October 2025 Magazine

BAY

BayCare Kid For Life

BayCare treats more children in West Central Florida than any other health care system. Whether it’s a routine exam or critical heart, cancer or brain care, our teams use innovative treatment options and give every child personalized support and compassionate care. With three dedicated pediatric emergency centers, you can rely on our pediatric ER experts to provide specialized care, 24/7. St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, BayCare Medical Group Pediatrics and the entire BayCare Kids network help children start strong and stay strong.

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

Articles

13 // Halloween in Tampa Bay: Your family’s to-do list of all of the spooktacular events around the area

16 // COVER STORY: Inside Look: We’re sharing our favorite things about LEGOLAND Florida’s Brick-orTreat Monster Party

19 // GUEST EDITOR: Jill Witecki of the Tampa Theatre shows us all the spooky adventures awaiting your family this Halloween season at the historic theater

21 // Halloween Costume DIY: Karimah Henry of @craftingafunlife shares adorable ideas for your child’s Book-O-Ween Parade

23 // Spooky Lunchbox Ideas: Jenny P of @lunchboxmafia dishes on festive and fun ideas for October

25 // Celebrate the Holidays with Tampa’s Pirate Ship: The Lost Pearl sets sail for family fun and festive nights

30 // Yes, You CAN Dig for Dinosaurs with the Kids: Join us as we head to the Hell Creek Formation in South Dakota in search of dinosaurs!

33 // Tailgate Treats: Dalia Colón serves treat ideas the whole family will cheer for

34 // Meet USF Volleyball Coach Jolene Shepardson: She leads the way with a full court, full house and full heart

72 // Free Range Kids: Find out what kids want more than their phones

75 // E-Scooter Emergency: Read about 14-year-old Cooper’s lifesaving journey at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

77 // Flu Myth Busters: The not-soscary facts about the flu vaccine from BayCare medical experts

2025-2026 EDUCATION GUIDE

YOUR GUIDE TO TAMPA BAY AREA SCHOOLS

Education:

44 // Options, Options Everywhere: Hillsborough County Public Schools expands magnet and school choice opportunities

47 // Teacher to Know: Meet Brainard Harris, Aerospace & AI Instructor at Stewart Middle Magnet School in Tampa

48 // From the Library: Shakespeare gets teen-friendly treatment in the retelling

55 // Encouraging Wonder: Corbett Prep shares the magic of when preschoolers ask why

61 // The Art of Negotiation: Shorecrest Preparatory School high schoolers learn essential life skills

67 // Afterschool Floor Hockey Fun: Tampa YMCA and the Tampa Bay Lightning take hockey from the ice to the YMCA

69 // New Worlds Reading: Young Florida readers get joy … and free books

71 // Tampa Bay’s Bully Busters: Meet this year’s recipients of the Hillsborough County Anti-Bullying Award 39-71

Every Issue:

8

// Noteworthy: What’s NEW and GOOD in Tampa Bay

11 // October Top Picks: Our favorite things to do this month

27 // The Play List: Let’s explore FloridaRAMA in St. Pete

29 // Kids to Know: Meet Madison “Mightymouse” Richardson

37 // Moms to Know: Meet Angeline Howell, CEO of Great Explorations Children’s Museum

78 // What’s Trending on TampaBayParenting.com: What’s clicking and expanded coverage online

We're sharing all of our favorite things about Brickor-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, from the exclusive character meet-and-greets to the trick-ortreating! Flip to page 16 for an INSIDE LOOK to map out your AWESOME day at the theme park.

OCTOBER 2025

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER

Laura Byrne

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Anu Varma Panchal

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Zoë Joiner

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Laura Byrne

Anu Varma Panchal

Zoë Joiner

Jill Witecki

Dalia Colón

Karimah Henry

Jenny P

Tara Payor, PhD

Laura Cross

Lauren Bergold

Katrina Chamberlain

Kelly Rzeszut

Rachel Barrett

Hannah Oliver

Robin Gregory

Maggie Rodriguez

Ashley Marshall

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Ralf Gonzalez

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Jennifer Dufek

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Laura Byrne

Zoë Joiner

LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Laura Byrne

Off the Walls Photography

Dalia Colón

Jenny P

Karimah Henry

Jeff Fay

Phantasmagoria

BOOKKEEPING

James Anderson

DISTRIBUTION

TGS Media Distribution, tgsmedia.com

TAMPA BAY

PARENTING MAGAZINE

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Phone 813-949-4400

Fax 813-315-6688

info@tbparenting.com editor@tbparenting.com

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Meet the guesteditor

Dear Parents,

When I was little, my mom made many of my Halloween costumes from scratch: a pink-and-white clown, a princess with a pointed hat, delicately boned bat wings. As I grew up, I inherited her penchant for sewing and crafts and began making my own. I worked in my university theater’s costume shop through college. Pre-kids, both of my spare bedroom closets were filled with costumes that friends and family routinely borrowed.

Naturally, I assumed I would also be the kind of mom who painstakingly creates beautiful, handmade Halloween costumes for my children. But – to quote John Lennon’s ode to his son, “Beautiful Boy” – “Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans.” Turns out, the run-up to Halloween is my busiest time of year, between back to school, two September birthday girls and one of Tampa Theatre’s most popular series, “A Nightmare on Franklin Street.”

Wracked with pumpkin-spiced Mom Guilt, I instead shop thrift stores and click through options online. We wear store-bought costumes (cue the ominous thunder). And you know what? The candy haul hasn’t suffered. In fact, my girls enjoy the thrill of the hunt and the creativity that comes with putting the pieces together. Instead of spending our precious weekends with needle and thread, we have time to enjoy the tricks and treats that central Florida fall offers. And come Oct. 31, our driveway draws a crowd with fire pit s’mores for the kids and home-brewed pumpkin beer for the grown-ups.

tampabayparenting.com

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.

In this season – both of Halloween and of life – it’s tempting to put on our superhero costumes and pretend it’s possible to do it all. But the real treat is to allow yourself some grace (and a fun-sized treat from the candy bowl), to set priorities and be present, and to enjoy the twists and turns new traditions may take. After all … twoday shipping didn’t exist when I was a kid.

Happy Halloween,

VP, Director of Marketing & Community Relations for Tampa Theatre

Jill Witecki is the VP, Director of Marketing & Community Relations for Tampa Theatre.

Jill Witecki with her husband, Mark, and their daughters Casimira (left) and Abigail.

(left) photo courtesy of Jill Witecki, (right) photo credit Jeff Fay

NOTEWORTHY october

the good stuff what's new

BIG Coral News from The Florida Aquarium

LEGOLAND® Florida Opens the New LEGO® Shop

This all-new shopping experience is BIGGER and even more BRICKTASTIC than The Big Shop that it replaces. Along with all the awesome LEGO® sets, LEGO® merchandise and exclusive LEGOLAND® Florida Resort souvenirs you could ever dream of, explore new interactive, customizable experiences like the Minifigure Factory and Mosaic Maker.

Mote SEA Opens Oct. 8 in Sarasota

The new 12-acre Mote Science and Education Aquarium (SEA) is a 146,000-square-foot facility located at Nathan Benderson Park near I-75. The innovative facility features three state-of-the-art STEM Teaching Labs and a chance for guests of all ages to engage with the ocean and experience a window into Mote’s globally-significant marine science research and conservation initiatives. mote.org

New classroom at TGH Muma

Children’s Hospital

The Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Foundation announced that the classroom serving Muma Children's Hospital patients will be called the Suncoast Credit Union Classroom after a generous $250,000 gift.

The Suncoast Credit Union Classroom contains the Cynthia Wells King School program, which provides pediatric patients at Muma

Children’s Hospital at TGH with hope and continuity during their extended stays or frequent visits. In partnership with the Hillsborough County School District, this innovative hospital homebound school program ensures uninterrupted education for students, spanning from pre-K to age 22.

The gift from Suncoast Credit Union is part of the third phase of the Muma Children’s Hospital renovation.

A coral baby boom is underway at The Florida Aquarium’s Coral Conservation and Research Center in Apollo Beach. Biologists are spawning thousands of new symmetrical brain coral and boulder brain coral, which are critical to the future of Florida’s Coral Reef. These baby corals will eventually support coral restoration efforts in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Kristin Jacobs Coral Aquatic Preserve in southeast Florida.

But that’s not the only big coral conservation news. The Aquarium also recently announced it has established the world’s first global hub for the Center for Species Survival, dedicated to coral conservation. This was made possible through a partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Species Survival Commission.

From Struggle .to Stability: Tampa Moms . Build Their. Dream Homes . with Habitat for. Humanity.

Working moms Cheetare Bennett and Dawn Johnson had never met, but they shared so much in common: raising big families in Tampa, caring for an elderly loved one at home and struggling to find safe, affordable housing. Their lives recently changed when they became neighbors on the same block in East Tampa, celebrating the keys to their new Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough homes, surrounded by cheering volunteers and family.

After pouring in hundreds of “sweat equity” hours, each mom now has a mortgage that’s no more than 30% of her income — a stability they had only dreamed of. “Home to me is never moving again,” says Bennett, beaming as she imagines her children growing up in a place they can truly call their own.

That’s a DEAL!

Merlin Entertainments Honors First Responders and Military with Free Admission

Merlin Entertainments is proud to recognize and honor first responders, military members and veterans. From Oct. 1 through Nov. 30, select attractions will offer free one-day admission to active-duty military, veterans and first responders as a token of appreciation for their dedicated service. Florida attractions include LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, Madame Tussauds Orlando, SEA LIFE Orlando and The Orlando Eye.

In addition to free admission, service members can also enjoy 50% off one-day tickets for up to six accompanying guests. To claim this offer, eligible guests must verify their status and purchase free and 50% off guest tickets in advance, either online through ID.me or at a local Military Ticket office.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Florida Resident Ticket Deal

Show your Florida ID now through Nov. 21 and receive $10 off admission on Mondays through Fridays!

Kennedy Space Center Offers “Come Back 2025” Ticket Deal

The “Come Back 2025” ticket deal gives guests unlimited daily admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex through the rest of this year for the price of a two-day ticket, but you need to buy the ticket by Nov. 16. It’s $91 for adults and $81 for children. You must purchase this ticket deal online. kennedyspacecenter.com

That’s COOL

Dinosaur Coming Soon to St. Pete Parking Garage

The top of a parking garage might be the last place you’d expect to find a dinosaur, but it’s going to happen on top of a new garage of The Central in St. Pete’s Edge District.

Sidd Pagidipati, who also owns Big John the Triceratops that is on display at Glazer Children’s

Museum, wants to give even more people a chance to go nose to snout with a dinosaur. So, he’s planning to install a first-of-its-kind rooftop park centered around Devaiah, a 76-million-year-old Gorgosaurus from his personal collection. (Gorgosaurus is a predecessor of the T. rex). The dinosaur will be encased in a UV-protected glass that will be able to withstand winds from a Category 5 hurricane.

Want more dinosaur news? Flip to page 30 to see what it’s like to go on a dinosaur dig with the paleontologist who discovered Big John the Triceratops!

Spirit of Children Fundraiser at Spirit Halloween Stores:

Spirit Halloween’s Spirit of Children program focuses on making hospitals less scary for kids and their families, and you can help by simply buying a costume! Visit your local Spirit of Halloween store and make a donation, or shop online and enter code CARING25 at checkout. Through Oct. 31, Spirit of Children will donate 10% back, and customers will also receive 10% off! These donations will support child life programs at local children's hospitals, including Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. spirithalloween.com

Tampa Bay Sun Championship Rematch!

On Oct. 6, the Tampa Bay Sun face Fort Lauderdale in a rematch of last season’s championship game in Tampa. It’s not just about the soccer — families can see female athlete role models in action, enjoy kid-friendly fun and make it a night out everyone will remember. TampaBaySunFC.com.

Tampa WOW! Attraction Aims . to Open in 2026 .

Local developer Tony Miller plans to bring a 250-foot-tall observation wheel to Downtown Tampa’s Channel District. Tampa WOW!, Tampa’s Wheel Over Water, will feature stateof-the-art, climate-controlled gondolas, concessions and luggage storage for cruise passengers. Rides will last 20-30 minutes. The project is a $20 million private investment with hopes of opening in the fall of 2026.

AAA Launches Safe Streets for Small Wheels Campaign

A new statewide safety campaign hopes to increase awareness and promote safe practices when using e-bikes and e-scooters and teach how drivers and riders can share the roads responsibly. This is in response to a sharp increase in injuries involving high speeds, lack of helmets and disregard for traffic laws. Flip to page 75 to read how one local child’s life was saved by Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital after an e-scooter accident.

Tampa bay’s #1 familY

Halloween evenT

Select Nights In October

Ghouls and ghosts of all ages can experience eerie fun featuring new immersive Halloween adventure zones, spooky characters, creepy culinary treats and so much more! Free admission is included for ZooTampa members and Pay For A Day ticket holders.

OCTOBER Top Picks

Our favorite family-friendly events in Tampa Bay

BLIPPI: JOIN THE BAND TOUR AT STRAZ CENTER IN TAMPA

OCT. 2 AT 6 P.M.

Blippi, the blue-and-orange clad children’s entertainer, is going places – specifically, Disney World. Blippi and best friend Meekah are starring in a series of videos in which they explore Disney World and its adjoining parks as well as Disney Cruise Lines. In this new show, Blippi, Meekah and all of their friends discover the joy of making music. strazcenter.org

SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TAKES ON CHARLOTTE AND FAU AT RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM

CHARLOTTE GAME ON OCT. 3 AT 7 P.M. | FAU GAME ON OCT. 18

Get ready for a thrilling October with the USF Bulls at Raymond James Stadium! The Bulls take on Charlotte on Oct. 3 for Flashback Friday. Then, don’t miss the excitement of Homecoming as USF battles FAU on Oct. 18. It’s a celebration of Bulls pride, packed with spirit, tradition and unforgettable football action. Be there to cheer loud and proud! usfbullstix.com

SPACE WEEK AT MOSI IN TAMPA

OCT. 4-10

Experience this brand-new theme-packed week with hands-on activities and special planetarium shows that spark imagination, highlight real science and celebrate humanity’s greatest space achievements. Because the themes change daily, every visit offers a fresh experience. Daytime activities are included with MOSI admission. mosi.org

FAMILY

DAY AT THE JAMES MUSEUM IN ST. PETE

OCT. 11

Family Days feature story time, a kid-friendly tour and an artmaking workshop. Get inspired by the museum’s contemporary Native American jewelry collection and learn how to turn everyday objects into jewelry. Learn about the tools of the trade and try your hand at foil embossing. The event is for ages 3-10 with an adult. thejamesmuseum.org

BUCS TRICK OR TREASURE IN TAMPA (FOR JR. BUCS FAN CLUB MEMBERS ONLY)

OCT. 14 FROM 5:30-8:30 P.M.

Join the Jr. Bucs Fan Club to experience this brandnew member-exclusive event where kids can go trickor-treating at the AdventHealth Training Center. There are more member-exclusive events coming up this year, too! Sign up to become a member at buccaneers.com.

LOST PEARL + BRICKS 4 KIDS PIRATE LEGO ADVENTURE CRUISE IN TAMPA

OCT. 18,

SETS SAIL AT 10 A.M.

Don’t miss this limited-time cruise that brings together the magic of building and the thrill of the sea! Set sail on Tampa’s pirate ship for a one-of-a-kind pirate adventure featuring a special pop-up experience from Bricks 4 Kidz for a 90-minute family-friendly cruise. Join our swashbuckling crew for interactive games, treasure hunting, epic photo ops, and of course—building pirate creations with Bricks 4 Kidz! It’s the ultimate mashup of imagination and high-seas adventure, perfect for pirates of all ages. Tickets are $34.95 per person; $19.95 for ages 2 and under. tampapirateship.com

ST. PETE DOG PARADE AT THE ST. PETE PIER IN ST. PETE

OCT. 25

Dress up your pup in their Halloween best and see if they can take home a win for best costume! Guests are encouraged to bring pet food donations for the pet food drive benefiting the Friends of Strays in St. Pete. stpetedogparade.com

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIR IN DOVER

OCT. 30-NOV.9

The 2025 Hillsborough County Fair returns this month! Experience 11 days of family fun with thrilling rides, mouthwatering fair food, free daily shows and youth competitions. Don’t miss Rodeo Weekend, Bulls, Barrels & Boogie with live music, the Truck & Tractor Pull and Demolition Derby! New this year: Goat Yoga, Beer garden, Farm to Fair and Riddle Me This? Visit hillsboroughcountyfair.com for tickets and specials!

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF TAMPA HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET AT THE FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS IN TAMPA

NOV. 6-9

The Holiday Gift Market is the Junior League’s largest fundraiser, bringing together merchants and shoppers for a unique shopping event. Funds raised go toward their community projects and programs. The event will take place at the Florida State Fairgrounds and tickets are required. jltampa.org

Space Week at MOSI

South Florida Football

Lost Pearl + Bricks 4 Kids Pirate LEGO Adventure Cruise

Hillsborough County Fair

SELECT DATES SEPT. 6 - OCT. 26

This Fall, step into a whimsical world full of enchantment with Kandy, Busch Gardens resident witch-in-training! A costume parade, story time and trick-or-treating are some of the activities guests will find in this immersive Halloween experience. Included with park admission.

