September 2025

TAMPA BAY

CHANGE A LIFE FOR GOOD. FOSTER.

Hundreds of Hillsborough County children have suffered abuse and neglect.

They urgently need foster parents to provide a loving, temporary refuge. If you have ever felt called to help kids, then now is the time to take action.

Open your heart and home to make a lifelong difference for a child, teen, or group of siblings. Contact us today to change a life for good.

Experience the care that more moms trust.

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

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

Tess and baby Emilia

Articles

13 // Brick-or-Treat 2025 at LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Where kids rule Halloween

15 // 7 Adorable Fall Festivals on the Farm: Celebrate the season by navigating a corn maze, meeting farm animals and exploring a pumpkin patch!

19 // Back-to-School with MOSI: Get hands-on with AI and be wowed by two new planetarium shows

20 // In the Know Like a Space Pro: Learn 10 incredible facts about the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Center

23 // Let’s Eat! Check out 7 meatless dinner ideas for busy school nights

30 // COVER STORY: Rooted in Learning: See how a local farm helps grow young minds at Corbett Prep

34 // How to Celebrate National Walk to School Day in Tampa Bay: Sidewalk Stompers founder Emily Hinsdale shares ways to get your school involved!

36 // Tampa Bay Boy Inspires Book Series: Meet the ladies who wrote a new children’s book inspired by a local 8-year-old, Mason Bucalor

38 // YA BY THE BAY: Story Warrior Festival brings authors and kids together during this not-to-miss annual event in Tampa

40 // At the Library: Innovative tech resources for your children are available now at your local library

44 // Back to School for the Littles Learners: The Juvenile Welfare Board shares sciencebased tips for your baby’s first 1,000 days

46 // A Hub of Wellness and Growth: An inside look at the Hillsborough County Children’s Board Family Resource Centers

48 // Our Favorite Things: The Baby Edition

ABOUT THE COVER:

The Lawrance family of Tampa tends to one of several garden beds they donated to Corbett School in Tampa. Flip to page 30 to learn more about why it was so important for them as a farming family to bring the garden to their sons' school as part of the outdoor classroom curriculum.

50 // Backpack Safety 101 for Parents: How to keep your child’s back healthy and strong

52 // Take a SAFE Seat: Car seat safety tips for our tiniest passengers

54 // Smiling Through It All: The joyful legacy of Dr. Michael McIlwain

58 // Let’s Play Ball: Discover life lessons through fall sports at the YMCA

60 // Miracle Doctors at Work: Aliyah is cured of sickle cell disease at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

Every Issue:

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

11 // September Top Picks: Our Favorite Things to Do this Month

17 // The Play List: Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Pete

24 // Moms to Know: Meet the Mom Group Chat Podcast hosts Candace Donnelly and Whitney Williams

26 // Kids to Know: Meet triathlon competitors and siblings Miller and Linden Brown

28 // Teacher to Know: Meet Madeline Olivera, fifth-grade teacher at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

62 // What’s Trending on TampaBayParenting.com: We’re sharing our top stories and more local fun to explore!

SEPTEMBER 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

Stephanie Bechara

Grayson Kamm

Dalia Colón

Tara Payor, PhD

Emily Hinsdale

Maggie Rodriguez

Sorboni Banerjee

Sharon Howes

Elicia Hinson

Dr. Joe Chow

Dana Busciglio Diaz

Hannah Oliver

Roy Adams

Adrianna Vlachos

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Ralf Gonzalez

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Jennifer Dufek

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Laura Byrne

Zoe Joiner

Courtney Cairns Pastor

Melissa Schroeder

Logo and branding by Abi Lee Designs

Chip Weiner

Allyn DiVito

Doublemint Sitting

The Relayer Group

Grayson Kamm

Emily Hinsdale California Academy of Sciences

BOOKKEEPING

James Anderson

DISTRIBUTION

TGS Media Distribution, tgsmedia.com

TAMPA BAY

PARENTING MAGAZINE

320 W. Kennedy Blvd. Ste. 220 Tampa, Florida 33606

Phone 813-949-4400

Fax 813-315-6688 info@tbparenting.com editor@tbparenting.com

Meet the guesteditor

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your warm welcome to Florida! I moved to St. Petersburg from New York in September 2024 as the new chief of the division of hematology at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute. I am also a mother of twin boys and a wife, and what makes me happy is taking care of my family and my patients. I am thrilled to be part of this community.

As a medical student and pediatric resident, I was always drawn to patients and families with severe illness, wanting to help them be cured of their diseases. I chose hematology and oncology as my specialty and began a long career of studying rare diseases and making sure that every patient, no matter how rare their disorder, had a chance at a full, happy life.

The study of pediatric hematology includes diseases of the blood — in particular, those that are not cancer. Children can have bleeding disorders like hemophilia where they bleed into their joints with simple childhood play and exercise. Other children can have clotting disorders and can have strokes even at young ages. Many children develop iron deficiency anemia from not getting enough iron in their diet. Teenage girls are also susceptible to anemia and can receive individualized care in our Young Women Bleeding Disorder Clinic. These are disorders where medicine has made a remarkable difference. Scientific advances and new medications allow these children to live long healthier lives.

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease is a disease of the blood where patients are born with red blood cells that can become “sickleshaped” when the patient gets dehydrated or sick or takes a cold shower or jumps into a cold pool. When the red blood cells are in that “sickled” shape, they cannot get through the blood vessels easily and that causes severe pain episodes, kidney issues and even strokes. There are treatments to help these patients have fewer pain episodes. Some patients are eligible for bone marrow transplantation to cure the disease, like in Aliyah's story, which I hope you’ll read in the coming pages of this issue. Sickle cell disease can now also be cured with gene therapy where the genetic defect is corrected in the laboratory and the patient’s corrected cells are given back to the patient!

BECOME A FAN tampabayparenting @tampabayparenting

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.

During my career, I have seen so many advances and there are so many yet to come. My research into a very rare disease called Diamond Blackfan anemia syndrome is helping doctors better care for these patients. I am happy to be in Florida and so thankful that I can make a difference for these patients. Please know that our hematology team here at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital is ready to help your child if we are needed.

My best to all,

Adrianna Vlachos, M.D.

Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

NOTEWORTHY september

the good stuff

Twenty-eight inspiring teen world-changers across the Tampa Bay area earned the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. The Gold Award Girl Scouts invested more than 2,500 combined hours planning and implementing projects that tackled many pervasive issues throughout the council’s eightcounty footprint and beyond. Congrats!

Back-to-School Fair Wrap-Up

The 18th Annual Back-to-School Fair presented by Hillsborough County Public Schools was a huge success!

We distributed 1,000 free backpacks and provided a platform to showcase incredible local magnet schools, 50+ businesses and organizations, connect guests with local mascots, and more! Stay tuned for next year’s event!

what's new

Pirate Water Taxi Debuts New Look

Pirate Water Taxi is about to launch a brand new fleet of four water taxis! The new vessels are customized for Tampa and designed to navigate under all downtown bridges, making for a more efficient and accessible hop-on, hop-off tour and transportation.

The first two vessels will launch service on Oct. 1, 2025, with the remaining two launching on Dec. 1, 2025. Each vessel will be Coast Guard certified for 49 passengers and will feature ADA accessibility, restrooms and a bar with beverages and snacks. tampawatertaxi.com

Mary Lee’s House Launches Father’s Closet

Mary Lee’s House has created the area’s first resource closet for fathers, the "Chasing Possible" Father's Closet . It gives the men in the dependency system access to gently used professional workwear and accessories to set them up for success for court appearances, interviews and special occasions. Hillsborough County is focusing heavily on full family support and boosting resources for fathers to, in turn, make improvements within families. The closet will open this month on a referral basis.

