June 2023

Choose the best for your child. Choose early learning.

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

You choose where your child learns. The Early Learning Coalition can help you find the right program for your family.

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

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

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.

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

Your Source for Exceptional Pediatric Care

With more than 200 pediatricians, pediatric specialists and family medicine physicians in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties, care for your family is always nearby.

As the area’s premier pediatric providers, we’ll continue to help your children stay healthy with a wide range of services, including:

n Asthma management

n Extended care: Weekend and holiday hours

n Hospital newborn care

n Immunizations

n New baby care

n Pediatric sick visits

n Well baby waiting room

n Well child care

Find a pediatrician and make an appointment: BMGKids.org

n Now accepting new patients.

n Most major insurance plans are accepted.

n Online scheduling available

For assistance with a referral: (855) 466-6686

JUNE 2023

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER

Laura Byrne

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Anu Varma Panchal

Brie Gorecki

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Sarah Rigby

OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

Zoe Joiner

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Laura Byrne

Kate White

Sandra Morrison

Jenny P

Dani Meyering

Brie Gorecki

Maggie Rodriguez

Julie Tingley

Tara Payor, PhD

Laura Cross

Cheryl Wolfe

Anu Varma Panchal

Allyn DeVito

AdventHealth

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Ralf Gonzalez

Jim Byrne

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Jennifer Dufek

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Laura Byrne

Keir Magoulas

Jenny P

Christina Jones Photography

Dani Meyering

BOOKKEEPING

James Anderson

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

BECOME A FAN

tampabayparenting

@tampabayparenting

@TBParenting

Articles

8 // COVER STORY: Meet the LaFace Family of RIPA & Associates, the presenting sponsor of the Big John triceratops exhibit at Glazer Children's Museum

10 // Meet Big John: What to expect during your dino visit to Glazer Children's Museum

13 // Discover our World Together: Learn about habitats and hang with cute critters at ZooTampa

14 // Camp Fare: Jenny P shares yummy lunch box ideas for camp

17 // Summer Fun in Tampa Bay: Here are some ideas to make June and July fly by

18 // I-4 Road Trip: Check out these ideas for your next Orlando visit

20 // Hurricane Season 2023: Denis Phillips, chief meteorologist for ABC Action News, tells us what to know and how to prepare

21 // Be Prepared: Our hurricane preparation tips and resources

23 // Ten Million Reasons to Love Her: Get to know Kat Stickler, local mama and international TikTok star

30 // Financial Matters: Local high schoolers complete prestigious Academy of Finance program

34 // Summer Reading: Visit your library for reading competitions, fun, stories and more

36 // Early Learning: Why waiting until kindergarten might be too late

39 // A Housewarming with Heart: Children’s Network of Hillsborough County celebrates a new facility and major mile-stones

ON THE COVER:

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.

40 // Summer Sun Safety: AdventHealth shares its top 10 tips for staying safe during the hottest months of the year

42 // A Timely Rescue: Why every minute counts in a drowning rescue

Every Issue:

6 // Noteworthy: What’s NEW and AWESOME in Tampa Bay

24 // Moms to Know: Meet Quin Brewington, founder of Sister Lady Girl and Second Act Summit

29 // Kids to Know: Meet Madden Sheridan, a special baseball player with the right attitude

46 // What’s Trending on TampaBayParenting.com: Check out some of the most popular stories and events

Angela, Chris and Cole (5) LaFace of RIPA & Associates get a sneak peek of the Big John exhibit at Glazer Children's Museum. RIPA & Associates made a ground-breaking donation to the museum as a presenting sponsor of the exhibit. Get to know the family on page 8 and learn more about what to expect when you go.

NOTEWORTHY june

Remaining classes on schedule:

June 1: Purposeful Play

June 8: Can You Hear Me

June 15: What Every Parent Needs to Know About Literacy/Reading Development in the Preschool Child

June 22: Expressive Language Delay and the Impact on Behavior

June 29: My Child Isn’t Talking and Playing with Others…is it Autism?

July 6: Ask the Experts

FREE Parenting Series at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is teaming up with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital to offer parents a free parenting series covering a wide range of milestones including speech, feeding and reading. Online registration is required. Classes do not include aquarium admission.

Tampa Prep Groundbreaking

Tampa Prep recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Genshaft & Greenbaum Building of Learning and Discovery that will house a state-of-the-art science lab similar to ones found in universities and major research facilities and hospitals. It’s scheduled for completion by the 2024-2025 school year, just in time for the school’s 50th anniversary.

THINGS WE LOVE

PURA

Want to come home to a fresh smelling house when you return from summer vacation? Pura is a smart home scent diffuser you can control with your phone. There is a wide range of clean and safe scents from top brands including NEST, Studio McGee and more. A starter set with diffuser and two fragrances starts at $65.77. pura.com

It’s not too late to book summer camp!

Yes—there

LITTLE TYKES COZY COUPE MOTORIZED BABY BOAT

The classic Cozy Coupe is taking on a new shape as a motorized inflatable! But, wait there’s more-a waterproof remote control so kids can feel like they're in control even though their caregivers are close by, propelling them around the pool. It’s available online and at Walmart. $98

HOTLOGIC

MINI WALL PLUG

Summer travel means snacks and meals on the go. When you’re on the run, the HotLogic plugs right into the wall and will heat your meals through low-slow conduction technology that heats your food and keeps it warm. $49.95 hotlogic.com

FATHER'S DAY IS JUNE 18!

WE’RE SHARING THE BEST THINGS TO DO, DEALS FOR DAD AND MORE!

Life is a journey – filled with incredible and unexpected moments. So when you need lifesaving, life-changing or everyday care, AdventHealth is here. With a strong legacy of expertise, our comprehensive network of convenient locations, virtual options and extended hours makes it easy for you to get the care you need to feel whole®

TAKES ON TAMPA:

Big John’s Journey to the Glazer Children’s Museum

by Tara Payor, Ph.D.

More likely than not, you’ve dabbled in dinosaur fascination. Perhaps the dinosaur extinction about 66 million years ago fuels our ongoing interest with these beings that ranged in size from diminutive to gargantuan. If your dinosaur fascination was temporarily dormant, parenthood surely enlivened it (at least when stepping on that T-Rex tail while walking to the bathroom at 2 a.m.). Now, you can bring your Ross Geller paleontologist dreams to life when you visit Big John, the world’s largest triceratops, who stands 10 feet tall and nearly 26 feet long in downtown Tampa’s Glazer Children’s Museum.

Instrumental in Big John’s residence at the Glazer Children’s Museum is the LaFace family. Chris LaFace, president and CEO at RIPA & Associates, along with his wife, Angela (a critical care surgeon who recently paused her career for increased family time), made a groundbreaking donation and support the Big John exhibit as presenting sponsors. The couple, parents to son, Cole (5), share their thoughts on dinos, museums and Tampa Bay.

TBPM: What are your thoughts on ensuring all kids have access to museums?

LaFace Family: It’s important to us that every child has access to places like Glazer Children’s Museum so that they grow up with a curiosity about the world around them. As they grow, they will graduate to other types of museums and educational institutions—creating a lifelong love of learning that leads to creativity and innovation. That’s what we want for the next generation.

TBPM: What can you share about the decision to become presenting sponsor for the Big John exhibit?

LaFace Family: We believe in the Glazer Children’s Museum's mission and its impact on our community. We have seen firsthand, in our own family, how much children discover through play. We want that for all children in Tampa Bay. When the Glazer Children’s Museum presented us with the opportunity to support the Big John exhibit, we were extremely excited to be part of something so impactful for our community.

TBPM: What’s been the most exciting part of the Big John project?

