INSIDE LOOK: The magic of bringing Nutcracker to life at the Straz Center in Tampa
We’re taking you inside the production of Nutcracker by Next Generation Ballet® at the Straz which has been months in the making.
People to KNOW in Tampa Bay
We know that Tampa Bay is special and a big part of what makes this area an amazing place to live is the people. We’re introducing you to kids and adults whose stories you should know. This is not a ‘pay for play’ list like those published by some other sites and magazines. We are simply featuring people who are doing incredible things in our community and deserve the recognition. Let’s dive in and meet your extraordinary Tampa Bay neighbors!
Get Ready to Party! Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey® returns in 2026 with NEW Show
We got a SNEAK PEEK of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® circus, which is about to make history again when it debuts its new production of the “Greatest Show on Earth®” right here in Tampa Bay, kicking off its next ALL-NEW national tour at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Jan. 2-4, 2026.
A Legacy of Giving: A conversation with Tampa Bay Buccaneers co-owner, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz
You have to wonder, what would Tampa Bay look like if the Glazer family had not become the owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1995? We would have a very different community, and not just because of football.
Kids to Know: Jacob Pham, 8th grader at Corbett Prep Performed as Simba on Broadway in New York City
He’s only in 8th grade, and yet Corbett Prep 8th grader Jacob Pham has already lived a dream of so many: performing in one of the longest-running shows on Broadway, “The Lion King.” But landing the role of Young Simba was not overnight success, but the result of years of hard work, perseverance and the…
Moms to Know: Molly Lippincott, Senior Curator of Florida & Marine Life at ZooTampa
Get to know Molly Lippincott, senior curator at ZooTampa at Lowry Park as the Zoo gets ready to debut all-new animal experiences in 2026!
Teacher to Know: Kimmy Sanford, History and Social Sciences at Tampa Prep
Q&A with Kimmy Sanford, a passionate and dedicated middle school teacher of history and the social sciences at Tampa Preparatory School.
Teacher to Know: Brainard Harris, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Brainard Harris is a mentor, innovator and leader who brings aerospace technology to life for students at Stewart Middle Magnet.
Moms to Know: Angeline Howell, Creating Change Through Play and Purpose
Local mom and changemaker, Angeline Howell, is inspiring hands-on learning, building community and shaping the future of education in Tampa Bay.
Kids to Know: Madison “MightyMouse” Richardson
Meet Madison Richardson, a tae kwon do champion raising awareness for causes that empower kids and fund life-changing cancer research.
Smiling Through It All: The Joyful Legacy of Dr. Michael McIlwain
Remembering the joyful legacy of Dr. Michael Mcilwain and what he meant to his patients and the Tampa Bay community.
Moms to Know: LOL with the Mom Group Chat Podcast
Get to know Candace Donnelly and Whitney Williams, co-hosts of the popular parenting podcast, Mom Group Chat.
Kids to Know: Miller and Linden Brown
Triathlon siblings, Miller and Linden Brown, are making waves in Tampa Bay and sharing advice for other kids who dream of crossing the finish line.
Teacher to Know: Madeline Olivera- 5th-grade teacher at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS
Teaching is a calling, and for Madeline Olivera, a fifth-grade math teacher at Corbett Prep in Tampa, it was a lifelong dream to share her love of learning with a new generation of students. Olivera gets to share this love of education at one of the most unique schools in the Tampa Bay Area, where…
Moms to Know: Dr. Lisa Hayes, Hayes Pediatrics
Read about Dr. Lisa Hayes, a pediatrician and mom, and how she’s building her own practice while navigating motherhood and life’s challenges.
Teacher to Know: Yung Romano, M.Ed., Strawberry Crest High School
Pre-IB Biology teacher at Strawberry Crest High, Yung Ramano, is sharing how STEM students are being prepared for world-changing careers.
Kids to Know: Samira Garcia, 9th Grade, Blake High School Dance Magnet Program
Read how Samira Garcia is embracing her passion for dance at Blake High School and inspiring others to follow their artistic dreams!
Kids to Know: Kniya Godfrey, 10th Grade, Bloomingdale High School
Learn how Kniya Godfrey helped Bloomingdale’s girls’ basketball team win its first state title and what inspires her on and off the court.
Kids to Know: Aahan Swain, 7th Grade, Walker Middle Magnet IB World School
Learn how Aahan Swain’s experience in robotics and coding is preparing him for a future in medicine and inspiring others to never give up!
Moms to Know: Kate White, Glazer Children’s Museum
Learn how Kate White brings play into everyday life, from leading at Glazer Children’s Museum to making memories at home with her kids.
