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!
How did local teen, Dev Shah, really win the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee? He was focused and ready. But even more than that, he went into the competition to enjoy every part of the experience.
Meet Mandy Schulis, a certified trauma-informed story coach and a driving force behind inspiring female entrepreneurs to dismantle their own barriers and harness the power of their unique stories for both income and impact.
As Super League Tampa Bay prepares to make its mark on the world of women’s soccer, the appointment of Christina Unkel as President represents an important moment in the sport’s history.
There’s something extraordinary about a life-comes-full-circle moment. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleader Shay Garcia had such a moment when her daughter, Johanna, stepped onto the Raymond James turf as a Bucs Junior Cheerleader. Shay and Johanna share their TBBC experiences. Kaylee Strobel, a former Junior Cheerleader and current Buccaneers’ Cheerleading and Mascot Coordinator, also knows full-circle moments with the Bucs. Before firing the canons, read their firsthand accounts about TBBC’s lasting impacts.
Jewelry icon, Kendra Scott, shares her new collection along with fall trends, style advice for moms, and discusses her passion for giving back to others.
With a remarkable mission to brighten the lives of pediatric cancer patients through the therapeutic art of fishing, Angling For Relief has served families in Tampa Bay for five years. While his heart-warming initiative has made a lasting difference in so many lives around him, it is Jake who has been changed by the kids he gets to take fishing.
90s Con is a wrap! We caught up with some of the event’s celebrity guests to see how they felt going back in time with old and new fans.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Tampa is rich with Hispanic Heritage. Two Tampa moms, originally from Puerto Rico, share details about their roots and raising their own children with Hispanic heritage in Tampa Bay.
Meet Dominique Richardson, local author and founder of Tampa Bay’s first book festival, YA By the Bay, which aims to promote a love for literacy and leadership among local students.
Feeling the lack of community in this new season of motherhood, the more they talked with other moms, the more they realized they were not alone. That’s when two St. Pete moms hatched an idea that is now a reality: The EverMom Collective.
Meet 7-year-old Emersyn, a remarkable little girl who bravely confronts medulloblastoma with her family, the community, and the Children’s Cancer Center by her side.
The Tampa Bay Fashion Experience is a three-day event that showcases Tampa’s most unique and luxurious styles, highlighting the work of local designers, with appearances by Tampa Bay Buccaneer players and celebrities, all while supporting local organizations.
Denis talks to us about hurricane season, how you can prepare and ease your kids’ minds, and his famous catchphrase, “Rule #7.”
At The Sunflower Patch, Eileen Esposito combines her talents as a music therapist, recording artist and songwriter to create enchanting experiences for children. With a deep-rooted passion for music ingrained in her DNA (her great-great-uncle composed “Silent Night”), Esposito’s own musical journey began at a young age. Today, with a bachelor’s degree in music therapy…
Mason Hawk may be a great student, a strong athlete and a gifted pianist, but his passion and advocacy for children battling life-threatening illnesses is what truly makes him stand out. Inspired by his brother’s liver transplant journey, Mason found purpose through volunteering with Children’s Dream Fund at the age of 13. This past spring,…
Driven by a cross-country opportunity to combine her passions and make a difference, Dr. Cynthia Stringfield embarked on a new chapter in her life when she moved from California to Florida in 2019. Today at ZooTampa, driven by a deep-rooted belief in the power of education, Dr. Stringfield dedicates her work to instilling a sense…
In a world where young dreams hold infinite possibilities, an 8-year-old girl who loved to skate found her way to the Tampa Bay Lightning Girls Hockey League to leave her mark on the ice. Alyson Hobbs, a focused and flourishing young player, is among other skillful teammates who showcase the boundless potential of girls in…
Katie Krimitsos knows what moms need to hear to relax. Her podcasts (recorded in her closet) have been downloaded more than 100 million times.
Chris LaFace, president and CEO at RIPA & Associates, along with his wife, Angela (a critical care surgeon who recently paused her career for increased family time), made a groundbreaking donation and support the Big John exhibit as presenting sponsors.
We’re getting to know Kat Stickler, a Tampa mom and one of TikTok’s most popular influencers.
We’re getting to know Quin Brewington, creator of Sister Lady Girl and Second Act Summit.
At 11 years old, every breath Madden Sheridan takes is a miracle. Diagnosed with Jeune’s Syndrome in utero, Madden may have special needs and accommodations, but his passion for sports, making people laugh and building with Legos is just like any other kid his age.
We’re introducing you to the family who bought Big John the Triceratops and how the record-setting fossil ended up in Tampa.
We’re getting to know the mother-daughter duo behind Seventh Avenue Apothecary, Phala Pesano and Jessica Reisner, as they share how they’re letting their own little light shine and using it to ignite others’ lights.
Procure is not your typical boutique. The unique retail concept sells products exclusively from women-owned businesses—most of them from Tampa and we’re getting to know the woman who brought it here to Tampa.