LaFace Family: We were in awe the first time we saw Big John, on that platform, at the Glazer Children’s Museum. Not just at his size, but at the history of those bones. They took an incredible journey from the Late Cretaceous to their new home at the Glazer Children’s Museum. We couldn’t help but reflect on what that journey tells us about the history of our planet and how it prompts as many questions as answers. From that moment, we knew that Big John would spark an interest in science for so many children.

TBPM: What will your presence in the Big John project look like during his residence at the Glazer Children’s Museum?

LaFace Family: The team at the Glazer Children’s Museum has done the heavy lifting, but our family will be in the Big John exhibit every chance we get! Our son, Cole, especially loves the tunnel with the pop-up bubbles so you can see Big John from underneath.

TBPM: Why do you believe Tampa Bay is the best place to raise a family?

LaFace Family: Tampa Bay is a fantastic place to raise a family. We have state-of-the-art museums like the Glazer Children’s Museum. We have a strong business community to support parents’ careers. We also boast an exciting and vibrant new downtown as well as highly successful, professional sports teams. The water and climate make for perfect outdoor play. What more could we want?

TBPM: Whether in the Tampa area or elsewhere, what have been some of your family’s favorite museums?

LaFace Family: When traveling, we often end up checking out other cities’ natural history museums and aquariums.

TBPM: If you had a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past?

LaFace Family: Future! We already know the past!

WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT BIG JOHN?

This is a chance to join your children through a journey back in time that is sure to support a love for science, history and learning in the present. Big John, Tampa Bay’s first large, fossilized dinosaur skeleton on longterm display, aligns with Glazer Children’s Museum’s mission to create and foster engaging, impactful PLAY experiences for children and families to learn and thrive. Play with purpose while going nose-to-nose with Tampa’s triceratops, Big John. Turn the page for an inside look.

HOW BIG JOHN MADE ITS WAY TO TAMPA BAY

Guinness World Record holder for the largest documented triceratops skeleton, Big John was discovered by paleontologist and professional fossil hunter Walter W. Stein (right) in South Dakota’s Hell Creek geological formation and made its way to Tampa after Sidd Pagidipati (pictured top, with his wife Ami) purchased the record-breaking dinosaur at an auction. He told us it was his intention to bring the dinosaur to Tampa Bay for all to see. “We want to inspire thousands of families here to activate their interest in science. We want to do our small part in making Tampa Bay the best place to raise a family in America.”

SCAN HERE

TO READ OUR FULL INTERVIEWS WITH STEIN AND PAGIDIPATI

WHAT

TO EXPECT

WHEN YOU Meet Big John at Glazer

Children’s Museum

by Kate White, Glazer Children’s Museum

Take a journey through time in the new dinosaur exhibit at the Glazer Children’s Museum! The rocky façade of the entrance corridor sets the stage and builds anticipation. As you round the corner, take in the size of the colossal skeleton in front of you.

The world’s largest triceratops stares back, poised like the Wall Street Bull, as if ready to pounce.

As you stand nose-to-nose with Big John, try to imagine what it would have been like to encounter him alive in his habitat. It’s an exhilarating and slightly eerie thought. Approach the platform to go nose-to-nose with Big John, and then walk around, taking in the details from different perspectives. Climb through a spacious tunnel and pop your head up in clear domes to study him from underneath.

As you observe this 66-million-year-old fossil, start asking questions. How heavy was Big John? What did he eat? How did his bones turn into fossils? You will discover answers as you journey through the exhibit, but you’ll likely leave with new questions, too. That’s what science does; it sparks curiosity, prompts us to ask questions and inspires us to find the answers.

You’ll discover what the Earth was like when Big John lived and study the dig site map where his fossils were excavated 66 million years later. Pile onto a giant scale to see how many people it takes to reach the weight of Big John’s enormous skull. A dinosaur fossil is a lot like an incredibly complicated jigsaw puzzle—can you solve the puzzle of Big John?

HOW TO VISIT BIG JOHN ADMISSION & TICKETS

The Big John exhibit is included with the price of admission to Glazer Children’s Museum. Tickets are $18. Children ages 1 and younger are free. There is a $2 discount for first responders, seniors and educators.

ANYONE CAN VISIT

BIG JOHN

The museum is waiving its requirement to have a child with visiting adults. However, to ensure a quality experience for all guests, everyone will need to reserve a timed entry to see Big John.

Purchase tickets and reserve your time slot at BigJohnDino.com.

There are plenty of adorable photo-worthy moments in this exhibit. From posing as a hatching baby dinosaur to selfies with Big John, you will have plenty of reasons to capture the moment.

Fun Facts about Big John the Triceratops

Big John was found in South Dakota’s Hell Creek formation in 2014, the final rock unit in the United States before the Big Extinction event at which all dinosaurs went extinct.

Big John is the world’s largest triceratops fossil found to date, measuring 26 feet long and nearly 10 feet high. His skull is more than 5 feet long.

Big John is named after the property owner of the land where the fossils were found, John Weiner.

Big John has an injury in his frill that was likely caused by a fight with another triceratops. Studies show the injury healed prior to his death. You can see the injury too!

photos by Keir Magoulas

Discover Our World Together This Summer at ZooTampa!

by Sandra Morrison, Director of Communications

through the Africa realm to offer up-close views of amazing species like elephants, giraffes, southern white rhinos and more. The wild adventures continue at the Zoo's popular Primate Realm, where our newest species, Hamadryas baboons, have joined the clan. We've also expanded our Florida realm with Florida Wilds, which aims to educate guests on environmental conservation with interpretative signage, including rookery towers that provide tips for Floridians on safely living alongside the many species that share our state's diverse ecosystem.

Admission:

Summer is here! Days are hot; nights are warm; it’s the perfect time of year to discover and explore everything that ZooTampa has to offer!

Now that the kids are out of school for summer break, parents are searching for fun activities to occupy their families during these endless days of sunshine. When making a list of possible adventures for your clan, consider ZooTampa at Lowry Park, which offers an unforgettable opportunity to discover our world together and make memorable natural connections to wildlife.

Located in the heart of Tampa Bay, ZooTampa will transport you and your herd to Florida

wilds and faraway lands with glimpses of iconic and exotic species. As you explore and learn more about our over 1,000 animals that call the Zoo home and hear their stories, including those of the endangered species we tirelessly work to save, you will understand why our animal care staff are so deeply committed to delivering the highest quality of care and the most immersive experience for our guests.

Even more important than a treasured family moment is the awareness of the importance of conservation that each person who visits ZooTampa gains.

The Zoo recently made USA Today's 10 Best list for Best Zoos and our David A. Straz, Jr.

THE FUN NEVER STOPS AT THE ZOO!

This spring, we added a new educational installation to help guests better understand the state's native species in the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a statewide network of almost 18 million acres of land and water. The Wildlife Corridor officials hailed the effort as a significant way "to emphasize the importance of conserving and connecting the Corridor today because, once lost, the lands are gone forever."

In just the last few years, the Zoo added Expedition Wild Africa, which takes guests

A Zoo membership is the best way to experience the Zoo with unlimited yearround admission, flexibility to bring your choice of guest(s), free admission to seasonal events, discounts on dining, shopping, signature encounters and so much more! In addition, our "Pay for a Day, Visit All Year Free" ticket provides unlimited admission for the rest of the calendar year (some blockout dates apply). Parking is always free.

Family connections and experiences are critically important, and what better opportunity to create memories than to get outside and explore our natural world together? We can't wait to see you and your family this summer.

Manatee Critical Care Center as Best Zoo Exhibit in America.

Yummy Summer Lunch Ideas

by Jenny P of @lunchboxmafia

Don’t put your lunch boxes away just yet! If your kid is going to attend a summer camp, you’ll have to provide lunch. If this is news to you, no worries: I’ve got some simple ideas that will be a breeze to whip up and that you can pack the night before so you have time for that extra cup of coffee.