Donations can be made at Mary Lee’s House near downtown Tampa, Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. maryleeshouse.org

"Tide Pools" Debuts at The Florida Aquarium & New Mascot Gets a Name!

It’s been a busy summer at the Florida Aquarium! The Tide Pools exhibit debuted on the second floor, themed after the coasts of the Pacific Northwest. There are 200 marine creatures to encounter, and we love that the exhibit’s sky shifts from sunrise through sunset!

And, there’s more exciting news! The Aquarium’s newest axolotl has a new name after thousands of votes from the community. Meet Xochi (pronounced so-chee)! Xochi is short for Xochimilco (pronounced so-chee-meal-koh), one of the last remaining natural habitats for wild axolotls in Mexico City. Derived from the Aztec word meaning “flower,” the name reflects creativity, renewal and beauty. It’s a perfect fit for a character created to connect guests with science, storytelling and the importance of protecting vulnerable species. flaquarium.org

Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Honors Gold Award Recipients

celebrate 15 years of play with $15 Admission for Florida Residents from September 1-30, 2025

Discounted tickets require proof of I.D. and can only be purchased onsite

september Top Picks

Our favorite family-friendly events in Tampa Bay

ZOOTAMPA KIDS FUN RUN PRESENTED BY MUMA CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT TGH IN TAMPA

SATURDAY, SEPT. 6, 7-10:30 A.M.

Run, hop or crawl your way to the ZooTampa Kids Fun Run presented by Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH. This kid-friendly event features four exciting races: a 2K ZooRun, 1K ZooRun, Toddler Trot and Diaper Dash. Don’t miss this unique event that encourages a healthy lifestyle while enjoying wildlife! Each registration includes a single day admission to ZooTampa. Zootampa.org

NEW EXHIBIT AT MOSI IN TAMPA! ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: YOUR MIND & THE MACHINE

SATURDAY, SEPT. 6

Can a machine think like you? Learn like you? Paint your portrait like Picasso? Visitors at MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, can find out in a brandnew way with the opening of this hands-on exhibit that makes the world of AI exciting, accessible and unforgettable. Flip to page 19 to learn more! mosi.org

YACHT

STARSHIP PRINCESS CRUISE IN TAMPA

SUNDAY, SEPT. 7 AT 12 P.M.

Experience this magical 2-hour cruise out of Tampa where you and the kids can meet the princesses of Parties with Character and enjoy a lunch buffet while you sail. After lunch, guests are welcome to join the princesses for a sing-along and DJ dance party on the top deck. yachtstarship.com

YA BY THE BAY STORY WARRIOR FESTIVAL IN TAMPA

THURSDAY, SEPT. 25, 4-8 P.M.

Experience this unique and FREE book festival where kids and teens can meet authors including Goosebumps legend R.L. Stine and New York Times bestseller Tiffany D. Jackson. Young authors can learn how they can become authors, watch a live children’s book illustration with Brudder’s Books and more. Flip to page 38 to learn more. yabythebay.com

GLAZER

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM'S 15TH BIRTHDAY BASH IN TAMPA

SATURDAY, SEPT. 27, 9:30 A.M. TO 2 P.M.

Glazer Children's Museum is celebrating its 15th birthday with a free party in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park! Join 60+ local organizations for live music, field games, touch-a-truck, costumed characters, vendors, food and more. glazermuseum.org

BLIPPI: JOIN THE BAND TOUR! AT THE STRAZ CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN TAMPA

THURSDAY, OCT. 2 AT 6 P.M.

GARDENS TAMPA BAY: Kandy’s Sweetacular Celebration: Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 6-Oct. 26

Howl O Scream: Select nights, Sept. 5-Nov. 2 BRICK-OR-TREAT

2,

Sept. 27-Oct. 26, select nights

Scan to learn more about these and other spooktacular Halloween events for kids in Tampa Bay!

Flip to page 15 for seven adorable fall festivals on the farm!

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. It’s another giant step for the show, which began on YouTube and was picked up by Netflix, attracting more than a billion views along the way. Yes, with a “b.” In this new show, Blippi, Meekah and all of their friends discover the joy of making music. strazcenter.org WANT MORE?

offers and more! www.buccaneers.com/fans/jr-bucs

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR WEEKEND TOP PICKS

BRICK-OR-TREAT 2025: WHERE KIDS RULE HALLOWEEN

by Stephanie Bechara

Parents: If your little builder has ever dreamed of trick-or-treating through a world made of LEGO® bricks, this is it! Brick-orTreat is back at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort on select dates Sept. 20 to Nov. 2, and it’s everything Halloween should be for kids: safe, silly, candy-filled and packed with larger-than-life LEGO fun. No scares; just smiles, sweet treats, silly monsters and an unforgettable drone show that brings it all home. Oh — and it’s all included with your regular park admission. Yes, really.

TRICK-OR-TREATING BUILT FOR KIDS

Seven treat stations. Dozens of sweet snacks. One seriously happy kid.

Your little ones can collect fan-favorite candies all across themed trick-or-treat zones bursting with LEGO décor, pumpkins, spiderwebs and more. It’s all designed for families with kids ages 2-12 to explore at their own pace. All you need? A costume and a treat bag (they’ll give you one!).

LEGO CHARACTERS AROUND EVERY CORNER

This is not your neighborhood Halloween. Brick-or-Treat is loaded with one-of-a-kind LEGO Monster Minifigure Meet & Greets, including:

• Square Foot, Wolf Guy and Monster Rocker in Fun Town

• Spider Lady and Tiger Woman near Kingdoms

• Zombie Pirate and even Shark Suit Guy near Pirates’ Cove

• Mummy in Land of Adventure

• Green Witch (exclusive to hotel guests!) And yes — these monsters love a selfie. Prepare your camera (and your kid’s biggest grin).

SHOWS THEY'LL TALK ABOUT ALL YEAR

Get ready for nonstop laughs, catchy songs and memories that stick like glue. The stage is definitely set for some monstrously good performances:

The Great Monster Chase 4D Movie –Action-packed laughs in 4D

V.I.M. Dance Party – Very Important Monsters only

Zombie Cheer Crew – Go team GHOUL!

Time to Learn About Halloween – Just right for preschoolers

Plus, there’s hands-on fun like the LEGO Scarecrow Build in DUPLO® Valley and LEGO Pumpkin Build in MINILAND.

MONSTER SKYTACULAR –THE GRAND FINALE

This is the part where your kid’s jaw hits the floor.

Wrap up your Brick-or-Treat day with the award-winning Monster Skytacular, a high-flying show where hundreds of drones light up the sky, form LEGO shapes, swirl into monsters and launch fireworks to the beat of a monster-sized soundtrack.

It’s only at LEGOLAND Florida and it’s only during Brick-or-Treat.

EXTRA PLAYTIME INCLUDED

Thanks to extended park hours, your family can spend even more time riding, dancing, meeting monsters, building with bricks and collecting candy. It’s the ultimate Halloween playdate, and it doesn’t end at sundown.

Staying overnight? Good call! Hotel guests get bonus fun, like Halloween-themed PJ parties and exclusive character appearances.

NO EXTRA TICKET NEEDED!

That’s right … Brick-or-Treat is included with all regular park tickets, Annual Passes and select vacation packages.

Florida families: if your crew had fun, consider upgrading to an Annual Pass and come back for Holidays at LEGOLAND and Kids’ New Year’s Eve later this year. More bricktastic memories await!

So parents, if you're looking for a Halloween celebration that’s built for giggles (not scares), Brick-or-Treat 2025 is your golden ticket. Speaking of gold, you might just find Mr. Gold hiding somewhere in the park. During your visit, make sure to ask a Model Citizen if they’ve seen him and you could unlock a special surprise!

