June 2022

JUNE 2022

MEET MOSI'S NEW TOP DAD John Graydon Smith is MOSI's New President & CEO

40+ Ideas For Your Best

Summer Ever in Tampa Bay

FUN WAYS TO CELEBRATE DAD ON FATHER'S DAY page 6

HURRICANE SEASON READY ABC Action News Meteorologist Denis Phillips and His Rule #7

+ MORE JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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Get your kids ready for school, knowing that we’ve taken steps in our clinics to help keep you safe: n Prescreening patients based on Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines n Minimizing and/or eliminating time spent in waiting rooms n Requiring all doctors, team members, patients and visitors to wear masks n Cleaning lobbies/waiting rooms, exam rooms and all public spaces throughout the day with EPA-approved, medical-grade cleaning and disinfecting agents

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JUNE 2022 CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER Laura Byrne ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anu Varma Panchal Brie Gorecki

ARTICLES:

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sarah Rigby

6 // FUN WAYS TO CELEBRATE DAD ON FATHER’S DAY: Ideas, events and more!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Byrne Brie Gorecki Anu Varma Panchal John Graydon Smith Dani Meyering Maggie Rodriguez Jenny P. Ginain Grayes Kate White Julie Tingley Laura Cross Chris Sturgeon Lindsay Carson Chris Koski Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Staff

10 // COVER STORY: Meet MOSI’s new President and CEO John Graydon Smith 12 // IDEAS FOR YOUR BEST SUMMER EVER IN TAMPA BAY: There’s something for every family on our list 18 // THE MAGIC RETURNS TO WALT DISNEY WORLD: See what’s NEW at Walt Disney World and what to experience this summer 20 // MEET THE AUTHOR OF “100 THINGS TO DO IN TAMPA BAY BEFORE YOU DIE”: Check out her favorite local adventures for kids

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ralf Gonzalez

23 // SUMMER CAMP “NO COOK” LUNCH BOX IDEAS: With Jenny P. of @lunchboxmafia

LAYOUT & DESIGN Sarah Rigby

24 // EASY SHEET PAN MEALS: Ginain Grayes of @cookprayslay shares two simple summer-inspired recipes

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Laura Byrne Tacy Briggs Photography Kristen Hare Jenny P. Corey Conroy Photography, Inc. John Secoges

27 // NEW AT GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: Get a peek at the new Storyland exhibit 28 // OKALANI THE OCTOPUS: Local author’s sealife-inspired books teach children life lessons

BOOKKEEPING James Anderson

32 // HURRICANE READY: ABC Action News Meteorologist Denis Phillips shares ways to prepare and dishes on Rule #7

TAMPA BAY PARENTING MAGAZINE 320 W. Kennedy Blvd. Ste. 220 Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone 813-949-4400 Fax 813-315-6688 info@tbparenting.com editor@tbparenting.com

41 // STRONGER SCHOOLS. STRONGER HILLSBOROUGH. See how the millage on the August ballot will help support local schools and students

BECOME A FAN tampabayparentingmagazine @tampabayparenting @TBParenting

Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year and distributed throughout the Tampa Bay community. Tampa Bay Parenting is not responsible for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or incorrect information (or the consequences related thereto) contained within the magazine or online; readers should not rely on any information contained in the magazine and they should always consult with an appropriate professional for guidance. Tampa Bay Parenting accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information or materials provided by Tampa Bay Parenting. Some content published by Tampa Bay Parenting is sponsored or paid for advertising content, and some individuals quoted or cited in articles have paid for advertising or sponsorships; this content or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tampa Bay Parenting.

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44 // SUMMER READING CHALLENGE: Hillsborough County Libraries offers endless possibilities through summer reading

ON THE COVER: John Graydon Smith takes the reins at MOSI as the new president and CEO. Learn more about the dad of three and the future of MOSI on page 10.

TampaBayParenting.com JUNE 2022

47 // BECOMING A HERO FOR CHILDREN: 3 qualities an early childhood educator should have 48 // YOUR CHILD’S ORAL HEALTH: How teaching good oral hygiene helps with a healthy mouth and life 51 // TAMING TUMORS AT ST. JOSEPH’S: Read a local girl’s story of survival thanks to the care of her doctors at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital 52 // THE LIFE OF A LOCAL DAD AND DOCTOR: Get to know Jason Smithers, MD, of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

EVERY ISSUE: 8 // JUNE TOP PICKS: This month’s not-to-miss events for families in Tampa Bay 9 // NOTEWORTHY: The good news happening in Tampa Bay 34 // MOMS TO KNOW: Meet Charlotte Kay Yepsen, creator of Back Off Bands 36 // KIDS TO KNOW: Honoring the legacy of Tampa teenager, Taylor Koulouris 54 // WHAT’S TRENDING: See what’s trending online at TampaBayParenting.com

ROUTINE TO HIGH RISK

WHERE YOU DELIVER MATTERS TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL DELIVERS MORE BABIES THAN ANY OTHER HOSPITAL IN THE REGION. Named one of the best maternity hospitals in the nation, and the only hospital in Hillsborough County designated a Baby-Friendly ® birth facility, TGH has a team of USF Health specialists and private practice physicians that provides unrivaled support and care — from pregnancy to delivery. And should you need it, our Jennifer Leigh Muma Neonatal Intensive Care Unit delivers the highest level of care to infants and to women with high-risk pregnancies.

TGH.org/Womens

JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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Fun Ways to Celebrate DAD in Tampa Bay for Father’s Day!

by Laura Byrne

There are so many fun ways to celebrate Father’s Day in Tampa Bay and something for every dad style! We’re sharing a few of our favorite ideas:

FOR THE SPORTY DAD: Tampa Bay Rays Game: Take dad to the Trop for a belated Father’s Day celebration.

The Rays take on the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field on June 20, 21 and 22. Gift him new Rays gear along with the tickets on Father’s Day! mlb.com/rays

Tampa Bay Rowdies Game: There’s a home game on Saturday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m. against the Charleston Battery. Take dad out for an early dinner at the St. Pete Pier and then head to the game. rowdiessoccer.com Buy dad some new home team swag at the Tampa Bay Sports Store: The 4,500-square-foot store is located across from Ford Thunder Alley right by the Amalie Arena Box Office. It’s your one-stop shop for all of your home team gear and boasts the “largest selection of exclusive Lightning merchandise on the planet.” The Tampa Bay Sports store is open six days a week, Monday-Saturday. You can also shop online at tampabaysports.com.

Take Dad to Popstroke in Sarasota:

Head south to Sarasota to experience the new place where the whole family can dine and play! There are two mini golf courses, a rooftop bar, playground and outdoor gaming area. Each player gets to keep a commemorative golf ball with their round of golf. popstroke.com

9th annual Richard’s Father’s Day Walk and Jog at Ulele restaurant in Tampa Heights - June 19 at 8 a.m.:

Lace up the running shoes and head to Ulele in Tampa Heights to join owner Richard Gonzmart for a walk benefiting Moffitt Cancer Center. This family-friendly annual event features mascots and cheerleaders from your favorite pro sports teams. Choose your own distance: one mile, 3.1 miles or one of your own choosing. This event has raised more than $750,000 since it began! raceroster.com

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FOR THE SALTY DAD: The Lost Pearl Pirate Ship in Tampa:

The Old Salt will love a day on a real pirate ship!

Dad will get a free boarding photo and free adult beverages while at sea (as will the other adults on board). There are three Father’s Day sailings: 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $30 plus marine tax and fees for adults and $25 plus marine tax fees and fees for kids. tampapirateship.com

Yacht Starship Cruises in Tampa and Clearwater: Treat dad to a Father’s Day Brunch on

the Yacht Starship in Tampa or Clearwater. Sailings are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. There is also a dinner cruise T h e Lo s t P e a rl option which boards at 6 p.m. Dad’s drinks are covered by Yacht Starship on the brunch and dinner cruises. yachtstarship.com

Book a Fishing charter: This is a popular gift of experience, and luckily there is

no shortage of options for fishing charters in Tampa Bay! You can even team up with some of his dad friends to book a group outing for a ‘Dad’s Day Out.’

Book a cabana at the beach: Upgrade a normal beach day by booking a cabana at the beach. You can really up the ante and book a ResortPass at a fancy beach hotel like the Don CeSar to play like a tourist for the day. There’s no shortage of amazing beaches, so this is an easy way to celebrate dad!

FOR THE GAMER DAD: Esports Players Club: If dad loves video games, he’s going to love a day at the new Esports Players Club in Tampa. You can buy him a day pass to play and learn OR gift him a membership to play on his own time too. esportsplayersclub.com

FOR THE MUSEUM-LOVING DAD: MOSI in Tampa: Walk among the dinosaurs at the Dinosaurs Around the World, venture to space at Moonbase, climb the ropes at the Ropes Course…if dad is into anything S.T.E.A.M. related, he is going to love a day at MOSI! In fact, you can get to know our June Cover Dad—a dad of three and the new CEO and President of MOSI on page 10.

But, wait…there’s MORE. Scan the QR code for even more fun Father’s Day ideas and freebies:

Pediatric Orthopedic Expertise You Can Trust At AdventHealth for Children in Tampa, helping kids get back to a happy, active and fun-filled life is our whole-hearted promise. From sports injuries and complex health issues that range from scoliosis and bowing legs to dwarfism and cerebral palsy, our team of skilled pediatric orthopedic specialists and surgeons is here to support your family with comprehensive kid-focused care. Our goal is to heal your child with the most advanced treatment methods and the quickest recovery time, so they can get back to just being a kid.

AdventHealthforChildren.com/Orthopedics 844-326-2907

JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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JUNE TOP PICKS

Our favorite family-friendly events in Tampa Bay Dinosaurs Around the World at MOSI – through Sept. 5

Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites at Glazer Children’s Museum – June 11 through Sept. 11

This summer, GCM will turn seven beloved and award-winning picture books into three-dimensional play and bilingual learning environments highlighting the six pre-reading skills defined by the Public Library Association and Association for Library Service to Children. Step into the pages of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” “The Snowy Day,” Where’s Spot,” “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” “Abuela,” and “Tuesday.” Designed for children from birth through 8 years old, Storyland will engage visitors in storylines and literacy activities. glazermuseum.org/storyland

Ice Cream 5K – June 12

Head to Al Lopez Park for a fun event for the entire family! This family-friendly 5K features ice cream and an amazing after-party. It’ll also feature a kids 1 mile run and a baby/toddler crawl/walk. Proceeds help benefit Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. The after-party will include multiple family activities such as dancing, kids face painting, music, awards and of course – lots of ICE CREAM! icecreamrun5K.com

Juneteenth Cultural Celebration at The Tampa Museum of Art – June 19

Commemorate Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, with this engaging, family-friendly experience. This lively community celebration will feature free museum admission, art-making activities, live music and performances, family portraits, amazing food trucks and more. The event will also feature programs by Moffitt Cancer Center, the George Edgecomb Society and HORUS Construction Services. CAN Community Health will provide free health screenings onsite, and visitors can experience a free sampling of the arts and health programs that the Tampa Museum of Art provides for families and various special needs groups. tampamuseum.org

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella – June 24-25

Put on your glass slippers, step into your pumpkin and head to The Straz Center for this enchanting musical. The Broadway adaptation of this fairy tale adds new characters and surprising twists to the familiar story. With an iconic score by Rodgers & Hammerstein, this production is presented by the Patel Conservatory. strazcenter.org

Dolphintopia at Clearwater Marine Aquarium – Summer 2022

Beginning this month, guests will be transported to a summer of peace, love and dolphins. Celebrate the facts, fiction and fun of these enchanting marine mammals, while exploring the fascinating science of dolphins and their intimate connection with humans throughout history. Dolphintopia will feature unique dolphin art installations, activities, interactive shows and vibrant Instagrammable photo ops. The elements of this saltwater celebration will change throughout the summer, offering annual members different experiences. The Dolphintopia celebration is included with general admission. cmaquarium.org

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TampaBayParenting.com JUNE 2022

istockphoto.com/ Kristyna Vagnerova

Travel back in time on a dinosaur adventure! Tour an Earth very different from today—before the continents as we know them existed, when lush landscapes covered Africa and Antarctica was filled with greenery. Witness the Age of Reptiles come to life with advanced animatronics and immersive design elements.

Grab your prehistoric passport to Pangea and discover how plate tectonics, land bridges and volcanic activity allowed dinosaurs to roam all corners of the globe.

Read more about this exciting new exhibit on page 10. mosi.org

NOTEWORTHY FATHER’S DAY IS JUNE 19!