Hey best friend, I’m Jenny! I love meal prep and lunchboxes, and packing lunch is something I actually enjoy doing for my family. Let’s pack a lunch they can’t refuse!

Tips for camp lunches

1 2 3

Snack boxes that hold at least two cups of food are ideal for summer snacks and smaller meals. Check out EasyLunchBoxes and the Lunchbots Medium Trio (available on Amazon) or the Bentgo original stackable bento (pick it up at Target). Make sure your lunch bag is insulated. You can double up on ice packs or just get the freezable lunch bag from PackIt. It’s basically a giant ice pack in lunch bag form!

Label everything. You probably won’t find cubbies or lockers like at school. Most of the time, personal items are tossed together in a bin.

Hydration during hot Florida summers is super important. Get a water bottle they can refill at camp. Let them pick it out. Put their name on it.

Here are some of my go-to summer camp lunches.

Homemade “Lunchables” are a favorite around here! Think cheese, crackers and protein like hummus, nut butter or turkey roll ups.

Stock up on Uncrustables or make your own. Freeze overnight and they’ll thaw by snack time or lunchtime. (I have a tutorial on @lunchboxmafia)

Muffins, mini pancakes or waffles and scones are great too! They can be eaten at room temperature and kids love them.

Pack plenty of hydrating fruits and veggies like berries, grapes, pineapple, watermelon, cucumbers and tomatoes. (Always cut for toddlers so they can be enjoyed safely.)

The COOLEST New Adventures in Tampa Bay

by Laura Byrne

The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium has long been one of our favorite ways too cool off in the summer with its iconic glass dome, amazing sea creatures, and epic splash pad. It’s going to be an exciting summer here with the debut of a new exhibit and continuation of one of the most magical underwater adventures in Tampa Bay!

MORPH’D Opens this Summer

Does your child love axolotls? They can soon come face to face with one at the Florida Aquarium’s newest exhibit, MORPH’D, which will feature 18 perfectly adapted species from around the world that have evolved in some pretty strange, and yet genius ways!

In addition to the beloved axolotl, you will encounter species like the bird poop frog that can camouflage itself to look like…you guessed it…bird poop to protect itself. There will also be a four-eyed fish that evolved with a set of eyes above and another set to see below the water line, and an epaulette shark that almost appears as if its walking on the seafloor with its fins.

MORPH’D is part of the new 3,700-square-foot special exhibit hall and marks the completion of the first phase of the $40 million dollar expansion plan that is slated for completion in 2025.

SeaTREK:

Walk underwater

SeaTREK is easily one of the coolest things I’ve experienced so far this year in Tampa Bay. This underwater experience requires no scuba or snorkeling skills—you simply need to be able to breathe and walk. Kids as young as 10 can participate in this adventure in the Heart of the Sea exhibit where you’ll walk among sharks, Shelldon the loggerhead sea turtle, and other beautiful sea creatures. The experience is being offered daily this summer for $95, which includes Aquarium admission.

Flaquarium.org

LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Everything is AWESOME and ACTION-PACKED this summer at LEGOLAND Florida with NEW shows to experience along with all the fun you’d expect at this beloved theme park. Go Xtreme! , a new live-action stunt show, will feature BMX riders, scooter rides, a Cyr wheel artist, incline skater, and a world-record holding pogo athlete.

Also new this summer, The Rhythm Bricks , a roaming percussion group, will entertain families and over at the Resort, guests can experience Pirate Island Pool Parties after the theme park closes. You can pick up an annual pass right now for as little as $13 per month after down payment. LEGOLAND.com/Florida

NEW at Peppa Pig Theme Park: Breakfast with Peppa

This new experience debuts on June 9 for a limited time on Fridays and Saturdays. Breakfast with Peppa will be hosted in Miss Rabbit’s Diner, featuring a preschoolerfriendly buffet, while adults will be treated to an all-youcan-enjoy breakfast. The event also includes exclusive early ride times before the theme park opens. Pricing starts at $34.99 per child (ages 2-9) and $44.99 per adult (ages 10 and up). Guests under 2 are free. Sameday Park admission or a valid Annual Pass for Peppa Pig Theme Park is also required and sold separately. PeppaPigThemePark.com/Florida

Must-Do Summer Fun in Orlando

by Dani Meyering, Editor of OrlandoParenting.com

How great is it to have Orlando just down the road from Tampa? This summer, we have more options than ever for must-do fun in Orlando: Exciting fireworks are back at Walt Disney World; the world’s first surf coaster opens at SeaWorld Orlando; and Orlando’s water parks are ready to make a splash.

New additions at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando will open Pipeline, which the park calls a ‘firstof-its-kind surf coaster.’ Passengers will rush 110 feet up and around as if they are actually standing and surfing tall waves, thanks to a new style of seats. Top speeds will hit 60 miles per hour.

Aquatica Orlando Water Park will also have a new kids area soon with watering palms, tipping buckets, spraying jets, water bobbles and more. Plus, your kids can grab a tube and glide into fun on the ALLNEW Tamariki Twirl, a kid-sized wave slide designed just for them at Turi’s Kid Cove. The more daring little ones will love Roa’s Rapids—a lazy river that isn’t lazy at all and actually moves rather swiftly.

Keep Your Cool at Orlando’s Best Water Parks

What’s NEW and MORE Summer Fun at Walt Disney World

For some cool family-friendly after-hours fun, celebrate the return of H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, which will run on select nights through Sept. 2. From 8-11 p.m., you and the kids can experience surprise character experiences, high energy dance parties, complimentary ice-cream, popcorn and select beverages, glow-themed bites and sips, and of course, tons of glow lighting effects around the park.

Disney also recently added another exciting character meetand-greet: Moana at Discovery Island Character Landing at Animal Kingdom. Mirabel meet-and-greets debut this fall, which is why it’s a great time to buy a Disney Annual Pass now that they’re available again!

In case you missed it, Magic Kingdom’s beloved “Happily Ever

After” fireworks are back with added magic, and a temporary fireworks show, “EPCOT Forever,” dazzles Disney fans at EPCOT while a new nighttime spectacular is being crafted to debut in late 2023.

Want even MORE family-friendly fun in Orlando??

We just launched Orlando Parenting!

Scan to explore right now:

NEW Additions at Gatorland

The Gatorland you know and love for its hundreds of alligators and crocodiles, Screamin’ Gator Zipline, Gator Jumparoo Show and Alligator Breeding Marsh now has new adventures and animals to enjoy this summer!

The new Croc Rock three-in-one adventure features rock climbing, a swing bridge and zipline all in one. There are also new water features at Gator Gully Splash Park where guests can cool off and new animals to meet, including the recently debuted Capybara Encounter. Learn more at gatorland.com.

Each Orlando water park has a dedicated kids’ area. Universal’s Volcano Bay’s massive, multilevel kids’ areas, Tot Tiki Reef and Runamukka Reef, boast splash features and water spray guns everywhere. Water slides of varying height and speed make it possible for school-age kids to branch out and have a little thrill.

Most kids will have fun in any of the water parks in Orlando, but some features are better for specific age groups:

Youngest children and toddlers: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Older toddlers/ young kids: Aquatica Orlando

Tweens, teens and adults: Universal’s Volcano Bay

Budget-friendly: Island H2O LIVE

Capybara Encounter at Gatorland

more delight

Summer is a time for adventure. Find it on the towering waterslides, exciting playgrounds, and rushing rivers of our thrilling water attractions.

GaylordPalms.com

more thrills

Hurricane Season 2023: What to Know and How to Prepare

by Brie Gorecki

coast, it's not going to give us a water issue. Usually, it's just going to be more of a wind issue, and by the time it goes across the state, it's going to be a lot. So, an east coast storm is never really a storm that we're going to be nearly as concerned about as we would be with one coming in from the south or the west. The problem with the track coming in from the south is it requires a pretty sharp turn for it to come into our area. But the problem is—just a little subtle change in track when it's down around Cuba ends up being a 300- or 400-mile difference by the time it gets into the north.