Everything awesome is built for kids and it’s all at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

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.

7 Adorable Fall Festivals on the Farm to Celebrate the Season!

Fall Festival at Ananda Farm in Terra Ciea

OPENING WEEKEND SEPT. 26-28. OPEN FRIDAYS-SUNDAYS

Location: 579 Ken Hubbard Road, Terra Ceia

Cost: Tickets start at $26.39, Children 2 and younger are free

Ananda Farm is our favorite familyfriendly farm in the Tampa Bay Area, where kids can roam and PLAY on incredible attractions like a huge tree house and giant jumping pillows 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 and crafts! anandafarm.com

Harvest Holler Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch

SEPT. 19 TO NOV. 16

Location: 950 Tavares Road, Polk City

Cost: $17 for ages 13-64; $14 for ages 2-12, seniors 65+ and active-duty military

Kids will love exploring the corn maze and going for a ride on the Cow Barrel Train. There is also a pumpkin patch, hayrides, cow barrel rides, farm animals and more fun farm activities. harvestholler.com

Raprager Family Farm Fall Pumpkin Festival & Haunted Farm

FRIDAYS SEPT. 20 TO NOV. 2, VARIOUS HOURS

Location: 16907 Boy Scout Road, Odessa

Cost: $15-$17.95 when purchased in advance for ages 3 and up. Children 2 and younger are free. $19.50 at the gate. Parking is free.

Raprager Family Farm’s Fall Festival is BACK for 2025 with even more fall fun on the farm! Attractions this year include axe throwing, pumpkin painting, a 1,000-square-foot inflatable kids maze, a 17,000-squarefoot haunted maze (after Oct. 1) and more. The haunted barn will also return along with the hay rides, petting zoo, hay chute slide and other favorites. rapragerfamilyfarms.com

17th Annual Fall Fun at Sweetfields Farm

OPENING LATE SEPTEMBER

Location: 17250 Benes Roush Road, Masaryktown

Cost: $11.95 when purchased in advance for ages 3 and up; 2 and younger are free. $14 at the gate

Come out for corn maze fun at Sweetfields Farm in Masaryktown, but stay for the Pitcher Pump Duck Race, hayride, pumpkin patch, farm animals and free craft of the season. Buy your tickets ahead of time to secure your spot because this event often sells out. sweetfieldsfarm.com

HarvestMoon Farm Fall Festival & Haunt

SEPT. 27 TO NOV. 2, SELECT DAYS

Location: 15990 Stur St., Masaryktown

Cost: $13.92 through $26.27, ages 3 and up

Navigate the 5-acre corn maze and explore the many attractions like a cow train, pedal cars, a jumping pillow, a hill slide and barnyard games. There’s also a petting farm and tree house. They even host a Haunted Nights event. harvestmoonfunfarm.com

14th Annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

SEPT. 27 TO OCT. 26, SATURDAY-SUNDAY: 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

Location: 6151 Varn Road, Plant City

Cost: $12. Children 3 and younger are FREE

Take part in exciting family-friendly fall games and activities during the annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze! Navigate the corn maze and see how quickly you can find your way through, 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

But wait, there’s MORE! Scan for even MORE Fall Festival Fun in Tampa Bay.

Dade City Farms at Lake Iola Fall Festival

SEPT. 27 – OCT 26., SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

Location: 17187 Lake Iola Road, Dade City

Cost: Advance purchase adults are $12, Kids ages 3-12 are $9, and kids 2 and younger are free.

Dade City Farms at Lake Iola's Fall Festival features so many awesome family-friendly activities, including adorable farm animals, a jump pad, a pumpkin patch, tractor-pulled hayrides, apple cider donuts and more. You can also add on experiences like gem mining and face painting. dadecityfarms.com

Great Explorations Children's Museum

by Zoë Joiner

With the big kids back in school, it’s the perfect time to plan a Pinellas County playdate with your toddler at Great Explorations.

Here in Tampa Bay, we’re lucky to have two wonderful children’s museums within reach: Great Explorations in St. Petersburg and Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa. “Great Ex” might be the smaller of the two, but it packs a great big fun punch. Read on to discover what makes Great Explorations a great place to play.

LOCATION

Great Explorations has a discreet entrance, tucked in between Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Sunken Gardens on Fourth Street North. The ticketing lobby is shared with Sunken Gardens, with Great Ex to the left once you step inside. Parking is simple and (free) in the big, adjoining lot.

WAYS TO PLAY

Inside Great Ex, you’ll discover a ginormous room showcasing a wonderful treehouse, slide and climbing structure, which doesn’t disappoint. Smaller exhibit rooms line the perimeter of the space. Kids can go shopping at Publix, pretend to be a doctor or a news anchor, build with Legos, drive a fire truck, make pizzas from Papa John’s and more. My personal favorite is the dentist office where kids can master the art of brushing their teeth through a couple of really cute interactive exhibits. Keep your eye out for the Tooth Fairy’s adorable hidden house.

We especially love the sweet spaces meant for littles in Great Beginnings, a gated area for children ages 4 and under. It has its own smaller climbing structure and a trampoline, plus a couple of other divided areas with more focused play.

At Great Explorations you can also:

• Play a ginormous game of Operation or Guess Who?

• Excavate fossils

• Learn about the Water Cycle in the brand new exhibit, Wonders of Wetlands

• See cool snakes and reptiles like a bearded dragon.

• Pretend to drive a submarine

Once you’re finished playing at the museum, you can explore the beauty of Sunken Gardens right next door. For the perfect morning, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it on the lawn in the Gardens.

Great Explorations is autism-friendly and hosts a preschool, summer camps and a variety of community programs benefitting families:

Terrific Tots (children 3 and under): An interactive 20-35-minute program for children under 3 with music, crafts, story time and activities. Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. during the Pinellas County School Year.

Great Connections: A free program for families with special needs, the program includes a “cool down” room for kids who need a break. The second Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon.

Safe Spaces: Anyone 15 years and older with special needs (and their families) can schedule a date and time to visit the museum with adjusted lights and sounds.

PARK FEES AND INFO

GREAT EXPLORATIONS

1925 4th St. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33704 727-821-8992

greatex.org

HOURS: Monday-Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, from 12-4 p.m.

Closed: Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

ADMISSION: Free for children under 12 months

$15 for kids age 1-17

$12 for adults

$1 Off for: Military families, teachers, first responders, AAA members and senior citizens. Memberships available

photos by Zoë Joiner

Back to School with MOSI: Get Hands-On with AI and Be Wowed by Two New Planetarium Shows

With school back in session, MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, is packed with new ways to take a fun family break this fall.

TWO PLANETARIUM PREMIERES

Explore the frontiers of space or dive into the ocean depths this fall. Two new 360-degree movies are showing for the first time ever in Tampa Bay in the new Saunders Planetarium & Digital Dome Theatre.

Astronaut

What does it take to join in the exploration of space? You’ll feel like you’re along for the ride on MOSI’s eight-story-tall planetarium screen as narrator Ewan McGregor shows you the incredible experiences of a space adventurer.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: YOUR MIND & THE MACHINE

Experience a rocket launch from inside an astronaut’s body. Explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space. You’ll float through the International Space Station, then move through microscopic regions of the human body. Plus, meet Chad, the animated test astronaut, and discover why he’s both excited and anxious about what’s ahead for him in space.

Can a machine think like you? Learn like you? Paint your portrait like Picasso?

Starting Sept. 6, find out with the opening of “Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine,” a hands-on exhibit that makes the world of AI exciting, accessible and

unforgettable.

Get ready to solve puzzles, make music with machines and meet the future face-to-face.

From the start, you’re immersed in a futuristic playground filled with activities for all ages. Train an AI to recognize your face. Paint a selfie in the style of Van Gogh or Picasso. Press a few keys and hear a piano compose brand-new music using the sounds of 1,400 instruments (No musical talent required!).