YOUR FAMILY’S 2025

Halloween To-Do LIST

ATTEND A HALLOWEEN EVENT

Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida

Winter Haven

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS THROUGH NOV. 2

OUR TOP PICKS FOR KIDS:

FLIP TO PAGE 16 FOR AN INSIDE LOOK!

Kids can enjoy spooky LEGO building activities, trick-or-treating in the seven candy zones and event-exclusive character meet-and-greets, along with the V.I.M. (Very Important Monster) Dance Party, Monster Skytacular drone show and more! legoland.com/florida

Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa

Tampa

SELECT NIGHTS THROUGH OCTOBER

Ghouls and goblins of all ages can enjoy howling outdoor experiences, mischievous characters, creepy culinary treats and much more! zootampa.org

Sweetacular at Busch Gardens

Tampa Bay

Tampa

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER

Guests will step into a whimsical world full of enchantment with Kandy, a witchin-training. A costume parade, story time and trick-or-treating are some of the activities guests will find in this immersive Halloween experience. From Oct. 4-26, Sesame Street’s Safari of Fun Halloween party will add to the festivities with a dance party, live show and more. buschgardens.com/tampa

Lost Pearl Halloween Cruise

Tampa

SELECT NIGHTS, OCT. 3-31

MOSI’s Spooktacular Science: Carnival of Science & Frights

Tampa

SATURDAY, OCT. 18, 6-9 P.M.

Step right up! This event at MOSI delivers a thrilling night of science and spooky fun for the whole family! Spark your curiosity with hands-on experiments, carnival magic, photo booths, food, drinks and planetarium shows! Tickets are $10. mosi.org

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens

Tampa Bay

SELECT NIGHTS THROUGH NOV. 1

Meet up with hundreds of roaming creatures, terrifying outdoor scare zones and new and returning favorite haunted houses. There will also be live, interactive entertainment, scare zones and more. buschgardens.com/tampa

Tampa Theatre Ghost Tours

Tampa

SELECT DATES, OCT. 2-15

During the 90-minute tour, your guide will take you through all three levels of the historic movie palace while sharing haunted tales sure to get you in the spooky spirit. tampatheatre.org

UnDead in the Water: Iron Widow

Tampa

SELECT NIGHTS, SEPT. 26-NOV. 1

The American Victory WWII ship transforms into a haunted house on the water where the “most dangerous criminals and utterly unredeemable” are housed. undeadinthewater.com

Pirate Water Taxi

Haunted River Tours

Tampa

SELECT NIGHTS, OCT. 3-26

Hop on board the Pirate River Taxi this Halloween season for spooky tales of Tampa hauntings and ghost stories. piratewatertaxi.com

This 1.5-hour interactive pirate cruise is packed with haunting activities, from water cannon battles and eerie pirate games to an open bar that’s Free at Sea for the grown-up ghouls on board. Whether you’re a little monster or a full-grown pirate, there’s something for everyone aboard. Don’t miss your chance to meet Captain Patchy and explore Tampa’s only floating pumpkin patch! tampapirateship.com

EXPERIENCE HALLOWEEN CLASSICS ON THE BIG SCREEN

The Tampa Theatre’s Nightmare on Franklin Street returns this month, featuring classic horror movies for spooky date nights, but for a familyfriendly day out, there’s the “Mummy & Me” series featuring kid classics like “Hocus Pocus!” Here’s the “Mummy & Me” line up:

Oct. 4 at 1:45 p.m.: Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

Oct. 5 at 1:30 p.m.: The Haunted Mansion (2023)

Oct. 19 at 1:30 p.m.: Scooby-Doo (2002)

Oct. 25 at 3 p.m.: Hocus Pocus (1993)

Flip to page 19 to read more about all of the spooky fun the entire family can experience this Halloween season at Tampa Theatre!

GO TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH

Watermelon Swim in South Tampa and Lutz

Oct. 3-31

Watermelon Swim’s annual Pumpkin Patch opens on Oct. 6, offering a variety of perfect pumpkins at its five locations. Join them on Oct. 18 from 4 - 7 p.m. for their FREE Fall Festival at Lutz and South Tampa, featuring trunk-ortreating, games, food trucks and more. watermelonswim.com

Gallagher’s Pumpkins

St. Pete THROUGH OCT. 31

This family-owned business is the perfect spot to capture super cute photos of your little pumpkins while you select the best of the patch! gallagherspumpkinsandchristmastrees.com

Hyde Park Village Pumpkin Patch

Tampa THROUGH OCT. 31

Come pick out the perfect pumpkin at Hyde Park Village as it turns into a pumpkin-filled wonderland! Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. There will be a Storytime with Mrs. Boo on Wednesdays, Oct. 8, 15 and 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Adoptable dogs will be out on Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. hydeparkvillage.com

St. Pete Pier Fall Festival

St. Pete

OCT. 10-19

Pick out your perfect pumpkin at the Family Park at the St. Pete Pier and pose for adorable photos. stpetefallfest.com

CELEBRATE AT A FARM FALL FESTIVAL

Harvest Days at Keel Farms

Plant City

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS IN OCTOBER

There are so many ways to celebrate the season at Keel Farms, from festive hay rides and camel rides to a chance to explore the corn maze and pumpkin patch! Admission is free, but parking is $10. keelfarms.com

Ananda Farm Harvest Days

Terra Ceia

SEASON: SEPT. 26-DEC. 21

Ananda Farm is our favorite family-friendly farm in the Tampa Bay Area, where kids can roam and PLAY on incredible attractions like a huge tree house, while adults enjoy a farm-to-table menu, live music and more. They will also have U-Pick flowers and kids' activities including pumpkin decorating, hay bale play, face painting and arts & crafts! anandafarm.com

HorsePower for Kids

Oldsmar

SELECT DAYS OCT. 4-26

Enjoy pony, train and hay rides, as well as farm animals and exotic animals. Kids can also bounce around in the bounce house, enjoy fall-themed crafts and play fall-themed games. Proceeds go to the animal rescue and sanctuary. horsepowerforkids.com

Raprager Family Farms Fall Festival

Odessa

SELECT DAYS THROUGH NOV. 2

Attractions this year include axe throwing, pumpkin painting, a 1,000-foot inflatable maze, a 17,000+ square foot haunted maze, a baby cow and more. The haunted barn is back, along with the hay rides, petting zoo, hay chute slide and other favorites. The farm is kid-friendly all day, but it does get scarier after 6 p.m. rapragerfamilyfarms.com

DK Farms Fall Festival

Largo

FULL FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES ON WEEKENDS, OCT. 3-NOV. 1

Pick up a pumpkin at their patch and explore 18+ attractions on the weekends, including a hayride, pumpkin cannon and more. You can also enjoy weekday farm visits as well—take in the great fall decorations and hang out with some new friends at the petting zoo. dkfarmsandgardens.com

NAVIGATE YOUR WAY THROUGH A CORN MAZE

Sweetfields Farm

Masaryktown

SELECT DAYS, SEPT. 27 THROUGH NOV. 9

Come out for Fall Festival fun, including the huge corn maze and mini maze for the younger kids. And then stay for the farm activites like the Pitcher Pump Duck Race, hayride, pumpkin patch, farm animals and fall flavors like apple cider. sweetfieldsfarm.com

Hunsader Farms

Bradenton

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, OCT. 11-OCT. 26

HarvestMoon Farm

Masaryktown

SELECT DAYS, SEPT. 27 THROUGH NOV. 2

You’ll want to pre-purchase a ticket online to secure your spot to navigate the 5-acre corn maze and explore the many attractions, like a cow train, pedal cars, a jumping pillow and barnyard games. There’s also a petting farm and tree house and in the evening, a Haunted Nights event. harvestmoonfunfarm.com

There will be hayrides, a petting zoo, games, a pumpkin patch and more! Make sure to bring cash for other cool activities like the corn maze, children’s train ride and more! hunsaderfarms.com

Fox Squirrel Corn Maze

Plant City

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, SEPT. 27-OCT. 26

See how quickly you can find your way through the corn maze, and then go check out the duck races, challenge your kids to a game of corn hole, go on a hayride and select the perfect pumpkin for your front porch in Tampa! foxsquirrelcornmaze.com

Harvest Holler Corn Maze

Polk City

SELECT DAYS, SEPT. 19-NOV. 16

You can explore the pumpkin patch, go on a hayride, enjoy some country eats, meet live farm animals and more! There’s also a cow train, corn hole, and many more activities. harvestholler.com

GO TRICK-ORTREATING

Trick-or-Treat on the Riverwalk in Tampa

OCT. 25 FROM 4-7 P.M.

Enjoy treat stations, a costume contest for children and pets, a pumpkin patch, DJs and food trucks, plus a Halloween-inspired movie on the lawn at Curtis Hixon Park!

New this year, the event will feature a market with vendors offering sweet treats, clothing and artisan foods. thetampariverwalk.com

Trick-or-Treat Trail at Ulmer Park in Largo

OCT. 24 FROM 5:30-7:30 P.M.

Bring your kiddos dressed in their Halloween costumes for a night of trick-or-treating around downtown Largo. Bags and candy will be provided. playlargo.com

Spooky Stroll by TRIBE Seminole Heights

OCT. 25 FROM 6-9 P.M.

TRIBE Seminole Heights’ Spooky Stroll features tons of family-friendly fun, including costumed characters, trick-or-treat stations, a pumpkin patch, a creepy house tour, fun games and MORE! tribeseminoleheights.com

Halloween on Central in St. Pete

OCT. 26 FROM NOON TO 5 P.M.

At this family event, 22 blocks are closed to cars and motor vehicles from noon to 5 p.m. so families can enjoy the parade of costumes, street performers, entertainment and tons of Halloween fun! grandcentraldistrict.org

WANT MORE?

We’ve got even more ways to celebrate Halloween and the fall season in Tampa Bay. Scan here for the best pumpkin patches, Halloween events, festivals and more!

INSIDE LOOK: Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

A Monster Party you don’t want to miss!

by Laura Byrne

Monsters are taking over LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, and they’re throwing an epic party for Brick-or-Treat. That means treats galore, a chance to meet your favorite LEGO® characters, and, of course … nonstop LEGO building!

We've attended Brick-or-Treat with our kiddos for several years now, and it’s easily one of our family’s favorite Halloween events. Best of all, it's included with park admission.

First, when is Brick-or-Treat?

Brick-or-Treat is being celebrated on weekends in October and on Nov. 1-2. While you can arrive early when the park opens at 10 a.m., most of the Brick-or-Treat activities don't start until 11 a.m., and the candy stations are open from 2-7 p.m. The timing is another benefit! You can still run a few errands or go to your child’s game in the morning and then head to the park to enjoy the rest of your day as a family.

The good thing is the park is open for extended hours during Brickor-Treat, so there’s more time to experience the rides, shows and attractions.

We’ve also had annual passes and loved that we were able to only focus on Brick-or-Treat activities since we knew we could come back any time to enjoy the rest of the awesome rides and attractions. This is definitely something to consider, so you can return for Holidays at LEGOLAND and Kids’ New Year’s Eve later this year! And there are extra perks like merchandise discounts and free parking.

TIP: If you purchase a 2026 annual pass, you get the rest of 2025 for free!

Now onto the good stuff: Our six favorite things at Brick-or-Treat Monster Party!

1

THE CANDY AND TREATS

Who doesn’t love trick-or-treating? Bring your own bag, or they’ll give you one when you’re at the candy booths. There are seven treat stations with dozens of sweet snacks to fill those bags! Haribo is the candy sponsor.

There are also some awesome new Halloween treats you can purchase this year, like the Sundae de los Muertos and Jack-oBites in commemorative LEGO Minifigure head cups.

2

THE LEGO MINIFIGURE MEET-AND-GREETS

We are big LEGO fans, so the event-exclusive character meet-and-greets top our list. One of our favorites is the LEGO Monster Rocker meet-and-greet, which is indoors next to Heartlake Mall in Fun Town. When you walk in, you get to pick a song to dance to with the Monster Rocker before snapping a picture. We picked “Monster Mash!”

And the fan favorite, LEGO Shark Suit guy, is making an appearance this year!

Where to find the event-exclusive LEGO Monster

Minifigure Meet & Greets:

LEGO Monster Rocker next to Heartlake Hall in Fun Town

LEGO Square Foot and LEGO Wolf Guy at Fun Town Theater

LEGO Scarecrow at DUPLO Valley

LEGO Spider Lady and LEGO Tiger Woman at LEGO Kingdoms

LEGO Mummy near Lost Kingdom Adventure

LEGO Plant Monster at LEGO City Stage

LEGO Zombie Pirate and LEGO Shark Suit Guy at Shipwreck Alley

LEGO Green Witch (exclusive to hotel guests!)

3

THE LEGO BUILD ZONES

Get ready to channel your inner LEGO Master Builder and create your own LEGO pumpkin at the LEGO Pumpkin Build in MINILAND, U.S.A.

Then, head over to DUPLO Valley to join the Scarecrow Superbrick Build, where you will help build a larger-than-life LEGO Scarecrow. We could spend forever in these build zones!

THE SHOWS

Get ready for nonstop laughs, catchy songs and memories that stick like Kragle! Here are the shows and where to find them:

4D MOVIES at Fun Town Theater:

Seek some air conditioning and relax! The movies are all about 12 minutes long, a perfect amount of time to cool off and recharge!

• The Great Monster Chase 4D

• LEGO DREAMZzz 4D: Z-Blob Rescue Rush

• LEGO City 4D: Officer in Pursuit

V.I.M. Dance Party at LEGO Kingdom Stage:

Lord Vampyre is hosting very important monsters only, and you’re invited to experience his ghoulish grooves!

Zombie Cheer Crew at LEGO City Stage:

The Zombie Cheer Crew is hosting tryouts! Learn some new moves during this high-energy pep rally.

Time to Learn About Halloween inside DUPLO Valley Schoolhouse: This fun learning experience is designed just for little ones ages 2-6 (another perfect opportunity to sit down and relax indoors).

The Jammin’ Jacks outside of LEGOLAND Coffee Co.: From dusk to park close, the jack-o-lantern band will light up with rockin’ Halloween hits!

5

THE MONSTER SKYTACULAR DRONE SHOW

End the day with a front row seat to Monster Skytacular, an award-winning high-flying show featuring hundreds of drones that light up the sky, forming LEGO shapes, swirling into monsters and launching fireworks to the beat of a monster-sized soundtrack. It’s pretty incredible. We love the drone technology being incorporated into the fireworks shows.

EXPLORING THE HALLOWEEN EXTRAS AT MINILAND, U.S.A.

The park’s Master Builders go over the top to create builds throughout the park for the different seasons, and we love walking through MINILAND, U.S.A., to spot all of the Halloween extras like the pumpkin patches, trick-or-treaters, flying witches and more.

We recently went one-on-one with LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s Ryan Wood, a dad of four who leads the team behind all of the incredible LEGO builds you see throughout the resort as the park’s Model Shop manager. He’s diving into the bricktastic details about how they make all of this magic happen brick by brick!

TBPM: How many of those extra MINILANDER figures did you add to MINILAND USA this year?

RW: Halloween is usually a few hundred additional figures mixed in with the few thousand that already populate MINILAND. You'll find little scenes and stories sprinkled throughout. It might be a ghost decoration that's in one of the neighborhoods, and you're gonna see zombie pirates. You'll also find things like pumpkins scattered throughout.

TBPM: There are some unofficial scavenger hunts, too.

RW: We do offer a few unofficial things, just for the people who happen to be lingering in MINILAND a little bit longer — like how many bats are on the outside of the buildings in New York City, just as an example. And the ghosts might be lining all the water basins around Miami … how many are there? We don't usually announce those things, and guests just sort of figure it out.

TBPM: Any favorite Halloween scenes this year?

RW: We have like 100 zombies marching through the Pirate Village streets. And we have two different spooky pirate ships that are in the water, coming to invade the historical pirate area. I'm excited about it because that was an idea fully birthed from my team here, and not sort of handed to us by maybe one of our partner model shops, and there was a lot of love and passion that went into it.

TBPM: How does one become a Model Builder like you and your team?

RW: Kids and parents always want to know what do they get a degree in? Having recruited so many [builders] over the years, there's no one single degree. You can actually choose from lots of things, and if you happen to be good at problem-solving [and] using your imagination, we don't just build out of books full of instructions. The stuff we do has to come from our brains, and whether that's someone who's an artist who's drawing it down or a 3D artist who's turning it into a 3D render, it just comes down to problem-solving.

RYANWOOD

Cinematically Spooky: Celebrating Halloween at the Historic Tampa Theatre

by Jill Witecki

Central Florida may not get its fair share of changing leaves or crisp fall mornings, but as the days get shorter and Oct. 31 creeps closer, we all have our own ways of looking forward to Halloween.

For some, it's spooky stories and ghostly apparitions that send shivers down your spine. Others get cozy in the pumpkin patch vibe, with hayrides and spiced cider. There are cutesy costume enthusiasts who transform into adorable animals and cartoon characters for an evening of innocent candy-gathering, while others are drawn to the ghastlier side where horror movies keep you up at night.