A TOAST TO THE MOMMY AND ME HIGH TEA

A special CHEERS to the 5th Annual Mommy & Me High Tea benefiting Redefining Refuge at Armature Works! This annual fundraiser has grown into an even more magical charitable event where moms and their daughters enjoy cookie decorating, hair and makeup stations, shopping, a fashion show by Dillard’s at International Plaza, princess performances and more. Be on the lookout for ticket sales around February for the 2023 event on May 7, 2023!

Photos by Tacy Briggs Photography

THINGS WE LOVE THE MEDIA MAT: A TAMPA BAY INVENTION! Have a long flight this summer? Or maybe you need a few minutes to chat with fellow adults at the dinner table when out at a restaurant? Local mom-of-two Tara Benson has been there, and that’s where the idea for the Media Mat was born. It’s essentially a placemat with a small footprint that supports the kids’ devices or even a book and has a place for snacks or whatever your kiddo has on the table. The Media Mat is a food-grade silicone placemat for kids that will keep everything compact and organized. It is free of BPA and other chemicals and is dishwasher and microwave safe. Media Mat is flexible and can be tossed into a backpack, diaper bag, large purse or under the stroller. Find it on Amazon for $23.95.

A “FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF” CHILDREN’S BOOK IS COMING SOON! Do you love the ‘80s movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” or know someone who does? Soon, they’ll be able to share the classic romp with their kids through a new children’s book! “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: The Classic Illustrated Storybook” from Quirk books goes on sale Aug. 2.

It’s written and designed for kids ages 4-8 … and for kids at heart!

FLORIDA TAX HOLIDAY Florida’s popular sales tax holidays return in 2022 to help you save as you prepare for hurricane season, summer fun and back-to-school!

But that’s not all: Several new sales tax breaks were signed into law this year. There’s a sales tax break right now on children’s books through Aug. 14. The Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is also happening now and runs through June 10. This gives you a break on certain items for hurricane season like batteries, tarps and more. Scan the QR code to see what qualifies and learn more about other sales tax holidays coming in 2022.

A COUPLE MORE FLORIDA SALES TAX HOLIDAYS FAMILIES WILL LOVE: Diaper + Clothing: July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023: Diapers and clothing items for babies and children ages 5 and younger.

Freedom Week: July 1-7, 2022: Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday on tickets to live music events, sports, movies, museums and festivals, as well as on specific amounts spent on pool and fishing supplies, grills, tents and bicycles.

JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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COVER STORY

New Boss & NEW ADVENTURES AT MOSI!

Get to know MOSI’s New President & CEO: John Graydon Smith

by Laura Byrne, family photo by John Secoges

Smith with his wife Kim, daughters Reilly (13) and Reeve (11), and son Graydon (8).

MOSI is a place where families can connect with the past, present and future, whether it’s walking among the dinosaurs at the new summer exhibit, Dinosaurs Around the World, or soaring to the stars as they play in the Moonbase. That’s just the start of the hands-on adventures. As MOSI looks to the future and celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, a new leader is helping to pave the way. We’re getting to know MOSI’s new President and CEO, John Graydon Smith, who also happens to be a busy dad of three.

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all of the evolution and innovation that has happened in the industry during that time. Although there have been some setbacks in recent years, the future for MOSI is just as bright as the future is for everything else in the Tampa Bay area. The growth in our region really dictates that we have to have a world-class science center, and MOSI is positioned—both geographically and metaphorically—to serve the community as it continues to grow. By continuing to focus on our customers’ needs and interests and supplementing the work done by our local schools and the formal educational system, MOSI has the opportunity to be the place for STEAM education for families across our region.

TBPM: There’s a new exhibit at MOSI, Dinosaurs Around the World.

What can we expect when we go? Any tips on how to explore this exhibit with our kids?

F U N FAC T : S m it h h as v is ited al l 50 states !

TBPM: First—tell us about yourself...as dad! You must earn cool dad points for your roles as a museum leader!

JGS: I’ve been working in museums and science centers since before I first became a dad, so my kids have always only known the “STEAM’ life as it were. There are some perks for the kids, Reilly (13), Reeve (11) and Graydon (8) to having a dad work in this field, like early previews of cool new exhibits, but there can be drawbacks too. Since I bring them to summer camp with me, for example, they get to spend the pre-camp hours cleaning up exhibits from the previous day’s visitors, so it isn’t all fun and games.

TBPM: You have an extensive background in leading museums and science museums. How do you hope to take that experience to continue to build upon MOSI’s success?

JGS: I’ve been in museums since 2006 and in the non-profit arena for another decade beyond that. The plan is to call upon all that experience to help balance MOSI’s needs for growth in our visitor experiences with the equally pressing need of sustainability for the future. Historically, MOSI has been great at providing a world-class experience for visitors, both locals and tourists.

Unfortunately, it grew too fast and spread too far in my opinion, and that is what ultimately led to some lean years for the operation. My job is to find MOSI’s “sweet spot” in terms of size, scale and scope and ensure we have the resources from our community to keep serving that community.

TBPM: What do you think makes MOSI so special to our community and what does the future look like?

JGS: MOSI has been, in my opinion, a real cultural leader for the Tampa community for several decades. It may be hard to believe, but MOSI is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, which is an impressive run for a science center given

JGS: “Dinosaurs Around the World” is a paleontological journey back to the supercontinent of Pangea. Using the latest technology in animatronics, MOSI visitors will get to engage in a globetrotting expedition through an immersive environment that was millions of years in the making. With dinosaurs continuing to be such a popular topic for amateur scientists of all ages, this exhibit is the perfect way to reintroduce MOSI to our community this summer, and visitors will discover that the entire museum experience is geared around the dinosaur theme, so even our art and technology interactives have been refreshed for this summer’s adventures.

TBPM: What kind of programming can we expect to go along with Dinosaurs Around the World?

JGS: There will be a true focus on the areas of paleontology and geology, using a combination of expert scientists, hands-on interactives and immersive experiences to provide MOSI’s “edu-tainment” product to visitors from toddlers through adulthood. A full schedule of related programming is planned, and details will be continually updated on www.MOSI.org.

TBPM: Summer break is a great time to continue to learn. What other ways can families take advantage of special programming at MOSI? JGS: Summer is really the time when MOSI comes to life. Each week during the school summer break, we’ll be hosting at least nine camps for kids who are between kindergarten and eighth grade, with most weeks selling out before summer even starts! Each camp includes a variety of science and technology themes, ranging from chemistry to coding, game design to medicine, cooking to construction. There are several themed weeks focusing on Harry Potter, Minecraft and Star Wars among many others, and we also offer many full-family opportunities on the weekends that feature our backwoods areas for some outdoor adventures.

TBPM: What are you looking forward to the most as a family as you begin to explore Tampa Bay? JGS: Just like most people relocating to Tampa Bay, my family is looking forward to sending pictures of ourselves poolside in February to friends and family who haven’t (yet) decided to move here! Seriously though, the area has so much to offer families that our list will take years to work through. My wife and kids are very excited about the proximity to Clearwater Beach, and I’m excited about exploring MOSI’s reciprocal benefits with other area attractions and venues like the Florida Aquarium, and catching Lightning and Bucs games!

TBPM: Anything else you want to add that you think our readers would like to know about you and your plans for MOSI’s future?

JGS: I hope that MOSI’s current members are excited about the plans for expanding our programming and exhibits at our current location now that the pre-pandemic idea of relocating downtown is no longer our focus. Visitors who have been coming to MOSI since we reopened after the COVID shutdown have been engaging with our staff and exhibits in fascinating ways, and people who haven’t been here since the days of our more cavernous experience need to come relearn what MOSI does best – edutaining families and exposing budding scientists of all ages to new and innovative experiences that are always changing.

We’re constantly hearing how great the exhibits are now that everything works and functions as it’s supposed to, and by adding immersive experiences like Dinosaurs Around the World, there will be plenty of reasons for folks to keep coming back.

JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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Ideas For Your BEST SUMMER EVER in Tampa Bay and Beyond!

by Laura Byrne

HOT DAY/RAINY DAY FUN INDOORS: Because summertime in Florida usually means it’s either hot outside or raining, here are some indoor ideas!

Head to MOSI in Tampa: Go see the new “Dinosaurs Around the World” exhibit and then stay and play at the Idea Zone, explore the Moonbase or learn about the science of hockey and so much more!

Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa: Experience two floors of kid-friendly indoor fun and the new Storytime exhibit on the second floor—read more about it on page 27! The downtown museum has a covered parking garage next door too and a new café inside for quick bites.

Tampa Bay History Center in Tampa: Walk through Tampa Bay’s history and let the kids get hands-on at the many exhibits created with them in mind, whether they play in a kid-sized version of Port Tampa or tie knots like real pirates at the Pirates, Shipwrecks and Conquistadors exhibit on the third floor.

Stay for lunch or dinner on the covered patio overlooking the water at the Columbia Café.

BEST FREE THINGS TO DO IN TAMPA BAY: TECO Line Streetcar: This is an absolute favorite free thing to do! One idea is to hop on after a visit to The Florida Aquarium. There are two stops close to the parking lot. You can then ride into Ybor City or catch the streetcar heading into downtown Tampa and make stops along the way like the Tampa Bay History Center and Sparkman Wharf, and even a pit stop at Station #9 to play on the playground at Cotanchobee Park. There are so many fun trip combos.

J.C. Newman Cigar Company in Ybor City: Cigars aren’t exactly kid-friendly, but there is a fascinating history in Ybor City and the J.C. Newman Cigar Company has perfectly captured this. Experience their free tours to see the history for yourself—and we think the kids will really like seeing the century old machines still at work!

Mini Train Rides: Largo Central Railroad offers free train rides the first weekend of each month through the beautiful Largo Central Park. Donations are appreciated to help keep the trains moving. On the second Saturday of each month, board Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad for a ride through Crews Lake Wilderness Park in Spring Hill.

Sarasota Ringling Museum of Art: The Museum of Art and Bayfront Gardens are free to the public on Mondays. This will save you some extra cash if you decide to tie in an additional visit to the Circus Museum and Ca’ D’Zan, which will require paid admission.

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Florida Aquarium in Tampa: Most Florida Aquarium exhibits are covered and/or indoors, making this one of our favorite destinations to stay cool and dry in the summertime. There is an awesome splash pad outside if it is a hot day, so bring a towel, bathing suit and sunscreen.

Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Pete: Climb and play at the treehouse and explore the exhibits with the kids. If it’s not too rainy, take a few steps next door to explore the beautiful Sunken Gardens as well!

Tampa Theatre Summer Classics: There’s really nothing quite like watching a movie on the silver screen at the historic and gorgeous Tampa Theatre. The Summer Classics series returns June 5-Aug. 28 on Sundays.

We can’t wait to see "Star Wars: Episode IV-A New Hope" on June 12!

Tampa Baseball Museum: Explore the history of baseball in Tampa Bay inside the iconic Al Lopez house in Ybor City, which is now home to the museum. Tampa’s first baseball team was created in Ybor City in 1887—the museum will walk you through the nearly 135 years of baseball history and local legends like Al Lopez. As of publication, the museum is open Thursday-Sunday.

Laser Ops in Tampa: Sometimes the kids just need to run and play! Let them get the wiggles out at Laser Ops where they can play in the arcade, play Bazooka Ball or Archery Tag and, of course, play laser tag! There is also a café for food and drinks.

Esports Players Club in Tampa: If your kids love video games, they will love Esports Players Club. You can buy a day pass or class if you want to brush up on your video editing, gaming or graphic design skills. They also host a ton of gaming tournaments for kids and adults.

Tampa International Airport: You don’t have to have an airline ticket to enjoy a day at TPA! A visit to the airport is an old family favorite where you and the kids can not only see the planes, but shop the stores and enjoy lunch in the main terminal at the Hard Rock Cafe, PF Chang’s or Chick-fil-A. There are also cool art displays like the 21-foot flamingo sculpture “HOME” that officially debuts this summer. You can book a tour through the airport if your party has more than 5 people.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park: Jump into summer break and let the kids loose at Sky Zone! There are locations in Largo and Brandon with a North Tampa location coming soon.

Continued on page 15 ...

istockphoto.com/ VikiVector

TECO Line Streetcar

Be a part of this larger than life experience at MOSI! Dinosaurs Around the World is a paleontological journey back in time to the supercontinent Pangea. MOSI guests will go on a globetrotting expedition, dropping in to see a variety of animatronic dinosaurs in an immersive environment millions of years in the making!