The majority of the time, when the Hurricane Center is putting a forecast together … what they'll do is use what they call a blend of those two models, and that pretty much just means they average the two out and wherever the middle is, is what they go with. As it gets closer, at that point, you're using more accurate information; you're using more science-driven data.

TBPM: How can we help ease the minds of newcomers to Florida or friends and family who are out of state?

Although Tampa was lucky enough to narrowly miss Hurricane Ian’s path last year, we mourned with our neighbors to the south as we witnessed how catastrophically it hit them.

With hurricane season in full swing, the threat of potential storms is scary. Social media and TV graphics can be overwhelming. Though Tampa hasn’t had a major hurricane hit in 102 years, that’s not to say it won’t happen again. We spoke to chief meteorologist for ABC Action News, Denis Phillips, who explained what we should be looking at, what the spaghetti models mean, and why it’s important to pay close attention to local versus national news during a hurricane threat.

TBPM: People can get overwhelmed by the cone and overall visual area of the storm. What exactly should we be focusing on?

DP: People are going to look in the middle. You realize that the areas to the right or the left of the center are lower. Odds are they are. We know that the middle is where the center is, so that's probably where it's going to go.

I do think the important message is … when you have a storm coming in from the east

So, in looking at these forecast tracks, you truly need to look at the entire cone when you're talking about a storm in the Gulf of Mexico coming in from the South. When you're looking at a storm coming in from the Gulf, you really, truly have to prepare just as much. All three of those storms we've talked about … every single one of them had a Category 4 hurricane going directly into Tampa Bay or within the Bay Area, and all three were at least two hours south of us. Because it takes so long for them to make that change, by the time they make that turn, it's too late to do anything, and that's what happened with Fort Myers folks. They were expecting this storm to be more to Tampa.

TBPM: There are so many different models to look at when tracking a hurricane and the “spaghetti model” images can get confusing. What’s the best one to follow?

DP: The problem with models is they're just mathematical formulas. That's all they are. Sometimes the models get on runs like you do at the craps tables in Vegas and you just keep winning over and over again because, for whatever reason, it's really seeing the atmosphere very clearly. At that point, it's like when you're playing baseball and you're on a hot streak. The ball looks like a beach ball. That you just can't miss it. There are other times when you're in a slump and no matter what you do, you're not going to get it right. And the problem nowadays is there's so much information out there on social media that for the average person, it's going to be confusing because there's just too much.

I rarely tell people to look at models and try to determine where a storm's going to go because the models do drastically change so quickly.

DP: We know that during hurricane season, The Weather Channel and other national media sources say, ‘You better run’ and friends and family up north are calling and asking why you haven't evacuated. At the end of the day, the local channels and the local meteorologists know the geography. They know the sub climates; they know the little things that happen in their local area. And The Weather Channel just can't know that because they don't know the little subtleties of those areas. So, you have got to tell your family and your friends up north to follow whoever it is that you follow on a local scale, and that honestly is the way to keep your sanity.

TBPM: Is 2023 predicted to be an active season?

DP: We’re supposed to have fewer storms this year compared to previous years because we will be in El Niño at least by late summer and into the fall. And that tends to minimize the number of storms. But I would still argue that yes, there might be fewer, but that doesn't mean they're not going to be every bit as strong as they would be otherwise. And that's obviously what our concern is.

For an extended interview with Denis Phillips, his hurricane prep list, and his take on why Tampa has dodged major hurricanes since 1921, scan the QR code.

Hurricane Preparedness 101

As we get ready for the 2023 hurricane season, it’s important to understand all elements of storm safety to make sure that you and your family are ready in case a major hurricane threatens our area. Hillsborough and Pinellas counties both have extensive guides and resources to help residents prepare.

Pinellas County recently released its “Ready Set Protect 2023 Hurricane Guide,” which provides resources such as evacuation information, hurricane prep and emergency supply lists. Residents can download the guide at pinellas.gov/hurricane-guide.

Hillsborough County residents are encouraged to go to hillsboroughcounty.org for preparedness tips, zone information and checklists.

Plan Ahead:

Even if there are no potential storm threats on the horizon, we all know too well that can change within a few days. Planning ahead will alleviate not only stress but also supply shortage. Putting together a hurricane kit early on in storm season is highly recommended. Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties both have checklists for emergency supplies and what you should have on hand, whether you’re staying at home or evacuating. You should also familiarize yourself with the nearest emergency shelter (if evacuated), know what your home needs in order to be structurally prepared, and understand what to expect after the storm.

Watch vs. Warning:

A hurricane watch happens 48 hours ahead of the onset of the tropicalstorm-force winds (39-73 mph). A hurricane warning occurs 36 hours ahead of the onset of tropical stormforce winds (74 mph or more). Both watches and warnings need to be taken seriously and preparations to shelter in place or evacuate should be established at that time. Once winds reach a certain strength, emergency services will recommend sheltering in place, regardless of your zone, so it’s best to evacuate ASAP.

Know Your Zone:

One major cause of confusion is evacuation zone versus flood zone. Evacuation zones are areas that officials may order evacuated during a hurricane. These zones are mapped out by the National Hurricane Center indicating areas that will be affected by storm surge. Flood zones are federally identified zones that indicate a property’s risk of flooding at any time of year – not just during hurricane season.

In 2022, Pinellas County updated its evacuation zones based on the latest data and storm surge models. Residents are encouraged to visit Pinellas.gov/emergency-information to learn which zone they’re in. Hillsborough County residents can go to hillsboroughcounty.org for more information on their zones.

After the Storm:

Residents should prepare not only for an impending storm but for post-storm effects as well. The most common aftereffects include power outages, water contamination, sewer outages, and phone, cable and cell service outages.

Florida will have two 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays in 2023: May 27-June 9 and Aug. 26-Sept. 8

HURRICANE SEASON RUNS FROM JUNE 1 TO NOV. 30

Stay in the loop:

Familiarize yourself ahead of time and sign up for emergency alerts to stay informed and prepared.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY:

MAIN WEBSITE: hillsboroughcounty.org

SAFETY INFO: hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/stay-safe

EMERGENCY ALERTS: HCFL Alert - Hillsborough County’s mass notification system

PINELLAS COUNTY:

MAIN WEBSITE: disaster.pinellas.gov

EMERGENCY ALERTS: pinellas.gov/alert-pinellas

Pinellas County residents can also download the Ready Pinellas Emergency Planning Mobile app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play store at pinellas.gov/ready-pinellas.

PASCO COUNTY:

MAIN WEBSITE: pascocountyfl.net/335/Hurricane-Preparedness

EMERGENCY ALERTS: egov.pascocountyfl.net/AlertPasco

Ten Million Reasons To Love Kat Stickler

How a Tampa mom became one of TikTok’s most popular influencers

by Maggie Rodriguez,

was the funniest person in the room. Bringing it to life was interesting. I only did it one time, and people loved it. I didn’t expect them to like it so much. I just kept doing it.

TBPM: When I watch them, I feel like they’re not only funny, but they’re also sort of a tribute to the Hispanic mom.

KS: Oh, absolutely. The Hispanic mom symbolizes a woman who is independent, smart, confident, doesn’t need anybody. But it’s also really exaggerated, like overly confident. Everything is over the top. And that’s how she always was with me, and she always taught me you don‘t need anyone and having people is nice, but just to really perfect your time on earth as much as you can.

TBPM: Did her advice and her example help you when you went through your divorce after less than two years of marriage?

Kat Stickler’s 3-year-old daughter has a toy phone that she talks to when she’s having breakfast or making a snack. “She sees me doing it,” Stickler explains, “so she does it, too.” The 28-year-old single mom is a TikTok star with over 10 million followers. It’s a career she never envisioned.