At the historic Tampa Theatre, the “lucky 13th” annual “A Nightmare on Franklin Street” series captures it all, blending family fun with grownup chills in the grand ambiance of Tampa's most majestic (and most haunted) movie palace.

For the littlest ghouls and goblins, “Mummy & Me” movies – sponsored by Tampa Electric – offer kid-friendly frights without inviting nightmares. You can share a bag of popcorn or a box of Goobers under the Theatre's twinkling, starlit ceiling as the Scooby-Doo gang unravels its latest mystery or the silly Sanderson sisters spell out quirky chaos in “Hocus Pocus.” These special screenings are FREE for ages 12 and younger, and costumes are encouraged!

“We’re proud to support events that bring families together and spark imagination,” says Stephanie Smith, vice president of State and

Regional Affairs for Tampa Electric. “These Mummy & Me screenings offer a fun and festive way to celebrate the season while creating space for connection, storytelling and shared experiences across generations.”

For older tweens and teens, the Nightmare series wraps the performing arts in seasonal spookiness with two spine-tingling live events that share the Theatre’s historic stage and screen.

On Friday, Oct. 24, Lon Chaney's iconic silent film “The Phantom of the Opera” turns the Theatre’s historic auditorium into a portal back to the eerie elegance of a bygone era. Originally released 100 years ago, the black-and-white masterpiece about a masked phantom lurking beneath the Paris Opera House is perfect for introducing older kids to classic cinema's allure. This very special screening will also feature a live vocalist and musical accompaniment on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ, making it an exciting (and even a little bit educational) evening for tweens and teens fascinated by film history.

Mummy & Me movies are familyfriendly matinee screenings that are free for kids ages 12 and younger.

Then, Phantasmagoria presents the works of iconic artist and author Edward Gorey in "Hauntingly Whimsical Tales" on Sunday, Oct. 26. Blending storytelling, dance, puppetry, projections, original music and more, the Victorian horror troupe brings to life humorous, mischievous and hauntingly delightful visions of Gorey’s “eerie yet whimsical worlds” (wbur.org) that have charmed readers for decades.

Of course, Halloween tricks aren’t just for kids. For date-night thrills sans the little pumpkins, hire a sitter and slip away for edgier fare like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” — complete with shadow cast and audience participation — a “Ghosts of Tampa Theatre” walking tour or the 1978 slasher flick, “Halloween.”

With its intricately shadowed architecture and rumored resident ghosts, Tampa Theatre is the perfect haunt to enjoy whatever makes your Halloween heart happy. Be it spooky, festive, cute or chilling, you can find dates, times and tickets at TampaTheatre.org/Nightmare.

Tampa Theatre’s artist in residence, Steven Ball, will play an original musical score on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ to accompany the 1925 silent film The Phantom of the Opera on Oct. 24.

The historic Tampa Theatre hosts the "A Nightmare on Franklin Street" series select dates Oct. 1-31.

Victorian horror troupe Phantamsagoria combines storytelling, dance, projections and puppetry to bring classic literary tales to life onstage.

(left) photo illustrations by Jeff Fay, (right) photo courtesy of Phantasmagoria

photo credit Jeff Fay

Every Sat & Sun in October | 10am - 3pm

Join us every Saturday & Sunday during October for family-friendly & festive fun.

Hay Rides • Corn Maze • Pumpkin Patch & Painting • Camel Rides • Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest • Local Vendors & Food Trucks • Seasonal Wines & Ciders Free Admission | $10 Parking

BEAR-Y PERFECT HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

by Karimah Henry, @CraftingaFunLife

If you’re a parent scrambling for a last-minute costume for the school’s Fall Book Character Parade, I’ve got you covered! I’m sharing two adorable and easy DIY options inspired by Paddington Bear. Perfect for busy families, they can be put together with items you may already have at home or can purchase quickly from a local thrift store. These costumes are simple, creative and parade-ready.

A Bear Called Paddington

SUPPLIES

• Blue poncho or raincoat

• Red bucket hat (we used a Tampa Bay Buccaneers bucket hat)

• Shirt and shorts (whatever they want to wear to school)

• Optional: Brown pants and shirt (to mimic Paddington’s fur)

• Shoe box

DIRECTIONS

1. Paint the shoebox brown, and then add a handle using an old belt buckle. Decorate with “P.B.” and “Wanted on Voyage” or postage stamps to create Paddington’s suitcase.

2. Dress your child in the shirt and shorts. They can wear all brown to mimic Paddington’s fur or just wear whatever they usually do to go to school.

3. Put the blue poncho or raincoat, red bucket hat and shoes on your child.

Paddington and the Magic Trick

SUPPLIES

• White shirt and black pants (dressy or casual)

• Optional: Brown pants and shirt (to mimic Paddington’s fur)

• Black plastic top hat

• Red felt fabric sheet

• Black cape

• Wooden dowel (7/16″ in diameter and 12″ long)

• Black tape (or black paint)

• White tape (or white paint)

• Glue gun with glue sticks

• Scissors

• Black shoes

• Velcro sticky-back coins

DIRECTIONS

1. Create the red bow tie by cutting your red felt fabric sheet into a 5-by-9-inch strip. You’ll also need a smaller piece of felt that is 2 inches by 4 inches.

2. Pinch the larger rectangle in the middle to create a bow.

3. Wrap the smaller strip of felt around the pinched bow, and then cut off any excess fabric.

4. Use the glue gun to add a small dollop of hot glue to the strip on the back side of the bow to secure. Let dry for a few minutes.

5. Attach the Velcro sticky-back coin to the back of the bow. The other side will be attached to the cape when it’s time to dress up.

6. Create the wand by wrapping the wooden dowel with the black tape. Leave about an inch at the top. Cut a piece of white tape and wrap the top of the wooden dowel to complete your wand.

7. Now it’s time to dress up! Have your child wear a white shirt, black pants and black shoes. Then add the cape, top hat and bow tie.

TIPS

costume. Pick a well-known character.

Shop

Keep it simple.

Experiment, create, and play mad scientist all October long at GCM!

Crafty Concoctions

Play with potions to concoct eerie effects and mysterious transformations with watercolor paints! Watch as salt, vinegar, and other substances creep across wet surfaces to alter pigments and conjure colorful reactions.

Spooky Smart Guests

Experience nationally recognized performers at a bewitching bubble show, a spooktacular secret lab demonstration, and more from wickedly talented special guests.

Spooktacular Storytimes

Hang up your lab coats and cuddle up for not-so-spooky storytimes with Team GCM. GLAZERMUSEUM.ORG/SPOOKYSCIENCE

Festive & Fun Lunchbox Ideas for October

by Jenny P @LunchboxMafia

October is the perfect time to add a little seasonal magic to your child’s (or big kid’s) lunchbox. With cozy fall flavors and Halloween-inspired touches, these easy snack and lunch box ideas will not only fuel your kids through the day, but also make lunchtime something they’ll look forward to!

Spooky Snack Box

Lean into the Halloween colors with a mix of black and orange. Pack black corn chips with hummus, juicy mandarin oranges, blackberries and fun orange cheese bites.

Parent Tip: Use a mini cookie cutter (available at Target or Amazon) to shape the cheese into pumpkins or bats for an instant festive touch.

Apple Harvest Protein Box

Apples are at their peak in fall, and this box celebrates them! A creamy dip made from peanut butter and Greek yogurt pairs perfectly with red apple slices. Add a cheese stick and some beef jerky for a protein boost that keeps kids full longer.

Parent Tip: Sprinkle cinnamon on the apple dip for extra fall flavor — and to make the lunchbox smell amazing when it’s opened.

Jack-o’-Lantern Charcuterie Box

A playful spin on a snack board, this box features baby Brie wheels that become mini pumpkins with jack-o’lantern faces drawn on with an edible food marker.

Blackberries and mandarins add the necessary Halloween vibes! Round out the box with slices of peppered salami, mini toast, a sweet-and-spicy Calabrian chili orange spread and pumpkin spice candied almonds.

Parent Tip: This one works great for older kids — or even for parents who want a fun, grown-up-inspired lunch.

Caramel Crunch Fall Box

Simple yet satisfying, caramel rice cakes add a touch of sweetness with a cozy fall vibe. Pair them with apples and graham crackers with a pumpkin spice dip. Add some dried apricots, cranberries, nuts and a few dark chocolate chips for balance.

Parent Tip: Break rice cakes into halves or quarters so they stay crisp and fit neatly in your lunch container.

These festive boxes bring the warm colors and cozy flavors of fall right into your child’s day. Whether it’s a Halloween-inspired snack or a protein-packed lunch, these ideas are easy to pull together and guaranteed to spread a little October joy. Come say hello at @LunchboxMafia on Instagram and Facebook. Have the best Halloween and a fabulous fall season!

Celebrate the Holidays with Tampa’s Pirate Ship: Lost Pearl Sets Sail for Family Fun & Festive Nights

by The Crew of Lost Pearl - Tampa's Pirate Ship

Tampa Bay has no shortage of holiday magic, but this season, one of the most unique ways to celebrate is by setting sail aboard Tampa’s only pirate ship, the Lost Pearl. Known for its high-energy crew, family-friendly adventures and unbeatable views of downtown, the Lost Pearl transforms into a floating holiday wonderland each fall and winter. From spooky pirate games to festive games and dazzling lights on the water, these themed cruises offer fun or every age.

A PIRATE’S HALLOWEEN FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN ON THE WATER

October kicks off with “A Pirate’s Halloween,” an interactive 1.5-hour cruise for buccaneers of all ages. Little ones can enjoy activities like the Pumpkin Toss, spooky balloon pop, water cannon battles and a pirate-themed dance party. Each child will even receive a pumpkin from Captain Patchy’s floating pumpkin patch (while supplies last), making this cruise a fall family favorite. Parents aren’t left out either; with complimentary soda, beer, wine and house spirits included, there’s something for everyone on board. Costumes are encouraged, so gather your crew and make it a memory-filled Halloween at sea.

A PIRATE’S CHRISTMAS

A HOLIDAY ADVENTURE FOR FAMILIES

November and December bring an extra sprinkle of holiday magic with “A Pirate’s Christmas.” Families can join White Beard and his jolly pirate crew for a festive 1-hour cruise full of games, sing-alongs and even “snow” on the high seas. Kids will love writing letters to Santa and mailing them at Tampa’s only floating North Pole buoy, while every child receives a gift from the treasure chest. Parents can relax with a cocktail in hand while elves and holiday games entertain little ones. It’s the perfect way to add a Florida twist to your family’s holiday traditions.

CANNONBALL COUNTDOWN CRUISES

NEW YEAR’S EVE FUN FOR KIDS

Why should midnight get all the fun? The Cannonball Countdown Cruises on New Year’s Eve offer familyfriendly celebrations throughout the day, perfect for little pirates with early bedtimes. Each 75-minute cruise includes festive activities, dancing and a one-of-a-kind “cannonball drop” at the top of the hour. Families will also enjoy a complimentary champagne and sparkling juice toast to ring in the New Year. With souvenirs, games and plenty of fun, this is Tampa Bay’s best New Year’s Eve event for kids and families. MAKE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON UNFORGETTABLE

All Lost Pearl cruises depart from downtown Tampa, just steps from the Riverwalk and the city’s best attractions. Tickets and full event details can be found at TampaPirateship.com Space is limited for these seasonal cruises, so book early to ensure your crew has a spot aboard Tampa Bay’s favorite pirate ship.

FloridaRAMA in St. Pete

by Zoë Joiner

It may be October, but it’s still HOT out. For a completely off-the-wall, indoor family experience, head to FloridaRAMA in St. Pete to explore some of the most funky, interactive art installations you’ll see anywhere. Filled with whimsy and surprises in every corner, kids have a blast exploring the neon spaces and twinkling lights that work together to tell the story of Old Florida.

FloridaRAMA is tucked away in the warehouse district in St. Petersburg and shares a building with Daddy Kool Records and an art gallery that’s great for hosting events. Look for murals on buildings to let you know you’re in the right place, including one that welcomes you to “Fairgrounds,” its former moniker up until 2024. There’s a good-sized parking lot across the street, and even a coffee shop in case you need a pick-me-up after playing.

WAYS TO PLAY

A visually exhilarating place, FloridaRAMA brings to life the quirky parts of Florida that people love in the setting of the Mermaid Star Motel. Kids can play in a giant Pirate Ship ball pit, press and flip all the switches for silly effects in a Space Center simulator, and admire the most intricate and creative collection of dioramas that you never knew you needed to see.

My girls loved adding their names to glowing washi tape on an evolving exhibit, and we even got to have a disco dance party in a room full of dripping spoons that I know Salvador Dalí would appreciate. There are also rooms dedicated to the Florida Strawberry, an insane seashell mosaic room, and even a spot devoted to shrimp cocktail, complete with a shrimp cocktail-shaped disco ball.

To make things even more fun, you can upgrade your experience at FloridaRAMA with a number of interactive scavenger hunts, bringing a new playful experience to each visit. Use UV flashlights and solve riddles to discover secret messages and hidden narratives. They also host rotating events like glow in the dark mini golf.

When you’re done playing, grab a snack or some ice cream from the snack bar in the lobby and peruse the attached art gallery. There’s a funky gift shop as well, where you can purchase some truly offbeat and hilarious artwork and novelties, including armadillo and opossum stuffies.

PARK FEES AND INFO

FLORIDARAMA

2606 Fairfield Ave. S., Building 5 St. Petersburg, FL 33712 727-210-5450 floridarama.art

HOURS:

Monday, Thursday and Friday: 12-8 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

ADMISSION:

$25 admission for Florida residents, students, seniors and military ($27 general admission)

$22 big kids (ages 4-12)

$12 for adults

Kids 3 and under are free Group pricing available

photos by Zoë Joiner

Pirate Ship Ball Pit

Disco Dance Party

Kids to Know:

by Tara Payor, Ph.D.

Madison “MightyMouse” Richardson

At just 9 years, Madison “MightyMouse” Richardson is already proving that determination comes in all sizes. A competitive taekwondo athlete, AAU Florida State Champion and AAU Nationals bronze medalist, Madison is proudly representing her community and military family in Colossal’s Youth Athlete of the Year competition, a nationwide campaign benefiting the Why Not You Foundation and the V Foundation. Despite often being the smallest competitor in her division, this fierce martial artist trains tirelessly, travels across Florida to spar and embraces challenges with resilience and respect – qualities learned through years of dedication to Taekwondo. Nicknamed “MightyMouse” for her big spirit in a small frame, Madison is chasing championships and raising awareness for causes that empower kids and fund lifechanging cancer research.

TBPM: What’s your favorite part about stepping onto the mat at a competition?

MR: I love competing against new people. I also like overcoming any fear I was feeling before stepping onto the mat.

TBPM: Training takes a lot of time and energy. What keeps you motivated to keep pushing yourself, even when it’s tough?

MR: Something that keeps me motivated is wanting to get better than I was yesterday. My coach, Mr. Hart, has said that, “When others are playing, we practice. If others are practicing, we practice harder.” Hard work pays off.

TBPM: Have you learned any lessons from being a military kid that help you during competitions?

MR: Being a military kid has taught me how to be strong mentally and physically. When you compete in taekwondo, you must be more than physically strong. You need to be mentally strong as well. It is not easy all the time. You get scared and nervous and want to give up sometimes. But, if you are mentally strong, you can get past that.

TBPM: Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of yourself?

MR: I felt proud of myself when I competed at the Georgia Rumble 2025 tournament. I was able to take all I had been practicing and put it into action. It had been a while since I won a sparring match, and I won first place during my sparring match that day.

TBPM: Who do you hope feels inspired by your journey?

MR: I hope to inspire kids that are just getting started in taekwondo, especially the girls. I want to show that girls can do anything.

TBPM: If you could give advice to kids who feel too small or too young to go after their dreams, what would you say?

MR: Keep chasing your dreams. Never give up and put in the work. It starts in the heart. My mom always says, “You have to believe in yourself, and the world is yours.” And, I think that's true.

TBPM: What’s the big dream you’re chasing next, both in taekwondo and outside of it?

MR: My big dream for taekwondo is being the National Champion for 2026 AAU Taekwondo Nationals and when I get older, go to the Olympics. My big dream outside of taekwondo is being a YouTuber, to make videos of taekwondo.

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

YES, YOU AND THE KIDS CAN GO DIG FOR DINOSAURS…

And you can do it alongside the paleontologist who discovered Big John, the world’s largest triceratops, the dinosaur on display at Glazer Children’s Museum.

by Laura Byrne

Something pretty incredible happens when you swipe away the last bits of prehistoric dirt and become the first living thing in 66 million years to lay eyes on a prehistoric creature's fossilized bone. It’s humbling because it’s tangible proof that we weren’t the first living things to dominate our planet, and it’s proof of how delicate life really is.

Walter Stein, the paleontologist who discovered Big John, the triceratops, and owner of PaleoAdventures fossil digs in South Dakota, tells us it’s the reason why paleontology is so important: to understand life here on earth and even our future as a species. It’s also a really cool way to get kids excited about STEAM, since paleontology needs every component of STEAM to function.