Going on now through September 5 th !

SPONSORED BY:

4 8 0 1 E A S T F O W L E R AV E • TA M P A • 8 1 3 - 9 8 7 - 6 0 0 0 • M O S I . O R G 13

MOSI’s mission is to be the intersection of science, technology and innovation in the Tampa Bay region where conversations and learning happen,JUNE knowledge is exchanged and new ideas are celebrated.

2022 TampaBayParenting.com

more delight

Make the most of every moment as you zip down three towering water slides, splash into luxurious pools, or explore acres of stunning garden atriums. It’s the summer of more at Gaylord Palms.

GaylordPalms.com more thrills

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TampaBayParenting.com JUNE 2022

DAY TRIPS: Tarpon Springs: Known as the sponge capital of the world, Tarpon Springs is also popular for its food and family-friendly fun! There is an abundance of Greek restaurants and shopping, as well as the Tarpon Springs Splash Park for the kids and the Tarpon Springs Aquarium.

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Gatorland in Orlando: Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park combining Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits and entertainment. Originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, the park celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2019. Today, it provides affordable family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles and a breeding marsh with an observation tower, free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs and an award-winning gift shop. As well as Florida's best train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park, the park has an on-site restaurant and one-of-a-kind shows Line ip rZ including Gator Jumparoo, Alligators-Lego t ends of the Swamp and Up-close Encounters. Popular adventure experiences inside the park include the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.

Lost Pearl Pirate Ship in Tampa: Set sail on a real pirate ship to party with pirates and play pirate games. You’ll even get a chance to shoot the water cannons. This is one of our favorite adventures and you can’t beat the downtown Tampa views.

The ship docks near the Tampa Convention Center.

Get Up and Go Kayaking to Shell Key: The glass bottom kayaking tours from Tierra Verde to Shell Key are not just a fun family adventure but learning experience too! Don’t forget to make a wish and hang your shell on the Wish Tree on Shell Island.

Play like a tourist with Resort Pass: You don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy the amenities at some of the area’s best hotels. Some of our favorites offering a ResortPass are the Don CeSar and the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach.

Bok Tower Gardens: See the beautiful singing tower, walk the gardens and nature trail, and/or play in the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, a must-explore with the kids. Check for reciprocal admission discounts if you are a member of the Florida Aquarium, MOSI, Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa Museum of Art or Great Explorations. There is also free admission on Fridays through September, compliments of Wawa.

Tradewinds

OVERNIGHT GETAWAYS: Tradewinds Island Resort in St. Pete Beach: This is an ultimate local beach getaway with something for everyone in the family, and it’s especially kid friendly. There are a ton of activities for families like the outdoor waterpark, giant slide, new zip line, paddle boats and so much more. You can even rent a floating Aquabana to relax in the water with the family!

LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Everything is awesome at LEGOLAND Florida! With more than 55 rides and attractions, this is a theme park that just clicks with families. While it’s an easy day trip, an overnight stay is a must-do because where else in Florida can you stay in a super cool LEGO themed room?

There are three themed hotels at the resort: LEGOLAND Hotel, Pirate Island Hotel and Beach Retreat. An overnight stay also allows for two days of play. We recommend upgrading your ticket to include the LEGOLAND Water Park because you could easily spend a day there. It’s not just LEGO though—right next door is another NEW theme park, the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park, which requires a separate ticket.

Westgate River Ranch and Rodeo: If glamping is on your bucket list, this is the summer to do it! Spend the day adventuring on the 1,700-acre Westgate River Ranch, reminiscent of when ranchers and cattle controlled the rich Florida land. For younger kids, try touring the property on horseback, fishing at the catch and release pond, skeet shooting or mini golfing.

This Conestoga ranch glamping resort is a great mix of luxe/rustic retreat, with equal parts adventure and creature comforts (and quite a few creatures as well!). Bottom line, if you’re on the hunt for a truly unique Florida ranch vacation, Westgate River Ranch is your million-star resort.

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Westgate River Ranch

Dinosaur World in Plant City: You can’t miss it if you’ve driven along I-4 in Plant City. Dinosaur World is an outdoor adventure kids love where they can also get hands-on with a fossil dig. There are reciprocal discounts for members of many Tampa Bay area attractions, so be sure to ask. It’s right by Keel and Curley for lunch or dinner.

Dakin Dairy Farm Tour in Myakka City: Head south for an adventure where the kids can learn all about where their milk comes from. They’ll get to meet the cows, learn about cheesemaking and even make their own butter and feed livestock. Be sure to stop at the farm café for lunch and ice-cream too!

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EXPERIENCE THE NEWEST THRILL RIDES IN FLORIDA—THEY ALL HAVE BRAGGING RIGHTS: Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens: The world’s tallest and steepest hybrid coaster.

Southshore Bay Lagoon

WATER PARKS TO BEAT THE HEAT: Enjoy Lagoon Life for the Day: There’s a new lagoon in town! Southshore Bay Lagoon in Hillsborough County’s Wimauma is now open and has day pass options available just like Epperson Lagoon in Pasco County. Southshore Bay Lagoon offers a floating adventure course, kayaking and paddle boarding, a ‘Gasparilla Island’ with a beach and splash pad, swim-up bar and more. Day passes start at $33 for kids and $40 for adults.

Adventure Island: Adventure Island is home to 10 water slides, including two new ones: Rapids Racer and Wahoo Remix. The Rambling Bayou lazy river is a half-mile of cool fun and the splash pads are kid-favorites!

FLORIDA’S GIFT TO YOU: THE BEACH AND NATURAL SPRINGS! There are so many beautiful beaches, but the top ones for families that keep making national lists are Fort De Soto’s North Beach, Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach.

Weeki Wachee State Park is our favorite place to keep cool in the 74-degree crystal clear water because it’s also home to Florida’s only natural water park, Buccaneer Bay, that has water slides, a lazy river and beach. And the park has “real” mermaids, so that’s pretty cool too!

Guardians of the Galaxy at EPCOT: The longest fully enclosed coaster in any Disney theme park and one of the longest enclosed coasters in the world.

Iron Gwazi Guardians of the Galaxy

Ice Breaker at Sea World: The steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida.

SUMMER NIGHTS: Summer Glow at Clearwater Marine Aquarium: CMA is celebrating summer with extended hours Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from May 27 - July 30. They’ll have live entertainment, free boat rides, kid-friendly fun and a chance to experience the aquarium after hours.

Sunsets at Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach: Sunsets at Pier 60 are celebrated every day two hours before sunset and then for two more hours after. There’s live music, plenty of kid-friendly fun, artisans, and, of course … a gorgeous sunset view.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

SAVOR TAMPA BAY’S YUMMIEST EATS: Tampa Bay has earned its spot as a foodie destination with an abundance of options, but we’re going to share some places where there is something for everybody in the family.

St. Pete Pier: The St. Pete Pier has a few different options for families whether you want a quick-order pizza or something more upscale like a sit-down dinner with a view. It is also steps away from Beach Drive in St. Pete which is filled with delicious restaurants like Cassis!

Sparkman Wharf: Sparkman Wharf has plenty of variety for families.

In addition to the restaurants, there is ongoing entertainment on schedule throughout the summer for added fun. It’s also right by the Aquarium and Tampa Bay History Center.

Buccaneer Bay

Cool off at the Zoo with a trip (or two or three) down Roaring Springs. If you didn’t get enough of a splash, don’t fret. The splash zone is a guaranteed soaking!

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Sunday Market at Wat Mongkolratanaram of Tampa: If you haven’t tried the Sunday Market at Tampa’s Buddhist Thai Temple, this is the time to do it! The Sunday Market is drive through, but St. P you can park and eat at one of the on-site picnic ete tables on the river or take your food with you.

Pi Enjoy Lunch on the Farm: Local farms like Keel & Curley in Plant City, Fat Beet Farm in Tampa, Starkey Farms in New Port Richey and Raprager Farms in Odessa all offer dining experiences for the whole family. Check with each location for hours and schedules.

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GO FOR A RIDE OR STAND IN THE SPLASH ZONE OF ZOOTAMPA’S ROARING SPRINGS!

Armature Works: There is so much to do and eat at Armature Works.

Head to the Heights Public Market to peruse quick-bite restaurants like Cru Cellars or Astros Ice-Cream OR opt for full-service dining at Oak & Ola or Stone’s Throw.

JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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The Magic Returns to Walt Disney World

by Dani Meyering, editor of @OrlandoParenting, photos provided by Disney

It’s been a rough few years for Florida’s theme parks, but a sense of normality is returning just in time for summer break! The magical offerings we love at Walt Disney World are back—from the character interactions to live entertainment and even the addition of NEW rides and shows. It’s safe to say Walt Disney World’s magic is restored as the entire resort celebrates Magic Kingdom’s 50th Anniversary.

HERE’S WHAT’S NEW:

OTHER NOT-TO-MISS EXPERIENCES AT EPCOT:

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT is a thrilling family coaster for anyone above 42 inches! Kevin Doxey, the show set designer at Walt Disney Imagineering, told us: “It’s a little bit more than Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain. But the ride vehicle is very comfortable; you have a lot of room.”

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If you are prone to motion sickness or you’re not quite ready for the ride, don’t wait outside—go with your group to experience the queue and preshow and exit before boarding. It’s worth it and there’s air conditioning, so that’s a win. For more details, scan the QR code for our Parent’s Guide.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: Experience the new France Pavilion, savor a crepe, snap a selfie in front of the Remy inspired fountain, and of course, ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure!

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You must book this ride using the virtual queue. Although an individual Lightning Lane will also be available for purchase, a regular standby line will NOT be offered upon initial opening.

Guardians of the Galaxy

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Space 220 Restaurant: Make your dining reservations now to experience one of the newest restaurants at EPCOT that makes you feel as if you’ve blasted off to space and are dining above Earth. It’s a super cool dining experience and the food is delicious too.

EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival runs through July 4, 2022. Enjoy the nearly 100 topiaries, two play zones, themed gardens including an Encanto themed garden, live concerts, the sips and flavors from the 20 outdoor kitchens, and more!

Festival of Fantasy Parade

DISNEY IS FULL OF CHARACTER

Most character meet and greet experiences are back to normal, including hugs and autographs. We especially love the EARidescent attire Mickey, Minnie and friends are wearing in honor of ‘The World’s Most Magical Celebration’ for Magic Kingdom’s 50th Anniversary. You can match with themed merchandise and attire!

SAY CHEESE!

MORE MAGIC AT MAGIC KINGDOM

Disney’s PhotoPass has more offerings than ever with more than 100 photo locations in the four parks alone including new options at Guardians of the Galaxy. You can also take advantage of a private photo session through the ‘Capture Your Moment’ program.

Earlier this year, the Festival of Fantasy parade proudly returned to Magic Kingdom and Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire show took the stage at Cinderella Castle. And more magic is to come with Tron Lightcycle Power Run now in test runs, which means hopefully an opening date will be announced soon.

Disney also announced MagicBands+ will debut this summer, which will allow you to interact with the parks in ways you never have before!

Finding Nemo

MagicBands+

UNFORGETTABLE VOYAGES ABOARD THE GALACTIC STARCRUISER

MORE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT RETURNS

“Fantasmic!” returns with new scenes and modifications in 2022, as of print no specific opening date has been announced. “Finding Nemo The Musical” returns to Animal Kingdom with a splashy new story and shorter show time. And in late June, get your stomach and funny bone ready for the return of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

Star Wars fans continue to enjoy an expanded universe at Walt Disney World. The Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser embarks on two-night experiences that are fully immersive and unlike anything else in the galaxy. Plus, on the second day of the voyage, passengers enjoy priority access to Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run inside Galaxy’s Edge.

FIREWORKS SHOWS

Important Reminder! Park Pass Reservations continue to be required to enter any Disney World theme park.

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There are new fireworks shows at Magic Kingdom and Epcot, but there are ways you can view these spectaculars without a park ticket. Scan the QR code to find out how.

JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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Just in time for summer...

100 Things to Do in Tampa Bay Before You Die

by Maggie Rodriguez, photos by Kristen Hare

Author Kristen Hare took her adventurous 11-year-old daughter to climb the ropes course at MOSI. For the mural tour in St. Pete, she invited her 14-year-old son, who loves art. Her friend’s 2-year-old spent the day at the Tampa Firefighters Museum. “They’re my quality control,” she says, stressing that each family-friendly activity included in the just-released, third edition of her popular book, “100 Things to Do in Tampa Bay Before You Die,” is kid-tested and approved.