After growing up in South Tampa and attending Gorrie Elementary, Wilson Middle School and Plant High School, Stickler returned home after college and worked as a research coordinator at a veterans’ hospital. “I loved being around patients. I loved making them laugh,” she says. When the pandemic began, her research came to a halt. So did her marriage. That’s when Stickler discovered the outlet that would change the course of her life. “I had the baby, and I was home alone, and I wasn’t used to not hanging out with people and laughing,” she recounts, “so I just tried to start some videos and see if I liked it, and I did.” It turns out that TikTok users liked it, too.

TBPM: Ten million people follow you. What’s that like?

KS: It blows my mind! I don’t even conceptualize it. They’ve just been with me for so long. It’s kind of a part of me now.

TBPM: What kind of content did you start out posting?

It was always pretty personal. I talked about postpartum depression. I talked about unexpected pregnancy—what it was like being a mom and having a kid at home, but also the funny sides of it.

TBPM: What did you find resonated with people?

KS: I think they resonated with the difficult times, and I think that’s what made the comedy so much funnier for people because pain is a part of joy. You gotta go through it to get there. I think it was a mixture of everything I did. People always say, ‘find a niche’ and I do think my niche is comedy, but it’s so much more than that, too.

TBPM: You’re known for skits where you imitate your Venezuelan mother and her Spanish accent. How did you come up with the idea?

KS: My mom and I always had a language barrier, so we always bonded through comedy. I’ve been impersonating her since I was a little girl, but it was never ill-spirited. It was all in good fun, and she always thought I

KS: She was really good at getting me [to] get over my sadness. I was really sad, and she let me feel it for a couple of days, and then she just really didn’t give me an option. She’s kind of a walking anti-depressant pill. She’s like, ‘Get out of bed, let’s go,’ and she makes me laugh and makes me get out and makes me get dressed. She was instrumental in getting me through that time—being my best friend, but also not babying me. I will literally never forget that.

TBPM: What’s important to you as you raise your daughter, Mary Katherine, as a single mom?

KS: I think it’s so important for your children to know that you have a life outside of being a mom. Being a mom doesn’t limit you. It doesn’t define you. It’s just a part of who you are. It’s not all of who you are.

Your life doesn’t end just because you had kids.

TBPM: What advice would you have for other moms in your shoes?

KS: There’s a lot of hard days and sad days, especially when it’s fresh in the beginning, so just kind of understand they’re going to happen and that’s okay. But also understand that it’s not going to last forever. It’s a temporary feeling. You’re going to get through it and remember it’s better for your child in the end.

TBPM: Is it important for you to bring up your daughter in Tampa, where you grew up?

KS: When people do what I do, they want to move to California or New York and I totally understand that desire to do that based on work and the opportunities there, but I feel like Tampa is such a small city/big town kind of vibe and it’s really up-and-coming. I’ve always loved it here. I think it’s stunning. I love the people; I love the kind of traffic that we have; I love the kind of restaurants and apartments and houses that are for sale here. It’s been home as long as I can remember, and I’ve always wanted to live here.

TBPM: What do you see in your future?

KS: I wish I knew. I didn’t see TikTok in my future, and yet here we are. It will definitely be something crazy!

co-host of Daytime on WFLA News Channel 8

Image courtesy of Kat Stickler

Moms to Know

Quin Brewington

Sister Lady Girl | sisterladygirl.com

Second Act Summit

by Julie Tingley, founder of @weemacree

Welcome to life after 40. You followed the career path that you were told to take. You climbed the corporate ladder faithfully, rung by rung, until you reached the point where all of the experiences, certifications and success could not make up for the lack of fulfillment and acknowledgment you have received in return. Yet, where do you go when this is all you know, and—to be frank—when you feel like you’ve aged past the point of change? It is at this crossroads where Quin Brewington found that life was only just beginning, and she would make sure that more women knew this was their time.

TBPM: Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to create Sister Lady Girl and Second Act Summit.

QB: I think it was around my mid-40s when the feelings of anxiety, exhaustion and hopelessness started setting in. I hadn’t come anywhere close to achieving what I thought I “should” have by that age, and I felt like I was wasting my life. I was numb; struggling to see the point of it all, and nothing seemed to help. The fact that my life looked good (close-knit family, steady job, cool car, beautiful home) only amplified the problem. To the casual observer, I was killin’ it! I was “hashtag goals.” I had no business feeling miserable, which made me feel even more miserable!

I discovered much later that what was happening to me wasn’t unusual. It was happening to millions of other middle-aged women, too. Like me, they all followed society’s script that said get a good job, find a good man and have some great kids if we wanted to live happily ever after. Like me, they all ended up feeling disappointed, too.

I didn’t want to keep going that way, existing instead of living. I knew deep down that I wanted my time on this earth to have more meaning. I decided to figure out how to make the next phase of my life the best phase of my life, which led to the creation of SisterLadyGirl—which began as a creative outlet in the form of a blog—but has evolved into a boutique consulting firm that specializes in building the health, wealth and self of modern midlife women through curriculum, community, conversations and curated events, such as my signature annual conference for women over 40, called The Second Act Summit™.

TBPM: Congratulations on your third Summit this past April! Can you share some highlights from this year and the programming and content that participants can expect for next year?

QB: It’s an unforgettable day of inspiration, information and insight cultivated exclusively for working GenX women. Since its inception in 2020, the Summit has brought together hundreds of women over 40 and provided them with tools and resources to explore what’s possible for them in midlife and help them discover ways to leverage their years of knowledge, skills and experiences to create new opportunities for themselves.

Attendees enjoyed a beautiful brunch, workshops that featured live coaching with some of the best female coaches I’ve ever met, a pop-up marketplace, swag bags, lots of social media-worthy moments and so much more. The Summit is built around two of the four key pillars for

SisterLadyGirl: Connection and Community. So of course, one of my favorite highlights from the event was the networking that the women were able to do.

TBPM: As you have identified a very special part of the population that remains under-served (women wanting professional and personal change in midlife), you also have a heart for mothers who are “empty nesters,” another transition for women we do not speak enough about. What is your message about this?

QB: Navigating the newness of not being needed as much by your adult child can be tough. Many women in midlife have grown up with the idea that being a nurturer and provider comes first, so they tend to have a hard time separating the need to protect their child and feeling like they’re losing control. Some women have shared that it can be hurtful to watch their child develop an identity outside of them. That’s why I believe it’s so important to ensure that your relationship with the child evolves as they age. Yes, it’s true that they are your child, however they’re no longer children. So, we have to be respectful of that change and confident enough to give them the space to make their own decisions.

TBPM: While one of your daughters now works as a teacher at a school for children with autism, you also have another daughter at home with special needs. How has your experience as her mother contributed to your approach in your coaching business, and in what ways has your youngest daughter inspired your family’s connection with the community?

QB: As a mother to a child with special needs, I’ve learned so much empathy. That quality has been an integral part of how I’ve been able to build the SisterLadyGirl community. Contemplating something new is a scary thing. At this age, we’ve accumulated a lot, and that means we have a lot to lose. So, it’s very important to always operate from a place of understanding when offering advice or pointing women in the direction of tools and resources that will help them get unstuck.

TBPM: What is your favorite thing to do in Tampa Bay with your family?

QB: We love doing anything on or near the water! It’s great to live in the place where other people go to vacation.

photobyChristina Jones Photog rap hy

SESSIONS EVERY DAY • FUN FOR ALL AGES

FRIDAY NIGHT MELTDOWN:

Looking for a fun way to kick off your weekend? Join IC and Friends every Friday night for a 2-hour family-fun public skate session! With a live DJ, colorful lights, and plenty of excitement, this is the perfect opportunity to gather your family and friends and create some unforgettable memories on the ice.