We first met Stein two years ago during the unveiling of the Big John exhibit at the Glazer Children’s Museum here in Tampa. When I found out he also runs PaleoAdventures dinosaur dig tours in addition to the new Dinosaurs of the Hell Creek Museum in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, I knew we were about to add a new adventure to our list.

Our good friend, Grayson Kamm, who is on the board of the Glazer Children’s Museum, and his wife, Cathy, decided to embark on this unique adventure with us to find out what it’s like to be a paleontologist. So we all flew our kids out to South Dakota over the summer, where we got to set foot in an area Big John once roamed millions of years ago.

We learned that paleontology is hard work, and while there was no guarantee we’d find anything, everyone in our group did manage to make some discoveries, including lots of triceratops spitter teeth, fish scales, bits of turtle shell, and yes … even dinosaur bones.

We couldn’t keep the scientifically significant finds, but our names will be attached to each piece, and we have the option to purchase commercially significant bones once they are studied. But we did get to bring home a lot of cool finds.

Before we left for Florida, we caught up with Stein once again to talk about the importance of encouraging the study of paleontology and what he’s working on next.

TBPM: It’s pretty crazy to think that back during Big John’s time, where we are standing now, in South Dakota, it was a lot like Florida!

WS: The Hell Creek formation was along a warm subtropical coastline. It was dotted with swamps, rivers and estuaries. It would have had a similar climate to North Florida, Texas, the coast of the Carolinas and the coast of Georgia. The dinosaurs migrated up and down those river systems.

TBPM: It really is incredible, as we look around your museum, that even though you and your team have found numerous dinosaur fossils, fossilization is still incredibly rare.

WS: Oh, absolutely. Yeah, fossilization is a very rare process. To get a fossil, it has to be buried fast. In the Hell Creek Formation, it was those rivers and monsoonal-type events that would create flooding events that would trigger the burial of their skeletons.

TBPM: One thing that was eye-opening for us was how hard it is to do this work and how much time it takes to recover these fossils. And how delicate they are.

WS: It’s one of those experiences you don't really appreciate until you get out there. All the scientific documentation that goes in, the mapping, the logging, the photographing, the GPS-ing, the stratigraphy, and the geology work. A lot of people are surprised at that.

And a lot of the stuff that we're finding is scientifically significant. Some of them are very rare pieces. Something like this, that was found by by one of your diggers — this is a Thescelosaurus femur. It's not 100% complete. We're going to have to do some lab work on this. It's going to take some time to prepare this and clean it up, but overall, I think it's going to look very nice. And that was once the right leg from a Thescelosaurus neglectus, a dinosaur that was kind of like the deer of the Cretaceous. These were probably quite common back in the day. Big John would have had lots of these running around him when the triceratops herds were going through. (*See image on upper right corner of next page.)

Laura ByrneandWalte

The Kamm and Byrne families at the PaleoAdventures dig site in the Hell Creek Formation in South Dakota.

TBPM: That's amazing. Why is it so important that we inspire the next generation of paleontologists?

WS: Paleontology is a wonderful way to get kids involved in all kinds of scientific disciplines, from engineering to mathematics. So that alone is a reason to study it.

The second reason I would say is that these animals were extraordinarily successful. For over 160 million years, they dominated the surface of the planet, and they were wiped out in the blink of an eye, literally overnight. And that process of extinction, in order to understand that, you really have to dig into paleontology. If we want to preserve our own species and all the other animals that are around us today, we have to understand the processes of evolution, of extinction, how changing ecosystems and environments affect populations, and, really, the only way to do that is by looking at the long term.

The wonderful thing about paleontology is that we can look at Triceratops over 2 million years and see how the changing of that environment, the changing of interactions with other animals coming in, migrating in, how that affects that population.

TBPM: And for kids who are interested in paleontology, what's your advice? We think bringing their kids out here to dig with you is a must-do!

WS: Oh, of course, you gotta come out here and visit us. But really, the best advice I would say is never give up. There are only about 3,000 professional academic paleontologist jobs in the United States and Canada, so it's a very hard field to get into. It doesn’t pay very well. A lot of museums know that people love it, and they realize that you can get a lot of volunteers out there. But if it's really in your heart that that's what you want to do, never give up. Some other bits of advice: Take lots of art classes. Art is very important. Creative writing is very important for paleontology, mathematics and statistics.

Learning how to do fossil prep, for example, takes an artist's skill. You have to have patience, you have to understand how to sculpt the missing pieces.

TBPM: Yeah, patience is key! One thing that really struck me, especially with my own kids, is that they live in a world of instant gratification. And this is something that is teaching them perseverance and patience, because this isn’t instant gratification. They have to work for it.

WS: No, this is definitely hard work. Fossils don't just pop out of the ground in one piece. Many times, it requires a lot of work to put them back together again. There's a giant jigsaw puzzle, and you're not even sure if you have all the pieces to that puzzle. So it's not instinct gratification. It is a ton of work. But the reward is that by the end of it, you have saved and preserved something that is completely unique.

TBPM: Speaking of preserving something, you've got a few dinosaurs that are almost ready for display.

WS: We're currently working on one partial Tyrannosaurus Rex called Leonard. We have five partial Triceratops skeletons. One is called Miss Rene. This was named for John Ryder and Rene Weiner. They were a married couple. John passed away, unfortunately, so Big John is named after him, but his wife, Rene, is still around; she's still out digging, hanging out with us. The Miss Rene Triceratops skeleton is about 40% complete, and we're going to try to put that one together this year.

TBPM: Do you think there's more to find, or are you ready to start constructing Miss Rene?

WS: We're ready to start constructing. I'm going to go back out and dig around a little bit more and make sure we’ve got everything. But yeah, we're hoping that we'll be able to composite a whole skeleton together. And when you come back here in a couple more years, Miss Rene is going to be right there in the middle of the museum, inspiring the next generation of paleontologists, or we might put her up for auction and help pay for this new museum.

PLANNING YOUR DINOSAUR DIG TRIP:

There’s more to do in South Dakota than you may think!

Book Your Dig: Check out paleoadventures.com, where 2026 summer tour dates will be posted in early 2026. Dates book up fast, even though Stein doubled tour capacity this year.

Getting There: Our families flew into Rapid City Regional Airport and rented 4x4 vehicles for the drive out to the dig site. It’s then a 55-minute drive to Belle Fourche.

Where to Stay: You meet daily at the Dinosaurs of Hell Creek Museum in Belle Fourche before driving out to the dig site. We stayed in nearby Spearfish. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was going on at the same time, so many hotels were booked.

Other Things to Do: I was surprised at the number of attractions in this part of South Dakota. We made a stop at Mount Rushmore, which is surrounded by other family-friendly attractions like Bear Country and Black Hills Reptile Gardens

The Wild West town of Deadwood is a must-visit, where you can also pan for gold at the Broken Boot Gold Mine. For a unique photo, stop by the Geographic Center of the Nation monument at the Tri-State Museum and Visitor’s Center in Belle Fourche!

Other unique attractions to visit in Rapid City when you land or wait for your flight home: Storybook Island and Dinosaur Park, a free roadside attraction since 1936! Devil’s Tower National Monument is also about an hour away.

*The

neglectus find! Collier Kamm with our guide William Stein, Walter's son.

Tailgate treats the whole family will cheer for

by Dalia Colón

Football season is full swing. Whether you’re tailgating at the stadium or cheering on your team from the comfort of your couch, here are some game-day snacks to keep everyone going from the opening kickoff until the final down.

FIRST DOWN FRUIT STICKS

Have the kids help by sliding grapes, strawberries and cheese cubes onto skewers for a healthy pre-game appetizer.

7-LAYER HUDDLE CUPS

In clear plastic cups, layer refried beans, sour cream (mixed with taco seasoning if you’re fancy), guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, green onions and tomatoes. Chill until gametime. Serve with tortilla chips.

BLACK BEAN BLITZES

Rinse and drain a can of black beans. Pour them into a food processor and pulse with onion, garlic, your favorite seasonings and an egg or egg substitute. The kids can use their hands to shape the mixture into small burger patties. Cook on a grill, oven or skillet. Serve in slider buns with all the fixin’s.

FIELD GOAL FLATBREADS

Make customizable mini pizzas with naan or English muffins as the base. Spread your favorite jarred marinara sauce, and set out shredded cheese and an assortment of toppings to choose from. Grill the pizzas or bake them in the oven.

QUARTERBACK COOLERS

In a blender or food processor, combine roughly chopped tomatoes, garlic, diced jalapeño, lime juice, salt and pepper. Adjust ingredients to taste. Serve the gazpacho in shooter cups, topped with croutons.

SWEET VICTORY APPLE NACHOS

Dip sliced apples in lemon water to prevent browning, then arrange on a platter. Drizzle with jarred caramel sauce. Sprinkle with crushed pretzels.

END ZONE CONES

If your team has s’more yards to go, keep the party hoppin’ with a second dessert. Fill waffle cones with chocolate pieces, mini marshmallows and your favorite toppings — maybe peanut butter cups or M&Ms. Wrap tightly with foil, and warm on the grill or in the oven.

USF Volleyball Coach, Jolene Shepardson, on a Full Court, Full House and Full Heart

by Tara Payor, Ph.D.

Balancing the demands of motherhood with the pressure of leading a Division One athletic program sounds like a most-challenging-mission. For Jolene Shepardson, the University of South Florida’s head volleyball coach, the mission is possible. Shepardson’s mom and coach roles complement one another, making the whole family stronger. With five children at home, 18 student-athletes on the court and a career built on resilience, Shepardson is testament to the joys of persistence.

FIVE SET

Shepardson’s journey to motherhood was difficult. For six years, she and her husband, Aaron, struggled with infertility — being told children might not be in their future. Today, the mother of 13, 11, 10, 7 and 5-year-olds doesn’t take a single moment for granted.

“People think we’re crazy having five kids in this profession,” Shepardson laughs. But, when you’re told you can’t have kids, every challenge, every sleepless night and every hectic day feels more like a blessing.”

Days are long, beginning at 5 a.m. and wrapping at 9:30 p.m. Family time in the evenings is a priority. “We read, talk, listen to music, and I try giving each child one-on-one attention. It’s not always easy with five, but those moments are so important.”

Motherhood has shaped the ways Shepardson approaches all aspects of life. Her mindset to life’s bound-to-happen challenges: Bring it on. She and Aaron are open to having more children, believing that “Even the hard parts feel worth it.”

ASSIST

With a demanding recruiting schedule, long practice days and weekend tournaments, the logistics of family life are a family affair. Her husband, who coached alongside Shepardson for 17 years, stepped away from the profession to assume more responsibilities in the family’s day-to-day life.

“Because our family’s schedule is so rigorous, Aaron transitioned to more involvement on the home front,” Shepardson says. With the kids growing and pursuing their own activities and passions, having them tag along to practices hasn’t been feasible. Shepardson is grateful for the communal effort involved in helping all family members thrive, noting her own mom as a saving grace. “When I’m on the road, my husband’s there. When I’m home, I give all I can. Together, we make it work.”

CENTER LINE

Shepardson’s players also see her as, beyond coach, a mother figure. Her children have grown up in the gym — from attending practices as infants to cheering from the stands as big kids. The Shepardson family and USF volleyball team are inextricably intertwined. “My kids know every single player,” Shepardson notes. “They cheer for them at every match, and my players love it. It creates this beautiful family environment.”

When the team went to Brazil, the Shepardson family traveled along. “We were gone for 11 days, and I didn’t want to be away from the kids that long. Having both of my loves — my family and my team — was incredible.”

Shepardson wants her children, especially her daughters, to see that women don’t have to choose between family and career. “It is tough, for sure, but I want them to understand that it does not have to be an either-or situation.”

SERVER

Shepardson’s coaching includes a blend of life and volleyball lessons. “I tell my players I’ll be their trampoline — when they fall, they’ll rebound quickly.” The 18 young women under her leadership trust her support because she models vulnerability. “When my dad passed away and my mom was diagnosed with cancer, the team saw me cry,” Shepardson recalled. “I expressed I needed to lean on them. If I want them to be vulnerable, I must be vulnerable as well.”

That openness has cultivated a culture of honesty on her team. “When I let my guard down, they let their guard down. Players see that, as invested as I am in my own kids, I still make space for them as players and as people with lives off the court.” Shepardson is intentional in having regular check-ins with players, keeping a strong pulse check on their overall well-being. “It’s key to me that players understand life always presents challenges, but they do have both the capacity and support system to navigate them.” Focused on nurturing perseverance, Shepardson’s goals at USF transcend wins and losses.

The coach also wants players’ parents to feel reassured: “I think of these young women like they’re my daughters. I know what it’s like to hand your child over to someone else, and I take my responsibility to heart.”

ROTATION

Both of Shepardson’s parents coached college teams. Gyms were second homes, and her perspectives on balance and coaching are deeply rooted in her upbringing.

“My dad coached basketball at Hillsborough Community College, and my mom coached volleyball and softball at the University of Tampa. I grew up in an environment of strong, confident women. I saw teamwork and resilience. I loved it.”

The Shepardson children are growing up in a similar setting. “They see studentathletes who are disciplined and passionate. They see women who are strong. I believe it’s a great environment for kids.”

JUMP SERVE

From infertility struggles to the demands of Division One coaching, Jolene Shepardson’s story is one of resilience, gratitude and love. By weaving family and career, Shepardson shows both her players and her children that leadership doesn’t mean sacrificing one part of yourself for another.

“Even the chaos is a blessing. It means I get to do what I love with the people I love most.”

Cheer on the hometown team at the 2025 American Athletic Conference Volleyball Championship:

Dates: Nov. 21-23

Venue: The Corral at Yuengling Center, Tampa Check for youth ticket pricing and group discounts to make it an affordable family outing.

Box Office: 1-813-974-3004

Football vs. Charlotte at Raymond James Stadium

Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.

Theme: Flashback Friday

Football vs. Florida Atlantic University at Raymond James Stadium

Oct. 18 Theme: Homecoming

Women’s Volleyball vs. Temple University at The Corral Oct. 19 at 12 p.m.

USF Women’s Soccer vs. Charlotte at Corbett Stadium Oct. 19 at 1 p.m.

USF

USF

Moms to Know

Angeline Howell

by Tara Payor, Ph.D. CEO of

Great Explorations Children’s Museum

Angeline Howell, the CEO of Great Explorations Children’s Museum, was recently recognized as CIO Global’s Transformational Female CEO of the Year, 2025. The local mom and changemaker is inspiring hands-on learning, building community and shaping the future of education in Tampa Bay.

TBPM: What does creating change in the Tampa Bay area mean to you?

AH: It means collaboration. Meaningful change involves strong partnerships. At Great Explorations, we work closely with partners to identify community needs and break down barriers so that, together, we can make lasting impacts. The children in our bay area communities are at the heart of the impacts we aim to make. Our work equips them with the tools and resources needed to succeed both academically and personally. In this way, since they are the bay area’s future, they can be contributing members of our communities for years to come.

TBPM: How do you see local parents and community partners playing a role in advancing the museum’s mission?

AH: The mission at Great Explorations is to stimulate learning through creativity, play and exploration. We also understand that it takes a village to raise children. Through collaborations with parents and community partners, where all contribute their expertise, we have built a space that’s free from judgment and direction and, instead, full of possibility. Great Explorations believes play is serious business. In partnership, we’ve created experiences that make a difference in kids’ lives by advancing our mission of hands-on education.

TBPM: Who are your biggest sources of encouragement as both a mother and a leader?

AH: My children, my family and the team I work with inspire me every day. Watching my kids light up during hands-on learning — their faces in that “aha” moment — reminds me why the work we’re doing at Great Explorations matters.

Being a mom with a full-time job is a juggle, but it’s worth it. I bring my work home in the best way — through play. With my background in mental health counseling, I know the power of therapeutic play. Whether we’re building with Legos or making pizza to learn fractions, we’re learning together, and the bonding keeps me encouraged.

I’m also deeply encouraged by our community partners and fellow leaders across Tampa Bay. They’re doing incredible things and the collective energy encourages me to keep pushing forward.

TBPM: What advice would you give Tampa Bay moms who want to get involved in causes bigger than themselves but feel pulled in many directions?

AH:  • Never give up. When things get hard, keep going.

• Giving back matters. Time is one of the most valuable gifts we can share. Don’t fear failure.

• Trial and error builds creativity, problem-solving and grit.

• Ultimately, find a profession to love. My work is my passion.

TBPM: What new projects or hopes are you most excited about?

AH: Great Explorations has served the community for 38 years, but we’re expanding. We’ve broadened our reach to middle schoolers, bringing immersive science experiences to their classrooms. We’re working on securing a location for a Discovery Center, a space that combines a hands-on children’s museum with a science center.

TBPM: If you could imagine one change for children in the Tampa Bay area, over the next five years, what would it be?

AH: More hands-on education — play-based learning and real-life skill-building. Think woodshop and home economics — classes many of us grew up with that taught us life skills. Kids need more immersive experiences that prepare them for the world in practical, creative ways.