She shared some of her favorite summer suggestions.

Get Lost in the Garden at the Dali Museum It’s called the Avant-garden, and mom and dad can get a coffee or a glass of prosecco while the kids run around. There’s a maze that they can get lost in, but it’s a tiny maze, so they’re not going to get too lost. As you leave, you take off your band that you wore and you write a wish on it, and they tie it to the Ficus tree, known as the wish tree. It’s been there for ten years, and visitors around the world leave their wishes.

Head South to Venice and Visit Little Italy There are so many great shops, boutiques and places to stop and eat. There’s a pottery place; there’s gelato. If you’ve got a shopper like I do, it’s something that they will very much enjoy because it really is this long row of shops and restaurants.

Connect with Nature at the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores

If you have kids that are old enough, it’s really fun, and you can do it pretty much in any weather. As long as it’s not storming and there’s not lightning in the area, you can go do this ropes course (at the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa) and navigate bridges and ladders 36 feet off the ground. It’s covered, so you’re not going to get sunburned.

This is a great place to remind your kids of why we need to be careful about how we recycle and throw things away. A lot of the birds are there because they were injured by fishing line and pollution. You’ll see all of these amazing regulars like an American Bald Eagle called Roosevelt or a pelican named Nigel.

There are sandhill cranes named Brad and Janet, and there’s also a ton of wild birds there. Vultures come in and sit there in the day.

They don’t bother anybody.

You might warn your kids that it smells because of all the birds, but it’s a really awesome chance to get up close and see our nature here.

Clown Around at the Carnival Museum in Riverview

Be a Firefighter for a Day at the Tampa Firefighters Museum

Tackle the Ropes Course at MOSI

This is a history trip. The International Independent Showmen’s Museum is 54,000 square feet of space showing the history of carnivals and festivals and fairs. And there are a lot of clowns.

You can’t ride any rides, but I think it’s just a funny thing to do. And if you’ve got kids of the age of wanting to be on Instagram, this is very ‘grammable!

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If you have a kid who is crazy about firefighters, this is a fun place to go. It’s just across the street from Station Number One in Tampa, and it’s the original location. It’s been there since 1911. It has history, but there’s also little fire trucks that the kids can climb. They can dress up with jackets and helmets.

There are some cute toy Dalmatians. It’s a fun thing to do on a morning when you need to pass some time between wake up and nap time.

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Take a Day Trip to Devil's Den in Williston It’s less than two hours from Tampa, and it’s worth the drive! There’s a natural spring inside a cave. The water is a chilly 72 degrees and perfectly blue and clear, and you can go there and snorkel. It really feels like you’re in another world. While you’re there, go next door and visit Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens. This is a botanical garden in an abandoned limestone quarry, and you’ll see swans and giant lily pads.

Be an Artist in Anna Maria Island Spend the day at the beaches and then visit the Shiny Fish Emporium. This is a sweet shop on Pine Avenue where you can paint a sand dollar and they’ll cover it in glitter and tie it with a ribbon. These are covering my Christmas tree. It’s just a very Florida, very special thing to do.

Get up Close with Alligators at Myakka River State Park This is where you’re going to see probably the most alligators ever. It’s $6 per vehicle, and there’s two things you’re going to do while you’re there. Climb the canopy walkway, which is a bridge that’s 25 feet in the air and will kind of make your kids feel like birds. And then I highly recommend the boat ride. They take you out for about an hour on the river to see the gators and they talk all about myths and truths about gators. Hold on to your kids tight, but it’s a really beautiful place to go.

Beat the Heat at the Tampa Theatre They have a summer classics movie series, and every winter, they play holiday favorites. My family’s tradition is we go every year around Christmas and watch a classic, but they also have these summer classics that are appropriate and fun and make it a really different experience to go see a movie. We’re lucky to have the Tampa Theatre here. It’s a classic movie palace and one of the few left in the country.

JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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SUMMER CAMP “NO COOK” LUNCH IDEAS

Here’s to keeping it simple and making fun memories!

Mix and match mains, fruits, veggies and snacks: MAIN: ●

Cheese + crackers

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Naan + pepperoni

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Pepper slices + hummus

story and photos by Jenny P., @Lunchboxmafia

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Cream cheese + cucumber bagel

Are you so excited to pack your final school lunch only to find out summer camp requires a packed lunch? No worries, friend! I’m here to help you pack super easy, hydrating and delicious lunches for your kiddos.

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Ham + cheese wrap

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Rice cake + Nutella

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Peanut Butter + banana waff le sandwich

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Turkey + cheddar roll ups

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Mini pita + hummus

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Salami + cheddar cubes

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Bakery scones or muffins

I love packing lunch. It’s one way that I care and show love to my family.

During the summer, we’re all about simple, refreshing eats. Check out this mix and match list to design some of the easiest, tasty lunches!

Additional tips: Freeze your juice boxes and pouches. They will help keep your packed lunch cold and defrost just in time for snack time or lunchtime. We love Honest Kids drinks.

FRUIT / VEGGIE:

Reduce sugar and get your kid a water bottle. Let them pick it out and use a rubber band to let them know to drink “up to the line.”

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Watermelon chunks

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Pitted cherries

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Cantaloupe

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Pineapple chunks

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Cucumber

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Baby tomatoes

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Baby carrots

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Strawberries

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Black/blueberries

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Raspberries

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Sliced radish

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Celery sticks

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Orange slices

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Mango chunks

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Grapes

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Peaches

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Sweet pepper rings

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Applesauce cup

Grab some ice packs from your grocery store, Target or Amazon. (Click the link in my bio on Instagram @lunchboxmafia to check out my Amazon store.)

Label your kids’ supplies. Camp is not like school with cubbies and assigned desks.

They might store everything in a shared bin. Labeling helps keep track of their stuff.

DIPS / SNACKS: ●

Ranch dip

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Hummus

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Marinara

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Peanut butter + Greek yogurt

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Pretzels

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Goldfish crackers

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Fig bar

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Jerky

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Dehydrated or freeze-dried fruit

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String cheese

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Yogurt pretzels

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Granola

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Plantain chips

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Shelled pistachios

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Olives or pickles

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Chocolate covered almonds

JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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Easy Sheet Pan Meals

by Ginain Grayes, ig: @cookprayslay

Sheet pan meals have become a staple in our home. They’re perfect to meal-prep ahead of time or for a quick, last minute “dinner in a pinch” solution. Here are two of my family’s favorite sheet pan meals that are always on rotation in our weekly meal plans. Enjoy less time in the kitchen and more fun in the sun. Let your oven do all the work and try some sheet pan recipes. Make sure to check out my blog and social media for more quick and delicious sheet pan ideas this summer!

SHEET PAN SHRIMP FAJITAS Ingredients:

Directions:

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1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined (tail on or off, your preference)

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1 orange bell pepper, sliced thinly

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1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly

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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thinly

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1 lime

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1 red onion, sliced thinly

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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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1/2 teaspoon onion powder

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2 teaspoons chili powder

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1 teaspooon kosher salt

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1/2 teaspoon paprika, smoked

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1/2 teaspoon cumin

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1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

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Cilantro, fresh

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Salt and pepper

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Tortillas, warmed

1.

Preheat oven to 450°F.

2.

In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, onion, peppers, olive oil, spices and salt and pepper.

3.

Toss several times to coat completely.

4.

Spray baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and then spread the shrimp mixture on to the baking sheet.

5.

Cook at 450°F for 8-10 minutes. Then turn shrimp over. Set oven to broil for 1-2 minutes until shrimp is fully cooked and slightly browned on top.

6.

Squeeze fresh lime over mixture, add fresh cilantro and serve with warm tortillas or over lime cilantro rice.

SHEET PAN ROASTED SAUSAGE & VEGGIES Ingredients:

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1 pound potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

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1 pound smoked sausage, sliced

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1 red or green bell pepper, diced or sliced

Directions: 1.

Preheat oven to 425°F.

2.

Chop potatoes and boil for 5 minutes only. (Do not fully cook). Set aside and cool.

3.

Slice and chop sausage and veggies.

4.

Combine potatoes, sausage and veggies into a large bowl and add the dressing.

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1 medium zucchini, slices

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½ red onion, thick slices

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½ cup zesty Italian dressing

5.

Mix well and pour sausage, veggie and potato mixture onto a sheet pan.

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Salt and pepper to taste

6.

Place in the oven for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Broil for 2 minutes or until golden.

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2022

CAMPS S E S S & CL A

Camps and classes for all ages and skill levels

on sale

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813.222.1040 • patelconservatory.org 25 JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

INSPIRE A LOVE OF READING ONE CRUMB AT A TIME

Open June 11 to Sept 11 at GCM

Discover an imaginative world of beloved picture books – some nostalgic, some new favorites – this Summer at GCM’s newest traveling exhibit, Storyland™ A Trip Through Childhood Favorites.

Inspire a love of reading in the exhibit’s immersive environments for children ages birth to eight.

GLAZE R M U SE U M .OR G/STORY LA N D

© 2022 Minnesota Children’s Museum. All rights reserved.

Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites™ was created by Minnesota Children’s Museum. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.

IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE. Text copyright © 2000 by Lauren Numeroff. Illustrations © 2000 by Felicia Bond.

Used by permission of HarperCollins Publishers.

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MADE POSSIBLE BY

LOCALLY SPONSORED BY

Storyland

at Glazer Children’s Museum

Opens June 11

by Kate White, Vice President of Marketing & Creative, photos provided by Glazer Children's Museum

“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” was my favorite book as a young child. I loved the simple and bright illustrations, the rhythm of the story and the chaos caused by the letters all meeting at the top of the coconut tree. But most of all, I loved the silly voices my mother used to read the story and our fits of laughter that followed.

Children’s books can spark a lifelong love of reading and bring families together.

As a parent, I hope to pass down my love of reading to my children. I’m so excited to bring them to play in “Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites” at Glazer Children’s Museum, opening June 11. Storyland brings to life seven beloved and award-winning picture books – “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter; “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats; “Where’s Spot?” by Eric Hill; “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff; “Abuela” by Arthur Dorros; “Tuesday”

by David Wiesner; and my favorite, “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault.

In this exhibit, children explore literacy skills and concepts through imaginative, interactive experiences and dramatic play. Here are some highlights: ●

Families can immerse themselves in the world of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” one of the bestselling children’s books of all time. Children explore Peter Rabbit’s world as they build vocabulary and narrative skills while searching for Peter’s lost belongings, harvesting vegetables and playing in Peter’s burrow.

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“The Snowy Day” welcomes visitors to Peter’s wintry world, where a young boy explores his neighborhood after a fresh snowfall. In addition to dramatic play activities, children have opportunities to build print and sound awareness as they build a snowperson and explore wintry sounds and words.

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Babies and young toddlers can immerse themselves in the "Where's Spot?" exhibit area based on the well-known board book. They can explore sounds and images through the busy wall interactives, highlighting for adults how literacy development begins at birth.

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Children are encouraged to ref lect on their Storyland experience by creating a drawing inspired by the books and writing a caption, title or story. A digital Drawing Cam will capture the paper image, and visitors can add it to an electronic gallery of other postcards for visitors to see and email it home as a souvenir of their experience.

From snowy landscapes to woodland creatures, imaginations will run wild in the worlds created by these beloved stories. I hope to see you playing at Glazer Children’s Museum this summer. I’ll meet you at the bottom of the coconut tree!

JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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Okalani the Octopus

Helps Teach Children Life Lessons in A Colorful Way

by Brie Gorecki, photos provided by Shelly Augsbury

St. Petersburg resident Shelly Augsbury wanted to find a way to make people smile during the pandemic. A former teacher who has spent most of her life in the creative industry, Augsbury used her artistic talents and love of the ocean to create a sea life-themed mural with a giant octopus as the centerpiece along her 80-foot fence. It wasn’t long before neighbors and surrounding residents were flocking to check out the artwork, with local and national news stations also taking interest.

The success of her mural inspired her to want to give back even more. A friend suggested that she should create children’s books, using the octopus from her mural as the main character. Ready for another creative challenge, Augsbury took the idea and ran with it.

“I always did acrylic large-scale paintings; I never did watercolor,” she said. “So I said, ‘let me try watercolors’ and it just came together.” To bring her characters to life, she also used fun embellishments such as googly eyes and seashells.