$25 admission + skates

$22 admission + skates

Kids to Know:

by Julie Tingley, founder of @weemacree

At 11 years old, every breath Madden Sheridan takes is a miracle. So, when he’s hitting balls and running bases with his Miracle By The Bay team every Saturday during season, his performance is truly a welcome phenomenon. Diagnosed with Jeune’s Syndrome in utero, Madden may have special needs and accommodations, but his passion for sports, making people laugh and building with Legos is just like any other kid his age. What makes him most different is how he has inspired his entire family to give back in ways that are changing lives of other children…once-in-a-lifetime children like Madden.

Miracle By The Bay was founded in 2018 with the mission to provide all-inclusive community programming for special needs youth and adults while also providing social opportunity through a variety of events and programs. While the organization founder and Director of Operations Matt Walker has cerebral palsy himself, he has worked tirelessly in the community to show that the ability to overcome barriers through giveback is far greater than his disability.

Madden Sheridan

MIRACLE BY THE BAY

TBPM: Tell us about yourself!

MS: I am Madden Sheridan. I am 11 years old.

TBPM: Let’s talk about your experience with your baseball team. What do you enjoy most about playing? What makes the players on your team so special?

MS: I love my baseball team. I give them speeches to make them ready for the game. I like to play with them and hit home runs.

TBPM: What do you like most about school?

MS: I love Lift Academy. I love my teachers and my best friends Bree and Sarah.

TBPM: Describe your family to us and how your sister is involved with the things you like to do.

MS: Our family has my mom, my dad, sissy and my dogs Chewy and Leia. Sissy is 13 and her name is Bailey Sheridan.

Mandy (Madden's Mom): Bailey volunteers with Miracle By The Bay and helps the players during the game. One child she helps is blind, so she helps to guide him around the bases. They have fun together during the game and they are the same age.

TBPM: What is something you learned to do this past year that you could not do before?

MS: Multiplication.

TBPM: What are you working on now that you hope to become really good at?

MS: Building Legos.

TBPM: How do you like to show kindness and friendliness?

MS: I like to give hugs.

TBPM: What is your favorite thing about living in Tampa?

MS: I like my city, I like hockey and baseball (Go Rays), and I like my school and my friends.

Distinguished Programs Equal Huge Opportunities in Hillsborough County Public Schools

by Laura Cross

The Academy of Finance Program: Sounds like some fancy course at the college level, right?

Did you know five of our high schools in Hillsborough County offer The Academy of Finance Program? And, even better, there are big scholarship opportunities available to students who complete this prestigious program.

“The Academy of Finance is one of several CTE (Career & Technical Education) programs that are offered now in five schools in the district: Jefferson, Armwood, Brandon, Spoto and King High Schools,” says Larissa Lizarraga, supervisor of Career and Technical Education for the district. “Students can join starting freshman year. Every year they take a different course in several areas of business and finance such as accounting, entrepreneurship, economics and financial literacy.”

This year, The Academy of Finance Program had 25 students from three different high schools complete the program. They were honored and celebrated during a special breakfast a couple of weeks before graduation.

Superintendent Addison Davis gave the opening remarks during the event and thanked the teachers, families and, of course, the students who completed the program. He says the opportunities the program offers can be life-changing and truly prepare our students for the future.

“It is so awesome to be able to recognize 25 of our high school students that have completed the Academy of Finance,” Davis said at the recognition event. “They’ve had opportunities to engage with business partners and business educators that really understand economics, financial planning, business leadership and accounting. It’s so important for us to train our students to transition to the real world because these are skills they will need forever as they move forward in careers in the financial pathway.”

As an added surprise during the ceremony, the William A. Gregory Foundation awarded several scholarships to students who completed the program.

• Four students received $4,000 scholarships

• Jorge Sanchez, a Jefferson High School senior, was awarded a $10,000 scholarship

• Boglarka Csanadi, a Brandon High School senior was awarded a $20,000 scholarship

“I received the William A. Gregory foundation scholarship, $20,000 over four or six years depending whether I want to get my masters,” Csanadi said excitedly after the ceremony. “So I am very, very happy and grateful for this opportunity.”

Csanadi plans to attend the University of Florida to major in Computer Science.

Many high school students head into post-graduation life with barely the basics when it comes to handling finances. The Academy of Finance Program not only prepares students to manage their own money matters, but gives them the strong foundation to turn it into a career.

The Academy of Finance Program is offered at Brandon High, Armwood High, King High, Spoto High and at Jefferson High as a magnet program, which means any student in the district can apply to be accepted into that program.

To learn more about The Academy of Finance, check out our website HillsboroughSchools.org and search for Career and Technical Education.

Keep

Comprehensive continued learning opportunities are now available for Pre-K through 12th-grade students in Hillsborough County Public Schools. These unique and exciting programs will provide for continuity of learning, strengthen core content understanding, and minimize the impact of learning loss over the summer months. Reading, Art, Music, Dual Language, Outdoor-learning Adventures, Credit Recovery, and more—multiple program offerings are available for all needs, interests, and ages!

Locations are available in schools throughout Hillsborough County!

• The HOST program is available at select sites

• Enrichment and remediation options

• Transportation services are provided for eligible students

• Breakfast & lunch are provided for all students

Ensure your child is prepared for the 2023-24 school year, and register today! A complete list of opportunities with registration details can be found at www.hillsboroughschools.org/summerlearning

JUNE 12 –

JULY 27

your child’s skills sharp and their brain engaged this summer through our Summer Learning Programs.

The Library’s Summer Reading Challenge Keeps Kids Learning

by Cheryl Wolfe, photos provided by Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

In addition to enjoying stories and providing an opportunity for family time, the library’s summer reading program aims to curb the “summer slide.” Studies show that:

• Reading 20 minutes a day throughout the summer can prevent students from losing progress made during the previous school year.

• Students who read recreationally perform better academically than students who do not read outside of school.

• Even reading just four or five books over the summer can significantly impact middle school readers.

• Children read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests.

Kids: Ready for a fun summer reading challenge? This year, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library will offer summer reading for all ages from June 1 –July 31. Reading over the summer supports children’s educational gains and offers a fun way for kids to read and learn when school is not in session. Here’s your guide to reading with your public library and helping your children build reading into their summer routine.

Sign up at HCPLC.org/Summer and track your reading progress through the library’s digital platform, Beanstack, or on the Beanstack app. Anyone can download the free Beanstack app for Android or Apple to get started, or track on a computer on the Beanstack website.

SCAN HERE

to get the app and links to summer reading suggestions for all ages!

Register your child or each family member and then log the time spent reading. For kids and teens, just track and submit the number of hours you read to them or that they read independently, and they can earn digital badges for reading and for participating in fun summer activities. There are prizes, too!

TO GET STARTED:

1. Visit HCPLC.org/Summer.

2. Register early and track your reading starting June 1.

3. Borrow books from your local branch or download them from HCPLC.org/eBooks.

Books aren’t the only option; kids can read magazines, audiobooks, comics, graphic novels and web articles for their reading hours. These reading materials can be especially beneficial to readers who are struggling or who need to be persuaded to pick up a book.

If you need to coax your children to the library, there’s more to do than picking up books. Summer event highlights include animal encounters, magic shows and science programs that will both educate and entertain.

Share your family’s summer reading adventures with us. Tag us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @TampaHillsLib #813Reads #HCPLC23Summer.

This year’s summer reading community partners are Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, Hillsborough County, Friends of the Library of TampaHillsborough County, Inc., and the TampaHillsborough County Children’s Library Foundation.

You can also search the library website HCPLC.org/Books or chat with your local library staff about your reading interests for a personalized suggestion.