I’m grateful to work with a creative, dedicated team and I hope that, through our efforts, we’re building a brighter future for the next generation.

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

Howell Family at a Rays Game

your guide to TAMPA BAY AREA SCHOOLS

Academy at the Lakes

2331 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, 34639 813-909-7919; academyatthelakes.org

Academy at the Lakes is an independent school dedicated to the success of each individual at school, in the community and in the world. We celebrate the love of learning and the joy in the journey. Students have countless opportunities to lead and to serve, to speak and to be heard, to make a difference and to feel and be important. Our inclusive school culture comes from our genuine commitment to forming meaningful relationships with each student and each family.

Total Enrollment: 570

Class Size: 16

Grades Offered: PreK3- grade 12

Tuition Range: $19,950-$31,650

Bayshore Christian School

3909 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa 33611 813-839-4297; bayshorechristianschool.org

Bayshore Christian School is a college-preparatory, accredited, non-denominational Christian school serving students from 2 years old through 12th grade. Founded in 1971, Bayshore Christian School is located on 10 acres in residential South Tampa. BCS provides athletics and fine arts opportunities in addition to a rigorous and challenging academic curriculum.

Total Enrollment: 450

Class Size: 18

Grades Offered: Ages 2-grade 12

Tuition Range: $12,255 to $14,530

Canterbury School of Florida

Lower and Upper division campuses in St. Petersburg, 33704 and 33702 727-525-1419; canterburyflorida.org

Since 1968, Canterbury School of Florida has transformed bright students into confident leaders. Our college preparatory program goes beyond academics, developing the whole child through rigorous learning, character building and spiritual growth. Canterbury students graduate as young adults of integrity who embrace differences and approach challenges with purpose. We're cultivating the next generation of thoughtful stewards — students who will leave our halls with the knowledge, character and empathy to create positive change in their chosen path.

Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa 33618

813-961-3087; corbettprep.com

Founded nearly 60 years ago, Corbett Prep offers the International Baccalaureate curriculum for all students. Teachers use research-based strategies to create hands-on learning experiences. Visual and performing arts, team sports and social-emotional learning curriculum align to develop confident, creative, innovative thinkers ready to contribute to the world in a meaningful way. Tuition includes school supplies and field trips.

Total Enrollment: 580

Class Size: Varies by grade

Grades Offered: PreK-grade 8

Tuition Range: $17,000-$23,500

Total Enrollment: 441

Class Size: Varies by grade

Grades Offered: PK3-grade 12

Tuition Range: $8465-$27,950

The Tampa Bay area is lucky to have such a wealth of incredible private, charter and magnet education options that make it easy to find the perfect school for your child.

Excelsior Prep Charter

School of Tampa

2156 University Square Mall #260262, Tampa 33612

813-644-9060; excelsiorpreptampa.com

Excelsior Prep Charter School of Tampa is a tuition-free K-8 public charter that gives students a challenging, culturally rich education. Small class sizes, highly qualified teachers and free bus transportation support personalized learning in a nurturing environment. The school’s mission emphasizes academic excellence, bilingual fluency and developing respectful, responsible and globally-aware young learners.

Total Enrollment: 208

Class Size: 25

Grades Offered: K-grade 8

Focus Day School

304 Druid Hills Road, Temple Terrace 33619

813-815-6695; focusdayschool.org

This private, non-profit 501(c) (3) institution serves students in grades 3 to 6, and is dedicated to empowering young students with developmental disabilities. Building on the success of the innovative Focus Academy Charter School, the school was founded with the understanding that early intervention and specialized education are key to helping children thrive.

Class Size: 12-15

Grades Offered: Grades 3-6

Tuition Range: $15,500-$26,000

Montessori Academies

Multiple Locations

813-899-2345; montessoriacademies.com

Our Montessori schools serve children from 12 months through 5th grade, providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where students learn naturally through hands-on, self-directed activities. With bilingual staff and Montessori-trained teachers, we support each child’s individuality and learning pace in a positive, non-competitive environment. Across all campuses, we inspire independence, curiosity and confidence while guiding students to reach their fullest potential and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Tuition Range: Free Continued oN page 42

Total Enrollment: 400

Class Size: 22

Grades Offered: Toddlers-grade 5

Tuition Range: $970- $1,300

Primer - Tampa

2101 Lowe St., Tampa 33605

786-791-4769; primer.com

Primer is a K-8 school dedicated to taking kids and their education seriously without the private school price tag. Primer's small-campus environment ensures every child is safe and that their academic needs are met. Our curriculum focuses on math and literacy while other subjects are integrated through project-based learning. We're still accepting transfers for the 25/26 school year and actively enrolling for 26/27. We accept Step Up for Students and offer financial aid so that every family can afford Primer.

Total Enrollment: 90

Class Size: 10

Grades Offered: K-grade 8

Tuition Range: $0-$600

your guide to TAMPA BAY AREA SCHOOLS

Shorecrest Preparatory School

5101 First St. NE, St. Petersburg 33703 727-522-2111; shorecrest.org

Founded in 1923, Shorecrest Preparatory School is a coed, nonsectarian, PK3-12 independent school in St. Petersburg. In a safe, student-centered environment, Shorecrest educates a diverse community of students to become lifelong learners in the pursuit of personal and academic excellence, physical well-being, creative achievement and the development of a commitment to social responsibility. At Shorecrest, students feel the spark of curiosity, discover new opportunities, seek knowledge and experiences beyond the walls of the classroom, and take charge of their story.

Total Enrollment: 1,000+

Class Size: 16

Grades Offered: PreK3-grade 12

Tuition Range: $22,920-$34,740

St. John's Episcopal Parish Day School

240 S. Plant Ave., Tampa 33606

813-849-4200; stjohnseagles.org

Distinguished by more than 70 years of demonstrated success, St. John’s Episcopal School prepares children for lives of learning and service. Located in the heart of Tampa, St. John’s delivers an unparalleled, values-driven, progressive education for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Hard work, faith, respect, honesty and a commitment to excellence allow our graduates to thrive in high school, college and beyond. A feeling of positive energy, inclusiveness, optimism, respect and kindness permeates the school. Without exception, St. John’s students are Empowered to Lead, Inspired to Serve.

Total Enrollment: 600

Class Size: 20

Grades Offered: PreK4-grade 8

Tuition Range: $18,695

Tampa Prep (Tampa Preparatory School)

727 W. Cass St., Tampa 33606

813-251-8481; tampaprep.org

As the only private, co-ed, independent school in Tampa Bay serving grades 6-12, Tampa Prep offers learning that is innovative, forward thinking and tailored to the needs of our students. We foster creativity and excellence on our downtown campus, along Tampa's famed Riverwalk and within walking distance to world-class museums, performing arts centers, parks and more, extending our students’ learning beyond the classroom. We are Florida's Most Innovative School and we encourage our students to Think, Create, Be Themselves, Aspire to Excellence and Go Beyond! Tampa Prep is more than a college preparatory school. We are a preparation for life with a higher purpose than self.

Westlake Christian School

1551 Belcher Road, Palm Harbor 34683 727-781-3808; westlakechristianschool.org

Westlake Christian School is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Cognia. Westlake’s mission is to help students develop in their faith, academics, fine arts and athletics. Westlake serves approximately 540 students in kindergarten through eighth grade from Northern Pinellas County, Southern Pasco County, Trinity, Westchase and surrounding communities.

Total Enrollment: 560 Class Size: 1:18 Grades Offered: K-grade 8

Total Enrollment: 700

Class Size: 18:1

Grades Offered: 6-12

Tuition Range: $31,565-$32,705

Options, Options Everywhere: HCPS Expands Magnet & School Choice Opportunities

by Laura Cross

As the fall season ushers in cooler weather and Halloween excitement, Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) has a treat for families looking to secure the best educational experience for their children: a growing list of innovative magnet and school choice options. With the first application window opening later this month, now is the perfect time to explore all the possibilities available for the 2025–2026 school year.

WHAT ARE MAGNET SCHOOLS?

Magnet schools are public schools with specialized themes and curricula designed to engage students in unique areas of interest such as science, the arts, technology, medicine and more. These programs offer students hands-on learning, rigorous academics and exposure to real-world career pathways — all within a public school setting. The goal is to spark students’ passion for learning and prepare them for future academic and career success.

The best part? Applying to a magnet or choice program is not a firstcome, first-served process. Families have time to do their research, explore programs and select the best fit for their child's interests and goals.

NEW PROGRAMS LAUNCHING ACROSS HCPS

This year, HCPS is excited to introduce several new and expanded magnet programs designed to meet the evolving needs of students and the broader Tampa Bay community.

Chamberlain Technical High School of Innovation & Medicine (C-Tech)

Chamberlain High School is undergoing an exciting transformation. It will soon be known as Chamberlain Technical High School of Innovation & Medicine, or C-Tech, and will feature career-focused pathways in:

• Radiology

• Cardiovascular Technology

• Medical Assistant

• Sports Medicine

• Veterinary Assistant

• Building Construction

These programs are designed to be hands-on, skills-based and aligned with industry standards. Students will work closely with experienced educators and industry professionals, gaining valuable knowledge and certifications that can lead to employment or further study after graduation. This program begins in fall 2026, and transportation will be provided for students accepted into the program.

For more information, families are encouraged to contact Chamberlain’s Magnet Lead Teacher, Miguel Ruiz, at Miguel.ruiz1@hcps.net.

HCPS continues to expand its educational offerings to provide students with opportunities to thrive in diverse and innovative learning environments. With new magnet programs launching and more choice options than ever, there’s never been a better time to explore what Hillsborough County Public Schools has to offer.

Jefferson High School – School of Hospitality and Tourism

Responding to the booming tourism and service industries in the Tampa Bay area, Jefferson High School is launching a School of Hospitality and Tourism. The program will include four specialized academies:

• Business & Finance Academy

• Culinary Arts Academy

• Law & Criminal Justice Academy

• Maritime & Marine Environmental Science Academy

Each academy will include integrated hospitality coursework to provide students with a strong foundation in one of the region’s fastest-growing career sectors.

Principal Jennifer Canady is thrilled this program is being expanded at Jefferson High. “We’re excited about the incredible opportunities this program will create for our students,” Canady says. “By aligning our academies with one of Florida’s most vital industries, we’re giving students real-world skills, access to industry partnerships and a clear path to college and career readiness.”

Like C-Tech, this program begins in Fall of 2026, and transportation will be available for students enrolled in these programs.

Lewis Elementary School – Montessori Program

In response to the success of the Montessori program at Essrig Elementary, HCPS will introduce a new Montessori program at Lewis Elementary School, launching in fall 2026. The program will begin with Pre-K and kindergarten students and expand over time.

School Board Chair Jessica Vaughn is a champion of the Montessori Program.

“The Montessori approach emphasizes hands-on learning, independence and respect for a child’s natural development — principles that can deeply enrich public schools,” Vaughn explains. “By fostering curiosity and self-motivation, Montessori methods help students become more engaged, confident and capable learners. Integrating Montessori practices into public education promotes equity by providing all children — not just those in private programs — with access to an approach that nurtures critical thinking, emotional intelligence and a lifelong love of learning. The Temple Terrace community, in particular, would thrive with public access to Montessori education, as it would support the diverse needs of local families and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive educational environment.”

Please note that transportation will not be available for this program, and seats will be very limited

PLAN AHEAD: APPLICATION WINDOW OPENS SOON

The application window for magnet and school choice programs will open later this month. Families are encouraged to visit HillsboroughSchools.org for updates and the official opening date. Because the process is not first come, first served, families are urged to take their time exploring programs and finding the best match for their child’s needs and interests.

TEACH-IN

Please contact the school of your choice and ask for the Teach-in Coordinator by November 7, 2025. NOV. 20, 2025

Make a difference in the lives of students by volunteering with Hillsborough County Public Schools, where your time and talents help shape brighter futures and prepare students for life. From mentoring and classroom support to special events, there’s a meaningful way for everyone to get involved. For district-wide opportunities, please email PartnerEngagement@hcps.net. HillsboroughSchools.org

TEACHER to Know

Brainard Harris

Teacher Leader – Aerospace & AI Instructor, Stewart Middle Magnet School in Tampa

by Lauren Bergold

At Stewart Middle Magnet School in Tampa’s North Hyde Park neighborhood, Brainard Harris is more than a teacher — he’s a mentor, innovator and leader who brings aerospace technology to life for students. Serving as the school’s Teacher Leader and one of its Career and Technology Education teachers, Harris blends technical expertise with a passion for student success while teaching the high school credit course in Aerospace and Artificial Technology.

For years he was known also as Maj. Brainard Harris, CAP Chaplain in the Civil Air Patrol School squadron initiative, and has been a guiding force in the Civil Air Patrol’s ACE program since its inception, helping to strengthen STEM pathways for students across the country. His dedication has earned him the National ACE Sustained Excellence Award, a recognition of his commitment to excellence and impact in STEM education.

What makes Mr. Harris truly remarkable is his ability to connect classroom learning with real-world applications. A graduate of Plant City High School (where he was active in chorus and FFA), he has taught in Florida for 29 years and in HCPS for 25 of those years. Families and students alike know that in Mr. Harris’s classroom, curiosity is encouraged, innovation is celebrated and every student is inspired to reach for the stars.

TBPM: What inspired you to become a teacher, and what continues to drive your passion for education?

BH: I have a lifelong belief that “people don’t care what you know unless they know you care,” and I had many teachers that made a strong impact on my life. I believe that for our society and country to continue, we need to educate our future generations, teach them how to be productive citizens and teach them how to lead effectively, especially in the areas of STEM. Shortly after 9/11, I was approached by Civil Air Patrol and began teaching their aerospace and leadership program and have had the privilege to combine my love of aerospace with my passion for impacting students through leadership.

TBPM: How do you make aerospace and technology exciting and accessible for middle school students?

BH: By including many hands-on projects, exposing students to realworld simulations and integrating career knowledge and experiences as much as possible. When possible, I try to take students into the workplace or ensure the workplace comes to them, so they can see and explore careers. I bring in community members to speak to the students and share personal knowledge and experiences of former students who now have careers in the subject area, including my own sons who are Airframe and Powerplant (A & P) mechanics. In addition to teaching throughout the day, I also sponsor specialty clubs like the John Glenn Top Gun Academy and the Student Astronaut Challenge. I am also a sponsor of our STEM Boosters organization. We provide unique experiences like astronaut visits, overnight visits with behind-the-scenes tours of Kennedy Space Center, and we partner with aerospace and aviation partners like Mitre, MAXAR Technologies and the Florida Space Consortium.

TBPM: How do you balance being an educator, mentor and leader in programs like the Civil Air Patrol ACE program?

BH: I tend to work a lot, but I balance life by prioritizing my family and faith as I am now also the lead pastor of the Parkway Baptist Church in Plant City. I think I can balance all of these roles effectively via time management, but also by being genuine and present with every interaction. I give my all to my family, my profession, my ministry and all of my other roles because I enjoy what I do, who I get to interact with and how I get to make others happy and fulfilled.

TBPM: Can you share a moment when a student’s curiosity completely surprised or inspired you?

BH: I had a student several years ago who was a particularly challenging student, but he was incredibly curious about how STEM applied to the military. Due to his curiosity, we ended up doing a little research as to the opportunities of STEM in each branch. This student ended up moving away during eighth grade, but he reached out to me during his final year at West Point letting me know he had been selected as a Rhodes Scholar. I was surprised that he thought of me so many years later, and that that interaction influenced his post-secondary education. This interaction reaffirms my dedication to be open and welcoming to all students.

TBPM: What’s the most rewarding part of seeing your students succeed in STEM projects?

BH: Knowing that this is not the end … that the passion they put into their projects may ultimately lead to a career. Several years ago, we had a build-a-plane project as a partnership between Stewart Middle Magnet School, Barrington Middle School, CAP and the Tuskegee Airman. Many of those students now work in some related field — several [are] A&P mechanics, both in the military and civilian life. Also, in this group of students, there are two aerospace engineers, at least two pilots and others who work in related fields.

Visit hillsboroughschools.org stewart to learn more about Stewart, schedule a tour and learn how to apply. Families can apply for Stewart or any of our 40+ magnet schools in Hillsborough County during the Magnet and Choice Window this fall.

The Magnet application window will be opening on October 20th.

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet: Retelling Shakespeare for teens

by Katrina Chamberlain, Librarian

Despite the 400 years since William Shakespeare actively wrote, his stories remain enthralling to literature lovers, mainstays to high-school curricula and relevant to the adolescent experience of every generation.

For teens and families looking to approach the bard from new perspectives, however, there’s plenty on offer at the library.

For a quick start, “That Way Madness Lies: 15 of William Shakespeare's Most Notable Works Reimagined,” edited by Dahlia Adler, is a collection of short works by young adult authors. These 15 acclaimed YA writers put their modern spin on Shakespeare's celebrated classics.

Moving into novels, we find a striking theme in recent years: retelling the plays of Shakespeare in the glitz of the Roaring Twenties. The classic tragedy of teen love gone awry, “Romeo & Juliet,” has been told many times. Chloe Gong reimagines the tale in glamorous flapper-era 1926 Shanghai with a fantasy twist. “These Violent Delights” features the young heirs of rival gangs struggling with their responsibilities and their feelings for each other, as well as a river monster wreaking havoc on the city.