The star of her series of books is an octopus named Okalani. “Her name is Hawaiian. It means ‘from heaven’ since her parents were so happy that she was born.” Augsbury devotes each book to specific topics such as friendship, family, saving money and responsibility, with a unique sea-life spin on each story. “I thought, it’s not as intimidating because it’s a cutesy creature, and it’s a cute animal, so I think kids may pay a little more attention to that than they would if it was a book about a human.”

Her first book was a counting book. “I started thinking that I could teach kids about other things too because the counting book was very rudimentary.

I thought I could teach them basic skills; you know, social skills and how to be nice people.”

In “Let’s Be Friends with Okalani the Octopus,” she discusses how friends come in all shapes and sizes. “But one thing they share is a warm heart full of love for one another, and sometimes three hearts like Okalani.” In “Okalani the Octopus Gets a Pet,” Okalani learns pet responsibility after she adopts her dogfish, Happy, and must take him to see the nurse shark at the vet.

Augsbury also touches on personal life subjects such as growing families.

“Growing Your Family with Okalani the Octopus” discusses how families can grow in different ways, including adoption.

Protecting Tampa Bay sea life is something that Augsbury is passionate about, and this inspired her book “Help Okalani the Octopus Save the Ocean.” Geared toward kids ages 7-12, it teaches them about Shelly Augsbury shares the ecosystem, ocean acidification and how those who call our Okalani's story with children at Pass-A-Grille Beach. oceans home, such as manatees and lionfish, are affected. “You learn about the turtles, and then you learn about the blacktip sharks that are swimming up north because the water is getting warm in Tampa Bay, so they can’t make families.”

Augsbury does readings at local camps and schools and donates books to local charities. Twice a month, she reads the Okalani books to children at All Children’s Hospital through the Sunshine Program. She began the Okalani Cares program and donates books to places like the Ronald McDonald House and Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay. But what’s most important to Augsbury is that her books make people smile. “That’s why I did it, because I want to help kids and give back.”

To purchase Augsbury’s books, find out how to donate books and learn more about Okalani, visit okalanitheoctopus.com.

Scan the QR code to read more about Augsbury and her books.

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Endless adventures await Become a member and enjoy unlimited admission, exclusive access to event previews, great discounts, and more for 12 full months!

Learn more at ZooTampa.org/Membership JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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SUMMER 2022 6 Weeks of Options June 13 - July 22

Over 100 Full & Half Day Camps PreK3 - 8th Grade Before & After Care

813.961.3087 corbettprep.com Bus Service Available

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JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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STORM SEASON

ABC Action News Meteorologist Denis Phillips Talks Hurricane Season Prep, What to Expect and Rule #7

by Brie Gorecki

Summer is here and school is out, which means it’s time for some fun in the sun.

Though most people are excited about summer vacation, one thing we Floridians don’t look forward to is hurricane season.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, and whether you’ve lived in Florida your whole life or are new to the sunshine state, it can be nerve-wracking. ABC Action News meteorologist Denis Phillips has been forecasting the weather for over 30 years and has been through countless hurricanes and tropical storms. He recently talked to us about what to expect for this year, how you can prepare and ease your kids’ minds, and why his catchphrase, “Rule #7,” has become a household saying.

TBPM: What are the predictions for the 2022 storm season?

DP: The general feeling is that there’s going to be an above average year yet again. Most folks are going between maybe 18 and 23 named storms, in that ballpark. Average is 14 now. It’s interesting because even a few years ago, the average was only 10 or 11, but what happens is when you look at that average, all they do is just take the last 30 years and average those out and determine what a typical year is. So clearly in the last 30 years, we’ve been more active than in previous years. And because of that, the average has gone from 10 to 11 and now it’s up to 14 per year. So, it’s still expected to be above average.

But it’s important to remember that even if a lot of hurricanes develop, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to strike land. They could be out in the middle of the ocean.

TBPM: What would you say to someone who’s new to the area and this is their very first hurricane season?

DP: It’s all about preparation. You don’t want to be the person that, two days out, is heading to Home Depot or Lowe’s and trying to get plywood or supplies.

I think anybody who’s lived here for a long time knows that once we get a couple

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of days out, it’s almost impossible to get supplies. Hurricane season starts in early June, and that’s really when you should start putting together a plan: whether it’s a gallon of water per person, per day, whether it’s LED lights, or whether it’s an extra charger for your phone.

Anybody who went through Irma who tried to get a hotel if they waited two or three days out had to drive to Atlanta because those are some of the closest hotels.

I mean, it’s pretty much impossible if you wait that far out. The kits and the preps should pretty much be done by June 1.

I mean all those things kind of come together, and if you have them in advance, they might come in handy if we lose power during a thunderstorm. But clearly, for a prolonged power outage, you want to have the supplies in advance, because again, trying to get it done last minute, it’s almost impossible around here.

TBPM: What do you personally do to prepare your family for hurricane season?

I get it—lot of folks procrastinate and a lot of folks are going to wait, but again, it’s just one less thing on your mind, because when you see a storm coming in, the panic factor increases by tenfold and you’re trying to keep your head on straight. Knowing what you’ll need and what you won’t­—it’s just a lot easier to have it done in advance. There’s plenty of hurricane kit checklists and whatnot out there so you can pretty much have a good idea of what you need for your family.

TBPM: Is there anything we should wait on doing until we know for sure a storm is heading our way?

DP: Honestly, the only thing that you might want to wait on is obviously trying to get hotel reservations prior to when a storm makes landfall.

DP: We have a kit in advance. We also have a generator. I know some folks can afford generators, some can’t. The most important thing to remember EVER if you’re going to have a generator is: After a storm, if you’re out of power, you never ever want to use that generator in your garage or anywhere in your house. It’s got to be outside because unfortunately, every single time there’s a hurricane, we hear about people who lose their lives from carbon monoxide poisoning. It just happens, and it’s tragic. It doesn’t have to happen.

For my family personally, we get everything done in advance. We have our LED lights; we have our first aid kits; we have our water. We pretty much have it all ready because once there’s a storm coming near us, I certainly will be the person who will be at work for days on end and I won’t be able to be with my family. So, if they’re not evacuating, if they’re just staying put because the situation warrants, I want to make sure that they’re safe as well.

TBPM: What advice do you have for people who want to evacuate?

DP: It really varies on the storm. It depends on if it’s coming in from the west or if it’s coming in from the east. Each one of them are very different and there’s not even a ballpark idea because it all depends on the intensity, the track and what the expectations are in terms of damage, power outages and whatnot.

The old adage is that you hide from the wind, and you run from the water. So, living where traffic is really challenging to get around on any given day, throw in the fact that everybody is evacuating and trying to get out of this area, there will be gas stations that’ll be closed, there will be breakdowns, and there will be accidents. It’s borderline impossible sometimes to evacuate if you’re waiting any less than 36 hours.

A lot of times, emergency operation folks are saying, ‘You know what? We’d rather you stay put in your house then be stuck out on the road.’ If you can hunker down and manage the winds because they’re not going to be at such a level that they’re expecting structural damage to your home, then you probably want to stay put. But if you’re in a f lood zone or you’re in an area where surge is going to be an issue, that’s by far the biggest concern.

TBPM: LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR FAMOUS CATCHPHRASE, ‘RULE #7.’

DP: It started back in 2012 when the RNC, the Republican National Convention, was in Tampa, and we had a hurricane coming this way—Isaac. I was confident that that storm was going to be a near miss, that we would have some strong winds and some minor issues, but it wasn’t going to be a huge deal.

Everybody was freaking out for obvious reasons. We had a ton of people coming into the area, and they didn’t know what to do. I just jotted down these rules, like ‘Know the margin of error,’ ‘A hurricane can be well over 300 miles off track so don’t center your attention on the middle,’ and several other things. The last one was ‘Just don’t freak out unless I’m freaking out. We’re fine.’ I was talking about that one particular storm and somehow it just kind of became a thing, and now I tell people when the storm is coming, it’s ‘rule #7.’

I also think it’s important to remember, because even if we are in the track of a storm—even a significant storm—the rules are still the same. Don’t freak out. Because there’s no way in the world you’re going to be able to make the kind of decisions you need to make for your family if you’re freaking out.

JUST DON’T FREAK OUT UNLESS I’M FREAKING OUT. WE’RE FINE.

I mean, you can’t get away from water. You can hide from the wind, but you cannot hide from the water. It’s important that every single person out there knows their f lood zone. It’s just one of those things that you’ve got to know, and those f lood zones are changing. It’s important to remember that maybe somebody looked at a map 10 years ago and they’re like, ‘OK, we’re not in a f lood zone,’ and then they look now, and they might be. It’s important that every year you look and see, not just for insurance reasons, but for your personal safety if you’re in an area that is prone to f looding and there’s a sizable hurricane coming in.

I think a lot of folks dismiss tropical storms or even minimal hurricanes because they don’t think they’re going to do a lot of damage. Usually, they don’t. But if you remember Eta a couple years ago, it was a tropical storm late in the year and there were people who had water in their houses that had never had water in their house before. So, it’s just one of those things that you must decide for each individual storm, what the best course of action is for you, and most of that depends on just how strong that storm really is.

TBPM: What would be your best advice for parents on how to talk to their kids about storms?

DP: The thing that I always tell people with kids is look, hurricanes are scary, but to me, tornadoes are even more scary. Because with tornadoes, you don’t have a lot of time to see them coming. We don’t get those kinds of tornadoes here in Florida.

When you’re talking about a hurricane, you see it coming days in advance. There’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s all about having that plan, and I always tell kids, ‘Look, if your parents are told to evacuate, they’re going to evacuate. They’re going to go to a place of safety and then after the storm hits, they come back. And if there’s anything that needs to be done to clean up, they’ll do it.’ But at the end of the day, everybody’s safe and there’s no excuse for anybody to get hurt when a hurricane’s coming, and I tell the kids ‘Trust your parents. Trust them that they’re going to do the right things. They’re going to leave if they’re told to, and everybody is going to be fine.’

So that’s why we always say it’s always best to have your plan well beforehand, because when you do that, it isn’t a matter of thinking, ‘Do I need this? Do I need that?’ It’s a matter of going through the checklist and saying ‘I’ve got this’ and then making the best decision for your family.

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve watched national media sources and I hear the loud bump music and the ‘boom, boom, boom’ sounds and I’m having heart concerns after 15 seconds watching it because I get freaked out. I think I’ve learned that people don’t want to be scared. They don’t want to be given hype and fear. Because in my mind, how do you build trust when you’re trying to scare people?

So, my goal is to try to reassure people. I mean, you got to be a straight shooter. If something is coming this way, and it’s a real threat, you’ve got to let them know. But at the same time, I think you do need to remind people that it isn’t always the worst-case scenario that happens, and it seems like a lot of the national sources always focus on the worst case when most of the time, that’s not what happens.

It’s something in between.

Honestly, I don’t think there’s anyone that knows a local region better than the local meteorologists. We might know the little subtleties in the area, like certain areas may f lood more than someplace else, whereas the Hurricane Center, it’s their job to give more of a broad-brush, larger scale forecast. I think the local meteorologists are really the ones who break it down to the neighborhood.

So, give them some hope, hold their hand, get them through the storm and I think you develop more of a long-term viewership that way as opposed to just selling fear.

Scan the QR code for more information and an extended version of our conversation with Phillips.

JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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Moms to Know Charlotte Kay Yepsen | Back Off Bands

TBPM: What is your story and how does Back Off Bands represent you as a woman and mother?

CKY: As a woman and mother, my two daughters are most precious to me. I created Back Off Bands so children and women everywhere can be protected from an attack or abduction. I developed the idea 14 years ago as I was watching the news to find 12-year-old Carlie Brucia, from Sarasota, be led away by a man twice her size (who would later rape and murder her). Everything was caught on video behind a carwash as Carlie was cutting through the area to get to her neighborhood. As a mother of two young daughters, I was horrified watching the “actual abduction” on the news every night until he was arrested. As a mother, I thought, what could Carlie have done to save her life? Then it dawned on me. If Carlie was wearing a super loud alarm, 120 decibels, she could have activated it and it would have “shocked” the attacker enough that it could have changed the dynamic of the situation. There’s a good chance she would have been able to run away, and the attacker would not follow and chase an alarm.

TBPM: The story that inspired the creation of Back Off Bands is every parent’s nightmare, but these summer months offer the opportunity to have the tough conversations with our children and come up with a prevention plan as predators know our kids are not safely tucked away at school. Can you share some talking points to help our kids understand the possible threats around us, and how Back Off Bands offers a solution?

