Government and Politics
October 19, 2022
From: City Of TampaIn Tampa, we are proud of our diversity and we are grateful for the many contributions of Tampa’s Hispanic community. Mayor Jane Castor and the Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage Committee hosted the City’s 34th Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Tampa Theatre last week - featuring food, music, and traditional dance. See photos from the event and share them with your networks!
Get Involved
Hurricane Ian Relief Donation Drive
The City of Tampa is hosting a donation drive to help families in SWFL impacted by Hurricane Ian. Drop-off sites will open across the city starting today, October 17 through Friday, October 21 from 7 am - 7 pm. See details on the daily locations. Thank you to Stepps Towing for providing a trailer to transport the donated items. Volunteers are still needed. Sign up here, if you'd like to help out.
Storm-Related Yard Waste Collection
Pile all storm-related vegetative yard debris curbside in preparation for collection. This is for vegetation only (bushes, tree branches, palm fronds, etc). There is no need to call and report a special pickup. Please leave debris curbside until it can be collected. Note that this may not line up with your regularly scheduled collection day. The post-storm collection began on October 3rd and is expected to take several weeks. Follow the progress using the Debris Cleanup Map.
Checking for Indoor Leaks Workshop
Water leaks in your pipes and appliances are one of the biggest reasons people experience high water bills. Become a leak detective! Attend the Tampa Water Department’s upcoming 1-hour virtual workshop on October 21 at 12 pm and get a FREE leak detection kit!
Water Department Job Expo
Are you interested in a career with the City of Tampa Water Department? Don't miss the Water Department Job Expo on October 22, located at 3901 E 26th Ave, from 9 am to 12 pm to learn about current job openings and future career opportunities. Please bring 2 copies of your resume.
Seminole Heights Flooding Relief Project Community Meeting
Live in Seminole Heights? To learn about current & future construction in the Seminole Heights Flooding Relief Project, join this community meeting on October 26 at 6 pm at the Hillsborough High Auditorium. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns with the project team. Please park in the school’s Central Avenue lot next to the stadium. Visit SeminoleHeightsStormwater.com for more information.
Planning for Tampa’s Tomorrow Town Halls
Tampa's on the move! We want to hear your ideas, questions, and concerns on major planning initiatives to shape our transportation, growth, & development. Attend one of the remaining town halls on October 18 (virtual) or October 24. Topics like solar energy, housing, community engagement, sustainability, flooding, and mobility will be discussed. Learn more and register at tampa.gov/PlanningTownHalls.
Job of the Week
The Marketing team is looking for a Digital Content Creator to develop graphic, video, animation, and social media content that complements the brand. This position will collaborate with other departments and team members to ensure consistency in proper messaging that supports the city’s strategic goals through print, digital, web, and social media outlets.
Last Week's Headlines
Tampa to have 49 pickleball courts by 2023
That’s So Tampa
“Pickleball is incredibly popular here in Tampa, and provides so many great opportunities to exercise, while working on agility and balance,”
Tampa debris cleanup following Ian could take 60 days
Spectrum Bay News 9
City officials say it could take up to 60 days before they can clear every pile of debris that Hurricane Ian left behind.
Tampa artist named Hispanic Heritage 2022 Contest Poster winner
FOX13
The long and winding road for Perez got him the recognition his artwork deserved.
City of Tampa hosts Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
WFLA NewsChannel 8
The City of Tampa hosted its 34th annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the Tampa Theatre on Tuesday.
Tampa Fire Rescue hosts donation drive to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian
ABC Action News
Tampa Fire Rescue is hosting a donation drive to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian in Southwest Florida.
Tampa Bay officials, community leaders participate in National Walk to School Day
Tampa Bay Times
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Addison Davis celebrated National Walk to School Day at Grady Elementary School in Tampa on Wednesday.
Tampa leaders gather input from residents on the city's future on climate preparedness, development
FOX13
City leaders want help from residents in shaping this future.
Employee Spotlight
Meet John Rañon, an Engineer III in the Tampa Water Department for 11 years. Not only has he been with the department for years, he’s also well-known for his work preserving Tampa’s history. He is currently the president of El Centro Español de Tampa, and has help spread the history of Tampa’s rich Spanish, Cuban and Sicilian history. He was recently selected to receive the 2022 Tony Pizzo award from the Ybor City Museum Society. The award honors community members for their contributions to Ybor City’s cultural enrichment, historic preservation, and educational experience.
What’s something unique about your position that others wouldn’t know?
My job requires involvement in a critical piece of infrastructure, the dam. I know a lot of history of the dam, which was constructed back in 1897, and I even wrote narrative about the dam for a documentary about the city of Tampa.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to read and get together with friends for meals. I also love baseball; Tampa has a rich baseball history and, of course, my favorite team is the Rays.
What’s your restaurant in Tampa?
I enjoy restaurants with Spanish fare. I regularly go to a restaurant named Palaus restaurant in West Tampa, which was named after Tony Palaus who is from Cuban decent. It’s popular with the locals. I also enjoy Antojitos which serves Cuban food, Cacciatore on Armenia Avenue and Vizcaya in SoHo.
Coming Up This Week
Monday, October 17 at 10 a.m.
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority Operations & Safety Committee Meeting
Monday, October 17 at 11:30 a.m.
The Centre For Women Annual Waves Of Change Celebration
Tuesday, October 18 at 9:30 a.m.
Port Tampa Bay Commissioners Meeting
Wednesday, October 19 at 11 a.m.
Dress For Success Tampa Bay "We Are Going Places" Annual Luncheon
Wednesday, October 19 at 4 p.m.
Tampa Bay Economic Development Council Annual Meeting
Thursday, October 20 at 4:30 p.m.
Ybor chamber welcome reception for new hcc ybor campus president-dr. Larissa baia & new temple terrace city manager-carlos baia
Thursday, October 20 at 6:45 p.m.
Narcotics Overdose Prevention Education (Nope) Candlelight Vigil
Friday, October 21 at 6:25 p.m.
Naacp Freedom Fund Dinner Reception
Friday, October 21 at 7 p.m.
Tampa Hispanic Heritage Inc.'S Hispanic Woman & Man Of The Year Gala
Friday, October 21 at 8 p.m.
THE LAUNCH OF THE TAMPA EDITION
Saturday, October 22 at 9 a.m.
City of tampa’s bridges to business – cordelia b. Hunt center, al lopez park
Saturday, October 22 at 10 a.m.
Walking With Warriors' 3rd Annual Military, Law Enforcement & First Responders Prayer Brunch
Saturday, October 22 at 11 a.m.
6th F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Buddy Walk
Saturday, October 22 at 1 p.m.
The Seminole Heights Great Pumpkin Patch & First Responders Day Event
Saturday, October 22 at 6 p.m.
Mingling With Millionaires (Ten People To Know In Tampa)
Saturday, October 22 at 7 p.m.
Straz Center Broadway Ball 2022
Sunday, October 23 at 12:30 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting - The Pilates Krewe Armature Area Grand Opening