June 2025 Magazine

TAMPA BAY

Parenting

For more than 100 years, BayCare has been where families begin, delivering more babies than any other hospital system in West Central Florida. From the first ultrasound to your baby’s first breath, our expert team is here to guide you with compassionate care and the highest level of support. Whether you need specialized prenatal care or the reassurance of an advanced NICU, you’ll know that you and your baby are in the best hands. With seven maternity hospitals, we provide access to exceptional maternity care, close to home. That’s care you can count on from the leader in women’s health. That’s the BayCare effect.

To learn more, go to BayCare.org/Maternity or scan this code:

Tess and baby Emilia

JUNE 2025

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER

Laura Byrne

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Anu Varma Panchal

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Zoë Joiner

PUBLISHING ASSISTANT

Maddie Henning

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Laura Byrne

Brie Gorecki

Grayson Kamm

Stephanie Bechara

Maggie Rodriguez

Zoë Joiner

Jenny P

Dalia Colón

Tara Payor, PhD

Laura Cross

Jason Rogers

Anu Varma Panchal

Karimah Henry

Kiva Williams

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Ralf Gonzalez

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Jennifer Dufek

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

MOSI

Laura Byrne

Keys Marine Laboratory

Yokie Empire

Grayson Kamm

Kennedy Space Center

Zoe Joiner

Jenny P

Carol Legan

Katie Krimitsos

Karimah Henry

Kiva Williams

Adventure Island

Legoland Florida

BOOKKEEPING

James Anderson

DISTRIBUTION

TGS Media Distribution, tgsmedia.com

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

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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. tampabayparenting.com

Articles

11 // What Dad Really Wants: Contributing writer Grayson Kamm shares dad-approved gift ideas for Father’s Day

12 // Juneteenth Family Celebrations: Join our community in reflection and celebration of this special day

14 // A WILD Summer of All-New Fun at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: New attractions, shows and more to explore beginning this month

17 // Sea Life Florida SNEAK PEEK: Sea Life Florida is ready to make a splash this summer at LEGOLAND Florida Resort

18 // All-New Ways to Unplug and Play this Summer: So many things to do will debut in Tampa Bay, and we're sharing them all

21 // What to Do with Your Kids this Summer: A few moms from the "Maggie and the Moms" panel on Daytime dish on their local picks

24 // Summer Bucket List: Astronaut Winston Scott tells us why everyone should see a rocket launch in person at least once in their lifetime

26 // Pack, Snack, Go! Jenny P of @lunchboxmafia has simple snack and lunch hacks for road trips, theme parks and more

27 // Petal Power: Foodie Dalia Colón dishes on some fun ways to incorporate edible flowers into your recipes

28 // Hurricane Season 2025: What to know about storm flooding with ABC Action News Chief Meteorologist Denis Phillips

37 // School is Over, but the Work is Not: Hillsborough County Public Schools shows us how referendum dollars are being utilized this summer

40 // Explore the Library for Your Next Great Masterpiece: Avoid the summer slide and learn how your family can experience the art of reading at the library

ABOUT THE COVER:

Imagine Orthodontic Studio’s Dr. Alissa Morris (with her family in the Pinellas Park/St. Pete office) shares everything we need to know about achieving our own perfect smiles. Orthodontic care isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s for your health, too. Flip to page 44 for more.

49 // STAYcation at the YMCA: You don’t have to leave town to have an incredible summer when the YMCA is here for all of the fun and learning

51 // The ABCs of Drowning Prevention: Our friends at BayCare share life-saving tips every parent and caregiver needs to know

Every Issue:

6 // Noteworthy: What’s New and Notable in Tampa Bay and beyond

9 // June Top Picks: Our favorite things to do this month

22 // The Play List: Explore Lettuce Lake Park in Hillsborough County

30 // Moms to Know: Meet Tami Kent, founder of The No More Foundation

33 // Kids to Know: Meet Decker Deady, The No More Foundation volunteer

44 // COVER STORY: Straight talk about braces with Dr. Alissa Morris of Imagine Orthodontic Studio

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

ROUTINE TO HIGH RISK

WHERE YOU DELIVER MATTERS

Tampa General Hospital is ranked top 10 in the nation for Obstetrics & Gynecology and high performing for Maternity.

As the highest-ranked hospital in Florida for Obstetrics & Gynecology for the second year in a row, and high performing for Maternity by U.S. News & World Report, Tampa General delivers more babies than any hospital in the region and is the only hospital in Hillsborough County designated a Baby-Friendly® birth facility. Our team of USF Health specialists and private practice physicians 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 women with high-risk pregnancies.

NOTEWORTHY june

GOOD NEWS!

FATHER’S DAY IS SUNDAY, JUNE 15!

Flip to page 12 for fun gift ideas from local dads.

Corals born at The Florida Aquarium head to the Keys

Florida’s coral reef is in trouble, but hope is on the way in the form of nearly 1,050 coral babies spawned and raised at The Florida Aquarium. The Aquarium’s Coral Conservation team recently transported the young elkhorn corals to the Florida Keys, where they are being planted on the reef or nurtured in oceanbased nurseries. The corals include many new genetic combinations that researchers hope will bring new life to one of Florida’s most important marine ecosystems. flaquarium.org

Monster Jam® returns in August

Monster Jam will roar back into Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Aug. 15-17!

Watch as the 12,000-pound trucks stand on two wheels and fly through the air in competitions of speed and skill. We recommend upgrading your day with a Pit Party Pass before the show to meet the drivers and see the trucks up close! monsterjam.com

River Country Water Park at Westgate River Ranch

Resort & Rodeo

Get ready for splash-filled adventures at River Country Water Park, opening June 13. Splash through thrilling water slides, take a refreshing dip in the pool and enjoy plenty of kid-friendly attractions perfect for the whole family. Whether you're soaking up the sun or relaxing poolside, there's no better place in Lake Wales for a full day of fun. rivercountry.com

Drawn to Life at Disney Springs: Free Kids Ticket Offer

If you’re heading to Walt Disney World this summer, Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs is offering a free kids ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket on Thursdays to see "Drawn to Life." Take advantage of the deal online at cirquedusoleil.com or by mentioning the "kids free" offer at the Disney Springs box office. The deal is available through Labor Day.

PEPPA PIG Theme Park welcomes new addition

It’s a girl! Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, Peppa and George are celebrating the arrival of Evie, baby number three! And this summer, you can meet the newest little piggy in person at PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida in Winter Haven. In celebration, the park is also introducing designated “parent-to-be” parking spots starting this month, making visits easier and more accessible for expectant families. peppapigthemepark.com

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is expanding its ability to serve even more families in the Tampa Bay area with a new location at St. Joseph's Women's Hospital in Tampa. This is a big deal for the hospital since the new 10,100-square-foot house on the hospital's fourth floor is only a short 100 steps from the NICU, and across the street from St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. While RMHC serves all families with children in a medical crisis, a majority of families served each year in our area have babies in a NICU. This new house is the fifth RMHC location in the Tampa Bay area.

Ronald McDonald House at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital

EXPERIENCE THE COOLEST SUMMER AT ZOOTAMPA

Stay cool and travel the world this summer at ZooTampa. Go on an epic safari ride through Africa. Splash around the outback in Australia. See majestic animals in Asia, then travel back to Florida and wade in the water with stingrays. A world of adventures, all in one place!

Visit Now and Come Back Again and Again with a Pay for a Day Ticket or Membership!

13-time winner of TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Plan your adventure at ZooTampa.org

Giants, Dragons & Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures, going on now at MOSI, explores the fascinating origins of legendary beings like dragons, unicorns, mermaids, and sea monsters. The exhibition reveals how real animals, ancient fossils, and cultural myths inspired these timeless creatures. Visitors will journey through interactive displays, uncovering how narwhal tusks became unicorn horns, how dinosaur fossils sparked griffin legends, and the enduring appeal of fire-breathing dragons and towering giants across cultures.

Giants, Dragons and Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org).

JUNE Top Picks

Our favorite family-friendly events in Tampa Bay

CAPYBARA CHILLOUT AT CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM

THROUGH JULY 20

The limited-time capybara experience is BACK this summer at CMA! Presented by Amazing Animals, Inc., you can chill with these remarkable, semi-aquatic rodents during the Capybara Chillout. Visitation is included in admission, and for even more capy cuteness, you can book a Capybara Meet & Greet for a closer connection and hands-on moments you won’t forget! Cmaquarium.org

BUSCH GARDENS SUMMER NIGHTS

THROUGH AUG. 10

School’s out and it’s time for some extra playtime! Stay longer and play later all summer long with the ultimate evening thrills that light up the park with extended hours, non-stop dazzling entertainment, special summer eats and treats and more. Buschgardens.com/tampa

SUMMER CLASSICS AT TAMPA THEATRE

JUNE 1-AUG. 31

The historic Theatre’s 34th annual Summer Classics movie series brings iconic films back to the big screen every Sunday, June 1 to Aug. 31. Enjoy timeless favorites like “The Princess Bride,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Casablanca,” plus silent shorts with live organ accompaniment. Kicking off with a Memorial Day weekend engagement of “Jaws” May 23-27, this family-friendly series offers affordable tickets ($10 / $7 for Theatre members) and post-show Film Talks, making it Tampa’s coolest summer escape. tampatheatre.org

SESAME STREET’S SAFARI OF FUN 15TH BIRTHDAY

JUNE 7-AUG. 2

Celebrate Sesame Street Safari of Fun’s 15th birthday at Busch Gardens! Bring the whole family for special fun, entertainment, your favorite characters and more. Buschgardens.com/tampa

JUNETEENTH CULTURAL CELEBRATION AT TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART

JUNE 14 FROM 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M.

Commemorate Tampa Museum of Art’s fourth annual Juneteenth Cultural Celebration with an exciting day filled with activities for the whole family. Prepare for a lively community celebration with art-making activities, live music, performances, photobooth experience, gallery discussions, local vendors and more. Admission is free. Tampamuseum.org

"PUTT & PARTY” AT DOWNTOWN TAMPA’S SUMMER KICKOFF

JUNE 20 FROM NOON-6 P.M.