Plus, you’ll team up to rearrange blocks and take on stacking puzzles that challenge you to learn like an AI system does.

“AI might sound mysterious, but at MOSI, we break it down to the basics, so anyone, any age, can grasp how it works and what it can do in the future,” says John Graydon Smith, President and CEO of MOSI.

Expedition Reef

Another universe waits to be explored under the waves. Join an underwater safari into coral reefs, the “rainforests of the sea,” and be immersed in some of the most beautiful — and endangered — places anywhere on Earth.

MOSI’s planetarium is the second largest in the United States, so you’ll be surrounded by science, wonder and adventure. You’ll discover how corals grow and support more than 25% of all life in the oceans, but face immense threats that put them at risk. If you’re into marine biology, love the waters of Tampa Bay and the Gulf, or enjoy exploring our world, it’s a must-see.

“Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine” and one show in the Saunders Planetarium are included with admission and are only at MOSI for a limited time.

In the Know

Like a Space Pro

by Grayson Kamm

From a former space reporter and current dad, here are my top ten secrets of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Just two hours from Tampa Bay, it’s a family adventure that can keep your crew of space cadets engaged for two full days.

MOON MASTERPIECE

Alan Bean, an astronaut and artist, sprinkled real Moon dust into his paintings, including a towering two-story tall one in the Apollo-Saturn V Center.

FROM BIG SCREEN TO BIG FUN

The enormous Planet Play indoor play area is built inside a converted IMAX giant screen movie theater.

3

4

WATCH FOR WILDLIFE

On the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, I have personally seen alligators, armadillos, wild pigs and bald eagles.

ASTRONAUT ON DUTY

A real astronaut is here every day. Inside the Universe Theatre, they give a talk that’s included with admission.

5

MESSAGES FROM ABOVE

Inside a new exhibit, The Gantry at LC39, a mesmerizing Earth Pulse sculpture lights up each time a signal is sent to a satellite or comes down to Earth.

7 8

SENSORY SIGNS

At every attraction, you'll find signs that break down the sensory impact so you know what to expect before you go in.

SHRINK-WRAPPED SHUTTLE

When Space Shuttle Atlantis first arrived to be put on display, the building wasn't finished yet. So they wrapped the entire space shuttle in plastic wrap to keep it clean while they finished constructing its new home around it.

SCIENCE UP CLOSE

The STEAM team puts on a fascinating science show in the Universe Theater, but sometimes you can spot them in other places like Gateway doing smaller demonstrations of science just for you.

UP IN FRONT

On the Shuttle Launch Experience simulator, sit closest to the front if you want to feel the motion the most. There's also a separate room where you can just watch if you don't want to ride.

MISSING MOON BOOTS

When you see the spacesuit Alan Shepard wore on the moon in the Apollo-Saturn V Center, look down. Something is missing. Where are the boots that made those iconic footprints on the surface of the moon? Well, they’re still up there! NASA told all the Apollo mission crews to leave their boots behind on the moon to save weight for the trip home to Earth.

Where to stay

Need extra towels? Forget your toothbrush? Here, a real robot named Luna will deliver them to your room! With a fun pool and splash area, views of launch pads in the distance, and in-room star projectors, it’s a stellar spot. And did I mention the real robot?

Where to eat

THE SPACE BAR

When the elevator’s countdown hits zero, the doors open to this rooftop restaurant atop the Courtyard hotel. Kids will find favorites on the menu, while adults can dig into chef-created entrees, bowls and salads. Sip a “Space Shuttle” from the custom cocktail menu and take in space center views across the peaceful Indian River Lagoon.

7 Easy Meatless Dinners for Busy School Nights

by Dalia Colón, host of

If your family’s schedule is anything like mine, afterschool activities mean that dinner happens at 4 p.m. and/or 9 p.m. From dance to drama club, soccer to Scouts, family members are going in different directions and eating at different times. But dinner doesn’t have to be another hurdle to climb at the end of a long day. Work smarter, not harder with these easy meatless meal ideas that you can whip up between carpool runs.

CHILI WRAPS

Skip the drive-through and instead elevate frozen veggie chili when you turn it into chili cheese crunch wraps. Warm the chili in a slow cooker, on the stove or in the microwave. Spoon it into flour tortillas, and top with shredded cheese, corn chips and your other favorite fixin’s.

NAAN PIZZAS

Pizza is a brainless crowdpleaser, so why not keep it in the rotation? Spread pesto or marinara sauce onto storebought naan. Top with mozzarella and fresh veggies, and bake in the toaster oven if everyone’s eating at different times.

LAZY LASAGNA

In a baking pan, layer storebought ravioli, your favorite jarred pasta sauce and shredded Italian cheese. Throw in some leftover roasted veggies if you’ve got ‘em. Bake and serve with crusty bread.

MEDITERRANEAN BOWLS

On a bed of salad greens, add a scoop of quinoa, farro or another protein-packed grain. Top with falafel from your supermarket’s freezer section, cherry tomatoes and a scoop of hummus. Picky eaters can eat the falafel separately and dip it in whatever they’ll tolerate—ranch dressing, perhaps?

QUICK QUESADILLAS

Enjoy the flavors of Taco Tuesday any night of the week, without creating a million dirty dishes. In a blender or food processor, pulse canned black beans with salsa. Spread the mixture over tortillas—fold in shredded cheese and maybe some onions and peppers if you’re fancy — and warm in a frying pan. Serve with a side of corn on the cob or baby carrots.

BAKED POTATO BAR

If you have the time and energy to bake potatoes in the oven earlier in the day, go for it. Otherwise, prick the potatoes with a fork and nuke them in the microwave. Set out whatever toppings you can scrounge up and let this dinner double as a fridge cleanout—leftover chili, cheese, sour cream, veggies, sauteed peppers and onions or whatever else you’ve got.

ONE POT PASTA

Straining noodles in a colander? Ain’t nobody got time for that. In a large pot, place your pasta of choice, cherry tomatoes, rinsed cannellini beans, minced garlic, a drizzle of olive oil and a good pinch of salt. Pour in just enough water to cover the pasta. Cover and cook according to the instructions on the pasta package.

The Zest Podcast

Moms to Know

Mom-Group-Chat Podcast

Candace Donnelly and Whitney Williams, co-hosts of the Mom Group Chat podcast

by Tara Payor, Ph.D.

You know those unfiltered, laugh-out-loud, “I’ve-been-there” conversations you have with your closest mom friends?

That’s exactly what Candace Donnelly and Whitney Williams, co-hosts of the Mom Group Chat podcast, bring to the Tampa Bay parenting scene — along with a generous dose of honesty and heart. Their mission is simple: letting moms know they’re not alone on the wild parenting ride.

TBPM: How do your personal journeys shape what you share on the podcast?

MGC: Everything people hear on the podcast comes directly from our real lives — for better or worse. The wins, the messes, the tears at the kitchen sink; anything we’d send to our mom friends ends up in the episodes. That’s how the podcast came to be in the first place. Many moms are tired of the “Pinterest picture-perfect” version of motherhood, so we share the unfiltered stuff to let our listeners know they aren’t alone on this wild ride. Our transparency about life and motherhood is what keeps our conversations — and our community — so strong.

TBPM: Can you share a moment from your life when balancing motherhood and your professional goals felt especially meaningful?

MGC: One of the most meaningful parts of balancing motherhood and Mom Group Chat is the messages we get from listeners — whether they tell us an episode helped them feel less alone, made them feel truly seen in their struggles, or just that it feels like we’re all friends (because we are). I [Candace] will never forget reading one of those messages with my toddler playing at my feet and my baby on my hip, thinking “this is exactly why I do this.” Listeners’ messages give us a sense of purpose and remind us that the messy, beautiful seasons we’re living through are the same ones we’re encouraging other moms in every day.

