Moms to Know: Jen Smurr, Owner, Born + Bread Bakehouse, Lakeland
Meet Jen Smurr, Owner of Born + Bread Bakehouse in Lakeland, Florida.
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!
All Aboard! Largo Central Railroad Celebrates 35 Years
We’re learning more about Largo Central Railroad from the people who keep the trains moving as they celebrate 35 years in our community.
- In Print | People to KNOW in Tampa Bay | Straz Center for the Performing Arts and Patel Conservatory
Q&A with “Hamilton” Star and Central Florida’s Own Eddie Ortega
Orlando native and Hamilton star, Eddie Ortega, talks about being in one of Broadway’s biggest musicals of all time, which heads to the Straz this fall.
Teacher to Know: Anna Grulich, Guest Engagement Coordinator, Glazer Children’s Museum
On any given day at Glazer Children’s Museum, you might find children building forts, climbing to the rafters, dancing to a piano melody or transforming recycled materials into imaginative creations. For Guest Engagement Coordinator Anna Grulich, those playful moments are where the real magic happens. If you’ve visited GCM recently, you may recognize Anna as…
Teacher Spotlight: Kevin Perez, Middle School Math Teacher at Shorecrest Preparatory School
Kevin Perez is in his eighth year at Shorecrest Preparatory School, he teaches Algebra 1, Algebra 1 Honors and Geometry Honors, while also staying closely connected to students through coaching and travel experiences.
Teacher to Know: José Cotayo, Education Specialist at Museum of Science & Innovation (MOSI)
A teacher does not need a classroom; José Cotayo has an entire museum at his fingertips to teach people of all ages about the wonders of STEAM.
Teacher to Know: Denise White, Pinellas County School Teacher of the Year
Caring, positive and inspirational — that’s how students describe Denise White of James B. Sanderlin K-8 IB World School. This year, she was named 2026 Teacher of the Year for Pinellas County Schools, recognizing more than three decades of dedication to local students. A proud Pinellas County native, White was honored at the Evening of Excellence hosted by the…
Moms to Know: Amy Martinez-Monfort, Founder/CEO, Tampa Laundry Company
Owning her own business was a childhood dream that nagged at Amy Martinez-Monfort even after succeeding as a corporate litigator for a top law firm and climbing to upper management at a pharmaceutical company. “I loved the work and the people,” she says, “yet deep down, I knew I was destined to build something of…
Kids to Know: Leela & Sonia
Tampa Prep high school students Leela and Sonia are helping inspire the next generation of STEM leaders by coaching elementary robotics teams across multiple schools. Through competitions, teamwork and problem‑solving, they’re showing younger students, especially girls, that robotics can be both challenging and fun. What has surprised you most about working with younger students in…
USF Brings Beach Volleyball to Tampa Bay: Coach Pri Piantadosi Lima’s Vision for a New Era
USF is launching its inaugural NCAA Beach Volleyball season. We’re introducing you to head coach Pri Piantadosi Lima, a longtime professional beach volleyball player with an elite background, as she leads this history-making team in Tampa Bay.
What it means to keep going: Nick Schuyler on Loss, Resilience, and Life After
As a Tampa Bay parent raising young children, Schuyler reflects on how a life-altering experience shapes the way he approaches parenting, resilience, and the fleeting nature of time.
How an all-woman sports leadership team is shaping the Tampa Bay Sun on and off the field
In all of top-level American pro soccer, among 55 teams, only one has a woman in every lead coaching and competition role. That history-making team is also the Tampa Bay Sun.
Teacher to Know: Christi Atkinson, Hillsborough County Public Schools Teacher of the Year
At Wharton High School, Christi Atkinson is doing far more than teaching science; she is shaping future environmental leaders and elevating excellence across campus. Serving as head of the science department, she teaches Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE)/Cambridge Marine Science and AICE Environmental Science, where her students consistently outperform global averages in these rigorous…
Moms to Know: Yamel Belen, Founder, One Love Doula & One Love Nanny
Yamel Belen was 17 when she had her first of five children. Another baby arrived three years later. Fast forward two decades and those daughters, now 27 and 24, are a huge part of their mother’s career success. They not only help with childcare for their younger siblings but also work alongside their mom at…
Kids to Know: Kinley Whitt with the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida
As we celebrate Women’s History Month this month, we wanted to turn the spotlight on the future female changemakers who are already making a big impact in our community, and they’ve had the sweetest gig to make it all possible … selling Girl Scout cookies! We recently met up with Kinley Whitt of Troop 33228…
The Play List: The Mom Collective at Paloma House – Where Moms and Kids Go to PLAY!
Sophie Moenter talks to us about what inspired her to create The Paloma House and how you can become a part of this fun new community!
The Life of a Show Mom: An INSIDE LOOK at the Livestock Shows at the Florida State Fair
With the Florida State Fair kicking off on Feb. 5, my daughter is ready for her Super Bowl. The Florida State Fair is a culminating show for thousands of livestock exhibitors all over the state of Florida. Youth will come and show off all of their hard work in the TECO Arena with their animals and knowledge of all species.
Moms to Know: Margaret Zakarian, CEO of Zakarian Hospitality
Meet Margaret Zakarian, CEO of Zakarian Hospitality and mom of three.
Kids to Know: Drew Garcia and Paige Wilson, American Bios Project
The American Bios Project: Student-Led Veteran Storytelling High school students Drew Garcia and Paige Wilson are helping preserve Tampa Bay history in a powerful way: researching and writing biographies of veterans buried at the American Legion Cemetery. Through the American Bios Project, they’re ensuring that veterans’ stories aren’t forgotten and helping others feel connected to…
Krewe Life: Meet Andrew Smith of YMKG and his wife Cali Smith
We met up with Andrew Smith of YMKG and his wife, Cali, to talk about what Gasparilla means to them, the importance of giving back to the community, and why they love raising their family in Tampa Bay.
Behind the Scenes: Making the magic of the Ringling circus come to life
The Greatest Show on Earth is officially back after kicking off its national tour here in Tampa in early January, and if you went, we know you were wowed by the experience. Even before the historic Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus launched its all-new show, we got a chance to sit down with some of the stars of the show.
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.
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.
Kids to Know: Kids 4 A Cause
Get to know Dominic Fouché, Sheldon Fouché, and cousins Michael Kuhn, and Christian Kuhn – the four boys behind Kids 4 A Cause.
Moms to Know: Malissa Spencer with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Get to know mom and businesswoman, Malissa Spencer, senior entertainment manager for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
The Power of Connection: How Moms of South Tampa Are Redefining Networking
Discover how networking for Moms of South Tampa is being redefined by the ‘MOST’ Business Networking group and how you can get involved.
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…
Tampa mom gets new home for the holidays thanks to local HGTV stars and Habitat for Humanity
Thanks to Habitat for Humanity, a new Thanksgiving tradition is beginning at the Simmons family home this year. As usual, three generations of women — grandmother, mother and daughters — will prepare the meal together “from scratch and with love.” The menu will include all their favorite dishes: turkey, pot roast, honey ham, mashed potatoes,…
Kickoff to the Next Generation: The Gramatica Legacy Evolves
For the Gramatica family, hard work and athleticism are part of the DNA. In 2003, Martin Gramatica helped lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl victory. Today, Martin has traded his kicking tee for a whistle — coaching youth soccer, cheering from the sidelines and mentoring his athletic trio: Nico, a kicker…
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.