Celebrate the official start of summer with a free bash at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Presented by the Tampa Downtown Partnership from noon to 6 p.m., Putt & Party offers free putt-putt mini golf, face painting, fun activities and a DJ sending out summer vibes. Enjoy a ride on the river from Freedom Boat Club, plus snacks and popsicles available for purchase from Whatever Pops.

KEEL FARMS

WATERMELON WEEKEND

JUNE 21-22

Keel Farms is celebrating summer with all things watermelon! Enjoy two days of sun-soaked fun for the whole family with local vendors, a kids’ zone, activities for little ones and more. Adults can enjoy new seasonal releases of wines and ciders. keelfarms.com

Summer Classics at Tampa Theatre

"Putt & Party"

Busch Gardens Summer Nights

Capybara Chillout

WHAT DAD REALLY WANTS

by Grayson Kamm

Ask a bunch of wise guys for Father’s Day Gift ideas, and here’s what you’ll get!

OK, we get it, you don’t want another necktie. But what do dads want for Father’s Day? I tapped my network of father friends to get their answers. Their kids range from toddlers to teenagers. And – as you’d expect – their responses range from charming, fatherly wisdom … to childish dad jokes. What can I say?

Ask a dad question, and you’ll get a dad answer.

Gadget Guys

(tech-forward wireless gear)

• Earbuds for music and podcasts like AirPods

• Durable Bluetooth speaker like Turtlebox

• Networked home speakers like Sonos

• Smart in-grill meat thermometer like Meater+

Grill Guys

(coolers, drinks and dining)

• Super-sturdy cooler from the Yeti family like the big Yeti 45 or portable Hopper

• Kit to create smoked cocktails like Aged & Charred Cocktail Smoker Kit

• Of-the-month clubs delivering craft beer or spirits like Beer Across America or PourMore

• Portable pizza oven like Ooni Koda 16

Get Together Guys

(shared experiences)

• Tickets with family or friends to sporting events, concerts or attractions

• Canoe trip, clay shooting or fishing day trip led by a charter captain with family or friends

• Golf (if you’re a golfer) or mini-golf (if you’re not) with family or friends

• Split it up – an activity and lunch with friends, followed by dinner and an evening with family

Get Outside Guys

(outdoor opportunities)

• Backyard smokeless fire pit like The Peak from Blue Sky

• Camping rocker chair like GCI Outdoor Freestyle

• Waterproof rain jacket like Columbia Men’s Watertight II

• Chill, casual shoes like Hey Dude

Go for the Heart Guys

(sentimental gifts)

• Breakfast in bed or lunch cooked by the family

• Handmade kid creations such as artwork or crafts from younger kids and framed photos taken by or poems written by older kids

• Wooden folding photo cube with family pictures like Woodili Magic Photo Cube

• Custom shoes with patterns or photos designed by kids like Vans Customs

Wise Guys

(actual responses from my oh-so-funny friends)

Scan for even MORE ideas for Father's Day, freebies for Dad, and more!

“The love of my children is all I need.” “A nap while watching golf.” There are so many suggestions

and all

of them are wrong for a magazine.

Grayson and his family at a Tampa Bay Sun Game

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It’s a powerful opportunity for families to come together to reflect on the past, celebrate freedom and look towards a more equitable future. From attending family-friendly events to supporting local businesses, there are so many ways to celebrate Juneteenth as a family.

The Tampa Bay Black Excellence Challenge (created by us, Karimah Henry and Kiva Williams) offers families a fun way to support local Black-owned businesses. We continue this challenge to help boost awareness and social media exposure for local businesses that may not always be on the community’s radar.

LOCAL EVENTS

WHAT INSPIRES KARIMAH:

I want to demonstrate to my children the importance of equity, inclusion and valuing diverse communities, especially during these times. I also want to show my children that success comes in many forms and from diverse backgrounds.

WHAT INSPIRES KIVA:

As a parent, leading by example is the best teacher. I’m glad that my husband and I get the privilege of educating our children on the struggles our ancestors faced and the hope we have for the future.

R.O.C. the Block Juneteenth Festival:

June 16-21 | Youth Summit is Monday, June 16, 1-7 p.m., 4811 Ehrlich Road, Tampa, FL 33624

Juneteenth Beacon of Change Celebration: June 14, 7-10 p.m. at the USF Alumni Center

Tampa Bay Juneteenth Coalition:

Juneteenth Street Festival (June 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1125 W. Spruce St., Tampa, FL 33607

Juneteenth Cultural Celebration: June 14, 11a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602

Juneteenth Family Celebration

Celebrating Juneteenth can be done in many ways. Some fun ways to consider are attending community events, trying out African cuisine, checking out cultural books from your local library and of course, participating in the Bingo challenge!

Visit our website to see a list of businesses you can support as well as our social media pages. For Juneteenth craft ideas and activities, visit craftingafunlife.com

by Karimah Henry, @craftingafunlife and Kiva Williams, @thefunfoodiemama

photos by Yokie Empire

A WILD Summer of All-New Fun at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

by Laura Byrne

Busch Gardens is going big in Tampa Bay, investing nearly $40 million into its local parks, including the water park Adventure Island. And this means even more family-friendly fun for you to experience! Among the additions this summer: Wild Oasis at Jungala, an all-new nighttime drone and fireworks show, an all-new after-hours event at Adventure Island and more. So let’s dive into the adventure awaiting you this summer!

Let's play at WILD OASIS at Jungala!

North America’s most immersive kid-friendly adventure realm opens for Pass Member previews on May 30 and to all guests June 6.

While Wild Oasis is open to all ages, it was designed with the older kids in mind, the ones who are a bit too old for Sesame Street Safari of Fun and not quite ready for the park’s most thrilling coasters. As a mom of a tween, it’s the addition I’m most excited about.

Those who remember the old Jungala realm will immediately notice a change in the theme upon entering, but the bones are still there for those who love a bit of nostalgia. Wild Oasis helps tell a new story in this area of the park, with a focus on the jungles of South America and the Amazon.

CANOPY CLIMB:

Kids (and even adults who dare to join their kids) can make their way through 200 feet of horizontal climbing trails and vertical climbing trails that will ascend up to 45 feet. There is even a sky deck where kids can perch high up at a 45-degree angle and look down over the Enchanted Falls splash pad area. Toddlers have a play area that includes a pint-sized climbing structure overlooking the animal habitat.

ENCHANTED FALLS SPLASH PAD:

Speaking of splash pads, which are very necessary on a hot Florida day, this space will be the perfect spot to cool off, with interactive features like splash towers, geysers in the ground and interactive elements like the waterfall.

RAINFOREST QUEST:

Kids who love a good scavenger hunt will love Rainforest Quest. It’s a chance for them to explore the realm and find clues, but also to learn more about the animals of the South American jungle and the animals who call Busch Gardens home.

TREE TOP DROP:

The ALL-NEW Tree Top Drop will ascend you to the tree tops before dropping a thrilling 35 feet. They’re incorporating technology with lights, sound and lasers to make it an even more immersive experience. The ride will also feature three different storylines, so it could be different each time you ride during your visit. Fourteen riders will get to ride at the same time, with a row of seven on each side. Kids only have to be 38 inches tall to ride with an adult and 42 inches to ride alone. There is even a viewing window where parents can take great pics of their kids.

HABITAT HIDEAWAY:

This is where you’ll find the new animals, including capybaras, a giant anteater, squirrel monkeys and tropical birds. You can view them from the ground, from high above the decks (which are stroller and wheelchair accessible) and even from underwater. You might even witness the capybara paddle!

“You'll come for the capybaras, but stay for the squirrel monkeys,” Kayla Wendzel, zoological curator of Wild Oasis at Busch Gardens, told us. “The squirrel monkeys have stolen my heart for sure, and they can kind of go anywhere across the habitat, so I’m really excited to watch the kiddos scramble across the Canopy Climb and the squirrel monkeys doing it right alongside them.”

Summer Nights are BACK!

With extended hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, you can experience all of the new fun at Busch Gardens this summer, including:

NEW DRONE SHOW: WILD SKIES

On select nights, hundreds of drones will take flight in a high-energy show in the skies, capped off with a stunning fireworks show.

NEW STUNT SHOW: MOTO-MOTION IN STANLEYVILLE THEATER

Get ready for edge-of-your-seat entertainment as you experience extreme BMX riders and breakdancers performing along with aerial daredevils in an intense battle of speed, strength and performance. Two teams will go head-to-head in a showdown, and it will up to you to decide who wins.

NEW RESTAURANT: TOMA AT ORANG CAFÉ NEAR THE ORANGUTANS AND WILD OASIS

Inside the all-new Wild Oasis at Jungala, guests will find TOMA at Orang Café, a vibrant quickservice restaurant offering a Latin-American inspired menu, complete with a prime view of the park’s orangutan habitat—a perfect spot to relax and refuel while enjoying the sights and sounds of the realm.

NEW BAR: CASBAR

For those looking to unwind and enjoy a signature cocktail, Casbar, a new outdoor full-service bar located in the Moroccan Village near Zagora Café, invites guests to sip on refreshing cocktails and enjoy the park's festive atmosphere.

THE MEERKATS HABITAT RETURNS!

Coming this summer, the expanded and revamped Meerkat Habitat will debut with a new colony in the Edge of Africa.

FREE BEER!

This popular nod to the past is back! Guests 21+ can enjoy one complimentary 7-ounce beer and Pass Members 21+ receive two free 7-ounce beers daily.

KUMBA RETURNS THIS SUMMER!

While there was no official opening date as of print, we’re told that this summer, you’ll once again be able to experience three seconds of weightlessness as you spiral 360 degrees on this thrilling ride!

NEW at Adventure Island:

This all-new, family-friendly after-hours event will transform Tampa Bay’s #1 water park into a glowing world of color and sound, and the best part is that there’s no worry about applying sunscreen! Neon tubes will be ready for you to float along a glowing lazy river, a light show will illuminate over the wave pool and there will even be a foam party!