TBPM: What story or topic from the podcast has resonated most deeply with you?

MGC: The episodes where we’ve opened up about grief in motherhood have stayed with me the most. There are so many kinds of grief — losing a parent or loved one, losing a pregnancy, grieving major life changes. So many moms are quietly carrying invisible heartbreak while bringing love, joy and magic to their children’s lives. It’s a heavy load to carry. Hearing each other’s stories reminds us we’re not the only ones experiencing a challenge and that it’s okay to lean on others, take breaks and ask for help when needed.

TBPM: How has building the Mom Group Chat community influenced your perspective on parenting and what impact do you hope it has on other moms in the Tampa Bay area?

MGC: Building the Mom Group Chat community has reminded us how important real connections with other moms are. A huge goal of the

podcast is creating pockets of moms who can get together in real life, lean on each other and share a mix of wisdom, encouragement and friendship. For moms in the Tampa Bay area, we’re creating a space where they feel supported, seen and surrounded by people who understand.

TBPM: Looking back, what’s one piece of wisdom you’d share with your pre-mom selves?

MGC: To know that you’re going to change in unimaginable ways — and that’s a good thing. There will be days so overwhelming you wonder if you’ll ever feel like yourself again, but you will. You just won’t be the exact same version from before. You’ll grow into someone stronger, softer and surer of what really matters. And when that happens, you’ll realize you’ve built a beautiful family that amplifies your life in the best ways.

TBPM: As moms and storytellers, what legacy do you hope to leave for your children and the broader community?

MGC: That the podcast becomes a little time capsule our kids can revisit — a record of us as new moms, working moms, overwhelmed moms and moms absolutely loving their lives. We want them to hear the growth, the messy seasons, the hilarious stories and know we did everything we could to fully show up fully in all of it. For the broader community, we hope it’s a reminder that motherhood doesn’t have to look perfect to be beautiful, and that there’s power in sharing our real stories.

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

photo by Melissa Schroeder, logo and branding by Abi Lee Designs

Kids to Know:

by Tara Payor, Ph.D.

Miller & Linden Brown

From the starting line to the finish, these Tampa Bay siblings prove that age is no limit when it comes to big goals. Still in elementary school, Miller (10) and Linden (8) have already taken on the challenge of triathlons — swimming, biking and running their way through races that test strength, stamina and grit. The two share how they train together, what they love about competing and advice for other kids dreaming of crossing the finish line.

TBPM: What made you want to try a triathlon?

Miller: My mom showed me magazine pictures of kids doing triathlons. It looked fun and, when I decided I wanted to try, she looked up races and signed us up for back-to-back ones.

TBPM: Do you remember your first race?

Miller: I did my first triathlon when I was 7. I felt super nervous at the start because we had to swim in a lake, and I was worried about the alligators. My mom told me I would be okay and, once I got going, I felt better. I really like running, but my bike wasn’t very fast. Crossing the finish line was the best part and I got second overall.

Linden: I did my first triathlon at 5 years old. It was fun but hot. I recently did a triathlon with some friends, and the swim was my favorite part. It was in the pool and felt good because it was so hot outside. Crossing the finish line is pretty fun and so are the medals!

TBPM: How do you help each other get ready for a triathlon?

Miller: We don’t train specifically for triathlons. Sometimes, through track practice, we train with our coach.

TBPM: Do you have special raceday rituals?

Linden: My mom makes us eat a good breakfast, like eggs and a bagel — no sugar.

Miller: We always set our race gear out the night before because races have really early morning starts.

TBPM: What’s something hard about doing a triathlon and how do you work through it?

Miller: Sometimes, the swim feels really long, especially in lakes and oceans. My legs also get tired on the bike. I just tell myself to keep going and my mom and dad are usually right there cheering me on.

Linden: There can be a lot of waiting time at the start, and that’s tough. We have to arrive early and also wait for our age group’s turn, which takes time. The run is definitely hard, but it’s usually near the end when it feels toughest so I remind myself that it will end.

TBPM: What advice would you give to another kid who’s nervous about trying a triathlon?

Miller: Don’t worry if you’re not the fastest. Just try your best and have fun.

Linden: If you don’t like swimming in the ocean or the pool, try a duathlon—those are run, bike, run.

TBPM: Do you have favorite places in Tampa Bay to swim, bike or run?

Miller: We swim at our house and the lap pool at the YMCA. We love riding bikes and running around our neighborhood with friends.

TBPM: What’s your next goal?

Linden: I’m looking forward to trying another triathlon and seeing if I can beat my time.

Miller: Someday, I want to do a triathlon with my mom.

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

Miller

Linden

TEACHER to Know

Madeline Olivera

5th-grade teacher at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

Teaching is a calling, and for Madeline Olivera, a fifthgrade math teacher at Corbett Prep in Tampa, it was a lifelong dream to share her love of learning with a new generation of students.

Olivera gets to share this love of education at one of the most unique schools in the Tampa Bay Area, where outdoor classroom time is the norm and where the focus is on the whole child with a balance of academics and social-emotional learning.

TBPM: First, tell us about what inspired you to become a teacher.

MO: I have always loved school and learning and was drawn to work that allowed me to share that love with as many people as I can!

TBPM: What makes teaching at Corbett Prep so special/unique?

MO: Our community stands out. We work together with students, families and faculty as we strive to do what’s best for kids. Corbett Prep allows me to grow as a professional in so many ways, and that benefits my students and my own family.

TBPM: As a fifth-grade teacher, your role is even more crucial as you prepare your students for the next step in their education journey.

MO: Fifth grade at Corbett Prep is considered a “bridge” year between elementary and middle school, so as teachers, we are uniquely positioned to help students prepare for the independence of middle school and still provide the support they need.

At Corbett Prep, we have three classes of fifth grade, and I teach math for each of these classes. But I love that I can support the whole child through advisory groups and our social-emotional learning programs, including the Four Pillars of Wellbeing and RULER. I am always excited about providing that balance to our students.

TBPM: What would you say to a younger generation about considering teaching as a future career?

MO: They say teaching is a calling. I agree. The best educators are passionate and thrive in communities that build the best in each other for students, and this makes the work so rewarding.

Ultimately, great STEM teaching isn't just about delivering facts — it's about inspiring curiosity, fostering connections and guiding exploration.

TBPM: What are some of your favorite things to do in Tampa Bay when you are not in the classroom?

MO: As parents of small children, my husband and I love taking our family to ZooTampa [and] the Florida Aquarium, and we have season passes. We also enjoy visiting parks like Carrollwood Village and Lettuce Lake Park, as well as finding new parks! We like to get outside and move.

RULER

An acronym for recognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing and regulating emotions, RULER equips students, faculty and parents with four core tools to develop emotional intelligence. Research shows that students perform better academically, improve their emotional intelligence and social skills, gain leadership skills and experience less anxiety and depression.

THE FOUR PILLARS OF WELLBEING

Corbett Prep piloted The Contentment Foundation’s Four Pillars of Wellbeing, a social-emotional program that uses “evidence-based early childhood and K-8 lesson plans to empower students with tools to meaningfully understand and process their life experiences.” The pillars are:

Mindfulness

Cultivating focused and nonjudgmental attention to the present moment

Community

Bringing out the best in one another by bringing out the best in ourselves

Self Curiosity

Developing interest in and wonder about all our experiences through curious questioning

Contentment and Balance

Unconditionally accepting and appreciating our experiences

Tomlin Family Application Lab

Engineering is engaging when students tackle challenges with creativity and collaboration.