Kids to Know: Decker Deady, The No More Foundation Volunteer
Get to know Decker Deady, Berkeley Prep high school senior dedicated to helping the No More Foundation carry out its mission to end poverty, orphans and human trafficking in Tampa Bay.
Moms to Know Tami Kent: The No More Foundation
Get to know Tami Kent, founder of The No More Foundation, which aims to eliminate poverty, orphans, and human trafficking in Tampa Bay.
Kids to Know: Annabelle Gutowski, Kicks For Kids, International
Read about Annabelle Gutowski and how her nonprofit, Kicks for Kids, International, is making a difference for foster children.
Moms to Know: Mindy McCord, University of South Florida Women’s Lacrosse
Learn how Mindy McCord is shaping the future of lacrosse at USF, building a competitive program while inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Happiness Grows Here: Finding Magic at Ananda Farm in Terra Ceia
Learn about Ananda Farm in Terra Ceia through a discussion with the owners, who share how they turned their dream into a farm-focused escape.
Kids to Know: Elise McEachern
Discover how Elise McEachern balances school, riding, and training while working toward her dream of becoming a professional horse trainer.
Moms to Know: Lia Beatty, Télia Agency
Read about Lia Beatty’s journey from being a mom of four to founding Télia Agency, where she helps brand stand out in a crowded market.
Second Act: Finding a Job That Fits After Motherhood
Read about moms who navigated career transitions after motherhood and found new purpose in their work and lives.
Building Culture That Lasts: Veteran Lacrosse Program Launchers Mindy and Paul McCord
Veteran coaches, Mindy and Paul McCord are trailblazing the way for USF Women’s Lacrosse and gearing up for their inaugural game on Feb. 7!
A Tale of Two Farms: Legacy Lives at Ananda and Keel Farms
Discover Ananda and Keel Farms, two of our favorite local farms offering fresh food and seasonal festivities that showcase the best of Florida farming!
Moms to Know: Tyra Andre, Mommy and Wee Travels
Learn about Tyra Andre’s journey from scientist to world traveler and how she turned her passion into a travel agency, “Mommy and Wee Travels.”
Kids to Know: Isabella Cooley
Get to know Isabella Cooley, a young traveler and author of the book series “Let’s Explore with Isabella”, who’s explored 30+ countries!
Kids to Know: Touchdown Pass Foundation: Dylan Gandhi, Eaon McQuade, MJ Jones Jr.
Discover how the Touchdown Pass Foundation makes football accessible for kids by providing equipment and opportunities to play.
Hillsborough County Public Schools Names Top Educators!
Did your child’s teacher make the list? See who’s been nominated for Teacher of the Year in Hillsborough County for 2024!
Life Behind Liam Coen’s Playbook: Football and Family with Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Offensive Coordinator
Learn all about how Liam Coen combines football and family in his busy life as an offensive coordinator coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
January Moms to Know: Amber Uhler, Mrs. Universe USA
Read about Amber Uhler’s story of perseverance, water safety advocacy, and her journey to becoming Mrs. Universe USA 2024.
Reinventing Ringling: Creating an All-New Show for Generations of Families
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is returning with an ALL-NEW show in 2026. We caught up with Juliette Feld Grossman, who teamed up with her father to produce The Greatest Show on Earth, to talk about the evolution of the show.
- Christmas | Christmas>Events and Things to Do | Holiday Family Fun | People to KNOW in Tampa Bay | Straz Center for the Performing Arts and Patel Conservatory
Next Generation Ballet alumnus Jarod Curley returns for Nutcracker at The Straz
We’re catching up with Jarod Curley, an alumnus of Next Generation Ballet who now dances with the American Ballet Theatre. He is returning to The Straz as a guest star dancer in the 2024 production of Nutcracker.
Kids to Know: Nola Schoos
Learn about Nola Schoos, a 7-year-old who loves the beach, helps protect marine wildlife, and inspires others after Hurricane Helene.
Moms to Know: Souad Dreyfus
Read about Souad Dreyfus, founder of Open Arms Surrogacy, and how she helps families navigate their journey to parenthood.
A Conversation for Moms: The conversation continues in the Maggie and the Moms Podcast!
Join Maggie and the Moms in their relatable new podcast for open and honest conversations about parenting and life’s challenges.
Moms to Know: Corina Kowalski, Bubbles & Blowouts
Learn how Corina Kowalski’s passion for beauty and community inspired Bubbles and Blowouts, a Tampa salon for everyone.
Conquering Kilimanjaro: A Father’s Journey to the Roof of Africa
Discover how Preston Rudie conquered the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and the life-changing journey that pushed his limits.
Kids to Know: Remembering Jacob Ari Kamis (2006-2022)
Learn about Tampa teen, Jacob Ari Kamis, who’s legacy continues to shine through a photographer contest at Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.
