Dear Friends:
I want to stay in touch and help keep you informed about what is going on in our community. Periodically I will send you information about precautions the county is taking to combat the COVID virus, business incentives, park updates, government operations and general good news about our community that you want to know.
If you have good news or have an upcoming community event, send it to me and it could be included in a a future Community News.
Sincerely,
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Network your way into millions of dollars in contracting opportunities
Hundreds of small business owners mingle and exchange information and ideas each year during Hillsborough County's Open Doors Forum for government contracting. On April 30, you can make your own connections virtually at the 7th Annual Open Doors Forum.
The free business networking event helps minority, women, and small business owners connect to opportunities in government contracting. Local governments, financial institutions, small business loan specialists, general contractors, bond agencies, and others send representatives to the annual event that solidifies the County's reputation as a haven for business.
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The 2021 Tampa Bay Heart Ball Digital Experience
Congratulations to Ron Christaldi, this year’s chair of the American Heart Association’s Tampa Bay Heart Ball!
Along with the 2021 Heart Ball Executive Cabinet, the 2021 Heart Ball Digital Experience on Saturday, April 10 was an incredible success. Each year, the Heart Ball brings the community together to support the American Heart Association Tampa Bay’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
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Save Your COVID-19 Vaccination Card, Just in Case
CDC suggests taking photo of card as backup. Keeping your completed COVID-19 vaccination card in a safe place could save you time and hassle in the future. Different states and even countries might take varying positions on whether airlines, cruise ships, concert halls, sports stadiums, and other venues can request proof you've been vaccinated. It's wise to keep the wallet-sized record, just in case.
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Tampa General Hospital is One of the Only Hospitals in Florida to Perform On-Site COVID-19 Variant Sequencing Testing
Tampa General Hospital's Esoteric Research Lab, in collaboration with USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, is one of the only hospital laboratories in the state that is currently performing in-house sequencing tests to identify and track COVID-19 variants.
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Pinellas County will vote whether to end its mask mandate May 11
The Pinellas County Commission will vote on May 11 whether to rescind or amend its now 10-month-old mask mandate that was enacted to stem the spread of coronavirus.
About 37 percent of the population in Pinellas County had received at least one dose of the vaccine as of Tuesday. Dr. Ulyee Choe, director of the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas, said he expects 50 percent of the county to have completed vaccinations by May 25, a sign towards herd immunity.
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Community Foundation Grant Expands Mental Health Services
Hillsborough County families received much-needed access to mental health care through a grant to Seniors in Service from the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County.
The $50,000 grant to Seniors in Service was part of the Hillsborough County's Rapid Response Recovery (R3) Nonprofit Safety Net program. Hillsborough County partnered with the Community Foundation to provide financial assistance to nonprofit agencies affected by COVID-19 through the R3 Nonprofit Safety Net.
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Heavy Rain & Isolated Flooding Threat
A prolonged period of disturbed weather will continue to result in rounds of showers and thunderstorms through Wednesday across the Florida Peninsula. Additional widespread rainfall totals of 1.5-3 inches are expected across Hillsborough County. Isolated locations may receive higher accumulation totals. This may lead to localized flooding.
Furthermore, a few thunderstorms will be capable of producing large hail and damaging wind gusts. The severe threat will be south of Interstate 4 today and across much of the area on Tuesday.
- Frequent lightning along with isolated damaging wind gusts and large hail possible
- An additional 1.5 to 3 inches of rain is expected through Wednesday
- Localized street and small stream flooding possible. The Alafia River remains low, and widespread river flooding does not appear to be a major threat
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Hillsborough Commissioners Seek Applications for Citizen Boards and Councils - Applications due by close of business on May 4, 2021.
Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking residents to serve on several County citizen advisory boards and councils. Residents interested in seeking appointment must reside in and be registered voters in Hillsborough County. These are voluntary positions and members serve without compensation. Applicants may apply to more than one board but may only serve on one board at a time unless specifically approved by the BOCC. All applicants must submit a completed Questionnaire for County Appointments and a Standards of Conduct form. Additional requirements are in the information that follows.
Forms are available on the County’s website at: HCFLGov.net. Click on the “Government” link on the top of the page, then the “Boards and Committees” link. The forms can be filled out and printed, then scanned and emailed, faxed, or mailed.
Some of the open board positions include the following:
CHILD CARE LICENSING ADVISORY BOARD
CULTURAL ASSETS COMMISSION
HEALTH CARE ADVISORY BOARD
HISTORICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
HUMAN RELATIONS BOARD
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Resilient Tampa Bay
We've all felt the ongoing effects of climate change and seen the devastating consequences of hurricanes, so what is the Tampa Bay Area doing to get ready for both? Watch this video to learn more.
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How to celebrate Earth Day 2021 around Tampa Bay
Earth Day is April 22; and while this year it is celebrated on a Thursday, there’s plenty to do around Tampa Bay all week long.
DYK: The first Earth Day celebration took place in 1970!
Check out these 10 events to spark some love for the outdoors and excitement for our planet:
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Mating Season Means More Alligators Venturing Among People
Alligator encounters in the spring are inevitable in Florida, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. While the American alligator normally sticks close to its home throughout most of the year, in the spring they tend to wander as they seek out mates and new sources of food, increasing the chances of encounters with people.
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Solution makers: Cops and counselors on the beat in Clearwater
The City of Clearwater Police Department has joined forces with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office to create a new crisis intervention task force to respond to calls for help. Learn how it works.
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Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Festival, Tampa
With ongoing renovations in the area where the annual Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Festival typically occurs, it will relocate for this year’s race. On Saturday, April 24 at 8:30 a.m., Mary Help of Christians Center in Tampa will be the venue for the 18th annual Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Festival. This free family-friendly event will include around 30 vendors, such as the Bacon Dog food truck, Rays Concessions, crafts, music and more.
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The Florida State Fair is Back!
From a small start in 1904, the Florida State Fairgrounds believes that nothing brings a community together like a good time. That has been the core of our efforts since our first fair, held in downtown Tampa at Henry B. Plant’s Tampa Bay Hotel.
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Firehouse Cultural Center invites residents to ‘A Night in the Big Easy’
If you enjoy Cajun-style food, freshly shucked oysters, shrimp and crab cakes, plus jazz, blues and NOLA funk, you won’t want to miss A Night in the Big Easy April 24. Formerly known as Bourbon on the Bayou, this year’s big fundraiser will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 First Ave. NE, Ruskin. RSVPs are required for this exciting event by Tuesday, April 20.
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African Bush Daisy Florida Friendly Plant
Good For Your Garden
Bright yellow flowers appear in great numbers throughout the season and are quite striking against the delicate, dark green foliage. The loose, rounded form makes a colorful small shrub, or works well in mass plantings, mixed flower borders and containers. It can grow up to three feet tall and four feet wide.
Bush daisies will grow in most soils and do best in full sun. They are moderately drought tolerant, but should be kept watered during dry times for maximum flowering.
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