AquaGlow will be hosted on select nights this summer, from 6-11 p.m., June 13 to Aug. 9, and is a separate ticket from the daytime event. Pass Members can take advantage of discounted ticket rates through the pass member portal. adventureisland.com

The best way to experience all of the new family-friendly attractions is by becoming an annual passholder, where you can take advantage of perks like free parking and discounts. Buschgardens.com

SEA LIFE Florida Makes a Splash at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

by Stephanie Bechara

The exhibits are full of water. The sea animals have arrived. The lights are on. And the doors are open! SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is ready to welcome guests into its newest adventure. This brandnew aquarium invites families to dive into the underwater world with fascinating sea creatures and hands-on discovery.

Inside, exhibits are filled with crystal-clear water, vibrant lighting brings sculpted scenes to life, and more than 3,000 marine animals have taken their places in carefully designed habitats. From octopus and jellyfish to curious seahorses and quirky clownfish, each zone offers an up-close look at life beneath the surface.

The showstopper? A walkthrough ocean tunnel like no other – where sharks, rays and other critters glide through a world of underwater wonder. Think a submerged coral castle, a haunted house, even a sunken

Ferris wheel! It’s the first SEA LIFE to transform its main ocean habitat into a Theme Park Under the Sea, where kids can spot animals interacting with rideinspired structures.

SEA LIFE Florida goes beyond stunning displays; it’s helping kids connect with the ocean in meaningful ways. With interactive exhibits and kid-sized viewing bubbles, SEA LIFE Florida is a one-of-a-kind blend of education, exploration and imagination. The goal is to raise awareness and spark curiosity with every bubble trail left behind.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort continues to grow as a premier family destination, offering endless opportunities for play and discovery. The Resort features the LEGOLAND® Water Park, where families can float, slide and splash in pools packed with floating LEGO® bricks. For little adventurers, PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida is right next door, offering preschool-perfect rides, shows and character moments that bring Peppa’s world to life.

When it’s time to rest, guests can stay at one of the hotels just steps from the fun. Even better? They can now choose from 20 newly themed rooms unveiled this year – including LEGO® Friends, LEGO® NINJAGO® and, for the first time ever, LEGO® DUPLO!

With the addition of SEA LIFE Florida, there’s even more reason to stay longer and explore everything LEGOLAND Florida Resort has to offer. Whether you’re looking for underwater encounters, brickbuilt thrills or splashy fun in the sun, this destination offers something for every kind of kid-at-heart!

SHELL PALACE

All-New Ways to UNPLUG & PLAY in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is the perfect place to be this summer because there are so many new ways to play — no screen time involved!

But, before we dive into all of the fun to be had, we wanted to learn a little bit more about WHY it’s so important to unplug and play. Once again, we turn to Dr. Jennifer Katzenstein, PhD, ABPP-CN, co-director of the Center for Behavioral Health at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for some answers.

TBPM: Why is play so important for kids?

Dr. Katzenstein: Play is essential to a child’s development. Through play, children build social skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving abilities and creativity. Play also supports brain development and can reduce stress and anxiety. For younger children, play is their primary language. It’s how they express feelings and explore relationships.

TBPM: What does it mean to play?

Dr. Katzenstein: Play is any activity that is freely chosen and self-directed. It can be imaginative, physical, social or quiet. It is a process of observing,

testing, trying, imitating and interacting with the environment they are in and with others. Whether a child is building with blocks, pretending to be a superhero, or simply running around outside, they are engaging in play that fosters growth and understanding. Play isn't just a break from learning; it is learning.

TBPM: Are we ever too old to benefit from the power of play?

Dr. Katzenstein: No way! Play benefits people at every age. For adolescents and adults, playful activities, whether sports, games or hobbies, help reduce stress, improve social connections and enhance cognitive flexibility. For families, shared play strengthens relationships and creates a sense of emotional safety, which is crucial for children’s well-being.

TBPM: Anything else about play you'd like to add?

Dr. Katzenstein: In today’s fast-paced and screen-saturated world, play is more important than ever. Children and adults are increasingly surrounded by devices and social media, which can limit meaningful, real-world interaction and creative exploration. While technology can offer some benefits, it often replaces unstructured play with passive consumption of content, which can contribute to attention difficulties, increased anxiety and reduced opportunities for social-emotional development. In many ways, play is the antidote to our digitally overloaded culture.

Party and PLAY at LEGOLAND Florida

LEGO Festival is an all-new celebration of play where kids can let their creativity run free, learn from a LEGO Master Builder, meet the character Peely from Fortnite in the gaming zone and even make a Play Pact, which will also give a local child in need a day of play at LEGOLAND Florida. It’s a win-win!

While the party concludes on June 8, LEGOLAND is still an awesome place to visit with the kids, with more than 50 rides, attractions and shows. Don’t let Florida’s hot summers deter you. One of our favorite things about this park is the numerous indoor build areas to cool off, and of course, there’s the LEGOLAND Water Park.

MORE ON PAGE 17

Experience the wonder of Sea Life Florida

We’re so excited about this new attraction opening right next door to LEGOLAND Florida Resort … and it’s another great way to cool off on a hot summer day!

You can explore 25 interactive exhibits, including a stingray bay, hands-on rockpools and 10 underwater-themed galleries. SEA LIFE Florida is also introducing the world’s first “Theme Park Under the Sea” experience in the main ocean exhibit, where you’ll get to walk through a 30-foot-long underwater tunnel and see animals interacting with coral carousels and deep-sea roller coasters.

Painting with Orangutans at ZooTampa

Make this a summer to remember with a new behind-the-scenes experience featuring the iconic Bornean orangutan. You’ll get to collaborate on a painting with one of the zoo’s orangutan artists and take home your one-of-a-kind masterpiece. It's being offered at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays in June and Saturdays in July. Kids ages 5 and older may participate. up. All participants require a ticket, and a paid, participating adult must also accompany children 5-17. Zoo admission is included.

$140 | zootampa.org

Explore new ways to play at Busch Gardens at Tampa Bay

There are so many new ways to experience Busch Gardens this summer. Our favorite new addition is the Wild Oasis at Jungala, which officially opens on June 6. This reimagined area of the park is the perfect spot for families, especially those with older kids, with its 200 feet of climbing tunnels in the sky and 45-foot-tall climbing trails where kids can see the new animals like squirrel monkeys and capybaras in a whole new way! And there’s a new splash pad too!

Summer Nights are also back with the all-new Wild Skies drone and fireworks show and Moto-Motion stunt show.

Light up the night at AquaGlow Adventure Island

Adventure Island is ready to show you why it’s Tampa Bay’s #1 water park with the launch of the all-new AquaGlow swim party on June 13. This separately ticketed special event will be celebrated on select nights from 6-11 p.m. The park comes alive after sunset in a vibrant world of color and sound, complete with a high-energy foam party! And here’s the best part—there’s no worry about sunscreen after dark!

Set sail on the Lost Pearl!

Tampa’s pirate ship is back on the water, and we’re loving it! The 90-minute cruise includes swashbuckling fun for families, along with a free bar at sea. The water cannons are a favorite! Dad sails free on Father’s Day with a paid child or adult ticket. And, for those of you who like to plan ahead, you can also book their July 4th Fireworks Cruise! tampapirateship.com

Make new furry friends at Capybara Chillout at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

There’s a new family of four 9-week-old capybaras to visit at Capybara Chillout at CMA! You can watch them as they splash, snack and snuggle, and even upgrade your day with a Capybara Encounter (offered four times a day) to get up close and personal with these adorable creatures. cmaquarium.org

NEW “Let’s See” at Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa

Your eyes are incredible, and this exhibit, in partnership with the Glazer Vision Foundation explores the science of vision through hands-on, mind-bending experiences.

NEW “Giants, Dragons & Unicorns” at MOSI in Tampa

Step into a world where ancient bones, real animals and imagination collide.

Go nose to snout with 15 dinosaurs that move and sound like scientists believe they did in real life, and even learn how they relate to animals you’ll find at the zoo today! You can cool off with a ride on Roaring Springs and in the splash pad in the Australia realm. NEW “Wonders of Wetlands” at

This new exhibit sparks curiosity and conservation by introducing kids to the vital role that Florida’s wetlands play in supporting wildlife and keeping our water clean.

Explore more just below the surface.

Discover a world where wonder meets research, rescue and rehabilitation. Deeper stories lead to a deeper understanding and a deeper connection. Only 1 mile from Clearwater Beach. Book your visit today.

What to do with your kids this summer

by Maggie Rodriguez, host of Daytime

Summer’s here! If you’re thinking “uh-oh” because you haven’t planned any activities yet, stop worrying. Here are some ideas from Maggie and the Moms.

FREE FUN

Keeping the kids entertained doesn’t have to cost a fortune, or even a penny! As a mother of two young boys, Karimah Henry of “Crafting a Fun Life” has scouted the best splash pads in town.

• Lesley "Les" Miller Jr. All People's Community Park (has one of the best shaded playgrounds)

• Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park (so much to do here)

• Carrollwood Village Park

• Kiwanis Sprayground Highlander Park

• Tarpon Springs Splash Park

Other favorite outdoor adventures include exploring Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, which hosts free family events; visiting indoor play areas around town; and having water-balloon fights in the backyard. Henry also suggests taking advantage of programs offered at local libraries, including reserving Discovery Passes for free admission to area museums and attractions.

BeachDay!

MUSEUMS AND MOVIES

With five kids in tow, summer can get busy – and expensive – for Steffany Rodriguez-Neely, founder of The Tampa Bay Moms Group. Her family kicks off the season by creating a “Summer Bucket List,” where each child chooses a few things they really want to do.

The extra time is filled in with taking advantage of great deals like discounted summer movies. Most theaters play older releases at huge savings on tickets and have deals on snacks.

Rodriguez-Neely also recommends scouting Kids Eat Free places for deals on meals that are usually available most days of the week.

Museums are a family favorite as well. Look for free days, discount days or specials with programs like Museums for All that makes attending with a lot of kids much more budget-friendly.

“MOM SUMMER CAMP”

Katie Krimitsos, founder of The Women’s Meditation Group, suggests coordinating with other families to alternate hosting summer camp at different homes each week. This “kid sharing” allows kids to have fun with friends and gives moms “me time.”