EARLY START TO LEARNING

by Anu Varma Panchal

You may think that kindergarten is the perfect time to launch your child’s educational journey, but research shows that a large part of a child’s intellectual development takes place much earlier. Lindsay Carson, Chief Executive Officer of the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County, shares details about optimal start times for learning, and how every parent can find the right Early Learning Center (ELC) for their budget.

activities like drawing, cutting and manipulating small objects, which help develop hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

Children are provided with opportunities for exploration, problem-solving and critical thinking. They engage in activities that promote early math concepts, such as counting, sorting and shape recognition, as well as literacy activities like reading books, listening to stories and engaging in language-rich conversations.

Children participate in activities that encourage social interactions, cooperation and empathy. They engage in group activities, play together and learn how to manage their emotions and express themselves appropriately. An early learning classroom fosters a positive and inclusive environment where children develop a sense of belonging and self-confidence.

TBPM: How early do children begin to learn?

LC: Children begin learning from the moment they are born and even before that. In fact, research has shown that the first five years of life are particularly important for shaping a child's brain architecture and establishing a foundation for future learning.

During the prenatal period, babies begin to learn through sensory experiences. They can hear their mother's voice, feel her movements and respond to external stimuli. After birth, children continue to learn rapidly as they interact with their environment and the people around them.

Children are exposed to a rich language environment, where they engage in conversations with peers and adults. They participate in storytelling, singing songs and engaging in activities that enhance vocabulary development and communication skills. Reading books and engaging in language-based activities promote early literacy skills.

Overall, a typical day in an early learning program aims to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes children's development across the physical, cognitive, social-emotional and language domains. By addressing each of these domains, early learning programs lay a solid foundation for children's lifelong learning and success.

TBPM: How can parents bring those skills into their own home to continue their child's education?

TBPM:

Why is early learning so crucial for a child’s development?

LC: The early years of a child's life are a period of rapid brain development. In fact, 90% of synapses are formed before a child ever sets foot in a kindergarten classroom. The brain forms critical connections and neural pathways that lay the foundation for future learning and cognitive abilities. Early learning experiences help stimulate and strengthen these connections, optimizing brain development and setting the stage for future academic and social success.

TBPM: What happens during a typical day of an early learning program?

LC: A typical day in an early learning program encompasses a range of activities and experiences that are designed to promote the holistic development of young children across various developmental domains.

Children engage in activities that promote gross motor skills, such as running, jumping and climbing, through outdoor play or structured movement activities. Fine motor skills are nurtured through

LC: Parents are a child’s first teacher and play a vital role in teaching/reinforcing skills at home. There are many opportunities throughout the day to positively affect children's learning and development. Going to the park or playing outside helps grow large motor skills. Drawing pictures and talking about what they drew helps develop small motor and language skills. Talking about feelings and what to do with them helps develop social and emotional skills. Simple activities like sorting and counting socks help develop math skills. One of the best ways to help your child become a good reader is to read to them. The time you spend together makes them associate reading with pleasure.

TBPM: What is Florida’s Free VPK?

LC: VPK is a state program designed to prepare every child in Florida for kindergarten and build the foundations for their educational success. All eligible children are entitled to participate in one of three VPK program options. The VPK mission is to ensure that all children are intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically ready to enter school and ready to learn. The VPK program fully recognizes the crucial role of parents as their child’s first teacher. (DEL Florida VPK Handbook)

TBPM: Why is Florida’s Free VPK important for children before Kindergarten?

LC: VPK gives each child an opportunity to perform better in school and throughout life with quality programs that include high literacy standards, accountability, appropriate curricula, substantial instruction periods, manageable class sizes and qualified instructors.

(DEL Florida VPK Handbook)

TBPM: Is it better to do a full-year program or summer VPK right before school starts?

LC: Determining the program that meets the family and child’s needs is a parental choice. Both programs offer the same curricula. The main difference is that the full-year program, known as the School-year program, offers 540 hours of instruction. The Summer program offers 300 instructional hours.

TBPM: How many schools in Pinellas County offer free VPK?

LC: For the current 2022-2023 program year there are 272 sites.

TBPM: Does my child have to attend VPK in the county we reside in, or can we register them in the county where I work?

LC: No, you do not need to reside in the County [in which] you wish to register your child in VPK.

TBPM: Are there programs available for special needs children?

LC: Although there are not specific programs that ELC offers for children with special needs, there is a Warmline that parents can call to get assistance with ADA laws, referral options and support in obtaining childcare listings that may meet their child's needs. The Warmline number is 727-545-7536.

We also offer a Special Needs Rate to providers that go above and beyond to support the daily needs of a school readiness child in their care with a documented special need (IEP/IFSP).

VPK offers SIS (Specialized Instructional Services) this provides instruction or therapy in individual or small group settings for eligible children with special needs. The child must have a current IEP (Individualized Education Program) for a local school district.

TBPM: How can parents register their children to participate in VPK?

LC: A parent can register for a VPK program by applying through the Family Portal at familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com. Families must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Birth verification to prove their child meets the VPK age

• Florida residency requirement

TBPM: How can parents find assistance searching for the right early learning program or financial support?

LC: Families searching for early learning options and other resources may contact Child Care Resource and Referral, a free service to the community at 400-4411, option 3 and then option 3, or at elcpinellas.org. If requesting childcare options, they will be provided with a listing of providers that meet their specific criteria.

Families seeking help paying for childcare can contact the School Readiness Wait List at 400-4411, option 3 and then option 2. Families will apply for assistance through the online Family Portal system at familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com.

Group Quit offers free, expert-led in-person or virtual sessions for all Florida residents regardless of insurance status. Upon class completion, participants are eligible for nicotine replacement therapy such as gum, patches or lozenges.*

Group Quit offers free, expert-led in-person or virtual sessions for all Florida residents regardless of insurance status. Upon class completion, participants are eligible for nicotine replacement therapy such as gum, patches or lozenges.*

Group Quit offers free, expert-led in-person or virtual sessions for all Florida residents regardless of insurance status. Upon class completion, participants are eligible for nicotine replacement therapy such as gum, patches or lozenges.*

Group Quit offers free, expert-led in-person or virtual sessions for all Florida residents regardless of insurance status. Upon class completion, participants are eligible for nicotine replacement therapy such as gum, patches or lozenges.*

Children’s Network of Hillsborough County: Celebrating a New Facility and Major Milestones as They Serve

Since 2022, Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC (CNHC) has served as the lead agency for administering the child welfare system in Hillsborough County. Though only a year old, their team of professionals has decades of combined experience in all aspects of the Florida child welfare system centered on preventing abuse and neglect, achieving permanency for children and maintaining accountability and excellence every day.

Their list of services includes foster care, adoption, prevention services, kinship care, independent living and more. They also work alongside organizations to help raise human trafficking youth awareness. Since opening last year, CNHC has made quite an impact in the community and in the lives of children in Hillsborough County.

The agency works with more than 70 community partners in the Tampa Bay region, including subject experts and allies in the business community. They are also contracted with The Florida Department of Children and Families as part of the state’s Community-Based Care approach to child welfare.

One of CNHC’s main supporters is Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who adopted her sons at ages 19 and 21 months old 24 years ago.

“Everyone who touches a child’s life, that work I know can be very hard at times and the rewards sometimes are small, but please, please understand that YOU are making a positive impact in a child’s life,” Castor says. “You can be that one person that provides that care, that kind word, whatever service may be that will turn that child’s life around.”

This past April, CNHC opened a brand-new location in Carrollwood to help create

the Tampa Bay Area

by Brie Gorecki

brighter tomorrows for children across Hillsborough County. Their Moving Forward ribboncutting event commemorated not just the change of venue, but also National Child Abuse Prevention Month and CNHC’s role in changing child welfare for the better. The ceremony was attended by several state and local government leaders, CNHC board members and advisors and members of the community.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers spoke at the ribbon cutting for the new facility in April, stressing the importance of the work that CNHC does. “They (children) are our future leaders. Families train them and say, ‘You can be special’ when at times, our young people think they have no one.”