HA PPY S T U D E NT S

TUESD A Y , SEPTEM B E R 1 6 8: 30 A .M .

Rooted in Learning: Local Farm Helping to Grow Young Minds at Corbett Prep

So much happens when you plant a garden with your kids. Not only so they witness the process of their food growing from seed to plant, but they also get to see the resilience it takes to get that food to their plate.

The Lawrance family understands this, and it’s a lesson they are bringing to their kids’ school, Corbett Preparatory School of IDS in Tampa.

The Lawrance family has deep roots in Tampa … literally. They own the land that Bearss Groves is on, and, earlier this year, leased out the property to the current crew that runs the farm stand so that they can focus on their family farm in Lutz, where they began offering a new u-pick experience to the community. They’re taking it a step further by bringing the farming experience to students at Corbett Prep through a new raised-bed garden system, and it’s already growing young minds.

TBPM: What attracted your family to Corbett Prep?

Courtney: Everything about it attracted us. We started when Wells (oldest son) was in kindergarten. We went to an open house, and we loved the way the campus looked … the conversations with the teachers and the administration.

Barry: We had a whole list. Courtney had done ungodly amounts of research of all the schools that we wanted to interview, and Corbett was first on our list. We showed up at Corbett, and when we left, we were like, we're done.

CL:We didn't go to any other place.

BL: We knew this was it. These were our people.

CL: Yeah, the core values and the focus on the whole child and emotional intelligence and the Yale program [Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence’s RULER program], and the morale of the teachers we spoke with — it was just a very positive environment.

This is what we hear so often from other Corbett Prep families. Why was the focus on emotional intelligence important to you?

BL: We have had employees who have been through Corbett, and I have friends whose kids were in Corbett, and you could just tell that they were better prepared for life.

CL: I think part of that emotional intelligence development carries on through adulthood. It becomes a natural, almost ingrained skillset. And you could really see it in the kids as they moved on to high school.

The kids being able to identify how they're feeling and how to work through things is a lifelong skill that is so valuable as they become adults, in their careers and in their families.

TBPM:

Courtney, Barry, Mack, and Wells Lawrance

TBPM: One of our favorite things about this school is the campus grounds and outdoor learning space, and that’s why we are here, because of the garden beds your family donated to the school last school year. This must have been a fun way to tie in your family farm business into your children’s school. The students seemed to really love it!

CL: It gives them the learning experience, not only of planting the seeds and then of harvesting, but they can understand the whole process of it, the patience it takes, the hard work it takes, the resiliency you need to make it from beginning to end.

The kids love being involved with it. The Beach Buddies [PreK-4 class] helped plant and then harvest. There was an amazing amount of parent feedback, and they were very appreciative that their child got to have that experience.

TBPM: Let’s talk more about the school garden and how you did it.

BL: Growing in Florida is not the same as up north. Up north, you can throw seeds on the ground, and you have plants. Florida has sandy soil, so one of the things we did was raised bed gardens so that we could enrich the soil with compost, peat and other things that are more favorable for soil conditions for growing vegetables.

The other thing, too, is choosing the right varieties, choosing things that the kids could actually tangibly harvest. When we pulled the carrots out of the ground … it was so cool to see … all the kids watching, and watching broccoli and cabbage literally come to life over time. And the kale — they would be grabbing the kale, and we're like, you can eat it. And it blew their mind. They would just start chewing on it. One little girl walked around with the kale in her hand. She was just like munching on the kale.

But the whole thing is a raised-bed garden system. We do have a drip irrigation system built into it on a timer. So we try to eliminate all the variables that in a school setting where everyone’s busy.

TBPM: Do you have any special plans for this year for the school garden here?

BL: We have the whole season kind of planned out. We believe we'll be able to get three different plantings and harvests … fall, spring and then maybe the beginning of summer.

We also want to add a sub-irrigated bed. Sub-irrigated means it'll have a water source under the bed, so it kind of wicks the water through. We're going to try to get some tomatoes, like grape tomatoes.

CL: Last year was the first year, and it was a great success, and everyone loved it, so we'll try to ramp up this year and add some new things.

TBPM: Speaking of new things, you’ve leased out the Bearss Groves property to someone else, and you’ve now turned your focus to your family farm in Lutz — let’s talk about this journey for your family!

BL: I started working at Bearss Groves when I was 13 for the original owners. And as I grew up working there, the opportunity presented itself to buy part of the company in ’97, and then run that and Bearss Groves together. Eventually Marty Bearss and the Bearss family decided that they were done dealing with retail. So we took over in 2006, and then eventually they sold the property or developed the property that were the orange groves, and we kind of took over the market and expanded the market and bought that space from them.

So that was the start. And then we started farming our own stuff. Once the citrus greening and all the citrus diseases killed all the crops of citrus, we lost the revenue from fresh oranges.

So we started doing row crop farming on a larger scale. We built a hydroponic greenhouse. We've since moved the farm to Lutz, and we have 20 acres there where we're growing strawberries and u-pick sunflowers.

This year, we're doing only u-pick, that's it. So we'll be u-pick every single weekend this year [during the season]. Hopefully we can get more community people out there and experience it.

TBPM: You were able to get some of the Corbett Prep students out to the family farm.

BL: Yeah, we've done a couple of Corbett days. We opened just for Corbett, so it was super cool because then our kids are there and all their friends from school, and they're running through the sunflowers.

CL:They were playing tag, and they were filthy. Kids should be a little dirty some of the time, but yeah, they had a great time. We also did Corbett Cares with a group where we had a few rows of vegetables out at the farm like squash, zucchini, tomatoes and eggplant.

BL: We grew everything there; they [Corbett Prep families] came and harvested it, and then donated it to Feeding Tampa Bay.

TBPM: Why was it so important for your family to bring this farming experience to Corbett Prep?

CL: Well, it's important to us, so it’s nice to see that translate to the school setting.

BL: When I come to school for other things, they'll call me Farmer Barry.

CL: We think it's important. Agriculture is a vital industry, and so introducing kids to it and hopefully inspiring the next generation of farmers may change their trajectory in life.

The PreK4 students harvested veggies last school year as part of their International Baccalaureate unit of inquiry. During their IB farm-to-table unit, they studied the central idea that food goes through changes. They began by planting seeds and sprouts with the help of the Lawrance family. Throughout the winter and spring, the class has watched as their plants grew taller. And then on harvest day, fourth-grade volunteers helped the younger students gather carrots, beets, kale, lettuce and onions.

Get updates about the upcoming u-pick season on the Lawrance family farm by following the original Bearss Groves page on Facebook.

Celebrating National Walk to School Day in Tampa Bay

by Emily Hinsdale, President of Sidewalk Stompers

National Walk to School Day is Wednesday, Oct. 8, and this year will mark Tampa Bay’s biggest and best celebration in history!

Walking or biking to school isn't a new idea — in fact, it's how most kids got to school until the 1980s! Within a generation, however, that changed to less than 10% of students walking. And children’s health and safety has suffered in consequence, with higher diagnoses rates of childhood obesity, juvenile diabetes and mental health struggles. National Walk to School Day was established in the United States in 1997 with the goal of bringing attention to how important it is for our communities to create safer routes to school so more children can make an active lifestyle part of their present and future.

WHY DO WE WALK TO SCHOOL?

HEALTHY BODIES

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 60 minutes of physical activity a day for children to build stronger bodies and better mental health. Making exercise part of a daily routine means children are more likely to continue to include exercise in their lives as they get older.

HEALTHY BRAINS

• An active route to school starts a child’s day of learning with exercise in the natural environment instead of the sedentary stress of a carline. Even a 15-minute walk can reduce the risk of depression and other mental health risks.