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES:

• Lego-building contests

• Chicken coop makeover

• Sourdough-making class

• Fort-building

• Beach days

CLOSE-TO-HOME OVERNIGHT TRIPS

Sometimes, it doesn’t feel like a vacation without a hotel stay, but if the schedule and budget only allow for a few nights within driving distance, Kiva Williams, AKA “The Fun Foodie Mama,” recommends her family’s favorite options – approved by her three children.

Palmetto Marriott Hotel & Spa

An amazing property with plenty to do and enjoy with the family near downtown Bradenton with waterfront cabanas and loungers, a lap pool and volleyball and pickleball courts.

Anna Maria Island Inn

This small, quaint hotel sits directly on the beach, perfect for lounging in bed and drifting off to sleep with the soothing sounds of the water. Another plus: stepping out of your room and onto the sand for morning and afternoon beach walks with family.

Lesley Les Miller Jr.

All People's Community Park

Anna Maria Island

Kiva

THE PLAY LIST

Let’s Explore: Lettuce Lake Park

by Zoë Joiner

Lettuce Lake Park is one of our family-favorite spots to explore since it checks all the boxes: It gets us outside in nature, has multiple areas to explore including boardwalks and a nature center, has a paved trail perfect for strollers and scooters, and the best part – the playground! Did I mention it’s just a short drive away and is nicely shaded?

Nature Trails and Boardwalks

Be sure to pack your binoculars and microscopes for this day trip where you’re sure to see wildlife. In fact, this is one place in Tampa where you’ll likely see an alligator or two – we’ve seen up to 14 there in one day! Don’t worry though, this is all from the safety of the raised boardwalks winding through the marshes.

We’ve also spotted raccoons, osprey, turtles, sting rays and even a snake up in a tree!

Besides wildlife, there’s cool moss, fungi and plants like the park’s namesake, water lettuce, which is unique to see floating alongside the boardwalk when the water level’s high enough.

Places to Play

After you park and hit the restroom, start by exploring the 3,500-foot boardwalk accessible from behind the nature center. Take your time and practice being quiet in order to spot the most wildlife! We like to see who can spot the first alligator.

Kiddos will be eager to climb the 2-story observation deck which offers nice views of the surrounding hardwood swamp forest and Hillsborough River below.

After making your way through the boardwalks, you’ll hit a paved trail which takes you back to the nature center to cool down for a few minutes. Kids can get up close to wildlife exhibits that show our native Florida habitats.

Once everyone has their second wind, head over to the recently redone playground to play! Two new play areas that were just built last year include swings, a wonderful climbing structure and adaptive and sensory equipment.

The perfect place to pack a picnic lunch, there are plenty of picnic shelters and benches for snack time plus ample open space for a game of Frisbee.

Toss the scooter in the trunk – Lettuce Lake Park features a 1.25-mile beautifully paved exercise trail which makes for a nice change from neighborhood sidewalks. The shade canopy overhead makes it a great spot to come for a run or walk with a stroller or scooter-riding kid (note: Bicycles are not permitted on the exercise trail).

PARK FEES AND INFO

It’s $2 per vehicle to enter the park (for up to eight people), and they only take cash so be sure to plan ahead. If you forget, there’s a gas station right before the entrance on East Fletcher Avenue.

Canoe and kayak rentals are available on a first-come, firstserved basis for $25 for up to four hours and offer up-close encounters with a variety of aquatic birds and wildlife.

Dogs are not permitted on the boardwalks.

LETTUCE LAKE PARK 6920 E. Fletcher Ave. Tampa, FL 33637

813-987-6204

HOURS: Spring/Summer

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fall/Winter 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

photos by Carol Legan

SUMMER BUCKET LIST:

Go See a Rocket Launch at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

by Laura Byrne

TBPM: The Kennedy Space Center is a unique attraction. It’s not a theme park and better than a museum—it’s a pretty incredible place.

WS: The Kennedy Center Visitor Complex is a place where a person can immerse themselves in the space program, and you really feel it. There's just so much to do and so much to see, it really makes a significant impact on all who visit. They can not only meet people who've flown in space, but they can also see the real hardware. You can get up close and personal to the Atlantis space shuttle that actually flew in space. And you can also visit the Apollo Saturn V Center. You stand right underneath the Saturn V rocket. This rocket was a real rocket scheduled to go to the moon before the Apollo program was canceled. You can touch a moon rock. There are so many activities that you can experience. You immerse yourself in the past, the present, and a little bit of the future of our space program.

TBPM: Tell us about the daily Meet the Astronaut program, which you coordinate.

WS: We have several programs that the astronauts will perform. One is called Astronaut Encounter, and it's in a large auditorium. The person will give a

If you haven’t had a chance to experience a rocket launch in person, this is the summer to make it happen! While we can see the faint glow of a launch from here in Tampa Bay, there is nothing like seeing it up close, especially from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. I took my boys, and it was one of the most memorable experiences for us as a family. We loved it so much that my oldest returned for summer day camp at the Kennedy Space Center.

But don’t take it from me—how about a real astronaut? We recently met up with astronaut Winston Scott and had the opportunity to sit down with him in the Keynes Room at Oxford Exchange, a new podcast and recording space.

In this snippet from our conversation, we’re talking about the ways you can experience the wonders of space at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with the kids, and I promise, it is well worth the drive and definitely doable as a day trip.

presentation, and they do Q &A. Then we have a program called “Chat with an Astronaut,” which is kind of like a fireside chat.

It's a small group of people in the audience. You can ask that person anything you ever wanted to ask about flying in space. It is important, especially to young people, because when they meet people who have actually flown in space, it becomes a reality to them. Imagine a young girl, six or seven years old, meeting a real woman who actually flew in space. Now it's real.

TBPM: Why would you encourage families to go and experience a launch together?

WS: It is so monumental and so influential. Seeing a rocket launch, I think, affects everybody in one way or another. But I think it would have a special impact on young

DID YOU KNOW?

Winston Scott logged 24 days in space during two missions to space that included three spacewalks totaling more than 19 hours.

people. When you're up close and personal to see one, that's a whole different dimension. And when you see a launch that has people on it, that really is the ultimate. It's something everybody in the world will see at least one time. Again, because it's still a very, very unusual occurrence, and it represents the efforts of so many people who come together to work so hard to make this amazing thing happen.

TBPM: There’s a new attraction opening at the Kennedy Space Center called The Gantry. What can you tell us about it?

WS: Launch Complex 39 is being refurbished into a Gantry. You'll be able to see the launch pads, you'll be able to see the crawler tracks, the equipment, and you'll be able to watch launches from there.

photos provided by Kennedy Space Center

TBPM: So, we have to know … what does it feel like to be weightless in space, especially while on a spacewalk!

WS: Feeling weightless is just so foreign, and there are no words I can say to make you feel it. When you're on a spacewalk, it's just you and your buddy out there. Nobody can help you. Nobody can go out and get you if something goes wrong. So, the two of you are there to get the job done, but you're also there for mutual support in case something goes wrong. So you've got to really be able to compartmentalize, focus on what you're doing while you're in this absolutely amazing and foreign environment.

Flying in space changes your life perspective. You look back at the Earth from that vantage point and see how small it is, how fragile it looks, because when you're in space, not only do you see the curvature of the Earth, the boundary horizon, but you see out past the Earth. You can see other planets, other stars, and so on. So you realize the Earth is really a relatively small, finite piece of rock in the universe. It gives you a whole other perspective.

the

You don't see boundaries from one country to another, one group of people to another, and you see no turmoil. It's very, very peaceful and quiet looking. Really beautiful.

TBPM: For the kids out there who are aspiring to become a part of the space program, what’s your advice?

WS: I think parents ought to encourage all kids, and people of all ages ought to encourage each other to come and do this because it represents the future. The future of humankind is beyond Earth. Humankind is, if we're going to survive, it’s out past our own solar system, our own universe, but living outside of our Earth. But also, it expands our horizons, it expands our thinking, and it brings us together internationally. You know, everything we do in space nowadays is international. It broadens us, it helps us grow, it just improves us as individuals in so many ways, and improves us as a human species in so many ways. And it's just downright fun. Watching a rocket launch is fun.

TBPM: What can we as parents teach our children to help them achieve their dreams, even if they don’t want to fly to space?

WS: Resilience is so important, and that's where parents come in. Parents should do what they can to instill that resilience in their children. You teach them from day one to work hard to persevere, and when things don't work out your way, you don't give up. You get up, and the old saying goes, you get up and you try, try again. I don't use the word fail. Having a setback is not the end of the world; it's just a stumbling block to overcome. And every time you overcome a stumbling block, it makes you stronger, it makes you better. In fact, we learn more from our failures or our difficulties than we do from our successes.

Scan to read our full interview with Winston Scott as we talk more about how important music was in his career, what it was like to go to space and more!

Visit the Launches and Events page on kennedyspacecenter.com to check the updated calendar. As of print, there were two crewed launches on schedule with viewing packages. Keep in mind that dates and times are subject to change.

Sunday, June 8 at 9:11 a.m.:

Axiom Mission 4 (AX-4): Witness liftoff of the fourth commercial crew for Axiom Space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket!

July (date TBA):

NASA’s SpaceX Crew 11: NASA and SpaceX will launch the eleventh crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program (CCP).

How to view a launch from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex:

Feel the Heat Launch Viewing Package at the Apollo/Saturn V Center: This is the closest you can get to the launch site, at just 3.9 miles away. Tickets are $250.

Main Visitor Complex: You can watch from the Atlantis North Lawn or the Atlantis South Lot, where they have large screens and bleachers set up for viewing (this is what we did). You will want to purchase your admission ticket for the launch day in advance because launch day tickets do sell out.

The Keynes Room podcast recording studio at Oxford Exchange

Exploring

mini version of the International Space Station at KSC Visitor Complex.

photos provided by Kennedy Space Center

Pack, Snack, Go!

by Jenny P of @lunchboxmafia

Family Fuel for Summer Adventures

ROAD TRIP SNACK TIPS

Make DIY Lunchables or Bento Boxes:

Pack a Variety of Textures and Flavors:

Include salty, sweet, crunchy and fresh items. This keeps everyone satisfied and helps avoid too many gas station stops.