Kids to Know: Wee Macree Junior Leadership Board
Get to know the kids behind the Wee Macree 501c3 nonprofit Junior Leadership Board who serve the mission of ‘kids helping kids’ in Tampa Bay!
From Shared Values to Lasting Impact: A Journey of Excellence and Leadership at Tarpon Springs High School
It began as a chance meeting nearly thirty years ago at a Drum Corps International championship, which set the stage for an enduring partnership. He was there composing music; she was competing with a color guard group. A year later, Kevin and Jeannine Ford were married, beginning a lifelong journey of purpose together. Tarpon Springs…
Moms to Know: Natalie Zfat
Get to know local Tampa mom and digital media expert, Natalie Zfat, who’s sharing awareness tips to help protect your kids from cyber-bullying.
Mom to Know: Maxine Reyes
From the Air Force to the Army, Maxine Reyes shares about her incredible career with the U.S. Military, plus founding Courage & Grace Foundation.
Pup’s Injury Inspires Local ‘Dog Mom’ to Start Prosthetics Company
Get to know ‘Dog Mom,’ Danielle Robins, the founder of Palm Harbor Animal prosthetics company OrthoPaws.
Kids to Know: Shelby Langford
Getting to know Tampa’s Shelby Langford: Future Farmers of America member and the student responsible for the fodder farm being built behind Gaither High School.
Tampa Bay Sun FC: Ready to Kick Off a History-Making Season
The Tampa Bay Sun Football Club is kicking off its inaugural season this Sunday, August 18, bringing the highest level of professional women’s sports ever to the Tampa Bay Area. We’re getting to know head coach Denise Schilte-Brown as we talk women’s sports, motherhood, and her love of Tampa Bay.
Kids to Know: Sailor Garfield, Anderson O’Kelley, Reagan Leung, Ruby Nolan, Haydon Swanson
In preparation for summer break, most students across Tampa Bay anticipate what the season means for them: vacation travel, athletic camps, beach days, pool time, late nights and no homework. But for five rising sixth and seventh grade girls, this was the time to host their fourth annual lemonade stand to raise money for local…
Moms to Know: Ambika Agrawal, Ambika Photography
In the wizarding world of Harry Potter, a wand is a conduit that brings out the energy of a magical person and manifests it in the physical world in the shape of what they may be casting or creating. This is also true for Ambika Agrawal and her camera, a tool that blends the creative…
Moms to Know: Jenna Cibran
In the five years that we have featured mothers in this special space, I have yet to focus on a part of motherhood that is just as important as all of the others that have been highlighted before. The role of the woman in the home to be there for every member of the family,…
Running for a Purpose! Steinbrenner High runners help adoptable dogs
Get to know the Steinbrenner High Boss Cross runners who take dogs from the Humane Society on runs in order to help them get adopted!
Dakayla Wilson: Letting Kids Pave their Own Paths
Parenting is challenging, embodied work. Amidst society’s current culture of achievement, parenting’s challenges expand. Concurrently, kids’ autonomy and free time contract (to almost negligible levels). Of course parents want children to succeed. Within achievement culture, however, efforts are misguided and counterproductive. The mother of a competitive dancer and soccer player, I also am in achievement…
Kids to Know: St. John’s Episcopal Parish Day School Grades 3 & 4
In collaboration with Rise Against Hunger and St. John’s Episcopal Parish Day School, the Taylor Koulouris Foundation made it possible for students to pack 12,500 meals that will feed 347 children in Haiti each for an entire school year. As third and fourth graders at the school, our Kids to Know share their experience. …
Local Bricks 4 Kidz owner launches new non-profit, Kids Love Bricks
Learn all about Bricks 4 Kidz owner and local dad, John Fontana’s new charity Kids Love Bricks, and how you can give back with LEGO!
Kids to Know: Omar Germany
Cancer. It was a word the Germanys never expected to hear when they brought their 12-year-old son to a medical professional for answers about a mass growing in his cheek. In 2020, Omar Jr. was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare childhood cancer. With great fortitude and unwavering faith, Omar began a lengthy fight with his…
Moms to Know Jessica Payne: Sweatology Studio, Undressed Tans
Every child is truly a treasure, and for most, pregnancy is a gift. However, after navigating a journey through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy to welcome her two children, Lenny (6) and Bowie (3), Jessica Payne could have never predicted the miracle waiting to unfold years later. As this local mom announces the arrival…
Meet Dr. Decker: Father of 5 and Cardiologist
Dr. Jamie Decker is a dedicated father of five who juggles the demands of his medical career with the joys of fatherhood. Decker is passionate about both of the hats that he wears as a dad and a cardiologist in the Heart Institute at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, where he specializes in electrophysiology. “It’s…