CKY: What’s most important is Back Off Bands don’t hurt anyone. This safety device cannot be used against our kids. Children feel powerful and special wearing a Back Off Band knowing they can activate it easily to warn others nearby when they feel threatened or scared. It is my plan to have kids on the backoffbands.com website, teaching other kids when to activate the alarm and not to be too scared to do so.

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TBPM: As you begin this new business, it’s important to note that you also have another business that serves other vulnerable members in a family through Long Term Care Solutions, LLC. What initially inspired you to pursue life as an entrepreneur with a family care focus?

CKY: I have always been self-employed. I guess it’s how I’m wired. My business of 25 years is Long Term Care Solutions, LLC. It is a nursing home Medicaid filing company. I consult with several families daily on how to protect assets when they have a loved one residing in an expensive nursing home.

I love helping families avoid losing life savings to a nursing facility. www.longtermcaresolutionsllc.com.

TBPM: What is your big dream for Back Off Bands? Where would you like to see the bands placed?

Are you in discussions with any schools, city officials or nonprofit groups to offer this to Tampa Bay’s most at-risk children?

CKY: I would like to see every child 6 years old and up protected with a Back Off Band. I’m also starting a nonprofit organization called Back Off Charities to provide a free Back Off Band to children living in high crime areas.

The charity will start reaching out to corporations and individuals this month to invite them to donate and participate in protecting children in the Tampa Bay area. I plan to have sponsors and large Back Off Bands giveaways all over the state of Florida, then expand all over the United States. I very much want to align with the Sheriff’s Department and sex trafficking organizations everywhere to educate and make this product available to protect our kids.

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by Julie Tingley, @weemacree

During summer break, children enjoy a less structured schedule that allows for greater time outdoors and in other unsecured places. More freedom, more independence and reduced supervision can create the break a kid needs from a demanding school year, but it can also be the recipe for heightened risk. The National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway and Thrown Away Children (NISMART) has found that 41% of abductions occur during the summer months of June, July and August. According to Child Find of America, 2,300 children are reported missing daily in the United States. With other data surrounding our children’s safety among crowds, in the water or on the road, the best thing we can do as parents is to be proactive no matter the season. This is precisely why this Tampa Bay Mom came up with a solution we should know about. Meet my friend Charlotte Kay Yepsen.

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TBPM: Talk to us about product development. What is the process of bringing a product-based idea to market? What advice do you have for other moms that are sitting on ideas that the world needs now?

CKY: It has taken me six years to develop Back Off Bands. I have been to China and hired two companies to develop this product, but they failed. Of course, I was out the money after I paid them. I hired two Tampa Bay “China brokers,” local manufacturing companies with connections overseas, and that was a disaster as well. They promised the world but also failed, costing me time and money once again. Finally, I hired a manufacturing company in Fort Lauderdale, Nikao. I was able to sit down with the engineers to design and develop this very small loud alarm.

Back Off Bands are made in the United States with the highest quality features to make sure they work well when needed. Back Off Bands come in five colors and styles: black, white, pink, purple and camo. There are 20 different and fun faceplates kids can choose from making them very customizable, but most importantly, offering our kids the self-confidence they need and deserve.

TBPM: How can moms learn more about Back Off Bands and support the brand?

CKY: Please visit my website at www. backoffbands.com or call me at 727371-0350. Also, if you or someone you know would like to participate with or donate to Back Off Charities, please contact me. I’d love to hear from you! I’m so excited about Back Off Bands and providing them for free to help our “at risk” youth. Feel free to reach out with any thoughts or suggestions you may have.

JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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Kids to Know TAYLOR KOULOURIS

(February 4, 2006 - December 13, 2021)

by Julie Tingley, @weemacree

TBPM: She is sunshine, sunflowers, Starbucks coffee lover, sister-snuggler, softball slugger and scholarly student to the community of friends that still celebrate her bright light six months later. Tell us more about Taylor.

AP: It's hard to put into words the type of person Taylor was. She could light up a room with her smile or her amazing laugh, or silence a group of toddlers with her whispers, fun games and stories she’d tell.

The passion and drive for softball started in first grade. Although she has somewhat of a competitive side, for Taylor, softball was more about feeling a part of a team and contributing to that team. From Little League to travel ball, it was a huge part of all our lives for many years.

There was also a quiet introverted side to Taylor that most people didn’t know or see. She loved to read, write, color and make bracelets. There was a point in time when not even the library could keep up with her reading list, and Amazon wasn’t delivering new novels fast enough. I remember her bringing her laptop to me a few years ago and showing me these very expensive colored pencils and markers. I didn’t understand why the Crayola colored pencils weren’t good enough, but reluctantly ordered them anyways. She would spend hours coloring in her tangling books, and the end results were just so beautiful. Today, we sometimes find her younger brother in her room coloring at her desk, and I’m grateful she passed this passion to him. As recently as last summer, she and her girlfriends would sit for hours making beaded bracelets. Gone were the days of the inexpensive rainbow loom bracelets; we now needed professional wire and letter beads. I’m grateful for all these bracelets now because I will run into her friends that are still wearing them, and it makes me think of her and smile.

Every child is truly a ‘once in a lifetime’ child. They have everything they need inside them to be great from the moment they open their eyes. And, as the years pass and they grow, they dream of and plan for the many ways they will impact and change the world with this greatness—all in due time. But every once in a while, there is a child that is called to share their gifts very early on. They are meant to make a big difference in a very short time, because that is all they are given. And so they do, and it is beyond what most others can and will accomplish with decades of preparedness and opportunities. One of those children is Taylor Koulouris. We remember Taylor for how she lived and learn more about her through her mother, Alexa Parker.

TBPM: While other teenagers prefer spending time with their peers, Taylor devoted a lot of her time to serving children at church and volunteering at Tampa Kids Therapy. Can you expand on her interests in guiding youth in the community?

AP: From the time she was born, I would say she was an old soul. Giving to others was something she was born to do, as it just seemed natural and made her happy. One summer she volunteered her time in the gymnasium at church during Vacation Bible School. The younger kids would rotate through, and she would orchestrate games for them to play during recreation time. I remember on the first day, I was teaching in my classroom when all of sudden I heard her voice … they had given her a microphone. Of course they had given her a microphone! She owned that gym summer after summer, playing ‘Floor Is Lava’ and coaching Gaga Ball all while speaking very loudly into her microphone! This last Christmas right before she passed away, she volunteered at church for the Living Nativity, and they once again gave her a microphone. She was given the role of lead angel. I can close my eyes and still hear her voice, “Glory to God in the highest, Glory to God in the highest.”

This other side of Taylor played a part in her academics also. On the outside, she would complain to her friends about not liking school or how annoying a teacher was, but on the inside (to us), she was very passionate.

She LOVED taking AP Art History, and she would spend hours wanting her flash cards to be perfect. She even came to us with her request of going to Italy this coming summer. She prepared an entire speech (which was very convincing) and talked us into saying ‘yes.’ She would have been going this summer. Her grades and hard work paid off even after her accident as she was just honorarily inducted into the BETA National Honor Society and National Honor Society—both of which require a high GPA and service hours.

How nurturing she was to little children and how comfortable she made them was nothing short of remarkable.

During church services she would dedicate her time to the Pray-ground, a place during the worship service where children can come to color, hear the message, and—to some degree—give their parents a tiny break.

Being a big sister was Taylor’s greatest accomplishment in life. She loved Ty and Taytum with every ounce of her soul. When we told her she was going to be a big sister for the first time, she cried, and from the moment Ty was born, she was right by my side. We would jokingly call her ‘second mother.’ At the beginning of each school year, we designate new chores, and one year Taylor asked if she could instead spend more time doing crafts with her brother or making sure Taytum (a very tiny toddler at the time) didn’t toddle into the road or get hurt. Looking back, I don’t think I realized how much love and nurturing can come from an older sibling. She taught them things that I don’t think they would have otherwise learned until years later in kindergarten or beyond. Taytum misses her sissy that was teaching her how to paint nails and dress her baby doll, and Ty misses the dance parties and learning to longboard. There is not a day that goes by that she isn’t remembered, cried for or missed.

The summer after eighth grade, Taylor wanted to hit the ground running earning service hours that she was going to need for high school and Bright Futures. I suggested she help at Tampa Kids Therapy during their summer enrichments. The idea intrigued her, and once she spent her first day at the sensory gym there was no stopping her. She spent every week of her summer there working with children from all developmental ages and stages.

She connected with children of varying developmental needs, and—to be honest—touched some children’s lives [in ways] that changed them forever. Tampa Kids Therapy has created a beautiful sensory garden in Taylor’s memory that allows the children to feel close to her and remember her when they are there for therapy.

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TBPM: Taylor was also passionate about nonprofit work with local organizations. Where did this action-oriented motivation come from?

AP: Her willingness to give back started very young when we lived in North Carolina. We lived in a small rural area and there was not much to do. During our first winter there, she quickly realized how stray animals suffer during this time and asked if there was anything we could do to help. We would take bike rides and ask for old blanket and towel donations to deliver to the animal shelters. That continued winter after winter even when we moved back to Florida. Critter Camp at the Humane Society opened even more opportunities for her to discover ways to help, and we would frequently buy on-sale dog food or cat food to donate. Through her younger years, lemonade stands and bake sales would fund her animal donation collection. Her passion for animals probably came from me. She and I would always joke around that if there was ever an animal in distress, it somehow found its way to her or I. She is probably rolling her eyes at me right now because I followed through on getting baby chicks, and I know if she were here, she would be sitting on the ground singing to them and making sure they followed the sound of her voice.

I also want to acknowledge her love and passion for Best Buddies. Since the seventh grade, she has joined each year and formed a close bond with the same buddy since. Planning her buddy’s Christmas gifts and attending Halloween parties with her was something Taylor truly enjoyed. She was also known for organizing groups of friends to pack food with Rise Against Hunger. She would simply say “Hey, this is what I’m doing today; want to join?”

TBPM: As the age difference between Taylor and her younger brother Ty is seven years, you had her as an only child for a very special window of time. How did that one-on-one togetherness mold you both?

AP: Having Taylor as an only child for so long is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. She not only molded me into the mother I am today, but she taught me how to view this world we live in through her eyes. She always saw the good in people, she would find something positive in the darkest of times and it would force me to push through, not only for her but also for myself. When Ryan became her dad when she was 2.5 years old, he learned early on that there was no limit to the amount of love she gave.

The morning before she died, she grabbed my arm on the way down the stairs and said, “I just want you to know you’re the best mommy.” At the time, I was a little caught off-guard as most teenage girl moms are when their daughters express things like this. Why was she being so nice and so loving?

What did she need or want? I hugged her and told her “Thank you, Tay, I love you too.” Looking back, it is probably the most defining moment of being her mommy.

TBPM: Though Taylor lived a life of beauty and big dreams, what else did she want to do? What are your plans to honor her now and in the future?

AP: In the fourth grade, Taylor declared she was going to be a lawyer. She never wavered from that. Taking law studies as a freshman, buying court magazines and dual enrolling to take psychology just enhanced this dream.

She was planning on shadowing a close family friend at his trial this spring and was already looking at which colleges offered pre-law majors. She was enthralled with becoming a Delta Gamma like all the legacies in our family, and ideally finding time in college to help coach little girls’ softball. She often talked to me about getting married, becoming a mommy one day, and how she was fearful of not being good at having a law career and being able to be a mom like she wanted to be.

Taylor would want us to do good in her name. Throughout all of this, it has made our family realize the enormous impact she had and still has on this community. During this past December some of her dear friends organized a memorial for her at the Davis Islands Beach. High schoolers gathered in complete silence and approached the water to lay sunflowers to float in her honor.

From the time she was little they were always her favorite flower. It was a beautiful tribute, and one we hope to continue for years to come. We hope to find an organization we can also collect for in her name as we remember her each December. In the future, we hope to start a foundation in her memory.

TBPM: WHAT IS SOMETHING TAYLOR WOULD WANT US TO KNOW? WORDS OF WISDOM, INSPIRATION, ADVICE?

AP: Taken directly from her journals:

“To bless someone is to wish peace and happiness upon them instead of wishing evil or bad things. To care for all people means you are doing the work of God. I want to strive to do more good every day that I can.”

- Taylor 1) Dreams start small just like the sunflower.

2) Always face the sun. The best way to grow is with light and love.

3) Grow big and stand tall.

4) Let myself be beautiful.

5) Center myself with God everyday like the sunflower does to the sun.

Always look at the brighter side of life, just like the sunflower looks upon the sun and not the dark clouds.