Use a Tackle Box or Snackle Box:

A tackle box or bead organizer makes a great portable snack station. Fill each compartment with a different treat: goldfish, dried fruit, trail mix, mini cookies, grapes or pretzels.

Freeze Water Bottles or Smoothies:

Frozen drinks double as ice packs and slowly melt into refreshing sips.

Pack protein (turkey roll-ups, cheese cubes), fruit, crackers and a treat in reusable containers. They’re balanced, fun to eat and portion-controlled.

Avoid Messy Snacks:

Skip anything too sticky or melty. Opt for items like apple slices, string cheese, mini muffins and granola bars that hold up well on the road.

Bring Wet Wipes and Trash Bags:

Always stash wipes and small grocery bags for crumbs, sticky fingers and wrappers.

THEME PARK SNACK TIPS

Pack Snacks That Beat the Heat:

Frozen grapes, squeezable applesauce and chilled protein bars are great for hot park days.

Individual Portions = Less Fuss:

Use small reusable containers or silicone snack bags to avoid sharing meltdowns or germ spread.

Choose High-Energy Options:

Look for snacks that offer quick energy and staying power – think nut butter pouches, trail mix, energy bites or hard-boiled eggs in a small cooler.

Hydration Helpers:

Bring refillable water bottles and toss in electrolyte packs or fruit slices to keep kids hydrated and happy.

Keep a Snack Backpack or Cooler Sling:

Designate one adult to carry the snack bag. Use insulated bags or a cooler backpack for longer days.

Include a Few Treats:

Parks are full of temptations. Pack a couple of fun surprises (like fruit snacks or cookies) so kids aren’t begging at every snack cart.

INSIDER TIPS

Dried fruit, pretzels, dark chocolate, snack salami and cheese crisps don’t need to be refrigerated. These are great on the go!

Frozen Uncrustables thaw just in time for snack time. Pack some fruit, crackers and pretzels for a good mix of sweet and savory!

Skip the soda and pack refreshing sparkling water. Available in mini cans for the littlest!

This S’mores snack mix is always a huge hit on my page. It definitely brings all the summer time feels and it’s perfect for little hands! Just combine equal parts Teddy grahams, mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.

Always bring your lunchboxes packed for the trip, use them to save leftovers from restaurants and pack them again for ride back home.

The Snackle box is a must for travel. Satisfy all the cravings and keep appetites in check with this double decker party in a box – linked on my Instagram page!

Thank me later! Visit me on Facebook and Instagram at @LunchaboxMafia. Let me know which of these tips work for you. Safe travels and happy snacking,

Petal Power: How to Safely Cook with Edible Flowers

by Dalia Colón, multimedia journalist and author of The Florida Vegetarian Cookbook

PANSIES:

MARIGOLDS:

Not all varieties are edible, but the French, signet and Mexican mint varieties are easy to come by and safe to consume. Sprinkle dried or fresh petals on top of an omelet for a peppery kick.

SQUASH BLOSSOMS:

Using your favorite pesto recipe, replace basil with zucchini flowers for a golden-hued dip, pasta sauce or sandwich spread. Save the actual zucchini for the aforementioned omelet.

These bite-sized blooms are perfect for adding color to a salad or pizza.

CHIVES:

With a slightly less oniony flavor than the stems, these purple blooms make a perfect addition to potato salad, pasta dishes or avocado toast. You can also make chive-infused oil, vinegar or compound butter.

BEGONIAS:

Sauté these citrusflavored blooms into a stir-fry with your favorite protein and veggies. You can also steep the petals in hot water and chill for a refreshing iced tea.

HIBISCUS:

Boil the petals with water, sugar and lemon juice to make a syrup that you can serve with pancakes, drizzle over ice cream or stir into an adult beverage.

LAVENDER:

We eat with our eyes first, so what could be more inviting than adorning your food with edible flowers? You don't need to be a master gardener, food stylist or duchess to get in on this Instagrammable trend.

To avoid ingesting toxins, it’s best to grow your own flowers or buy grocery store flowers that are labeled as food-grade. If you’re growing your own, avoid pesticides on or near the plants. When you’re ready to enjoy your harvest, rather than washing the flowers, dip them in cold water to preserve the delicate petals. And always know what you’re eating; use an app like Seek to be sure.

Here are some easy-to-grow flowers that you can use in your kitchen.

Elevate glazed donuts, cookies or frosted cupcakes with a sprinkle of petals. For a savory option, add dried or crushed petals to your favorite marinade to give it floral notes.

CHAMOMILE:

Steep the flower heads to make – you guessed it –tea. To add a classy touch to any cold beverage, make flower ice cubes: Fill an ice tray halfway with distilled or boiled water that’s been cooled, add a single flower head, freeze, then top with more water and freeze again.

ROSES:

Beat the heat with rose petal yogurt ice pops. Stir diced petals into your favorite freezer pop recipe. Sprinkle the remaining petals on top before freezing for a cool treat that’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

HURRICANE SEASON 2025:

What to Know About Storm Flooding with ABC Action News’ Denis Phillips

by Brie Gorecki

Last year, the Tampa Bay Area was hit by two major hurricanes. After narrowly dodging named storms for almost 100 years, Hurricanes Helene and Milton swept the west coast, bringing major flooding and wind. While most Floridians are wellversed in the importance of hurricane prep, both storms proved that damage can still be detrimental, no matter how prepared you are. Hurricane season starts this month and runs through Nov. 30, and understandably, lots of people are on edge after last year’s events.

We spoke with ABC Action News Chief Meteorologist, Denis Phillips, to help us understand exactly what to be prepared for, how to make sure you and your family are ready and how he turned his famous “Rule #7” catchphrase into a way to help others in need.

TBPM: Last year, the area was hit hard by flood damage. Why was it so severe?

DP: It's been 100 years since a landfalling major hurricane hit the Bay Area. And it’s still been 100 years since a major landfalling hurricane hit the Bay Area because Helene did not make landfall anywhere near our area.

We had two different kinds of flooding. We had a surge from Helene, and we had freshwater flooding, rainfall from Milton.

All the flooding that we saw from storm surge was from a storm that was over 100 miles offshore at the time. So, there's no way I can tell people, ‘Oh boy, we got lucky,’ because a lot of folks lost so much. But it absolutely could have been a lot worse.

The flooding that we dealt with last year was really two types of flooding. We had a surge from Helene, which is just Gulf water being pushed on shore. And again, that was from a storm that was 100 miles offshore. If it had been a landfalling storm, we would have had a 12- to 14-foot surge as opposed to the 7 that we had.

Milton was the other type of storm, which fortunately for most of the Bay Area, made landfall south of us. All the surge water got pushed offshore as opposed to being pushed onshore. We got no surge with Milton. The flooding that we had was just rainwater. That's all it was.

There's not a lot you can do about it. I mean, it's the old expression, hide from the wind, run from the water. And I've been saying that for 30 years in this area.

And the reason people probably weren't prepared … people in the Bay Area have seen a lot of storms come close by, but we had never really had a major surge event. We'd always had near misses.

TBPM: Is there anything people can do to better prepare for major flooding?

DP: I think a lot of people were like, ‘This thing's going to stay 100 miles offshore. There's no way we're going to get as much as they're saying because it's so far offshore.’ So, they had never seen that before. And because of that, I think there were some folks who didn't take it seriously. Two or three days out, we were saying there would be a 7 or 8-foot surge.

Matter of fact, the Hurricane Center was saying there was going to be an 8-to-12-foot surge. And I kept saying over and over again, when you're watching those forecasts and you see those numbers that the Hurricane Center releases, by definition, those numbers are what they call the most reasonable worst-case scenario. And I think that's really important.

So, when people see that forecast, you have to remember that's the worst it could be. And it's my job to tell people, ‘All right, this is what the worst case scenario is going to be, but here's what I really think it's going to be.’ And those are usually two very different things. I do think there were a lot of people who lived on the coast who evacuated because they heard us say for two days prior, we were going to have a 7-foot surge. And we had a 7-foot surge.

If people didn't leave, it's because they simply didn't believe the threat really existed, because, in my opinion, they haven't seen that before. And I think now, I think it's very different.

But how do you prepare? Preparing for water is almost impossible. I mean, shutters are for wind. Yeah, there are some things you can do to tidy up an area before a storm hits with water, but the ultimate answer is that there's really not a heck of a lot we can do about water. It's going to do what it wants to do, and there's nothing we can do to stop it.

TBPM: What would you say to the people who live inland, further away from the water, but still in a mandatory evacuation zone?

DP: Everybody knows their property, and if they don't, they need to. And I think Helene was a good benchmark.

I think now people will have a good idea of what seven feet of water will do. And if it didn't reach their property, the next time, my guess is they'll probably stay put. And I'll be honest, most emergency management folks, more often than not, would prefer people who are inland out of flood zones to stay put, because traffic is already a nightmare trying to get out of here.

I always tell people, if you live in an area that's not going to flood, and you're talking about a storm that's less than Category 2, my suggestion is to prep the best you can, be ready for power outages that could last a week or maybe longer and ride it out. Because

being stuck on the road or trying to find a place to stay is almost impossible.

Now, if you have big trees that are around your home and you're afraid that those trees could fall, that's why my family evacuates.

And I know the structures are not in the flood zone, so we don’t have to worry about water. I know that we aren’t going to have structural damage to our home from the winds, because usually those happen as a strong Category 3 and Category 4 and 5. Structural damage is not going to occur less than a Category 3 unless you're in a mobile home. But you do have to know if there are a lot of trees around, trees could fall on your home while you're there and that could cause some major issues.

TBPM: Why do you think we finally got hit with a severe storm after dodging them for so long?

DP: I mean, it was our time. It was just a matter of time. We live in the Gulf, and there's no magic bubble outside of the Indian burial grounds and whatnot that protects this area. And we are going to get storms. There's just no way around it.

We've been really lucky over the last 100 years. Now, I will make the argument, and I really truly believe this is true, most storms that come in from the south, our worst-case scenario, come in from the Caribbean or the Southeastern Gulf, most of them will go north into the Panhandle. And there's a very significant reason why that's the case.