Though there is a process to becoming a foster parent and pursuing adoption, CNHC provides the resources that families need to take that journey. They encourage anyone interested to visit their website or call their recruitment line at 844-933-KIDZ (5437). CNHC also posts stories from local families every week in the Foster Friday section of its website. Potential foster families can read stories from others who have taken part in fostering and read highlights from their journey.

“Looking at the foster care system, we need to make sure that system has the loving foster care parents that we need and provides those services,” Castor says. “Any way that we can make sure that we get families together, regardless of the makeup of that family, it comes down to love and care and guidance.”

As of May 2023, CNHC’s impact has included:

• 343 fewer children removed from their homes

• 40% reduction in children sheltered

• $5.8 million cost savings from Intensive Family Services

• Over 198 adoptions

• 746 foster homes

• 3,217 total children served

For more information on CNHC and to learn more about the foster parent and adoption system, please visit childrensnetworkhillsborough.org or call their information line at 656-400-2600.

photos by Children’s Network of Hillsborough County

10 Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe This Summer

by AdventHealth

1

Prevent Sunburn

From hopscotch and hideand-seek to a family game of cornhole in the backyard, summer serves up many opportunities for outdoor fun. To protect your family, be sure to apply sunscreen even if it is a cloudy day. It only takes a few serious sunburns to raise your child’s risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 that offers both UVA and UVB protection—look for “broad spectrum” on the label. Make sure to reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating or toweling dry.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests these items, too:

• A wide-brimmed hat

• Lightweight, long-sleeve shirts and long pants, when possible

• Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays

Finally, try to keep your little ones—and yourself—in the shade, especially during the midday hours.

2

Help Them Stay Cool

Heat-related illnesses happen when the body’s temperature control system is overworked. Infants and young children are most at risk but watch out for any child taking part in strenuous activities in hot weather. Learn the warning signs for heat-related illness and seek care immediately if your child shows any of them. Pay particular attention when outdoors in temperatures that reach 90 degrees or above.

Here are steps you can take to protect your family from the heat:

• Dress them in lightweight, light-colored clothes

• Cool them off with a cool bath or a swim

• Give them plenty of water to drink, even before they ask for it

• Seek air conditioning; if you don’t have AC at home, look for heat-relief shelters in your area

• Never leave a child in a parked car, even if you leave the windows cracked open

3

Prevent Water Accidents

With warmer weather and kids at home from school, it’s a good time to master water safety. According to the CDC, drownings are the top cause of injury death for children ages 1 to 4. And for every child who fatally drowns, another five receive emergency care for submersion injuries.

To keep your kids safe:

• Always supervise your children when they are in or around water

• Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

• Make sure children wear properly fitting life jackets when in and around natural bodies of water

• Teach your kids to swim

4

Use a Helmet

With outdoor play, consider checking your child’s helmet for a proper fit. A properly fitting helmet can help protect your child from a serious head injury. The CDC provides helmet fact sheets for sizing and using helmets for a range of different activities.

5

Keep Bugs Away

The summer months show an increase in mosquitoes and ticks, which can be downright dangerous. Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus and Zika, and tick bites can lead to Lyme disease.

To protect your family:

• Apply an effective insect repellent when your kids play outdoors. Be sure to avoid their hands, eyes, mouth and cuts or irritated skin

• Check everyone who has been outdoors for ticks and learn how to remove a tick safely

• Cover baby carriers and strollers with mosquito netting

• Dress children in breathable long sleeves and long pants

6

Prevent Burns

Campfires, sparklers, roasting marshmallows and making s’mores are fun activities, but make sure you supervise closely. Keep everyone a safe distance from the fire to prevent burns, and make sure hot treats cool down enough to eat.

7

Stay Safe in Storms

Prepare for hurricane season early. It’s important for families to have a plan, including emergency kits and evacuation or sheltering plans. Check the weather forecast before your children head outside, especially if they’ll be out for a while. If thunderstorms are in the forecast, cancel or postpone outdoor activities. Sometimes, bad weather can pop up unexpectedly. Teach your kids what to do if they’re caught outside as a thunderstorm approaches:

• Before threatening weather arrives, get inside a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle

• Get to a safe place immediately if you hear thunder

8

Keep Food Safe from Germs

Prevent food-related illnesses by making sure to clean, separate, cook and chill foods properly. Learn about foods that can cause food poisoning and how you should handle them to keep your family safe.

9

Prevent Injuries Due to Falls

Falls at home or on playgrounds are common causes of injuries. Supervise your kids and check to make sure the surfaces under playground equipment are made of wood chips or sand, not hard surfaces like grass or dirt.

10

Buckle up for Car Rides

Your children depend on you to keep them safe during car rides. Make sure they are properly buckled up in a car seat, booster seat or seat belt, depending on their age, height and weight. Learn how to buckle your child safely.

WE’RE READY WHEN YOU NEED US

We hope you and your loved ones have a safe, healthy summer. But if you need us, we’re ready to provide you with safe, expert care whether it is online or in one of our primary care offices, urgent care centers or emergency rooms.

Local Family Shares Story to Prevent Drownings

by Allyn DiVito,

by Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

Water is part of the allure of living in Florida, but few realize that drowning is the leading cause of death among Florida children ages 1-4.

One family is incredibly grateful to have averted such a tragedy. Having recently moved from Washington State to Venice, Florida, the family of five was about to enjoy a day at the beach last Thanksgiving when 2-year-old Paul slipped out back. “He’s in the pool!” his mother, Hannah, yelled frantically upon discovering her son lying face down, motionless in the water.

Her husband Travis tried reviving their toddler while Hannah called 911. Her waterlogged cell phone was failing and she wasn’t sure the dispatcher heard the address. A neighbor heard the commotion and alerted her dad, Vic Stevens, who happened to be a retired deputy fire chief from Long Island, New York, who lived next door to Paul’s family.

“Is it happy screaming or something wrong?” Stevens asked his daughter, and

then ran across the street, immediately leaving retirement and forever epitomizing the definition of Thanksgiving for Paul’s family. Stevens’ training in CPR and calmness in chaos proved invaluable until paramedics arrived.

A helicopter soon landed in front of their homes and flew Paul 64 miles to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. Paul had suffered anoxic brain injury from the lack of oxygen while underwater. “We had no idea what quality of life he would have,” Hannah recalls. Breathing machines prevented Hannah from holding her son for eight days. She waited three weeks to see his genuine smile again. It would be nearly Christmas before the family’s worst fears would be relieved.

“How quickly CPR was performed was a vital part of Paul’s great outcome,” says Tisha Spence, M.D., a critical care physician in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Johns Hopkins All Children's. “There are many prognostic factors that we look at as

intensivists to help determine the neurological outcome for a patient after a near drowning. But the most helpful predictor is often time.”

“Paul had to learn to walk, talk and eat again,” says Cindy Bozarth, a speech pathologist on Paul’s care team. “A key element was family involvement. With a lot of love, faith and therapy guidance, he was shaped back into the curious and active 2-year-old that his family knew before the accident. His family took every piece of information the rehab team provided and implemented recommendations into his day-to-day routine. It made a world of difference.”

“From the very beginning, Paul’s family consistently followed through with all recommendations and assisted Paul with return to crawling, kneeling and standing. It is remarkable to see his recovery from the PICU to discharge,” says Billy Siesel, a physical therapist at the hospital.

During a rehab visit, Hannah recalls pushing Paul through the PICU in a little toy car to give the team a chance to see his success. “I call them our victory laps,” Hannah says. "Paul's clinical team were with us when it was really hard and we were zombies staring at a bed,” Hannah says. “They see the worst of it, and they don’t often get to see the results.”

“Seeing that reminds me why I chose this profession,” Spence says.

To learn about drowning prevention, visit HopkinsAllChildrens.org/WaterSafety.

photos

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