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It’s what sunflowers do.” - Helen Keller

Scan the QR code to read the full interview: JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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HCPS Strong Schools – Stronger Hillsborough Like most school districts across the nation, Hillsborough County Public Schools is experiencing critical staff shortages including teachers, bus drivers, and support staff. Just this year, we have had a 240% increase in teacher vacancies. This has resulted in approximately 650 classroom vacancies leaving students with instability in our schools. Additionally, experienced teachers in our district earn salaries only slightly higher than early career teachers prompting many of them to seek new careers.

On August 23rd, Hillsborough County voters will have the opportunity to strengthen our schools and community by deciding on increasing the ad valorem tax by one mil for a period of four years. This would provide the school district with about $146 million annually to be used specifically for: • Recruiting and retaining the best teachers in the region by increasing compensation for our highly qualified teachers and staff.

• Protecting art, music, and physical education by adding teachers to our elementary schools and upgrading obsolete instruments, equipment, and supplies.

• Providing kindergarten with full-time elementary art, music, and physical education programs that currently do not exist.

• Expanding workforce development programs that align with the current and future demands of the Tampa Bay region resulting in local positive economic impact.

• Providing charter schools a proportionate share of funds based on student enrollment.

Teachers Art Music PE Workforce Education

The school district cannot afford to lose exceptional talent or the opportunity to engage students in well-rounded educational experiences as we strive to achieve our mission of “Preparing Students for Life.”

Strong Schools are the foundation for a Stronger Hillsborough.

Visit www.HillsboroughSchools.org/StrongSchools

Hillsborough CountyJUNE Public Schools: The Future Begins Here!

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HillsboroughSchools.org

A millage referendum due for the Aug. 23 ballot would, in part, expand art, music and physical education, as well as increase teacher salaries.

Strong Schools. Stronger Hillsborough.

by Laura Cross, photos provided by Hillsborough County Public Schools

My daughter is 10 years old and is a fourth-grade student in Hillsborough County Public Schools. She likes school, but her real passion is art. She has art every Tuesday morning, and on that day, her entire demeanor changes. She is ready for school early, bright-eyed and excited for the day ahead!

This is probably the case for a lot of kiddos. Art, music, physical education and, as they get older, the unique Workforce Development classes they take are what they look forward to most at school.

Wouldn’t it be nice to expand these classes and create new programs and opportunities in these fields?

That is one reason Superintendent Addison Davis recommended to the School Board that a millage referendum be placed on the Aug. 23 ballot. This one mill ad valorem tax will be on the primary election ballot to: ●

Expand art, music and physical education

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Expand workforce development education programs

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Increase salaries to recruit and retain teachers and staff.

State education funding has not kept up with inf lation, so these additional dollars are necessary to support our students and staff. Hillsborough County ranks 45th among 67 Florida districts in state and local per-pupil funding and last among Florida’s large school districts.

Eighty percent of the money from the millage would go directly to increase teachers and support staff salaries. This is important for a couple of reasons. There is a teacher and support

staff shortage here locally and across the country. This trend is alarming as our district continues to see an increase in resignations and retirements, creating vacancies at every level in our schools.

In addition, our teachers and school support staff very simply deserve to make more money. They are on the front lines of education, and they pour their heart and soul into teaching and supporting our children and youth. It takes a special person to work in a school. Most of us couldn’t do it—just think back to those months of eLearning!

Finally, we must be able to retain and recruit the very best teaching talent in our state. Right now, every surrounding school district has either already secured additional revenue sources through locally passed referendums or will be going out for a referendum in the next year. Those school districts will all have a competitive advantage over Hillsborough County. We are losing teachers and school personnel to these counties because they can pay more. In order for our schools and our students to remain competitive and receive a world-class education, we must ensure these valuable teachers stay in Hillsborough County.

We encourage you to learn more about the millage that will be on the Aug. 23 ballot that every registered voter can vote on. We have created a webpage, www.hillsboroughschools. org/strongschools, so you can educate yourself about how the millage would help our schools and what it would mean for our teachers and staff.

Investing in quality schools improves academic outcomes for our children and builds the local economy by creating a vibrant community that is more attractive to existing and new businesses. This millage is our way of evening the playing field to build Strong Schools and a Stronger Hillsborough.

JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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SHORECREST

CONGRATULATIONS to our CLASS of 2022!

Serving a diverse community of students from 3 years old through 12th grade

5101 1st St. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33703 I 727-522-2111 I shorecrest.org 42 TampaBayParenting.com JUNE 2022

Scan here to meet the Shorecrest Class of 2022

Enroll Now!

Please contact the Coalition for assistance with locating a VPK program for your Summer child.

VPK is FREE for ALL Florida 4-year olds. Your child must turn 4 by September 1st to be eligible.

Available Visit our website at www.phelc.org or call us toll free at (866) 797-9444 for more information to register.

ST. PETER CLAVER

CATHOLIC SCHOOL

S T. PE T ER C L AV ER CATHOLIC SCHOOL P R E S E R V I N G T H E L E G A C Y, S P I R I T, M I N D & B O D Y F O U N D E D I N 18 9 4

E N ROL L NOW FOR T HE 202 2-2023 SCHOOL Y E A R WE OFFER: ■ ■ ■ ■

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SCHEDULE A SCHOOL TOUR: 813.224.0865 A P P LY O N L I N E : W W W. S T P E T E R C L A V E R C A T H O L I C S C H O O L . O R G JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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Summer is a Time for Reading and Possibilities

by Chris Sturgeon, photos provided by Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

No summer would be complete without reading. This year, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library will offer summer reading from June 1 – July 31 in the theme of Oceans of Possibilities.

OCEAN-THEMED BOOK LISTS FOR ALL AGES

Perfect for admirers of the ocean and its diverse array of plants and animals, the library’s all-ages summer reading program includes reading challenges, live events and ocean-themed booklists.

Here are a few recommended ocean-themed reads to borrow and enjoy this summer:

Read books to win prizes in this year’s reading challenge. The library will offer dedicated challenges for kids, tweens, teens and adults. Sign up at HCPLC.org/Summer and track your reading progress through the library’s digital platform, Beanstack, or on the Beanstack app. Earn digital badges for reading and for participating in fun summer activities. Participants of all ages will be eligible to win prizes including books and tech-related items.

For Preschoolers:

“Field Trip to the Ocean Deep”

by John Hare

SUMMER AUTHOR SERIES Celebrate reading with virtual visits from three notable authors: Kate DiCamillo (June 3), Kate Messner (June 16) and Greg Neri (June 29). Register and attend for a chance to win a free book.

This program is presented in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools as part of an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA), made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

You and your family can attend a variety of such live virtual and in-person programs. Featured all-ages events, including animal encounters, marine life education, magic and comedy shows, science programs, history classes and storytellers will both educate and entertain. Featured summer events will be scheduled Tuesdays through Thursdays.

In addition to enjoying stories, the Library’s summer reading program aims to curb the “summer slide.” Research shows that reading 20 minutes a day throughout the summer can prevent students from losing progress made in the previous school year.

Reading over the summer supports children’s educational gains.

For Kids:

“Looking Into the Ocean”

by Martha London

For Niños en Espanol:

“Parche, la gata pirata y la gran carrera pirate” by Sue Mongredien

For Teens:

“Along the Saltwise Sea”

by A. Deborah Baker

For Adults:

“Fathoms, The World in the Whale”

by Rebecca Giggs

Find more ocean-themed reads with these book lists by age: ●

Preschool: bit.ly/OceansPreschool

●

Kids: bit.ly/OceansKids

●

Niños en Español: bit.ly/OceansNinos

●

Teens: bit.ly/OceansTeens

●

Adults: bit.ly/OceansAdults

How It Works ●

Visit HCPLC.org/Summer.

●

Register early and track your reading starting June 1.

●

Attend in-person and online events.

●

Spread the word—summer reading is for all ages!

Summer also is the perfect time to get a public library card for yourself or a family member. It is easy to start the process with the library’s online registration form at HCPLC.org/GetACard.

Hillsborough County Public School students can use the student ID number as a public library card for instant access to public library books and resources. Learn more at HCPLC.org/ HAALPass.

Summer reading is presented in partnership with ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Tampa-Hillsborough County Children’s Library Foundation, Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc., Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation, Hillsborough County Public Schools and Tampa Bay History Center.

Share your summer reading adventures with us.

Tag us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @TampaHillsLib #813Reads #HCPLC22Summer.

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TampaBayParenting.com JUNE 2022

STREAMING FREE

THIS SUMMER

New adventures with your favorite PBS KIDS friends PBS PARENTS: SUMMER OF POSSIBILITIES - PLAY YOUR WAY Summer fun for the whole family! Visit pbs.org/parents/summer JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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You’re a good parent, who wants the best for your child.

Choose the best for your child. Choose early learning.

Florida’s FREE Voluntary Prekindergarten program helps children learn, explore and discover... through play!

VPK is FREE for all children who are 4 years old on or before September 1st and live in Florida.

You choose where your child learns.

VPK is offered at private preschools, public schools, and faith-based centers.

The Early Learning Coalition can help you find the right program for your family.

School year and summer programs available.

Typical programs are 3 hours per day.

Children who participate in Voluntary Prekindergarten are better prepared for kindergarten SOCIAL SKILLS

EARLY LITERACY & MATH

CONFIDENCE IN LEARNING

Financial assistance is available to qualifying families in need of full-day programs.

Sign-up for VPK today at ELCPinellas.net

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TampaBayParenting.com 2022 Sponsorship of JUNE VPK by the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County, Inc. and Florida’s Division of Early Learning.

PRESENTED BY THE EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF PINELLAS COUNTY

Becoming a Hero for Children: 3 Qualities Early Childhood Educators Must Have

by Lindsay Carson, CEO of Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County, photo provided by ELC of Pinellas County

When our children succeed, our whole community benefits!

Because 90% of brain development occurs before a child starts kindergarten, these early years are critical. The foundation built during the first five years of a child’s life can put them on a path to success. Childhood heroes, or, as many call them, early childhood educators, can make the difference. Smiles, hugs and adoration from little fans are just some of the perks of becoming an early childhood educator.

Early educators might be the first adult outside of their family with whom little ones interact, and that’s a BIG responsibility! It’s not always easy, but the rewards are pretty awesome. A successful career in early learning might start with a love for children, but these professionals offer so much more.

As an early childhood educator, you will get a front-row seat to children’s success. It is a rewarding experience to watch babies begin to crawl or toddlers build a block tower. You’ll see preschoolers start to identify the letters of their names. You’ll help children understand their emotions and how to get along with others. Also, you’ll experience their happiness seeing you every morning because they connect with you. Nothing beats knowing you have changed a tiny human’s life for the good!

ELC Pinellas provides programs to enhance early childhood professionals’ knowledge, skills and professional advancement through various training courses, conferences and college scholarships. If you are thinking of pursuing a career as an early childhood educator or establishing a licensed family child care home, ELC can provide the training, coaching and curriculum support you need. If you have questions, please call ELC’s Quality Specialist Coach Brandi Crosby at (727) 914-3720 or chat with a representative online at ELCPinellas.org.

DO YOU HAVE THE QUALITIES OF AN EARLY EDUCATOR? You are Dedicated, Responsible and Passionate Early education is more than a job; it is a passion.

Your dedication to serve will help children get ready for success in school and life. Your career will come with a lot of responsibility to nurture, teach and protect children. This commitment doesn’t stop with the children. You will attend continuous training and possibly free college courses to help advance your skills and career.

You Engage, Inspire and Elevate Enthusiasm and motivation go hand in hand and are essential qualities of an educator. Engaging children in lessons that will develop their cognitive and social-emotional skills requires patience, creativity and energy. It’s almost an art form to think quickly, keep the focus on the lesson and remain calm in every situation. Creating a positive and nurturing environment builds self-esteem and elevates a child’s confidence. Ultimately, you’ll inspire a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

You Understand Each Child’s Unique Needs Every child is different. Their learning style, life experiences and interests all vary considerably.

It’s fundamental for an early childhood educator to understand and embrace these differences.

This understanding environment celebrates differences to give every child an opportunity to thrive.

JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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PRESENTED BY PROBIORA HEALTH

Improving Kids' Oral Hygiene for a Healthy Mouth and Life

by Chris Koski, CEO for ProBiora Health, photos provided by ProBiora Health

Our kids’ smiles mean the world to us. And one of the most important ways we can keep our kids smiling is by prioritizing their oral health from a young age.