Storms want to go north. They're drawn to go north. So, a north storm will move into the Panhandle and not hit us.

What would cause a storm to veer more to the east and impact us directly? Well, that would be a cold front or a trough. How many cold fronts and troughs do we get in June, July and August? Not too many. So, a storm that comes in from the south is rarely going to have something that's going to cause it to move east. Now, in September and October, there are fronts that come down, and there are troughs that build.

The bigger question is, are storms now pushing more water into our area than they have in the past? And that is a very polarizing question. Because anytime you start talking about rising waters, you start talking about climate change, and then ultimately, you've split 50% of the audience thinking that you're wrong and 50% of the audience thinking that you're right, because it's a very political thing.

Look, I don't know what's going to happen 10, 20, 30, 50 years down the road. I do know that the waters in the last 5 to 10 years have warmed significantly. Do I know if they're going to stay that way? I don't. I do my best to get the forecast right seven days out.

Anything past that, I leave it to somebody else. But I will tell you that storms in the last 10 years in our area have been pushing more water than storms prior to that point.

TBPM: Does that mean we’re also going to see more storms head our way?

DP: That does not mean there are going to be more storms. But in my opinion, every single time I watch network news, and I hear them talk about extreme weather, they always bring up climate change in the next sentence.

Extreme weather has happened forever and will continue to happen forever.

And whether people want to blame climate change for that, that's their choice. But I can tell you with absolutely no doubt in my mind that year to year, the number of hurricanes that form will fluctuate greatly. Right now, the eastern Atlantic is below average temperature-wise.

So, for folks who are saying that, ‘Oh, it's warmer and it's going to continue to warm every year,’ it's just a bunch of nonsense. It's just not true. Because the weather changes every year.

And as a matter of fact, this year the water is cooler in the tropical Atlantic than it was last year. So we are expecting there will be fewer storms developing out in the far tropical Atlantic. But what I will tell you is that in the areas that have warmed significantly, in my opinion, we're not going to have more hurricanes year in and year out.

But what we will see are stronger hurricanes. Because the areas where the waters have warmed, such as the Caribbean and the Gulf, there's just no way around it.

TBPM: You’ve taken your famous Rule #7 catchphrase and turned it into a good cause with special themed merchandise.

DP: It’s something that started out from a fundraiser for my son's school, and it turned into something way, way bigger.

We donate the proceeds to a lot of local charities like Feeding Tampa Bay, Children's Miracle Network, Suncoast Animal League – a lot of local stuff. And we used to do them all ourselves and make them all ourselves.

Even up until Christmas Eve, my dining room was covered in cups and tumblers and wine glasses that I was frantically packing to try to get out for Christmas deliveries. And it finally just got too big, where we now have an Etsy page, and we have a company that does it for us.

And that coincides with our family hot chocolate fundraiser that we do the second and third Saturday of December in our neighborhood. It's just a great way to give back to the community.

I walk around, I see lots of Rule #7 t-shirts and hoodies and stuff, and it's rewarding. And it's even better to know that the proceeds go to help local charities.

Rule #7 merchandise can be purchased at rule7shop.etsy.com.

You can catch Denis on WFTS/ABC Action News, and be sure to follow him on Facebook @denisphillipsweatherman for up-to-date weather info and for his personal list of storm-prep essentials for hurricane season.

Moms to Know

Tami Kent

The No More Foundation @declarenomore, @tami_kent

by Tara Payor, Ph.D.

Tami Kent, co-founder of The No More Foundation, shares how her family’s journey shaped a mission to confront poverty, foster care challenges and human trafficking. Tami’s story is a powerful portrait of faith in action and the transformative aspects of serving the vulnerable.

TBPM: How did The No More Foundation begin, and what inspired its mission?

TK: I was raised by a faith-filled Mama who showed me what helping others meant – even when we had little. My husband Jaime’s childhood was very different. He and his siblings experienced abuse and were removed from their home when he was 10 and faced many struggles as a result. Our lives eventually merged through faith and love, and our shared experiences led us to build something intentional. “No More” became our battle cry – not on our watch would another generation of people pass us by without anyone to step in to help. With two quarters and a dream in our pockets, The No More Foundation was born.

TBPM: How does No More support children and families in the foster care system?

TK: The mission of The No More Foundation is to move people to action to care for the vulnerable in their communities. Our work focuses on three intersecting areas: poverty, orphans and at-risk children in the foster care system, and human trafficking. Sixty percent of trafficking victims in the U.S. have a history in foster care. We host events like “The No More Orphans Experience” to mobilize communities through storytelling, art, providing immediate action steps for people to step in to care. Attendees can foster, adopt, advocate or serve children and families in need. We also coordinate seasonal outreaches, providing roses for atrisk women on Valentine’s Day [and] Easter baskets for children in need, and fill Christmas wish lists for families across Tampa Bay and partner year-round with nonprofits, schools, businesses and churches to help people meaningfully engage.

TBPM: What does it mean to live your faith out loud, and how do you help others do the same?

TK: Faith isn’t confined to Sunday mornings. It should be lived through action. People just need guidance on how to help, and we bridge the gap by helping people identify who needs help, where they can serve and why it matters. We have an audacious goal to move 1 million people to action, and to date we’ve mobilized over 200,000 people to care for the vulnerable.

TBPM: WIn addition to having three sons, you fostered six children. How did that impact your family?

TK: When launching The No More Foundation, Jaime and I knew we couldn’t ask anyone to do things we weren’t willing to do ourselves. Our boys were 15, 13 and 8 when we started fostering. Over the course of six years, we had six precious little girls in our home, ranging in age from newborn to 3 years old. Some stayed for two weeks and others, two years. It was life changing. Our three sons were incredible in welcoming

these children. Saying goodbye hurt deeply, but our boys led the way in compassion. Our season of fostering was beautiful and messy and it stretched us in ways we never could have imagined, but I would do it all over again.

TBPM: You recently transitioned from a full house to an empty nest. What advice do you have for parents approaching that shift?

TK: For many parents, our identity is wrapped up in our children. How can it not be? So much brain space is taken up by our kid’s daily logistics as well as their social and emotional needs. The empty place that was left when the kids moved out ushered in a grief I wasn’t prepared for. Though every person’s journey is different, here are a few things I would share.

Recognize the shift is coming: Acknowledge the emotions that will come, because they will, and it’s normal, and give yourself grace. There is joy to be found on the other side. Intentionally connect as a couple: Date nights, shared hobbies, travel or simply meaningful conversations. It’s less about what you do and more about time together. Redefine your purpose: Marriage is about so much more than parenting. Explore ways to serve together. Discuss how you can support each other in pursuing new interests and goals. Navigate challenges with faith and communication: Prioritize honest conversations. Pray. Recognize that this season isn’t just about letting go, but about embracing what’s to come, and trust God’s plan for your children and your marriage.

TBPM: Favorite things to do with your family in Tampa Bay?

TK: I love being outdoors. Visiting Tarpon Springs and stopping by Rusty Bellies. Meeting up at Armature Works, grabbing dinner at a picnic table and walking along the river. Hiking at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park and wandering over to Starkey Market afterwards. Watching the Bucs play or catching a show at the Straz. When all our kids are with us, the experiences are priceless.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

JUNE 17: Community Wide Anti-Human Trafficking Training

JUN 22: “The No More Orphans Experience” is coming to Lakeland

OCT. 11: Illuminate Gala in Tampa

DEC. 13: Gathering Joy Christmas Outreach

Visit declarenomore.com to support vulnerable families for as little as $12 per month.

We are continuing with this column in memory of Julie Tingley, our friend and creator of our Moms to Know and Kids to Know pages, who passed away on April 6, 2025. Julie Tingley's Legacy of Love: givesendgo.com/GFGT6

Dive into endless adventures with exciting events and experiences your kids will love at Glazer Children’s Museum all summer long! Highlights include:

LET ' S SEE | NEW EXHIBIT NOW OPEN

Vibrant experiences await in this new exhibit, Let’s See, presented by the Glazer Vision Foundation! Discover how your eyes work with playful interactives that bring light, color, and perspective to life. Explore spinning color wheels, a walk-in kaleidoscope, dazzling shadow play, and more in this new exhibit full of eye-opening fun!

CHARACTER APPEARANCES

Meet and greet fun characters from your favorite children’s books!

8 WEEKS OF SUMMER CAMP

Imaginative weekly themes and hands-on fun at Camp Imagination!

AND MUCH MORE

Special guests, daily happenings, and surprise-and-delights around every corner!

SUMMER HOURS

Memorial Day to Labor Day

Every day, 9:30am-5pm

Decker Deady Kids to Know:

by Tara Payor, Ph.D.

Decker Deady grew up in a home where community service was prioritized. Through community service offerings at his church, he learned about The No More Foundation. Since his initial service experience with the foundation, Decker, a rising high school senior at Berkeley Preparatory School, has focused on helping the No More Foundation carry out its mission.

TBPM: The No More Foundation helps renovate and prepare homes for human trafficking victims. What was your experience with that project like?

DD: It was two-fold because I left feeling like I both made an impact and needed to do more. I felt called to do more things that would have a direct impact on human trafficking victims. I asked for my mom’s help, and she guided me through the process of reaching out to an organization like The No More Foundation. The service experience pushed me to stay involved.

TBPM: What are you currently working on with The No More Foundation?

DD: This summer, I am working on courses offered by the foundation so that I can become an ambassador against human trafficking and other issues negatively impacting vulnerable populations, like orphans. The ambassador program is about outreach. I will invest time spreading the word about human trafficking occurring in the Tampa Bay area and connecting potential volunteers with opportunities to safely serve those transitioning out of trafficking. I hope to reach many people outside of my immediate school and home communities.

TBPM: What are some of the things you’ve done with The No More Foundation that might interest other teens?

DD: During the 2025 hurricane season, I joined the foundation’s clean-up efforts. With some friends, we focused on a house in New Port Richey. The No More Foundation is about more than human trafficking, as they also provide support to the poor. Through other community events, like Created Women (offering clothing and hygiene items to vulnerable women), I’ve learned to engage in conversations with community partners and donors. That’s been fascinating. Fundraising events at sites like TopGolf have been fun.