HEALTHY SCHOOLS

• Transportation planning – like crosswalks, sidewalks, and crossing guards – is based on the number of students using the roads. More walkers and bikers earn more safety measures. Also, shifting idling cars in a carline away from our school zones improves school air quality.

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

• More active communities mean more opportunities for people to interact with each other. When people are out of their cars, they can meet neighbors, meet classmates and find connections, building a more supportive network around your child.

School board member Shake Washington celebrated with Sidewalk Stompers in 2024 at Dunbar Elementary Magnet School in Tampa

Interest in school walkability is growing in this region. Last year, 58 Tampa Bay area schools signed up to participate in this event. This year promises to be an even larger occasion, with more students across Tampa Bay walking and biking to school.

Schools and PTAs can even turn this day into a school celebration, with ideas like inviting the school mascot, asking law enforcement and local businesses to join the event, offering morning coffee for parents, and identifying “satellite” parking areas so families who live to far to walk from home can join in the fun.

Around Tampa Bay, Sidewalk Stompers offers prizes, flyers and materials, and event planning advice to any interested school. National website Walk Bike & Roll to School (www.walkbiketoschool.org) can also be a helpful resource.

Whether this is your first National Walk to School Day celebration or a family tradition, 2025 is a great year to be a part of this community event! Remember: Walking to school is good for your body, good for your brain, good for the planet, and good for your community.

Sidewalk Stompers, Inc. (www.sidewalkstompers.org) is a nonprofit incentivizing more children to walk and bike to school for better health, safety, and community connection.

School board member Lynn Gray celebrated with Sidewalk Stompers in 2024 at Collins PK-8 School in Riverview

Regular school attendance is the key to your child’s academic success and bright future. When your child misses school, they miss essential lessons that form the foundation for understanding more complex subjects later on.

More Than Lessons are Missed When Absent

Attendance isn’t just about showing up — it’s about engaging in the full school experience. From learning in the classroom to participating in clubs and sports, each day offers invaluable opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and lasting friendships.

By 6th grade, chronic absenteeism is a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.

By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.

High school graduates earn over $670 more per week than dropouts.

If your student is facing any obstacles that affect their attendance, our schools and counselors are here to help. Please reach out to your school for assistance. You can also visit hillsboroughschools.org/attendance for additional resources.

hillsboroughschools.org/attendance

Tampa Bay Boy Inspires Book Series

by Maggie Rodriguez, co-host, Daytime

A 6-year-old with spiky eyeglasses flashes a kilowatt smile on the cover of the new children’s book, “A Boy with Blue Dino Glasses.” Inside the pages, he teaches readers what it’s like to have Down syndrome, autism and apraxia and proves that it’s possible to keep smiling, laughing, making friends and showing kindness even when life is hard. The illustrated book is based on Odessa resident Mason Bucalo, who inspired authors Synthia Fairman and Gabriela Rosello to write a series of books based on real children whose stories promote awareness, inclusion and empathy.

TBPM: Tell us more about Mason, and why you wanted to write a book about him.

SF: Mason is truly one of a kind. The second you meet him, you’re smiling. He’s spunky, fun and just so full of life.

GR: He’s wild about big dogs, swimming, snacking and being outdoors. But more than anything, Mason reminds us every day how magical kids can be even when they need a little extra help.

TBPM: What story does the book tell?

GR: The book follows Mason through a day in his life. It touches on moments when he gets frustrated and needs space, and how his parents, therapist and friends support him.

SF: It really highlights that Mason is a normal little boy, just one who benefits from a bit more understanding. We also included a word bank in the back to help adults explain certain terms and start conversations with kids.

TBPM: What’s Mason’s reaction to being the star of the book?

SF: Oh, he loves it! He knows it’s him and proudly shows it off. He’ll hand the book to any adult nearby and ask them to read it.

GR: At the book signing, he was glowing: posing for photos, loving his custom cookies and asking everyone to sing Happy Birthday to him!

TBPM: What have the last few weeks been like since the book release?

GR: It’s been such an exciting whirlwind! We’ve felt so much love from our Doublemint Sitting family, friends and even local private schools and nonprofits.

SF: Yes! Many have asked for copies to keep in their classrooms or give as gifts. The support has been overwhelming, in the best way.

TBPM: What do you hope young readers will take away from the book?

GR: We hope it helps children see that just because someone might be different, it doesn’t mean they can’t do hard things.

SF: And we want to encourage kindness and inclusion. Every child deserves to be invited, included and supported.

TBPM: This is only the beginning of the Mighty Mint series. What’s next?

SF: Our next book is about a little girl who was adopted straight from the NICU by her NICU nurse.

GR: After that, we’re telling the story of a same-sex couple who used a surrogate to have their son. These stories celebrate love, resilience and different kinds of families.

TBPM: Why are these stories so important to tell?

SF: Because bullying is still very real. And we believe that when kids see diverse stories early, they grow up more compassionate.

GR: We want every child to know they are seen, valued and worthy … just as they are.

YA BY THE BAY Story Warrior Festival

Bestselling Authors, Viral Stars and Unforgettable Experiences Come to Tampa, and it’s FREE.

by Sorboni Banerjee

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, 4-8 p.m.

WHERE: Tampa Convention Center

One stage. Bestselling authors. A viral influencer. The tools to write your story and own your spotlight. Meet Goosebumps legend R.L. Stine, get the inside scoop from young adult New York Times bestseller Tiffany D. Jackson on crafting page-turners, and be part of a live podcast taping with Instagram powerhouse and viral mindset coach Case Kenny, all under one roof.

It's all happening at YA BY THE BAY’s Story Warrior Festival. As a local news anchor turned novelist, I launched YA BY THE BAY because stories changed my life. As a shy and quiet kid, reading and writing were how I found my voice, and that voice carried me into a career as a reporter and anchor, where storytelling became my life’s work.

Now, as a mom, I get to see that same joy and confidence in my own son as we co-author a middle-grade book based on the Indian mythology of my roots.

MORE THAN A BOOK FESTIVAL

YA BY THE BAY isn’t your average book festival. It’s part star-studded author meet-up, part creativity bootcamp, part community celebration.

We have some of the most incredible authors coming to the Story Warrior Festival. You might not know that R.L. Stine is just as funny in person as his books are scary. Tiffany D. Jackson is one of the most sincere and inspiring speakers I’ve heard, and her books stay with you long after the last page.

And through this festival, I’m lucky enough to call Bob, yes, the R.L. Stine, a friend. He believed in our mission from the start and became a champion for us. In fact, every single author comes for free, no speaker fees, because they believe in what we’re building for the next generation.

WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE AT YA BY THE BAY:

• Fireside Chat with R.L. Stine & Tiffany D. Jackson

• Live Podcast Recording + Q&A with Case Kenny (1 million followers, bestselling author, viral podcaster)

• College Essay Workshop with America’s writing coach, Roy Peter Clark of The Poynter Institute

• How to Write a Memoir with Kerry Kriseman

• Live Children’s Book Illustration with Brudders Books where you can watch art come to life on the page

• All-Ages Author Panels: So You Want to Be an Author (Kids) & So You Want to Write a Book (Adults)

• Ongoing “Ask the Author” Stations for up-close, personal advice from your favorite writers

AND, THERE’S MORE…

Beyond the stage, the festival bursts with a bustling marketplace featuring a pop-up bookstore, artisan goods, fresh bouquets, fine teas and treasures from local creators, plus stilt walkers, friendly zoo animals and 360-degree photo moments you won’t want to miss.

YA BY THE BAY is where readers become leaders, creativity is currency and every guest leaves with tools to “be the author of your own life.”