Caries, more commonly known as cavities or tooth decay, is one of the most common—yet preventable—childhood diseases. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 20% of kids between ages 2 and 5 have one or more cavities. By age 8 that number grows to more than 52%.

“The rampant prevalence of cavities in early childhood, along with the development of periodontal disease (gum disease) in the majority of kids by age 17, is a serious public health concern,” says Dr. Mark L. Cannon, D.D.S., Master of Science and Professor at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University.

It’s a battle of bacteria There are more than 700 bacterial species in our mouth. Some are beneficial, but others are pathogenic, leading to oral-health issues like bad breath, discolored teeth, cavities and gum disease.

Brushing and f lossing daily are important tools to help parents and kids fight bad bacteria. But most young children are not adept at brushing properly, and some resist brushing their teeth altogether.

We know it can feel like pulling teeth to get your child to brush. And while many kids struggle to keep up their oral hygiene, they jump at any opportunity to indulge in things that taste good.

What if there was a delicious way to get your children excited about maintaining good oral health? The good news: There is. I recommend using ProBioraKids®: a kid-approved, orange creamsicle-f lavored, oral-care probiotic. It’s easy to use, gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly, with absolutely no artificial f lavors, sweeteners or colors. Kids can simply dissolve or chew one ProBioraKids at night after brushing and f lossing (it’s that easy). Plus: It’s even safe to use with orthodontic appliances, which are playgrounds for bad bacteria.

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TampaBayParenting.com JUNE 2022

Bad mouth bacteria, which causes oral health issues, can spread to other areas of the body and cause health problems.

BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

HALITOSIS (BAD BREATH)

HEART DISEASE

LUNG INFLAMMATION

KIDNEY PROBLEMS

NARROW BLOOD VESSELS

Easy Addition to Improve Your Child’s Daily Oral-Care Routine “Adding an oral-care probiotic into your child’s daily oral-care routine is one of the most effective, preventative measures parents can take to help support their kids’ oral health, helping to crowd out the harmful bacteria that cause bad breath, cavities and more,” says Dr. Cannon.

ProBioraKids works by adding back in a proprietary blend of the good bacteria naturally found in the mouth. This helps to crowd out the bad bacteria that prey on our mouths, including where brushing and f lossing can’t reach. It also restores the mouth’s natural balance, as beneficial bacteria are essential to support strong tooth and gum health.

With one easy step, parents can improve and optimize their kids’ oral-care routine. Brush. Floss.

ProBioraKids. More information can be found at www.probiorahealth.com/kids. ProBiora Health’s full line of oral-care probiotics can be purchased at www.probiorahealth.com or Amazon.

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McilwainDentistry.com JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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Drowning and Infant Unsafe Sleep are leading causes of the deaths for children birth to six years old.

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO KEEP CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SAFE! WATER SAFETY TIPS

SAFE INFANT SLEEP TIPS

HERE ARE ADDITIONAL TIPS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE: Be vigilant when your children are around water.

Drowning can occur in unlikely places. Be aware of ponds, lakes, pet water bowls, bathtubs and toilets.

Children up to six months old can drown in as little as one inch of water.

Keep your baby’s face uncovered for easy breathing.

Use a one-piece sleeper instead of a blanket.

No pillows, blankets, stuffed animals or bumpers should be in your baby’s crib or bassinet.

For more information please visit PreventNeedlessDeaths.com 50

TampaBayParenting.com JUNE 2022

Taming Tumors at St. Joseph’s

by Anu Varma Panchal

Maria Fuentes was frustrated.

The family had just moved to Florida from New York, and, after a year of online classes, her three daughters, Emely (15), Kristyne (13) and Sophia (9) Carrasco-Fuentes were finally and happily back in person in their respective schools.

But less than four hours into the day, here was a phone call from the school nurse saying that Sophia had been struck in the head by a rock thrown accidentally by another child.

A frustrated Maria took Sophia to the nearby St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital to make sure she wouldn’t need stitches. The doctor felt that Sophia was fine but told her he’d like to do a CAT scan, just in case there was a hairline fracture.

No one could have anticipated what those scans showed: a tumor in Sophia’s brain, so large that it filled a quarter of her entire head.

“I was completely panicked,” Maria recalls.

It’s a nightmare scenario for any parent, but luckily for the Fuentes family, they had stumbled across the exact health care facility equipped to handle such a crisis. Just months prior to Sophia’s diagnosis, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital had hired Dr. Trisha Larkin—the only fellowship-trained pediatric neurooncologist in Hillsborough County—to set up a pediatric neuro oncology program here.

“Parents never know when they’ll need our service,” says Dr. Larkin.

Brain cancer is the most common cause of solid cancer in children ages 0-14. There are hundreds of different types of brain cancers that can occur in children but because it is rare, most are not diagnosed until they’ve been showing symptoms such as headaches, seizures and vomiting for several months.

So ph ia an d Dr. La rki n

“Most families have never had to think about it,” Dr. Larkin says.

“So when we do find a brain tumor, we move fast and deliberately.

Our pediatricians, pediatric neurosurgeons, intensive care physicians and I come together as a team. We’re all here for the child.”

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital’s pediatric neurosurgeons removed most of Sophia’s tumor, but a section that remained sat too close to the optic nerve for the doctors’ comfort. Enter Dr. Larkin with her arsenal of cutting-edge treatment. She explained that radiation could pose more risks than benefits to a young girl and proposed a chemotherapy infusion regimen instead. The chemo infusions worked on part of the tumor, but not all, so Dr. Larkin added a second chemo pill. Together, the treatments appear to be working—the tumors are shrinking.

“I really appreciate how Dr. Larkin was clear and straightforward,” Maria says. “She was so honest about the plan and the potential side effects. The recommendations have always been for Sophia’s benefit. When you hear the word cancer, the word tumor, PRESENTED BY BAYCARE

you always think negatively. Dr. Larkin took all of that out of my head.”

As the first college student and physician in her family, Dr. Larkin understands medical jargon can be difficult to navigate. She spends time educating families so they can feel empowered when advocating for their child. That’s why she never hesitates to do the simplest things that can have a big impact, like picking up the phone and calling the child’s pediatrician to keep them in the loop.

In fact, teamwork is a huge part of what drew her to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. The Central Florida native was happy to move back home after completing her advanced fellowship at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Tennessee. She knew there was a need to serve the Tampa Bay community - while in Tennessee, she had treated numerous children who had to f ly there from this area in Florida to get brain tumor care.

At St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, she found exactly what she was looking for: a world-class mix of diverse specialties and a collaborative approach that values innovation. A child can not only get a spectrum of services from oncology to surgery to neuropsychology and rehabilitation, but they can also participate in international clinical trials without leaving the Tampa Bay area. “Our knowledge about brain tumors has changed dramatically,” Dr. Larkin says. “We can now provide customized treatment plans specifically tailored to target the molecular makeup of the child’s tumor. Oftentimes, these are oral medications so the kids can still participate in school and their regular activities.” Technological advancements include features like 3D virtual reality navigation systems and interoperative MRIs that help guide the neurosurgeons during surgery to maximize outcomes.

Dr. Larkin’s team is also setting up a specialized clinic for neurocutaneous disorders in collaboration with local ophthalmologists and neurologists and other specialists to provide comprehensive care for children with conditions such as neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2.

These kids sometimes have benign growths called plexiform neurofibromas that are not “cancers” but can shrink or even disappear with targeted oral medications.

She says that one of the biggest rewards of working with children is witnessing their incredible resilience, and Sophia is a prime example. Maria says that Sophia asked to see her scans right from the start and participates in every decision, including whether or not to receive anesthesia before a scan. She’s in a hurry to recover, do her physical therapy to get her full range of movement back on her left side, and get back to making videos and becoming a famous YouTuber.

“Nothing really gets her down,” Maria says. “She just makes you feel happy. If she can be brave and have the courage to go through this and be happy and positive, how can I not?”

JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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The Esophageal and Airway Treatment (EAT) Program at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital cares for infants, children and young adults with complex esophageal and airway problems. Led by esophageal and airway exper t Jason Smithers, M.D., our dedicated team combines compassionate care, innovative techniques and cutting-edge technology and equipment to treat babies and children with esophageal and airway concerns.

Father’s Day Highlight: Life of a Local Dad and Doctor

by Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital Staff

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate and highlight all the amazing dads in the community. Jason Smithers, M.D., and his family moved to the Tampa Bay area in 2019 for a unique opportunity to lead Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s Esophageal and Airway Treatment (EAT) Program. He shares what led him to becoming a doctor and how he spends his time as a local dad.

What do you do at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital?

I am a pediatric surgeon who specializes in operative and longterm management of esophageal and airway anomalies, both congenital and acquired, and am director of our Esophageal and Airway Treatment Service (EATS) program. I moved here to work as a surgeon and critical care physician as part of the Center for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), which already offered patients phenomenal results. Given my focused expertise with a previous EAT program, I’ve been building this new program here as well.

What is your typical day like?

I start the day with rounds in the CDH intensive care unit, and Dr. Kays and I game plan for the day along with the rest of the CDH team regarding

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TampaBayParenting.com JUNE 2022

any procedures, newborn deliveries or other clinical items that will be going on that day. I then round throughout the hospital for patients on the EAT service and collaborate with the various ICUs where these patients are recovering including the PICU, CVICU and NICU. I often then have OR procedures throughout the day for patients in these programs.

What personal qualities do you possess that help you to excel in your area of expertise?

Primarily attention to detail and determination to strive for the most perfect results possible, even for problems that don’t necessarily have well defined techniques to solve them.

Constant review of the precise problems, the current techniques and the short- and long-term outcomes lead to ongoing improvements in our approach to all aspects of care for these patients.

What made you choose medicine?

As early as junior high school, I was committed to going to medical school with the goal of becoming a surgeon. My stepfather was a surgical assistant (PA) in Detroit at the time.

I already knew that I loved science; I loved his stories about surgical procedures; and I knew I wanted a career centered on helping others. It has worked out to be the perfect fit. As I went through medical school, loving both pediatrics and surgery, pediatric surgery became the obvious goal for me. As I went through surgical training, I’ve always been drawn to treating problems that were difficult and for which consistent good outcomes were elusive.

What does a “day off” look like for you?

Playing with my kids and doing whatever helps support my wife, Jess.

What would surprise people to know about you?

I love surfing, snowboarding, motorcycles and skydiving, most of which Jess is not a big fan of!

Tell us about your pets.

We have a toy golden doodle named Rosie, our “third child” following Emma (10) and Ben (8).

She pretty much goes wherever we go as a family and gets serious separation anxiety if Jess isn’t within touching distance.

PRESENTED BY JOHNS HOPKINS ALL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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.com #TAMPABAYPARENTING Articles Th i n g s t o D o Guides +More

what's trending...

Our Favorite Summer Getaways Within a Short Drive of Tampa Bay:

Summer Camps in Tampa Bay:

The Yacht Starship and The Lost Pearl

Search our guide in print and online for the perfect camp for your child.

Father's Day Events: Check out some of our favorite Father's Day events and ideas to celebrate dad this month.

Things to Do This Weekend in Tampa Bay: We’re sharing our top picks of special events and activities to experience with the kids.

BEST PLACES TO WATCH A TAMPA BAY SUNSET

The Best Water Parks in Tampa Bay:

For all you sunset fanatics, here is a list of some of the best local places to watch a Tampa Bay sunset (and we’ve included a few sunrise options, too!).

Our top picks of kid-friendly water parks, from lagoons to amusement parks.

Oystercatchers

Southshore Bay Lagoon

Westgate River Ranch

Follow along with us for inside looks of fun things to do with the kids in Tampa Bay, behind-thescenes, sneak peeks and more.

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Looking for

a great date night?

Get Inspired at

TampaBayDateNightGuide.com Your source for fun places to try and new activities to make your date night inspired!

JUNE 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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320 W. Kennedy, Ste. 220 Tampa, FL 33606

You have always had a passion for helping young children.

Now, make your passion your profession.

Choose to make a difference. Choose early learning.

Early educators foster a love of learning through songs, games, stories and PLAY. Early learning programs develop: • Social Skills • Language and Literacy • Motor Skills • Confidence in Learning

The Early Learning Coalition can help launch your career as an early educator.

You have what it takes, we can help.

Immediate openings available!

No experience necessary.

Early Learning Coalition provides the support you need to succeed.

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SIGN-ON AND RETENTION BONUSES

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

For more information and available job openings, visit ELCPinellas.net Sponsorship by Florida’s Division of Early Learning

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