TBPM: How would you encourage adolescents to volunteer?

DD: Make the time to volunteer. We make time for things we care about. “I don’t have time” is an excuse. Life is about how we choose to use our time. Prior to high school, I wasn’t consistently going to church. Then, I decided I wanted to make the time. It’s helped me feel more passionate about serving others. My friends have been supportive of my volunteer efforts and have joined me. I encourage other teens to join forces with their friends and support one another in community service. Schedules are demanding during the school year, but summer opens more space for service.

Decker (left) with his friend

Decker with his parents

SUMMER CAMPS

Lancer Summer Sports Camps strive to provide an opportunity for discipleship and skill development. Participants learn life lessons related to sacrifice, selfdiscipline, and perseverance in a FUN and SAFE Christian environment. Camps are led by Cambridge Christian teachers, coaches, and supporters who have a heart for kids.

Cost $150/ week

Dates/Times ..... June 2 - July 18, 2025

Ages ................ Grades 2nd – 8th

Boys/Girls ........ Coed

Beat the Summer Slide

Studies show that children who don't hit the books during the summer months strike out in school. This is known as the summer slide. By reading two age-appropriate books over the summer, your child can step up to the plate and hit a home run against the summer slide!

School is Over –But the Work is Not!

by Laura Cross

Summer Referendum Projects 2025

Another school year has come to a close. The 2024-2025 year is in the books and kids are looking forward to summer vacation.

But, if you think our schools remain dark and empty over the summer, think again.

While students and staff are out of the buildings, it’s the perfect time to get work done!

This summer, 53 of our schools are having projects done, thanks to the half-penny sales tax referendum.

As a refresher, voters passed the referendum in 2018, and in that time, more than a billion dollars has been received for our schools. $960,000,000 has already been spent on projects ranging from complete air conditioning replacements to security system upgrades and roofing repairs.

This summer, more projects are taking place.

Here are a few examples of construction going on at our schools while most of us are at the beach or road-tripping up north.

• Mitchell Elementary School is getting a full HVAC replacement. Mitchell is also getting a paint job and windows replaced.

• Plant High School is undergoing a drainage project that will take weeks to complete.

• Buckhorn Elementary is having the inside of its buildings repainted.

• Wilson Middle School is getting interior and exterior waterproofing.

• Franklin Middle School is receiving a new roof.

• Gaither High School is having its bleachers replaced.

• Riverview Elementary is one of 10 schools having its media center refreshed.

Teri Madill is the principal of Riverview Elementary. She says the media refresh will be a game changer for her students and she’s so grateful to the referendum for making it possible.

“As the hub of our school, the media center is a place where students an explore, learn and create. Having a new media center is going to provide a more up-to-date, advanced and comfortable place for students, staff and community to collaborate,” she explained. “New books, Morning Show technology and Maker Space are only a few of the tools this referendum is allowing our school to have access to.”

That’s the story at nearly every school in our district. Thanks to the half-penny sales tax referendum, we’ve been able to keep schools cool, make them safer and purchase better technology for our students and staff.

So, remember, as the kids run out of the building on the last day of school, their work may be over for a couple months … but another type of work is just getting started. And the end goal is to make our schools the safest and very best schools possible for your family.

Riverview Elementary

Book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell Music and Lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick

Conceived by Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick

Presented By:

Explore the library for your next great masterpiece!

by Jason Rogers, Library Programming Manager

“The more you read, the more things you will know.” — Dr. Seuss

Get ready to transform your summer from ordinary to extraordinary! This year, our library's summer reading program isn't just about reading— it's about experiencing the Art of Reading. We invite you to become a connoisseur of stories, a curator of characters, and a critic of captivating narratives. Think of each book as a vibrant canvas, each chapter a brushstroke, and each completed page a step closer to creating your masterpiece of literary appreciation. Join us as we embark on a journey through the galleries of imagination!

The Summer Slide

According to the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), summer learning loss (aka "summer slide") is no joke, especially for elementary and middle school students. School-year gains in reading and math may decrease as much as 20% to 50%. The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (HCPLC) and its partner programs are a cornerstone for summer library activities. Kids and their parents have 24/7 access to downloadable and streaming avenues for learning, fun and research. Take an entire bookshelf of titles everywhere and prevent the summer slide while fostering a lifelong love of learning.

TIP FOR FAMILIES:

For a truly immersive reading experience, mirror an eBook from your smartphone or tablet to your TV using a smart or streaming device.

The Summer Challenge

Readers of all ages can join us this summer to track reading and earn rewards. Get the credit you deserve for every chapter by going to hcplc.beanstack.org. Beanstack is a next-level website (and app!) for capturing your personal reading progress. Once enrolled in the summer challenge, you can track the reading time and be eligible for prizes from our SRP partners – plus digital badges for bragging rights!

The Summer Start

The HCPLC tagline is Discover * Engage * Transform. We look forward to blending the art of reading through discovering, engaging and transformative experiences throughout the summer! Here are a few titles for your artistic inspiration.

See Marcus Grow by Marcus Bridgewater (2025)

Head Full of Clouds by Joanne Schwartz (2025)

Fake by Ele Fountain (2022)

Hangry Hearts by Jennifer Chen (2025)

Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach (2021)

STRAIGHT TALK with Dr. Alissa Morris of Imagine Orthodontic Studio

by Laura Byrne

Here’s an interesting fact – the American Association of Orthodontists estimates that as many as 65% of adults in the United States have misaligned teeth and could benefit from orthodontic treatment. That’s a lot of people. It’s also a reminder that it’s totally normal to need treatments like braces!

We wanted to get the straight talk about the options available today, as well as the best age to bring our kids in for their first orthodontic consultation. It’s younger than you might think! So, we’re turning to Dr. Alissa Morris, a mom of two and orthodontist with Imagine Orthodontic Studio.

TBPM: First, since we’re here at your office in Pinellas Park, Imagine Orthodontic Studio isn’t just for kids.

Dr. Morris: Yes. We see kids and adults. We offer both metal braces and clear aligner treatment, and we have a couple of different systems that we use for those different treatment options. We also do appliance therapy, so if an appliance is recommended for a patient, we have a lab that custom-creates those for our patients now. We are a one-stop shop for many different orthodontic treatment modalities.

TBPM: Is there a cost for a consultation?

Dr. Morris: It’s free. There's no cost, so it never hurts to get checked out. We are very honest here. We’re not aggressive; we're conservative treatment. We are only treating if we see an actual necessary reason.

TBPM: Braces aren’t just for teenagers. When should we bring our children in for their first consultation with an orthodontist if we suspect, or a dentist suspects, orthodontic care may be needed?

Dr. Morris: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child be seen as early as age 7 to see if they are ready to start treatment, or sometimes even earlier, if a dentist is referring them to us.

TBPM: It might sound crazy at first to put braces on a 7-year-old. We did it for my son, but it is necessary in some ways to avoid a more painful and expensive experience down the road, right?

Dr. Morris: When we are looking at treating a patient as early as 7, we are looking not only at the alignment of their teeth, but also taking into account their growth and some growth modification, especially in situations where we can help. Expanding their palate, for example, since they are still growing. If that same patient came in when they were 30, we couldn't use that same treatment, and jaw surgery may be the only way to fix something like that.

We also have situations where there's crowding; we have teeth that start to drift in the wrong direction, especially those canine teeth. If we aren't able to make the space for those teeth to come in the appropriate position, later on down the road, patients have to have a more extensive surgery to go after those canines. Whereas if we saw them at age 7, we could make the room, make the space; they might not need this more extensive treatment in the future.

TBPM: For kids and adults who need braces, the metal braces aren’t the only option anymore, right? Would aligners like Invisalign be a better fit?

Dr. Morris: That's a tricky question. It really depends on the child and their personality. We have found that the younger age group, they are often very compliant and very excited to get started with treatment, and some of them have fantastic results and success because they are willing to do what their parents are asking them to do.

Now, if you ask the same question with some of my teenage patients, it again really depends on the patient’s personality.

I think some of our rule followers are great candidates to be in aligner therapy because you have to be wearing those aligners about 22 hours a day, whereas some of these teenage boys who are eating all the time (and I know they're hungry; their moms tell me they're hungry), if you are always taking those aligners in and out and you're not wearing them the full 22 hours a day, you are not going to get that maximum result that we're expecting. So it really depends on the patient.

TBPM: When it comes to metal braces, there are a lot of options nowadays!

Dr. Morris: Yes, absolutely. As far as the metal brackets go, we offer multiple different colors. One of the most popular is champagne. They’re a metallic champagne color. They are really beautiful on the teeth, and they look great with the little color O-ties we put on them with the

wire. But we also offer galaxy, which is like a rainbow kind of color, and royal blue metallic, and black metallic. And then we have your traditional silver as well. We also have the clear aligners.

TBPM: The cost is a big concern for some families.

Dr. Morris: We offer monthly payment options. We break down those payments into multiple months. We try to make it affordable for our patients. We also accept many different insurance plans, and we do submit for patients who have Medicaid. It is a little bit of an extensive approval process, so it doesn't mean just because you have that insurance that you automatically get approved. There is a checklist that we have to go through as the doctor to see if you'll get approved, but we take many insurances, and we also offer great payment plans in-house to make it more affordable.

TBPM: Orthodontic care isn’t just an aesthetic thing. It can be for dental health reasons, too.

Dr. Morris: Absolutely. It is much easier to clean your teeth. If you have room to clean your teeth, they are in proper alignment. If they are crowded out, twisted, rotated or tucked behind other teeth, you really can't brush those teeth. You can’t even floss them sometimes. If you have too much space between your teeth, it’s easier for food to get packed in between those teeth, which can cause cavities.

TBPM: It can sometimes be painful when braces need to be adjusted, but you have a solution for that.

Dr. Morris: Yes, we do have the exclusive to Imagine, the Dental Synapse Pen. It is basically an electric pulse pen that is almost like a distractor for your brain, kind of distracting you from the actual pain or soreness that you’re feeling in your teeth, and yes, that is something that our office exclusively offers.

TBPM: You also have some pretty amazing technology in the offices!