“Bright Ruined Things” by Samantha Cohoe also finds Shakespeare's characters living out their stories in the 1920s. This time, it's Miranda, renamed Mae, a teen who has lived her entire life lonely on an island controlled by the magic of the Prosper family. Befitting a story originally called “The Tempest,” the plot brims with intrigue, forbidden magic and family secrets.

The 1920s also provide the background to McKelle George’s “Speak Easy, Speak Love,” a classic story of young adults falling in love with witty and charming hilarity. The romances of "Much Ado About Nothing" play out on a Long Island estate during Prohibition. The title highlights George's clever wordplay from the outset, as the action revolves around attempts to save a struggling speakeasy.

While the last century may be an alluring era for Shakespeare retellings, stories just as profound can be set in the present day.

“The Last True Poets of the Sea” by Julia Drake tells a unique love story inspired by the events from “Twelfth Night.” Viola is still on her voyage of self-discovery, but the plot features a more somber and introspective experience than the usual hijinks of the original play.

While retellings bring fresh perspectives, the original poems and plays will still delight many modern teens. The Shakespeare Center of Bloom's Literature database houses a treasure trove of content on all things Shakespeare in one convenient location. There is in-depth coverage, including the full searchable text, and classic performance videos of each of his plays. Those interested in poetry will find analysis of his sonnets and longer poems. And for that extra edge in the classroom, the extensive background essays, scholarly criticism articles and "How to Write About" essay topic are sure to impress any instructor. This digital resource, along with many others, can be found on our website at HCPLC.org.

your guide to TAMPA BAY AREA SCHOOLS

ACADEMY OF THE HOLY NAMES

3319 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa 33629 813-839-5371; holynamestpa.org

Founded in 1881, the Academy of the Holy Names is a private Catholic school for boys and girls in Pre-k through 8th grade and a college preparatory high school for young women. Sponsored and guided by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, the Academy is a faith community of exceptional love that empowers students to pursue their highest academic potential. The Academy is located on 19 acres fronting scenic Bayshore Boulevard, close to downtown Tampa.

ALEGRIA MONTESSORI

5995 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. S., St. Petersburg 33705 727-310-8243; alegriamontessori.com

Alegria Montessori School is an authentic Montessori program for ages 1 through middle school. It is a rich learning environment that supports individual development with a bilingual Spanish program from native Spanish speakers. With a true Montessori education through middle school, come discover the joy of Montessori.

AMIKIDS TAMPA

11309 Tom Folsom Road, Thonotosassa 33592 813-248-5091; amikids.org

Since 1971, AMIkids Tampa has been dedicated to empowering boys ages 11-17 in grades 6-11, providing them with the guidance and essential skills to build a successful future. In addition to academics, we incorporate workforce development into students’ learning.

BELL CREEK ACADEMY

13221 Boyette Road, Riverview 33569

813-793-6075; bellcreekacademy.com

A tuition-free public charter school proudly serving grades 6-12, Bell Creek provides a well-rounded college preparatory education. The challenging and rigorous curriculum includes a special concentration on math and science, a technology-rich atmosphere and a focus on character development. We are a Cognia-accredited, “A” rated Florida School of Excellence offering the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies and an award-winning athletic program.

BLAKE HIGH SCHOOL MAGNET SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

1701 North Blvd., Tampa 33607

813-272-3422; hillsboroughschools.org/blake

Immerse yourself in a cutting-edge high school dedicated to performing, visual and communication arts. Students collaborate with local artists, organizations, universities and mentors, offering a comprehensive education in arts, technology and academics. This unique approach equips students with a competitive advantage for college and career prospects.

BOYS PREPARATORY ACADEMY AT FRANKLIN MIDDLE MAGNET

3915 E. 21st Ave., Tampa 33605

813-744-8108; hillsboroughschools.org/franklin

As a Cambridge International Magnet School and the only boys-only school in the district, we are molding young men of distinction who will achieve greatness. We promote academic achievement, professionalism and self-confidence. Our young men prepare for college in a technology-rich environment with a robotics makerspace and Smart Boards and iPads available for every student.

Total Enrollment: 1,024

Class Size: Varies

Grades Offered: Pre-K through Grade 8 (Coed); Grades 9-12 (All Girls)

Tuition Range: $18,900$26,060

Total Enrollment: 100

Class Size: Varies by age

Grades Offered: Ages 1 year-grade 8

Tuition Range: Varies by age

Total Enrollment: 44

Class Size: 15

Grades Offered: 6-11

Tuition Range: Free

Grades Offered: 6-12

Tuition Range: Free

Enrollment: 1,603

Grades: 9-12

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 273

Grades: 6-8

Tuition: Free

CALVARY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

110 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 33759

727-449-2247; cchs.us

Calvary Christian High School offers an advanced college preparatory education in an environment where students are taught a Christian worldview with the Word of God being integrated into each subject. Calvary offers Honors, AP and dual-credit courses. Extra-curricular activities include athletics, fine arts, SGA, clubs and spiritual growth and leadership opportunities.

CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL

1515 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa 33613

813-920-2288; cdspatriots.org

An IB World School, Carrollwood Day School is known for excellence in academics with an emphasis on character development enriched by a wealth of arts, sports and extracurricular programming. Students flourish in a rich continuum of learning that begins in preschool and will last a lifetime. CDS' signature STEEM program combines science, technology, engineering, mathematics and entrepreneurship education.

CHAMBERLAIN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL OF INNOVATION & MEDICINE

9401 North Blvd., Tampa 33612 813-975-7677; Hillsboroughschools.org/ctech

Introducing Chamberlain Technical High School of Innovation & Medicine (C-TECH), which opens its magnet program in the 2026–27 school year. This brand-new magnet school will prepare students to explore high-demand career fields in Sports Medicine (OT/PT), Cardiovascular Assisting, Radiology, Veterinary Assisting, Medical Assisting and Building Construction.

CHANNELSIDE ACADEMY OF MATH & SCIENCE

1029 E. Twiggs St., Tampa 33602 813-579-9649; channelsideacademy.com

Join Channelside Academy of Math & Science and discover what makes us shine! Driven by student engagement, our math and science curriculum ignites a passion for learning. We build success through teamwork and dedication, celebrating every achievement and inspiring greatness together towards shared goals. We are a “B” rated school offering the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies, extracurricular activities, clubs, Edventure before and after school program.

COMMUNITY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

4930 Webb Road, Tampa 33615

813-886-2050; communitymontessori.org

Our goal at Community Montessori School is to provide a prepared environment that responds to the developmental needs of the age group and cultivates each child’s unique human potential by adhering to Montessori’s principles.

DOWDELL MIDDLE MAGNET SCHOOL

1208 Wishing Well Way, Tampa 33619

813-744-8322; hillsboroughschools.org/dowdell

We bridge passion for the environment with real-world learning. Students can take unique environmental and animal science electives, learn outdoors with our salt marsh grass nursery and land lab, and experience our hydroponics and aquaponics labs. Our partnerships with the Florida Aquarium and surrounding recycling companies help strengthen our mission to educate students.

DUNBAR ELEMENTARY MAGNET

1730 Union St., Tampa 33607

813-276-5677; hillsboroughschools.org/dunbar

At Dunbar’s Medical Magnet Program, young scholars experience STEM fields through hands-on curriculum and an interactive House Program. Students explore the human body systems and healthy habits with partners like St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, USF Health and more. Our Third Grade Accelerated Math Academy prepares students for high school math courses.

Total Enrollment: 890

Class Size: 22 average Grades Offered: Grades 9-12

Tuition Range: $17,500

Total Enrollment: 1,265

Class Size: 18-20

Grades Offered: PreKgrade 12

Tuition Range: $12,245$31,620

Total Enrollment: 1,128

Grades Offered: 202627 Grades 9 and 10

Tuition Range: Free

Grades Offered: K-Grade 8

Tuition Range: Free

Total Enrollment: 135

Class Size: 20 average

Grades Offered: 18 months-grade 9

Tuition Range: $8,250$12,100

Total Enrollment: 691

Grades Offered: 6-8

Tuition Range: Free

Total Enrollment: 331

Grades: K-5

Tuition Range: Free

Tomlin Family Application Lab Engineering is engaging when students tackle challenges with creativity and collaboration.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 8:30 A.M.

Encouraging Wonder: What Happens When Preschoolers Ask Why

by Kelly Rzeszut

It happens almost overnight. You blink, and your baby suddenly has become a walking, talking little person with an intense desire to know things.

The word “why” probably falls from their mouths at least a few times a day.

Like most parents, you provide them with an answer. Sure, it might be a really good answer. But what would happen if instead of telling them something, you asked a question back?

As an early childhood teacher for the past decade, I’m used to 3- and 4-yearolds peppering me with questions. And what I’ve found is that amazing discoveries can happen when you ask a question back or guide them to find their own answers.

It’s known as self-directed learning, and in the prekindergarten classroom, it means providing young students with the opportunity to direct their own learning experiences. At this age, this will hardly ever look like sitting down at a desk and completing a worksheet. Instead, it is learning through hands-on experiences and engagement. It is learning through play and inquiry.

Prekindergarten teachers play an integral role in setting the stage for self-directed learning. Corbett Prep PreK teachers begin a unit of study by introducing a concept and then encouraging students to help guide the direction of the lessons. The type of learning the students experience encourages them to be risk-takers in the classroom, tackling new challenges and asking new questions.

SO WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CHILD PRACTICES SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING?

BRAIN DEVELOPMENT: Corbett Prep teachers encourage wonder and help children learn how to ask questions. A PreK3 self-awareness unit explores similarities and differences, for example, prompting students with “I wonder” statements: “I wonder what makes me the same as my friends. I wonder what makes me different.” Teachers facilitate discussion and coax students to ask deeper questions that the class can investigate.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Preschoolers learn through their interactions with one another. They learn to play cooperatively, figuring out how to take turns, share toys or participate in dramatic play. Through selfdirected play, they find friends with similar interests and explore topics together.

EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Sometimes playing with friends or participating in a hands-on lesson is frustrating. Although parents or teachers may want to intervene, letting children work through challenges gives them the chance to learn self-regulation. They learn how to manage their big feelings in a safe environment, building confidence as they make decisions and solve problems independently.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: Physical activity often goes hand-in-hand with self-directed learning. A nature walk gives children a chance to move their bodies while tapping into their curiosity as they search for leaves, lizards and cool rocks. Growing plants from seeds raises lots of questions about science and even nutrition and allows students to build fine-motor skills as they handle shovels or water flowers. Crafts with scissors, glue sticks and writing utensils also exercise those muscles but let students work at their own pace.

In a time where both adults and children are used to immediate access to information, it can be challenging to practice patience. But searching for answers pushes students to tap into their own creativity and develop problem-solving skills. And they retain more knowledge when they are active participants in acquiring it. Corbett Prep’s PreK3 class can explain to their parents at an art show the difference between Ansel Adams and Jackson Pollock because they spent one morning photographing the campus and another morning making a mess with splatter paint. A unit on the five senses comes alive because they squished spaghetti, they contrasted sweet and sour tastes and they rattled tambourines.

Teaching children to become inquirers ultimately benefits them even more than providing quick answers. It’s exciting to see the creations, observations and discoveries that arise when kids take charge of learning.

ESSRIG ELEMENTARY MONTESSORI ACADEMY

13131 Lynn Road, Tampa 33624

813-975-7307; hillsboroughschools.org/essrig

Essrig Elementary Montessori Academy is the first of its kind for Hillsborough County Public Schools. This self-directed and paced learning will foster rigorous, self-motivated growth for children in all areas of their development, nurturing their desire for knowledge, understanding and respect.

GIRLS PREPARATORY ACADEMY AT FERRELL MIDDLE

MAGNET SCHOOL

4302 N. 24th St., Tampa 33610

813-276-5608; hillsboroughschools.org/ferrell

As a Cambridge International Magnet School and the only girls-only school in the district, we are dedicated to developing confident, dynamic, educated young women. Our technology-rich, interactive learning campus, including our 1:1 technology program, infuses 21st century tech skills into every student’s learning. Mentoring opportunities and community engagement create well-rounded learners.

GUSTAVE EIFFEL ACADEMY

5401 22nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg 33710

727-855-8775; eiffel.academy

Gustave Eiffel Academy is the only independent trilingual school in Tampa Bay serving students in first through 8th grade. Our unique curriculum is based on French and American programs with three hours of Spanish per week. We believe music, visual arts and sports are critical to nurturing the whole child. By combining high academic standards with a global perspective, students are challenged to reach their full potential while developing critical thinking and cultural awareness.

HILLSBOROUGH ACADEMY OF MATH & SCIENCE

9659 W. Waters Ave., Tampa 33635 813-793-6085; hillsboroughacademy.com

Join Hillsborough Academy of Math & Science and discover what makes us shine! Driven by student engagement, our math and science curriculum ignites a passion for learning. We build success through teamwork and dedication, celebrating every achievement and inspiring greatness together towards shared goals. We are a “B” rated school offering the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies, extracurricular activities, clubs and the Edventure before and after school program.

HILLSBOROUGH CO. PUBLIC SCHOOLS - COLLEGIATE ACADEMIES

901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa 33602 813-272-4000; hillsboroughschools.org/acceleratedprograms

Collegiate Academies provide students with the opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts degree (A.A.) through Hillsborough Community College while simultaneously completing their high school diploma. Apply through the magnet application process; Dual Enrollment courses are offered. Available at: Armwood High School, Lennard High School, Leto High School or Spoto High School.

HILLSBOROUGH CO. PUBLIC SCHOOLSIB ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa 33602

813-272-4000; hillsboroughschools.org/acceleratedprograms

The IB Elementary program focuses on developing the whole child, guided by a global learning approach and utilizing knowledge and skills from six subject areas and an emphasis on inquiry. Available at: MacFarlane Park Elementary Magnet (Tampa), Riverhills Elementary Magnet (Temple Terrace) and Lincoln Elementary Magnet (Plant City).

HILLSBOROUGH CO. PUBLIC SCHOOLS - IB MIDDLE SCHOOLS

901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa 33602

813-272-4000; hillsboroughschools.org/acceleratedprograms

IB Middle schoolers are internationally minded, active learners who excel both academically and socially, equipped to pursue lives of purpose and meaning. Empowered to develop their full potential, students explore their unique learning styles, take meaningful risks and build a strong sense of personal identity, ready to make a positive impact in their community. Available at the following middle magnet schools: Walker (Odessa/Citrus Park), Williams (Tampa), Greco (Temple Terrace) and Marshall (Plant City).

Total Enrollment: 589

Grades: K-5

Tuition: Free

Total Enrollment: 435

Grades: 6-8

Tuition: Free

Total Enrollment: 40

Class Size : 9

Grades: Grades 1-8

Tuition: $13,500-$14,500

Grades: K-Grade 8

Tuition: Free

Grades: 9-12

Tuition: Free

Grades: K-5

Tuition: Free

Grades: 6-8

Tuition: Free

HILLSBOROUGH CO. PUBLIC SCHOOLS - IB K-8 SCHOOLS

901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa 33602

813-272-4000; hillsboroughschools.org/acceleratedprograms

In the K-8 school setting, the IB elementary program aims to develop inquiring and caring students, while the middle school program focuses on cultivating active, internationally minded learners with empathy and the skills to lead purposeful lives. Available at: Adum K-8 * IB Candidate School (South Tampa), Roland Park K-8 (Tampa) and York K-8 (Apollo Beach)

HILLSBOROUGH CO. PUBLIC SCHOOLS - IB HIGH SCHOOLS

901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa 33602

813-272-4000; hillsboroughschools.org/acceleratedprograms

Combining rigorous coursework with a focus on critical thinking, global awareness and effective communication within the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, students challenge themselves academically while developing the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. The IB International Diploma opens doors to top universities worldwide. Available at the following High Schools: Alonso, Hillsborough, King, Robinson and Strawberry Crest

HILLSBOROUGH VIRTUAL SCHOOL (HVS)

2704 N. Highland Ave., Tampa 33602

813-983-7278; hillsboroughschools.org/virtual

Offering the flexibility of online learning with the reassurance of local, certified teachers, HVS offers options for full-time enrollment, part-time/ co-enrollment (while attending traditional school), credit recovery and even supplementing home education. Courses are available at standard, honors and Advanced Placement (AP) levels, with a wide selection of electives and industry certifications offered, as well as opportunities for in-person meetups and field trips.

JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL –SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY & TOURISM

4401 W. Cypress St., Tampa 33607 813-872-5241; hillsboroughschools.org/Jefferson

Introducing the School of Hospitality & Tourism Magnet Program, debuting August 2026, at Jefferson High! Explore pathways in Culinary Arts, Maritime & Marine Environmental Science, Business & Finance, Law & Criminal Justice, Cosmetology and Welding. Gain hands-on experience, industry certifications and skills that set you up for college and career success.

