Teacher to Know: Mrs. Kelly Pitt 4th Grade Teacher at Countryside Christian
Get to know beloved 4th-grade teacher at Countryside Christian, Mrs. Kelly Pitt, who has a special way of making her students feel seen and valued.
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!
Beyond the Usual Lineup: Sports like fencing, rowing and golf can also open college doors
In every sport, recruiting depends on ability, academics, persistence, and finding a program that fits. Sports like golf, rowing, and fencing—all available across the Tampa Bay area—can offer viable paths beyond the usual lineup.
Second Chance Act, Florida’s new EKG screening mandate for high school athletes, saves local teen
The Lamke family is now sharing their story to raise awareness about this simple procedure that can potentially save more lives, not just those of young athletes.
Moms To Know: Nicole Northway, Founder, Emerson and Friends
Get to Know the founder of Emerson and Friends, the Clearwater-based children’s lifestyle brand, specializing in clothing, pajamas, and more!
INSIDE LOOK: ZooTampa Veterinarian Healing Zoo Animals with Acupuncture
Acupuncture on a duck… or a manatee? You betcha! ZooTampa’s veterinary team is incorporating this holistic approach to care for animals that may not be responding as well to traditional treatments, and it appears to be working.
Bright Ideas: Let’s meet three local inventors who are turning their big ideas into a family-owned business!
Have you ever used an everyday product and thought to yourself … there has to be something better out there? Or maybe you have a really cool idea for something that doesn’t even exist yet. Three local parents are proving it IS possible to turn your bright ideas into real, tangible products families will fall…
A New President and a New Era at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Q&A with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s new president, Jon Vigue, on the park’s history and latest area, the new Lion & Hyena Ridge!
Kids to Know: Cameron Cowans
Meet 13 year old Cameron Cowans of Troop 46 in Tampa who collected over 350 used musical instruments to help support local music programs.
Moms to Know: Danielle Bayard Jackson, Female Friendship Coach, Educator & Author
With schedules that are packed with playdates, sports, school, and the many other ways we socialize our kids, what, then, is left for us parents who also dream of a Monica to our Rachel? This is where a Friendship Coach comes in.
The Family Business: An INSIDE LOOK at children’s clothing line, Emerson and Friends
I first came across the Emerson and Friends children’s clothing line a couple of years ago at Butter Bug Boutique in South Tampa. While the fabrics were everything I was looking for — buttery soft and lightweight — what caught my eye were the Florida-inspired designs. My favorite? The pattern featuring our beloved manatee. Come…
Moms to Know: Jen Smurr, Owner, Born + Bread Bakehouse, Lakeland
Meet Jen Smurr, Owner of Born + Bread Bakehouse in Lakeland, Florida.
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.
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.