We’re getting to know Alicia Schulhof, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s first female president.
We’re getting to know Sorboni Banerjee, a former television anchor who is not only a published author, but is inspiring others to dream big.
Meet Ansley Kins, a kid author, designer and more!
Get to know Melanie Humenansky, head of school at Bayshore Christian School in South Tampa.
Meet the 5th grade recipient of Hillsborough County’s 2022 Anti-Bullying Recognition Award and find out how you can nominate a child or teen who has gone above and beyond to battle bullying.
Bianca Burrows, @itsbbart Did you know that local students get less than one hour of art instruction in school each week? For children that express themselves through a more creative approach or kids that struggle in school because they do not meet traditional academic standards, that’s not enough time in the school year for them to…
Lowry Park Zoo’s old Fairyland figurine restoration is underway, thanks to Richard Gonzmart of the 1905 Family Of Restaurants. See them at Ulele.
Meet Alyssa Rhoads, producer of show-stopping events and creator of joy, wonder and enchantment in everything she creates.
Meet Rylee Miller: Academy of the Holy Names fifth-grader, twin sister and a professional kid-DJ who’s spun for the Tampa Bay Lightning and more!
Tampa native and celebrity chef Richard Hales invites us into his home with his flagship restaurant, Black Brick, and talks family life in his hometown.
Tampa Pickleball Crew founders dish about the easy-to-learn sport with a newly minted Major League that’s taking over Tampa Bay!
It’s incredible how a magic show can bring out the kid in all of us. Visit Zubrick Magic Theatre for a night your family will never forget!
One year ago, flamenco dancer Irene Rodriguez took the biggest leap of her life, not on the dance floor—in real life. She left her home country of Cuba, where she was the principal dancer and director of the country’s most recognized flamenco company, and moved to Tampa with nothing more than the desire and drive…
Meet Jordan Parramore, kid on a mission: gamer, foodie, autism advocate, and founder of Jordan’s Juice Bar when he was only 8 years old.
Meet Kiva Williams, the @thefunfoodiemama and founder of Mahogany Kids Fine Arts Foundation benefitting children in Tampa Bay.
Keith and Jill Sedita, of Florish Pizza in South Tampa, set out to recreate the pizza they grew up eating—with one distinction—it’s vegan.
Winner of Apple’s prestigious Swift Student Challenge, Lexline taught herself coding, and then created her own app on quantum physics.
What if we approached the “tough” seasons of parenting differently? Dr. Amy Patenaude is helping families make lasting positive changes.
Karrie Mueller has successful businesses, three happy children and a soulmate husband. Beyond Super Mom, she’s a Mom to KNOW!
At a time of year when so much is celebrated with the holidays, it’s important to remember that so much can change in a short time…and honoring and cherishing the people- every person- around us is what makes December truly special. This is precisely why we get to know Noah Cheong, someone who has always put others first.
Mother of three boys, Tampa Bay realtor, and founder of the Christian Michael Hernandez Foundation (CMHF), Lindsay Hernandez lives by the mission of her nonprofit in every way possible: to be a light in this world through the provision of unconditional kindness. In a month that focuses on giving and gratitude, we are thankful for…
A gifted creator at 13 years old, Victoria Reyes has already shown her work at an art show and started her own clothing and accessories line.
A psychic medium since she was six years old, Amy Dascola experiences life, people and energy on a different level than you and I.
As the oldest on her team, Kiley Williams is grateful for the second chance to pursue the passion she put on hold while having children.
Logan Ryan, two-time Super Bowl champ and safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is grounded in gratitude, firm in family, and focused on football.
Chief Barbara Tripp made history in Tampa when she was sworn in as the first-ever female fire chief for Tampa Fire Rescue.
Elaine Feaster completed the Girl Scouts Gold Award to land amongst other role-models who are making the world a better place.
Dexter Jackson’s passion for plants and people collide to help make a positive and healthy impact on children’s lives in Tampa Bay.
Riverview resident Kennedy McCormick, 16, has fed thousands of meals to people across the Bay area that struggle with food insecurity.
Daytime co-host, Farron Hipp and her wife, Colleen, welcomed their first child via adoption after two unsuccessful cycles of IUI.
Marium Shariq of The Chilli Apron, is sharing her passion for cooking while making family meal prep easier for busy moms (and dads).
Get to know the magicians of Zubrick Magic Theatre in St. Pete, Ryan and Chris Zubrick as they share their family story of living life authentically.
During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, kids like Chloe remind us why we strive to support research, treatment, prevention and cure.
Zibby Owens has compiled an anthology of short essays written by notable authors who share their parenting experiences, insights and advice.
Chef Farrell Alvarez, Ty Rodriguez and Chon Nguyen of the Proper House Group dish on success, parenting, and what’s on the menu in the future.