LEWIS ELEMENTARY MONTESSORI ACADEMY

6700 E. Whiteway Drive, Temple Terrace 33617

813-987-6947; hillsboroughschools.org/lewis

Lewis Elementary Montessori Academy will be the second Montessori program within Hillsborough County Public Schools. Opening to Pre-K and Kindergarten students in 2026-27, this self-directed and paced learning will foster rigorous, self-motivated growth for children in all areas of their development, nurturing their desire for knowledge, understanding and respect.

LOCKHART ELEMENTARY MAGNET

3719 N. 17th St., Tampa 33610

813-276-5727; hillsboroughschools.org/lockhart

This vibrant learning community inspires students to reach their full potential every day using the latest technology, including STEM tools, LEGO robotics, flight simulators and more. The nationally recognized Project Lead the Way engages students in hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving as they explore robotics, engineering and outdoor learning. Focused on academic excellence, creativity and character development, Lockhart provides a nurturing environment where children thrive.

LOMAX ELEMENTARY MAGNET

4207 26th St., Tampa 33610

813-276-5569; hillsboroughschools.org/lomax

Lomax students are active learners who participate in dynamic programs such as Math Olympiad, TiViTz, chess, Future Problem Solvers and Odyssey of the Mind. We nurture creativity through the arts with World Drumming, violin and Little Kids Rock, while hands-on STEM experiences include LEGO and VEX Robotics. Leadership and personal growth are fostered through Student Ambassadors and the National Honor Society.

Grades: K-8

Tuition: Free

Grades: 9-12

Tuition: Free

Grades: K-12

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 1,269

Grades: 9-10

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 519

Grades: PK4 and 5 year olds

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 410

Grades: K-5

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 216

Grades: K-5

Tuition: Free

Grades 3 through 6

With

MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL

4444 W. Bay Vista Ave., Tampa 33611

813-272-3050; hillsboroughschools.org/Madison

Madison Mustangs discover their potential and prepare for the future with strong academics, arts and athletics. Offering one of the only middle school STEM Academies in Hillsborough County, the Aerospace Engineering Academy provides a unique three-year cohort model to engage in hands-on STEM learning, explore coding, take Advanced-Honors courses and participate in exciting off-site STEM competitions. At Madison, every Mustang has the opportunity to explore, achieve and shine.

MIDDLETON HIGH SCHOOL

4801 N. 22nd St., Tampa 33610

813-233-3360; hillsboroughschools.org/middleton

This pre-collegiate Magnet STEM Academy offers students specialized tracks in Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Game Design & Computer Systems and more. Through rigorous, hands-on programs such as Project Lead The Way, students earn dual-enrollment and AP credit and gain industry certifications, giving them a head start in college and careers. Middleton offers a variety of opportunities via robotics teams, coding and design classes.

MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA CATHOLIC SCHOOL

17524 Lakeshore Road, Lutz 33558 813-933-4750; mtctampa.org

A private elementary in Lutz, our mission is to develop young people who strive for academic excellence, respect the dignity of each individual and foster service to others. Committed to academic excellence and guided by the example of Jesus and Mother Teresa of Calcutta, we provide a rigorous curriculum in a nurturing Christ-centered environment where service to others and a devotion to the Catholic faith are central.

MULLER ELEMENTARY MAGNET SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

13615 N. 22nd St., Tampa 33613

813-558-1355; hillsboroughschools.org/muller

Proudly offering the only elementary magnet with two programs — arts and environmental science — students explore their passions daily with dance, music and arts, plus outdoor classrooms, global gardens and engaging environmental science activities. Students are empowered to develop critical thinking, creativity and confidence with opportunities for leadership and personal growth through the National Honor Society and student government.

ORANGE GROVE MIDDLE MAGNET SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

3415 16th St., Tampa 33605

813-276-5717; hillsboroughschools.org/orangegrove

Be a shining star at Orange Grove Middle Magnet School, where high academic achievement meets creativity. Our historic campus features two professional dance studios, video production facilities, a visual arts MAC lab and exceptional music and technical theater suites, giving students the tools to explore and excel in the arts. Hands-on learning extends across academics, STEM and enrichment programs, helping students develop critical thinking, collaboration and leadership skills.

OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN SCHOOL

5843 Fourth Ave. S., St. Petersburg 33707

727-244-1026; osls.net

Our Savior Lutheran School, established in 1982, is a Christ-centered academic community equipping students to strive for excellence, live love and share God’s word. Unlock your child's potential with small class sizes, dedicated teachers and a thriving tradition of academic achievement and spiritual growth. Enroll today for a brighter future.

PROGRESS VILLAGE MIDDLE MAGNET SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

8113 Zinnia Drive, Tampa 33619

813-671-5110; hillsboroughschools.org/progressvillage

A vibrant learning community where students explore, innovate and shine, Progress Village is proud to offer the largest dance and culinary arts programs in Hillsborough County. Routinely recognized as a Magnet School of America national award winner, we provide engaging electives such as Costume and Fashion Design, orchestra, journalism and more; meanwhile, students can showcase their talents at events across the district.

Enrollment: 595

Grades: 6-8

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 1,563

Grades: 9-12

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 460

Class Size : 25

Grades: K-grade 8

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 375

Grades: K-5

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 524

Grades: 6-8

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 260

Class Size : 20

Grades: Age 2-Grade 8

Tuition: $5,250-$9,570

Enrollment: 794

Grades: 6-8

Tuition: Free

The Art of Negotiation: High School Students Learn Essential Life Skills

by Rachel Barrett

Whether you are a teen asking your parents for an extended curfew or a seasoned professional closing a big business deal, the art of negotiation is a critical life skill that is not typically included in the average high school curriculum. At Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg, students had the chance to dive into the world of negotiation through the inaugural Warren Workshop series, a four-week elective that brought realworld experience directly to the classroom.

Taught by entrepreneur and investor Zach Coopersmith and David Vetter, chief legal officer for TD SYNNEX, the workshop introduced students to the fundamentals, strategies and real-world applications of negotiation. What made the experience truly unique was the hands-on practice and the opportunity to learn from business leaders who use these skills every day.

For many of the students, the workshop was a lightbulb moment. Cole Oman, a senior, discovered that his compassionate nature, which he once thought was a disadvantage, is actually a powerful tool in negotiation. "Now I feel more equipped to stand out and excel in a college-level business course," he shared, "as well as to find common ground and unique solutions in everyday situations."

The workshop, offered last spring, was a huge hit among Shorecrest students in grades 9-12. Simi Damani, a fellow senior, noted, "Although the workshop took place an hour before school started, Mr. Coopersmith did a great job of making negotiation relatable, interesting and worth the early morning."

The Warren Workshop is an initiative of the Ross Roeder Institute for Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship and Economics (RRI) at Shorecrest. The RRI delivers enhanced curricular and co-curricular programming for students in grades 9-12, while providing integrated learning experiences across the PK3-12 continuum.

Earl Walton, the Director of the RRI, is inspired by the promise that programs like the Warren Workshop offer students. "The best part is that the concepts and skills learned are so immediately applicable to their lives now, giving them a strong foundation on which to build for the future," he said.

Looking ahead, Shorecrest plans to offer more Warren Workshop series on different topics, with themes like public speaking and project management under consideration. The goal is to give students a chance to take multiple workshops and gain exposure to a variety of experts and real-world applications.

These students are proving that valuable lessons aren't always found in a textbook. By learning from experts and applying their knowledge in real-world scenarios, they are cultivating critical skills that will equip them for success in college and beyond.

RAMPELLO K-8 DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP SCHOOL

802 E. Washington St., Tampa 33602 (813) 233-2333, hillsboroughschools.org/rampello

As a Magnet Merit Award of Distinction Winner and AVID National Demonstration School, Rampello connects students to the arts, humanities, and sciences through hands-on learning and exciting downtown partnerships with The Straz Performing Arts Center, Tampa Aquarium, Glazer Children’s Museum and more. From music ensembles and theater to 2D and 3D art, students explore their passions while gaining college-ready skills and a sense of the endless possibilities ahead.

RODGERS MIDDLE MAGNET SCHOOL

11910 Tucker Road, Riverview 33569

813-671-5288; hillsboroughschools.org/Rodgers

This rigorous Cambridge International curriculum offers opportunities through our Cambridge Honors Institute while learning in Riverview’s beautiful Bell Creek Nature Preserve. Students thrive with guidance from National Board-Certified teachers, hands-on projects and a focus on problem-solving and lifelong learning. Families and the community are at the heart of everything — volunteer, join PTSA/SAC or partner with us!

RIVERVIEW ACADEMY OF MATH & SCIENCE

9906 Symmes Road, Riverview 33578

813-412-6111; riverviewacademy.com

Join Riverview Academy of Math & Science and discover what makes us shine! Driven by student engagement, our math and science curriculum ignites a passion for learning. We build success through teamwork and dedication, celebrating every achievement and inspiring greatness together towards shared goals. We are an “A” rated school offering the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies, extracurricular activities, clubs and Edventure before and after school program.

SHORE ELEMENTARY MAGNET SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

1908 Second Ave., Tampa 33605

813-276-5712; hillsboroughschools.org/shore

An award-winning Magnet School located in historic Ybor City, students learn through arts and science integration, visual art, dance, strings, music, drama, STEAM Engineering and robotics programs, and can take part in the Annual Arts Festival and school musical. Our partnership with the Straz Performing Arts Center brings Broadway to our students, something you will find at no other school!

SLIGH MIDDLE MAGNET

2011 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa 33610

813-276-5596; hillsboroughschools.org/sligh

Tampa’s only health science magnet middle school, students experience life as future health professionals — wearing scrubs, earning First Aid and CPR certifications and starting high school credits early. Explore anatomy, nutrition, patient care and careers in health and medical science; partnerships with MOSI, HCC Robotics, Moffitt Cancer Center and more give students access to field trips, guest speakers and mentorship.

ST. CECELIA INTERPAROCHIAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL

1350 Court Street, Clearwater 33756

727-461-1207; st-cecelia.org

St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School (SCS) is committed to delivering an outstanding education grounded in faith, Catholic values and academic excellence. As the only private school in Pinellas County to offer the International Baccalaureate Programme for students from PK3 through eighth grade, SCS stands out for its unique academic approach, which has earned recognition as a two-time recipient of the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School award.

STEWART MIDDLE MAGNET SCHOOL –

NASA EXPLORER SCHOOL

1125 Spruce St., Tampa 33607

813-276-5691; hillsboroughschools.org/Stewart

As one of the only nationally recognized NASA Explorer Schools, Stewart is proud to have passionate educators and partnerships with NASA, NOAA and the U.S. Air Force, plus electives like aerospace and engineering. At Stewart, diversity, community and excellence come together to prepare students to aim higher, dream bigger and succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Enrollment: 752

Grades: 6-8

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 787

Grades: 6-8

Tuition: Free

Grades: K-Grade 12

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 360

Grades: K-5

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 786

Grades: 6-8

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 475

Class Size : 23

Grades: PK3-grade 8

Tuition: $9,949-$12,772

Enrollment: 737

Grades: 6-8

Tuition: Free

ST. LAWRENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

5223 N. Himes Ave., Tampa 33614

813-879-5090; stlawrencecatholicschool.org

St. Lawrence Catholic School community is dedicated to the creation of a Christ-centered environment in the Roman Catholic tradition, which allows students to learn to serve God and others, to develop their unique talents and skills, to strive for academic excellence and to become life-long learners.

SAINT PAUL’S - CLEARWATER’S INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

1600 St. Paul’s Drive, Clearwater 33764

727-536-2756; clearwatersindependentschool.org

At Saint Paul's, we focus on childhood and early adolescents because we believe if you get the foundation right, then everything is possible. Our mission is to cultivate tomorrow's leaders and innovators in an educational environment that encourages students to discover their strengths, explore their passions and develop a joyful, inquisitive approach to learning and life.

ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOLS

Multiple Locations

727-712-5891; spchs.spcollege.edu

At our STEM school, students have the unique experience of earning a high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously, for FREE, all while working towards a Bright Futures Scholarship. Students can earn an Associate of Science degree in Computer Information Technology or Data Systems in addition to a variety of industry certifications, helping them find positions in high-demand fields with a competitive wage. Our families incur no cost for tuition, books or fees.

TAMPA BAY TECH HIGH SCHOOL

6410 Orient Road, Tampa 33610

813-744-8360; hillsboroughschools.org/tbt

TBT blends challenging academics with cutting-edge technical training, offering students Advanced Placement (AP) courses, industry certifications and career pathways that open doors to college and high-demand careers. With expansive labs, state-of-the-art technology and a wide variety of programs —from health sciences and engineering to digital design and culinary arts — students don’t just study, they experience learning.

TAMPA DAY SCHOOL

12606 Henderson Road, Tampa 33625

813-269-2100; tampadayschool.com

With over 50 years of experience meeting the needs of bright students with Dyslexia, ADHD, or anxiety, Tampa Day School offers a uniquely designed college-prep curriculum. Our small-class instruction incorporates interactive and hands-on experiences, emphasizing study and organizational skills that result in success and improved confidence. Contact us to learn more!

TAMPA HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY MAGNET

305 E. Columbus Drive, Tampa 33602

813-276-5405; hillsboroughschools.org/tampaheights

At Tampa Heights, every child is empowered to lead, learn, and thrive through the Leader in Me program, hands-on STEM experiences, and a curriculum tied to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We’re building confident, compassionate problem-solvers ready to shape a brighter future for our community and the world. At Tampa Heights, leadership starts here—and lasts a lifetime.

VALRICO ACADEMY

13306 Boyette Road, Riverview 33569

813-699-5049; valricoacademy.com

Join Valrico Academy and discover what makes us shine! Driven by student engagement, our math and science curriculum ignites a passion for learning. We build success through teamwork and dedication, celebrating every achievement and inspiring greatness together towards shared goals. We are an “A” rated Cognia-accredited Florida School of Excellence offering the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies, plus extracurricular activities, clubs and the Edventure before and after school program.

Enrollment: 521

Class Size : 25

Grades: EC3-grade 8

Tuition: $10,799

Enrollment: 460

Class Size : 25

Grades: Infants-grade 8

Tuition: $18,682$31,599

Enrollment: 220 per location

Class Size : 21

Grades: Grades 9-12

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 2,183

Grades: 9-12

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 153

Class Size : 12:1

Grades: Grades 3-8

Tuition: $24,850

Enrollment: 200

Grades: K-5

Tuition: Free

Grades: K-Grade 5

Tuition: Free

YMCA OF GREATER

Multiple Locations

727.895.9622; stpeteymca.org/preschool

Operated by nurturing educators, YMCA Preschools bring out the best in our earliest learners, fostering curiosity and building confidence from infants to VPK. With convenient locations in Largo, Lealman and south St. Petersburg, our state-licensed, full-day programs are grounded in a research-based curriculum that nurture the whole child, socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively.

YOUNG MIDDLE MAGNET

1807 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa 33610 813-276-5739; hillsboroughschools.org/young

Young Middle Magnet empowers students to explore their passions and prepare for the future through hands-on learning in STEM, entrepreneurship, American Sign Language, AVID, and more. From coding and robotics to leadership and career readiness, our students gain the skills to succeed in high school, college, and beyond. We are proudly building leaders, creators, and problem-solvers for tomorrow.

Enrollment: 250

Class Size : Varies by age Grades: Infants-VPK

Tuition: Free

Enrollment: 295

Grades: 6-8

Tuition: Free

TAMPA BAY AREA SCHOOLS

Tampa YMCA and the Tampa Bay Lightning Take Hockey from the Ice to the YMCA

by Hannah Oliver, Senior Communications Manager, Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA

Fall at the Tampa YMCA means the return of everyone’s favorite youth sports. From soccer and basketball to dance, flag football and more, our programs keep kids active, learning and having fun in a safe, supportive environment. Families across Tampa Bay look forward to this season as children build confidence, develop new skills and form lasting friendships through the Y’s diverse lineup of activities.

This fall, the excitement grows even stronger with a brand-new addition — floor hockey! Together with the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Hockey Development team, the Tampa YMCA is bringing the excitement of the sport directly to families across the region. Offered at three YMCA locations, the new floor hockey program provides kids with varying skill levels the opportunity to experience the energy and teamwork of hockey in a fun, safe and accessible way, no skates or ice required! As a nonprofit organization, the Y ensures that every child has the opportunity to participate, offering scholarships and financial assistance so that no one is turned away due to financial constraints.

Our YMCA sports staff have received specialized training from the Lightning’s experts to deliver an authentic, engaging hockey experience. Sessions focus on fundamentals like stick handling, passing, shooting and defense, while also teaching teamwork, communication and

resilience, all while embracing the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Will Zazynski, senior sports director at the Spurlino Family YMCA, shares his excitement: “We are incredibly excited to introduce floor hockey to our fall program lineup, especially through our partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning. This program opens the door for so many kids to experience the game in a new way. At the Y, it’s not just about teaching sports; it’s about creating opportunities for every child to thrive.”

The Tampa YMCA is proud to work alongside the Lightning to inspire the next generation of athletes and fans. Whether a child is stepping into sports for the first time or looking to expand their skills, Floor Hockey at the Y is the perfect opportunity to try something new, stay active and be part of an exciting community partnership.

