Eckerd College will host a presentation at 9 a.m. Friday, July 7. To register, visit the website here.
The South St. Pete CRA’s (community redevelopment area) popular Rebates for Affordable Residential Rehabs program is now available to residents citywide. Officials expanded the program to provide more homeowners the opportunity to receive rebates for structural repairs, electrical work, constructing an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and other renovations to increase the quality and supply of affordable housing. For more information, visit the website here.
According to Florida Department of Education data, 60% of Pinellas County children are “ready” for kindergarten, the highest rate in Tampa Bay. Pasco County is second, at 53%. The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County recently launched its “Brain Building Summer” campaign to help increase those scores. Families can print handouts and watch videos with tips on the nonprofit’s website here.
Over 30,000 residents who call Lealman home will soon have their first fireworks show in the unincorporated community’s history. The display is part of the Lealman Independence Day Celebration July 4 at Raymond H. Neri Community Park, which will also feature a laser light show, food trucks, free hot dogs, a beer and wine garden, music and activities. The event runs from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., and attendees can park at the Lealman Exchange at 5175 45th St. N.
Following three weeks of interactive arts education - led by Family Support Services of Pasco and Pinellas Counties and The Performers Academy - local foster teens will unveil their talents to the community Thursday night. The “Just Like Me” exhibition will feature dance, theater, visual art, recording arts, lyricism and fashion design. Pinellas Technical College in Clearwater will host the free event, which begins at 6 p.m. Thursday. For more information, visit the website here.