Dr. Morris: We have a 3D X-ray machine, which allows us to look a bit more closely at

teeth that might be impacted, and it gives us a better view for diagnosis on the prognosis of the tooth and what we want to do. We also use a 3D scanner so we don't have to take those goofy impressions anymore, which a lot of parents and patients love. We use the 3D scanner to make our retainers and scan for appliances. We also have a 3D printer in our office too, so it's very easy if a patient loses their retainer. They can bring back their models that we've printed for them, and we can make the retainer off of that, and it's a pretty quick turnaround.

TBPM: For you as a working mom, how do you find balance?

Dr. Morris:Yes, yes. I have a 6-month-old daughter, Helen, and my son Ryan is almost 3. We just went through the getting-rid-ofthe-pacifier experience, which was a difficult one. But I definitely feel that being a mom now, I can put myself into a lot of my patients' and their parents' shoes, and understand the importance of choosing an orthodontic office or anyone treating their kids in any healthcare capacity. So I take that very seriously as a mom.

TBPM: Okay, so let’s talk about that pacifier – what worked for you?

Dr. Morris: We had the Paci Fairy come, and we basically told my son that he had to get rid of that pacifier and has to go to younger babies who really need it, and she brought a little gift for him. So that was a big transition, but that's another reason why we like to see

younger patients. If there are some oral habits still going on like sucking on fingers sucking the thumb, we also offer different treatment options to help.

TBPM: Finally, what are your favorite things to do as a family in Tampa Bay?

Dr. Morris: We love to go to the St. Pete Pier. There's that splash pad, and there's a wonderful playground there. My son loves it. There's a little ramp for him to slide down, and there are some really big slides; he's kind of a thrill seeker. We also love going to Busch Gardens (Sesame Street Safari of Fun is great) and then just going on our daily neighborhood walks.

TBPM: What are your Father’s Day Plans?

Dr. Morris: We will let Dad sleep in until 7:30 a.m., surprise him with his favorite breakfast followed by the park as a family, [and] then perhaps let him take an afternoon nap on the couch! For dinner, we’ll get take-out from his favorite Mexican restaurant.

Community Maternity Clinic

Specialized care for High-Risk Pregnancy Care

Generously funded by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County

St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital

Medical Office Building, 2nd floor, Suite 205 4321 N. MacDill Ave. Tampa FL, 33607 The Community Maternity Clinic for High-Risk Pregnancy Care treats women who might have difficulty getting treatment because they’re uninsured or underinsured. Our physicians work with general obstetric providers to co-manage patients’ high-risk conditions, offering maternal and fetal medicine ser vices to underser ved women in our community.

Services offered include:

Maternal and fetal medicine services, including imaging, for patients who have high-risk conditions

Education and resources to support a healthy pregnancy, including referrals for dietitian support and safe baby classes

Connection with Healthcare navigators to help patients obtain insurance

Lactation support (individual and group)

Connection with and enrollment in Healthy Start services

To find out if you qualify, contact your obstetrician. If you’re uninsured or don’t have an obstetrician, call (813) 356-7711.

STAYcation at the Tampa YMCA!

by the YMCA

We’re Floridians – staycation means just another chance to have fun near home and make lifetime memories!

With a Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA membership, you can turn every day into a vacation without leaving town. Whether your goal is to stay active, keep the kids entertained or simply enjoy time together as a family, the YMCA offers everything you need for the perfect summer escape. Visit pools, splash pads, events and more. Each location offers activities based on local community needs, like art classes and book clubs. Programs like swim leagues, Stay & Play child watch, volunteer days and donation drives are available at all family centers.

There’s no better time to join for less than the cost of a one-night hotel stay. Instead of spending money on travel and lodging, invest in a summer of health, fun and connection that lasts far beyond a few days. The Tampa Y is more than just a gym. It’s a community hub, wellness center and summer playground all rolled into one. Members can enjoy resortstyle amenities that turn ordinary days into extraordinary ones. Start your mornings with a swim in a sparkling pool, then unwind in the afternoon with the thrill of a water park visit. Your kids will love the slides, splash zones and daily adventures, while you’ll appreciate the safe, supervised environment.

Need summer camp options? We have family centers across the Tampa Bay with a variety of summer camp activities ranging from sports, arts/crafts to fun-filled weekly themes.

Looking to stay on track with your fitness goals? The Y offers innovative wellness centers with the latest equipment and plenty of free weights for strength training. Whether you’re into group exercise classes, personal training or self-guided workouts, there’s a program to match every interest/level.

But it’s not just about physical health. The Y brings families together through activities and events that foster connection and community. From game nights and family fitness challenges to Parents’ Night Out and outdoor adventures, there’s always something ongoing to keep everyone engaged.

For parents, the Stay & Play program offers peace of mind. Drop off your kids in a safe, engaging space while you enjoy a workout, attend a wellness class or simply take a breather. It’s one of the many ways the Y supports the well-being of the whole family.

Summer is also the perfect time to get involved. The Y encourages members to volunteer, give back and connect with their neighbors. Whether you’re helping out at a local event, mentoring youth or supporting a community initiative, there are countless ways to help.

PLUS, all Tampa YMCA memberships include access to YMCA of the Suncoast and YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg's facilities, in addition to Nationwide membership. Don’t let this summer slip. Instead of planning a costly getaway, embrace a season of fun, fitness and family close to home.

McIlwain Dental Specialists

Children’s Dentistry

Leigh Ann McIlwain, DMD

Michael McIlwain, DMD

Kara Ford, DMD

Orthodontics

Matthew S. Ahrens, DMD, MS

Mary Awadallah, DDS

Cosmetic & Adult Dentistry

Michael Chiaramonte, DMD

Rebecca Warnken, DDS

Justin Mitchell, DMD

The ABCs of Drowning Prevention

by Anu Varma Panchal

From pools, water parks, springs and miles of beaches, Florida offers an abundance of options for water play. With the hot summer months under way, that’s a boon – as long as it’s done safely. According to the Florida Department of Health, our state ranks fourth in the country for unintentional drowning-related deaths among children ages 1-17.

BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Specialist Gina Baez helped us create a primer of the ABCs of water safety and drowning prevention, so you can enjoy the water in your home and when you’re out and about enjoying our beautiful state.

Alarms and chimes can alert you to a curious toddler opening the door and entering the pool area, so make sure to install them. Even if that repeated ding-ding sound drives you nuts, do not deactivate the alarm or chime.

Barriers of entry should be layered, so, in addition to alarms, install four-sided pool fencing, a pool cover, gates that self-latch and doors that self-lock. This way, even if one barrier fails or a child finds a way around it, other measures will also be in place.

CPR not only means the difference between life and death, but it can also dictate whether a child goes on to live a full and active life. If CPR is initiated right away, a child is three to five times more likely to survive a drowning incident with no long-term implications.

Delegate a water watcher when you are near any body of water in which children are playing. This person’s job is only to have eyes on the kids, not read, look at their phone or become distracted by an interesting conversation.

Empty pools of toys, noodles and anything that might tempt a child to reach in, leading to them falling in and downing. This includes small blow-up wading pools or any container that has water in it.

Floaties are NOT encouraged by health professionals. Floating armbands and tubes give children a false sense of security.

Grandparents, uncles, aunts and neighbors should also be aware of pool safety rules and barriers of safety, even if they don’t have small children in the home any more. Far too many drowning incidents occur when the children are in a different home.

Hot tubs, fish tanks, buckets and toilets are just four receptacles that you might not immediately think of as drowning dangers – but drowning can take place in just an inch of water. Lock toilets, empty buckets, open and clean fish tanks under supervision and employ the same levels of security around a hot tub as you would around a pool.

Initiate swim lessons as early as possible. Even 6-month-old infants can learn to roll over onto their backs and swim for the wall. Although swim lessons don’t automatically render your child drowning-proof, they are one of the best things you can do for lifelong protection around water.

Life Jackets save lives – wear a coastguard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) on any water craft, whether you are on a speedboat, paddleboard, canoe or Kayak

Lifeguard warnings and flags about dangerous waves and rip currents should be adhered to at all times. Especially if you are new to Florida or visiting, learn what a rip tide looks like and the best way to avoid drowning in one.

Most importantly: If a child is missing, IMMEDIATELY check your pool. Every second counts in a drowning incident. Check all bodies of water in and around your house before initiating any other search measures.

None of the above measures is enough on their own. To truly protect a child from drowning, the key is practice ALL of them and implement multiple layers of protection.

For a free door alarm, email classes@baycare.org.

BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Specialists teach CPR and First Aid classes at the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers located throughout Hillsborough County. Visit familysupporthc.org for more information.

BayCare Kids Splash into Summer Safety events are free to attend, although registration is required. The sessions teach water safety through interactive stations and include a snack and craft for children. Hillsborough County residents who are at least 6 months old can qualify for swim lesson vouchers. You must provide proof of eligibility to get a voucher.

ROAD TRIP

Kick off summer and create some quality time with your family by experiencing family friendly fun in Central Florida with ideas from our friends at Orlando Parenting, including:

1

EXPLORE 8 SPACE ATTRACTIONS IN ORLANDO AND BEYOND:

From the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to the Orlando Science Center, see our top picks of out-of-this-world fun.

2 EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING EPIC UNIVERSE WITH KIDS:

We're sharing our favorite attractions, top tips, and more!

3 WHERE TO EAT AT DISNEY SPRINGS WITH KIDS:

We're dishing on our 10 favorite restaurants that are kid and parent approved!

Find these stories and more family fun on Orlando-Parenting.com

TampaBayParenting.com

Water Parks in Tampa Bay:

We're sharing our favorite water parks to cool off this summer, including Adventure Island in Tampa! tampabayparenting.com/tampa-bay-family-friendly-waterparks

Things to Do with Toddlers:

Educational activities, playgrounds, and more!

Weekend Top Picks:

The best ways to play as a family in the Tampa Bay area

Free Things to Do in Tampa Bay:

Our favorite spots for a fun day out while staying on budget

25 Indoor Activities in Tampa Bay:

Our favorite places to play when it's raining or too hot outside

We'll be getting a sneak peek on opening day and will be sharing an inside look at this new place to explore under the sea.