With the combined power of the Y’s mission and the Lightning’s passion for growing the game, this fall promises to be an unforgettable season for kids and families alike. Spots are limited. Sign up today at tampaymca.org and let your child be part of this exciting new program!

Opening New Chapters: New Worlds Reading Brings Free Books and Joy to Young Florida Readers

by Robin Gregory, Assistant Director

New Worlds Reading helps Florida children develop strong reading habits by delivering free books and activities to their homes.

The program supports VPK through fifth-grade students in Florida public and charter schools who are not yet reading on grade level. Each month during the school year, enrolled children receive a free book and fun literacy activities by mail.

Since launching in 2021, the program has shipped more than 11 million books to over 470,000 children across Florida.

HERE ARE FIVE WAYS NEW WORLDS READING CAN HELP CHILDREN FEEL

Kids get to choose their new books, keeping them excited about reading!

Each school year, enrolled students receive nine books (available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole or Braille). Families choose which books they want, including popular series like “The Magic School Bus” and “Clifford the Big Red Dog.” This freedom of choice encourages personal connection and builds excitement about reading.

Kids grow their home libraries with books they own, increasing accessibility for all kids in the home. Each book a student receives becomes part of their personal library, which will grow year after year until they graduate fifth grade. These books are theirs to keep, which fosters a stronger sense of ownership and familiarity with reading. Plus, having books at home makes it easier to practice reading outside of the classroom. As students outgrow some books, families tell us they share these books with loved ones, keeping the literacy momentum going!

Activities help strengthen literacy skills and build reading confidence.

Books come with easy-to-use activities designed by educators for busy caregivers. Our website provides videos that teach strategies for reading at home. Like classroom materials, these are grounded in the science of reading. They help support language and vocabulary development and give families simple tools to support their child’s learning. For many, it becomes a meaningful way to spend time together.

Free literacy events and workshops meet and support communities where they are.

New Worlds Reading has a dedicated team of engagement specialists who host free literacy events and caregiver workshops across the state, both in-person and online! We host read-alouds, answer questions, teach reading strategies and more. We’ve also partnered with 13 community organizations to help serve more families.

The UF Lastinger Center’s research partnerships explore new literacy tools for Florida families.

The Center partners with different organizations on research pilot programs that give New Worlds Reading families access to innovative tools. Through the Books & Cooks program with UF IFAS Extension, families can attend 7-week classes that combine literacy and nutrition education while providing free books and groceries. Thousands of kindergarteners through third graders can opt in to get a free Kibeam Wand–a screenless reading device that brings New Worlds Reading books to life with playful games and read-aloud activities. Finally, Lastinger Center and College of Education researchers are building New Worlds Reading AR Expeditions, an augmented reality app for third through fifth graders with interactive reading games to strengthen literacy skills and build vocabulary.

Looking ahead, New Worlds Reading is committed to helping Florida become the most literate state in the nation. It starts with one book, one child and one family at a time.

of New Worlds Reading at the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning

TAMPA BAY’S BULLY BUSTERS:

by Laura Byrne

Each October, in honor of Bullying Awareness Month, Hillsborough County’s Anti-Bullying Awareness Committee recognizes a student or students who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in our community. This year, it wasn’t just one person who stood out, but a local high school student and a duo of middle schoolers who are taking a stand against bullying and encouraging others to join them in the fight.

Meet this year’s Hillsborough County Anti-Bullying Award Recipients:

ANGELINA SACK

10TH GRADE, TAMPA PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Angelina was nominated by her mother after learning about the award through her Girl Scouts Council Leader. Sink has been actively involved in Girl Scouts since first grade, driven by the Girl Scout promise to "make the world a better place." Through numerous "take action" projects, she has identified various needs within her community.

After witnessing firsthand how cyberbullying on social media affected her peers, she and a few of her friends created the E.N.D. (Encourage Not Discourage) Club at their school. They made anti-bullying keychains during the meetings to help spread awareness and passed out the keychains to classmates after they signed an anti-bullying petition.

Biggest bullying challenges: “AI technology. People can create anonymous accounts, allowing them to bully without getting caught.”

How others can join the fight against bullying: “Just be kind. Lift others up, and if you notice people bullying others, tell them to stop. If those same people keep bullying, tell a trusted adult or report them on the websites they use to bully others.”

ALFREDO CASTENADA MARTELL & LE-ANDRA GRIFFIN

WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL

they were tasked with creating a hypothetical app and then presenting it to a group of peers.

The kids went above and beyond and came up with an anti-bullying app concept to help connect children to peers who have been victims of bullying. This app would provide an anonymous way to report bullying issues. They also implemented a tool within the app to provide 'bullies' with resources to help selfcorrect their negative actions.

Alfredo Castenada Martell: “I believe that people deserve a chance to talk to someone, and I also believe that the bullies should have a chance to explain. The problem people face is the judgment of other people, and they often hide

their interests from people or who they really are. They should be able to express themselves, and to help with this, I think people should learn to talk.”

Scan to learn more about bullying in our community and how to report it in your local district.

Castenada Martell (pictured above) and Griffin were nominated by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy Dana Faucett, who was assigned to the Town ’N’ Country Boys and Girls Club. They participated in the Think Big Program, where

What do Kids Want More than Phones? Independence!

by Maggie Rodriguez, co-host of Daytime

Lenore Skenazy’s son was 9 when she allowed him to ride the New York City subway alone, and she was subsequently skewered for her parenting style. “America’s Worst Mom” responded with statistics and reason. Her bestseller, “Free-Range Kids,” marked the beginning of what has become a decades-long crusade to promote childhood independence.

Skenazy co-founded Let Grow with “The Anxious Generation” author Jonathan Haidt, and the two recently collaborated with a Harris Poll that asked children between the ages of 8 and 12 a question that confounds modern parents: How do I get my kids to disconnect from their phones? The surprising answer, as Skenazy shared on the Maggie and the Moms podcast, is that kids would prefer NOT to be on their phones.

Skenazy says that when kids were asked whether they would rather be online with their friends, in an organized activity like soccer or baseball or ballet, or just hang out with friends in real life without parents, the overwhelming answer was the first choice. Kids just want to be just with their friends hanging out, having fun.

“They don't need trophies, they don't need tutus,” Skenazy says. “They don't need us. They really don't need us. Second choice was these organized activities. But third choice, trailing, was being online. Kids are addicted to their phones by default, not by desire. They don't have a choice because we're not letting them go outside.”

MR: It’s ironic that we parents allow our children to play unsupervised on their phones where they’re exposed to dangers and strangers and yet we can’t let them play unsupervised in the front lawn. Why?

LS: “Why” is a real distorted view of what would happen if we did open the door. An earlier Harris Poll showed that when we asked parents, ‘What do you think would happen if two 10-year-olds were playing unsupervised at the park?’ 50 percent of them — one out of two — thought that the kids were likely to be abducted. This is in another realm of delusion. Child abduction is more rare than lightning.

MR: Something that I have started to think differently about is instead of focusing on how dangerous it is to let them be out there alone, I think how dangerous it is to not let them be out there alone because we're depriving them of all the many benefits that come with that independence.

LS: It's absolutely true, and it's sad. There was a study … that found that over the decades, as kids' independence and free play and mobility (like to walk around the neighborhood) has been going down, … kids' anxiety and depression and self-harm and all sorts of terrible things have been going up. And it's not just correlation … it's causation, and you can understand it because when you are micromanaged every day, somebody watching over you, ‘No, did you try it this way? Oh, I would do this. Here, let me do this for you,’ it's terrible. Your intrinsic motivation is gone because somebody else is making you do things.

And that's become kids' lives, and when you don't have an internal locus of control, ‘I can handle things. Look what I did. I got lost and I found my

way back home. My bicycle chain fell off and I got it back,’… all that stuff gives you this internal locus of control that you can handle things. But if there's an adult there always helping you, ‘Here, honey, let me do that for you,’ you are sort of over-assisted and under-underappreciated.

MR: A lot of parents, myself included, might say, "But [I’m not there when] they’re with their friends when I put them in Little League or dance class. Why is [unstructured] such an important distinction?

LS: Because an adult is running those things. We all want kids to follow their passions, so we give them soccer and ballet, which are great, but we're not letting them figure out anything besides soccer and ballet. I think some parents think, ‘Because my kids are in an activity they're not on a device,’ and they think they're doing them a service. It's not a disservice to give your kids some wonderful classes and some fantastic experiences, but you have to think of free time without a phone outside with friends as also a fantastic, developmentally-rich thing you can give your kids. And the kids have said now they want it … They want it more than anything.

Listen to the full conversation on the Maggie and the Moms podcast on all major podcast platforms.

An E-Scooter Emergency: Cooper’s Story

by Ashley Marshall

It was a call no parent wants to receive. When John’s phone rang, his son, 14-year-old Cooper, was out riding his e-scooter.

“I heard moaning on the phone, then the call dropped,” John recalls. “I turned around immediately and headed to where he was supposed to be.”

He found Cooper badly injured after a fall on a brick road. “He hit a bump, and it threw him off,” John says. “He had facial road rash, cuts on his hands, arms and chin.”

The most serious injury, though, was internal.

“The way he landed, the handlebar hit him perfectly in his liver,” says John.

They rushed to a nearby emergency facility, where doctors quickly identified a severe liver laceration. That’s when Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital was contacted. Pediatric emergency medicine physician Meghan Martin, M.D., took the call.

“Freestanding ERs don’t have the resources we do,” explains Martin. “They said, ‘We have a child with a liver laceration we’d like to transfer,’ and I said, ‘Absolutely.’”

Cooper arrived to a ready team. The emergency center has seen an uptick in e-scooter and e-bike injuries. He was visibly in pain, with shoulder aches — a symptom of referred pain from liver trauma.

The pediatric trauma team led by Christopher Snyder, M.D., MSPH, FACS, FAAP, was brought in.

“Injuries to solid organs like the liver and spleen can cause lifethreatening internal bleeding,” Snyder explains. “Intestinal injuries may

not be apparent right away, but can progress over time and turn into sepsis. We have to strike a delicate balance: to identify and treat the injuries appropriately, but at the same time, to not subject children to extra radiation or invasive procedures unnecessarily.”

Cooper’s vital signs were stable, but blood tests showed elevated liver enzymes, confirming the injury. Doctors monitored his clotting levels, concerned about the liver’s role in producing clotting factors.

John stayed by his side, anxious and helpless. “It was the worst feeling in the world,” he says.

Cooper remained hospitalized for seven days. “They ran bloodwork, did scans and monitored him closely,” says John. After a week, he was stable enough to go home, but faced another seven weeks of recovery — and six months before being fully healed.

“It feels amazing to help kids and see them walk out without needing surgery,” Martin says. “Cooper’s excited about his future — football, school, even joining the Navy. It’s rewarding to be part of that.”

As for the e-scooter? It’s officially retired after being Cooper’s one and only Christmas gift last year.

“I used to ride it myself,” John admits. “I’ve fallen too … not as bad, but enough to see how sketchy they are. I’m leaning toward a regular bike now.”

Martin advises parents to think twice.

“These are more like motorcycles than bikes. Under 16 years old really shouldn’t be on them. And if they are, helmets, closed-toe shoes and protective gear are a must.”

Meghan Martin, M.D., reunites with Cooper, 14, for the first time since he was hospitalized after his e-scooter accident.

(Above) Christopher Snyder, M.D., MSPH, FACS, FAAP, leads the pediatric trauma program at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

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

Not-so-scary Facts About the Flu Vaccine

by Anu Varma Panchal

Halloween costume ordered? Check.

Candy purchased? Check.

Pumpkins carved? Check.

Flu shot scheduled? Wait … flu shot?

That’s what Dr. Marcy Solomon Baker, pediatric medical director for BayCare Medical Group, advises parents: By Halloween, make sure you’ve got your flu shot. Why? Because it takes about two weeks for the flu shot to become fully effective, and the shot confers immunity for about six months. Getting it by the end of October should cover early outbreaks and take you through the travel-heavy holidays and well through the normal flu season, which hits around January or February.

Many parents still resist getting the flu shot for their families, arguing that they are ineffective, unnecessary and that they prevent children from developing natural immunity. Baker has this response: Last year in the United States, there were 253 pediatric flu deaths, about half of them in perfectly healthy children with no underlying conditions. That’s 253 too many children to die from a vaccine-preventable disease.

Baker is on a one-person crusade to get families vaccinated by the end of October. “When you’re thinking, what am I going to be for Halloween, I want you to think, ‘Did I get my flu shot?’ When you think, ‘When am I going to buy my candy,’ think: ‘Did we get our flu shot?’ They are safe. They are not new. And the benefits far outweigh the risks.”

And when in doubt? Get the facts from your pediatrician or the American Academy of Pediatrics—not from social media or by crowdsourcing.

“Nobody’s against natural immunity, but you’ve got to make it through,” says Baker, who reminds parents that taking care of sick children who are missing school when you yourself are severely ill with the flu is no picnic either. “Is not getting a flu shot for your child worth the risk? To me, it’s not. I can’t imagine being a parent whose pediatrician recommends a flu vaccine, and I say no, and god forbid, my child dies of the flu. That’s the worst thing I can imagine.”

HERE ARE SOME OTHER COMMON MYTHS THAT BAKER BUSTS ABOUT THE FLU VACCINE:

I’ve survived the flu already. I don’t need another vaccine.

You as an adult may have been all right, but two of the highest risk categories are children under 2, and then children under 5, as well as everyone at any age with underlying health conditions (such as asthma). Getting at least children under 5 vaccinated can protect your most vulnerable family members. If the adults are also vaccinated, you lower the chances of one of you bringing it home to infect small kids or elderly relatives. The whole household becomes healthier and safer.

The flu shot is ineffective because I took it, and I got the flu anyway.

Here’s how the flu vaccine is developed. There are several different types or strains of influenza, and every year, different versions are prevalent. To decide which ones are most likely to hit us in an upcoming season, scientists in the northern hemisphere study the flu incidence in the southern hemisphere, where they circulate first. Then they make their best guess as to the likelihood of those same strains being prevalent here, and they make a vaccine combining those strains. Therefore, efficacy might vary, but what doesn’t change is that the flu vaccine has consistently been proven to prevent sickness from becoming so severe that hospitalization is required. So yes, if you get the vaccine, you might get the flu anyway, but you’ll recover faster and it’s unlikely that you’ll have to go to the hospital.

I took the flu vaccine, and I got the flu from it!

This is impossible because the flu shot is not a live vaccine. It CANNOT give you the flu. At the most, a small minority of people become a little achy and feverish. The most common side effect is a sore arm. However, if you get your flu shot at the peak of flu season, remember that you are surrounded by the disease, and that your shot takes two weeks to become fully affective. You can get the shot and get the flu that same day. That’s why Baker recommends getting it at the end of October, well before flu season fully kicks in.

The flu vaccine hurts, and it’s a pain to schedule.

You can now take a flu mist instead of a shot, and the mist is equally recommended by doctors. Regarding scheduling, as well as your doctor, many pharmacies also administer flu vaccines. You can also get a prescription from your doctor for the flu mist, pick it up from a pharmacy and go home and administer it yourself.

The flu vaccine is another medical expense that I cannot afford.

Most private insurance companies fully cover flu vaccines, and if yours does not or you don’t have insurance, you can get a $10 flu vaccine from your pediatrician through a government program called Vaccines For Children.

istockphoto-2168547392

TOOTH FAIRY TRADITIONS

HOLD THE MAGIC GIFT SETS

Perfect for kids who love trinkets and treasures, these sets come with everything needed for three lost teeth. Includes tiny gifts and affirming letters in convenient, ready-to-deliver gold bags— plus fairy dust! Pick a theme to match your child, from pirates to princesses and much more; sets from $29.95 at Holdthemagic.com.

TOOTH FAIRY FLYLIGHT

Kids can discover how Tooth Fairies invented the magical “Flylight” and even name their own Tooth Fairy with this beautiful hardcover storybook and real Flylight to store your tooth in and alert your fairy with when you've lost one. Simply press the button to send a message through its projected night lights; $39.99 on Amazon.

THE COIN FAIRY

If your child delights in the jingle of coins over bills, then this mathbased experience may be just the ticket. Created by a Tampa Mom to introduce practical money skills like learning to count coins, practice basic addition, and grasp skip counting, the kit is adaptable for kids ages 4 to 10, and includes 2 levels of play; $19.95+ at the CoinFairy.com.

playgrounds, and more!

Things to Do in Tampa Bay: Our favorite spots for a fun day out while staying on budget

Indoor Activities

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

Flip through the digital versions of all of our issues, sign up for our

Fall Family Fun: Save the date for amazing fall events in Tampa Bay! We’re building our list of top picks now and will grow it as new events are announced.

If you’re over poor-quality Amazon costumes like we are, check out Made By Us costumes, which are distributed from Minnesota and inspired by the founders’ childhood of handmade-by-Mom creations. The quality and unique details truly stand out, and they have a TON of cute pirate outfits for our next favorite holiday coming up … Gasparilla! Costumes are available from infant to adult sizes, as well as pet and group costumes.

For DIY costume inspiration, head online