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The Academy of Finance Program
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Distinguished Programs Equal Huge Opportunities in Hillsborough County Public Schools

The Academy of Finance Program: Sounds like some fancy course at the college level, right? Did you know five of our high schools in Hillsborough County offer The Academy of Finance Program? And, even better, there are big scholarship opportunities available to students who complete this prestigious program.   “The Academy of Finance is one…

The Best Spots to Go Tubing in Florida this Summer cover
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The Best Spots to Go Tubing in Florida this Summer

With more than 900 natural springs, about 40 of which are open to the public, Florida is the perfect state to explore via its waterways. What better way than hopping into a tube to drift alongside your family? Here are our picks for the best places to go tubing in Florida from the water parks…

water safety to prevent drowning

Local Family Shares Story to Prevent Drownings

Water is part of the allure of living in Florida, but few realize that drowning is the leading cause of death among Florida children ages 1-4. Water Safety to Prevent Drownings One family is incredibly grateful to have averted such a tragedy. Having recently moved from Washington State to Venice, Florida, the family of five…

Children's Network of Hillsborough County

Children’s Network of Hillsborough County: Celebrating a New Facility and Major Milestones as They Serve the Tampa Bay Area

Since 2022, Children’s Network of Hillsborough County, LLC (CNHC) has served as the lead agency for administering the child welfare system in Hillsborough County. Though only a year old, their team of professionals has decades of combined experience in all aspects of the Florida child welfare system centered on preventing abuse and neglect, achieving permanency…

Hurricane Tax Holiday 2019

Hurricane Season 2023: What to Know and How to Prepare

Although Tampa was lucky enough to narrowly miss Hurricane Ian’s path last year, we mourned with our neighbors to the south as we witnessed how catastrophically it hit them.   With hurricane season in full swing, the threat of potential storms is scary. Social media and TV graphics can be overwhelming. Though Tampa hasn’t had a…

The Royal Affair at Tampa’s Back to School Fair!

The Royal Affair at Tampa’s Back to School Fair!

Princesses at Back to School Fair Do you hear that enchanting sound? It’s the harmonious voice of Princess Jasmine, soaring through the air and heading straight for Tampa Bay’s largest Back to School Fair! Yes, you heard it right. Parties with Character – a Tampa Princess Company and your favorite provider of magical experiences, will be…

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Other Minions Fun at Universal Orlando
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Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Other Minions Fun at Universal Orlando

With Minions: The Rise of Gru on your kids’ list of favorite movies since its release in 2022, there are more opportunities than ever to get in on a little minion fun at Universal Orlando. Here’s everything you need to know about the main attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and more minion fun at Universal Orlando…

Kiwanis Cares for Kids TreeHouse at Bonnet Springs Park
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10 Things We Love About Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland

When we say you have to see it to believe how incredible it really is, we mean it when it comes to Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland. This brand-new privately built park on the outskirts of downtown Lakeland is a new place to play in Tampa Bay and we have a feeling it will quickly…

Lion’s Eye Institute for Transplant and Research

Clear Sight: One Family’s Journey to Better Vision with the Help of Lion’s Eye Institute

Samantha Barlow’s mother, Julie, was the first to see that something was clouding her newborn baby’s beautiful deep blue eyes. When Julie held her daughter for the first time, Barlow looked up at her mother but seemed unable to really meet her adoring gaze. Julie wouldn’t let it go. A flurry of doctors and specialists…

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Celebrating Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in April and Those Traveling to Tampa Bay for Care

The Center for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, led by David Kays, M.D., was founded as the country’s first inpatient CDH unit with surgeons, nurses and other team members solely focused on CDH care.

A Parent’s Guide to the New TRON Lightcycle/Run NOW OPEN at Magic Kingdom!
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A Parent’s Guide to the New TRON Lightcycle/Run NOW OPEN at Magic Kingdom!

The wait is over for Disney’s newly anticipated TRON Lightcylcle/Run! Disney’s latest thrill ride is now officially open to the public. We were able to get a first look before the ride opened and are sharing all the details on what to know before you go!

Swimming lessons at the YMCA

Swimming Lessons at the YMCA: Creating Confident Swimmers

The world is 71% water; your child is 100% curious. Swim Instructor, Ulivia Cruz, shares that knowing how to swim is a life-saving skill for every individual, especially in Tampa Bay. There are in-home pools, lakes, rivers, streams and oceans and it’s crucial for your family to be water smart from the start. The Tampa…

locally grown produce in school lunches

Locally Grown – and Straight-to-Our-School Menu!

“We are basically the biggest restaurant chain in town!” Meet Arianne Corbett. If your child eats breakfast or lunch at a Hillsborough County Public School, she’s the one planning their menu. She’s a school nutritionist in a post-pandemic world. “The pandemic shifted the whole model of school feeding,” she said. “When the world shut down,…

Bluey's Big Play coming to the Straz
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Behind the Scenes with Bluey! “Bluey’s Big Play” Coming to The Straz Center

Bluey is heading to Tampa for her first-ever stage show – Bluey’s Big Play! Head to The Straz Center on April 29 & 30 to see Bluey, Bingo, and all your favorite characters come to life!

Occupational Therapy

How Occupational Therapy Helps Kids Return to a Normal Life

April is Occupational Therapy Month. It’s a time to recognize the achievements of patients like 13-year-old Jaden who recovered from a serious accident, thanks, in part, to the efforts of occupational therapist Rachael Thibeau and other experts at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Jaden had gone for a ride on his friend’s pontoon boat on…