Sorboni and son with RL Stine

Innovative Tech Resources for Children at Your Public Library

by Sharon Howes, Librarian

As a parent, you want to ensure that your child has access to a wealth of resources that can help them learn, grow and explore their interests. Hillsborough County Public Library is committed to providing a vibrant and supportive environment for children, offering not only traditional books and movies but also a host of exciting tech tools designed to engage young minds. Our collection of hands-on kids tech is perfect for fostering curiosity and igniting a passion for learning in your little ones.

One of our standout offerings is WhaZoodles, the newest addition to our library tech collection. These interactive, screen-free devices are specifically designed for kids, providing an engaging way to explore a range of educational content. With WhaZoodles, children can delve into a variety of subjects, from the fascinating world of dinosaurs to the playful antics of dogs, and even the joys of reading. What makes WhaZoodles particularly appealing is that they do not require an internet connection or downloads, allowing children to dive straight into learning and exploration. These devices prioritize interactive storytelling, mindfulness activities and quizzes that not only captivate children but also encourage them to think critically and creatively.

Another exciting resource available at our library is Launchpads. These kid-friendly tablets come preloaded with a bounty of learning apps, videos and educational games, all aimed at enhancing specific skills or competencies. Each Launchpad is thoughtfully designed to focus on essential developmental areas, such as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), early literacy and critical thinking. Since these tablets do not require an internet connection, children can freely engage with the materials wherever they are, without the distractions of the online world. Launchpads offer a safe and enriching way for kids to learn through play, making education feel enjoyable rather than tedious.

For a more traditional yet interactive reading experience, our library offers Wonderbooks and VOX Readalongs.

These unique resources blend the physical experience of a book with the engaging elements of an audiobook. Each features a builtin audio player, allowing children to listen as they follow along with the text. This combination not only captures their interest but also enhances literacy development by making reading a shared experience. The read-along format helps children to associate words with sounds, improving their reading skills while fostering a love for stories.

Moreover, Wonderbooks include a learning mode that poses prompts and questions designed to spark curiosity and encourage deeper thinking about the stories. This feature empowers parents and caregivers to engage in meaningful conversations with their children about the narratives they encounter, promoting critical thinking and comprehension skills. By participating in these dialogues, adults can model active listening and thoughtful responses, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and connection.

Hillsborough County Public Library’s treasure trove of resources is designed to support your child’s educational journey. With innovative tools like WhaZoodles, Launchpads and Wonderbooks, your child can explore new subjects, enhance their skills and develop a love of learning in an engaging and interactive way. We invite you and your children to visit the library and discover these excellent tech resources that aim to inspire and educate. Together, let’s foster a spirit of exploration and curiosity that will last a lifetime!

Back to School — For the Littlest Learners

by Elicia Hinson, Juvenile Welfare Board

As backpacks fill store aisles and yellow buses return to their routes, a quieter kind of “back to school” season is already underway. It doesn’t involve class schedules or parent portals — but it does involve brains firing at over a million neural connections per second.

Welcome to the classroom of early childhood. No desks required.

The Most Critical Years of Learning

Research confirms what many parents instinctively feel: Babies are born ready to learn. By age 3, a child’s brain reaches 80% of its adult size. That makes the first 1,000 days from birth to age 3 the most powerful window for cognitive, emotional and social development.

And the best part? You don’t need flashcards or fancy gadgets. You already have everything your baby needs: your voice, your attention and your everyday routines.

Your Baby's Class Schedule: 24/7 Learning Opportunities

While other parents shop for school supplies, you already have everything you need for your baby's education. From morning coffee to bedtime stories, the world around you becomes a rich classroom when you engage with your baby intentionally. These moments may seem small, but they’re packed with developmental power.

• Bath Time becomes a vocabulary lesson when you sing and name body parts: “Here are your tiny toes!”

• Diaper Changes turn into bonding opportunities when you narrate the moment and make eye contact: “Daddy’s coming in fast with the wipe!”

• Stroller Walks become mobile language labs when you describe the world around you: “Look at the big red truck!” or “That breeze feels nice.”

Babies aren’t passive observers. They’re active learners, primed for connection and discovery.

Turbo Babies: Brain Science in Action

The Turbo Babies, fueled by the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, distills early brain science into four simple, actionable tips:

Tune In – Watch and listen for your baby’s cues.

Take Turns – Pause and let your baby respond, even in babbles.

Talk & Repeat – Narrate your day, sing and describe.

Take Time – Use everyday routines to connect and play.

These tips don’t require special toys or apps. They just require you.

Your Baby’s Report Card

You won’t find grades or gold stars here, but the results of your baby’s learning journey are unmistakable. They’re visible in every milestone reached, every new sound made and every moment of connection shared.

You’ll notice it in their growing curiosity, their blossoming communication skills and the secure attachment they’re building with you. These are the lifelong outcomes of a classroom powered by love, presence and everyday interactions.

So this September, while older children settle into new classrooms, remember that your baby’s most important educational journey is already beautifully under way. Class is always in session. The teacher is devoted. And the learning outcomes will last a lifetime.

A Hub of Wellness and Growth: An Inside Look at Hillsborough County Children’s Board Family Resource Centers

The Children’s Board Family Resource Centers are neighborhood-based hubs designed to strengthen families, promote healthy child development and connect parents and caregivers with valuable community resources. From developmental playgroups and health screenings to parenting workshops and youth programs like the Explorers Club, the centers provide a welcoming space where families can learn, grow and thrive together. The CBFRCs are funded by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County

In this Q&A, Tyheshia Scott, Director of the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers, shares insights about the wide range of services offered, the importance of creating safe and supportive spaces for children and how families across Hillsborough County can benefit from becoming members.

TBPM: What kind of activities does the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers provide to children and families?

TS: Our centers offer much more than just activities — they’re a hub for family wellness and growth. Parents and caregivers can join developmental playgroups with their children, receive health and safety education and access services like pediatric well-child visits, immunizations and screenings. By working closely with community partners and volunteers, we support families from birth to 18 years old, helping them become happier, healthier and stronger.

TBPM: What is the Explorers Club, and why is it important for children?

TS: The Explorers Club is a free program at our Children’s Board Family Resource Centers that gives children a safe, supervised space to learn, make friends and explore new interests. It’s designed to help kids from third to eighth grade develop social skills, boost confidence and have fun in a positive environment.

TBPM: How does the Explorers Club keep children safe while they participate?

TS: Safety is our top priority. Our activities are supervised by trained staff and volunteers, all of whom undergo background checks. We follow clear safety protocols, including check-in/check-out procedures, ageappropriate activities and safe spaces for both indoor and outdoor play.

TBPM: Why is it important for kids to connect with other children, especially now?

TS: Positive peer connections help children feel less isolated, build teamwork skills and develop empathy. After school breaks or periods of transition, programs like the Explorers Club give kids a sense of belonging and a chance to form healthy, lasting friendships.

TBPM: How can the Explorers Club help children adjust as they return to school?

TS: Our activities encourage problem-solving, cooperation and creativity — skills that support classroom success. By practicing social interactions in a safe setting, children feel more confident and ready to engage when they head back to school.

TBPM: What can parents and caregivers gain from joining their neighborhood Children’s Board Family Resource Center?

TS: Membership is free, and it opens the door to ongoing support — from parenting workshops and early childhood resources to job search help and health services. It’s a place for the whole family to grow, connect and get the tools they need for a strong start.

TBPM: Is the Children’s Board Family Resource Center only for families facing challenges?

TS: Not at all. Our centers welcome all families, no matter their circumstances. Whether you’re looking for fun activities for your kids, parenting tips or just a friendly place to connect, our doors are open to everyone in the community.

TBPM: How can families sign up for the Explorers Club or become members of their local Family Resource Center?

TS: It’s simple — stop by your nearest Family Resource Center, fill out a free membership form, and our staff will walk you through all the programs available. You can also find locations and details on the Children’s Board Family Resource Center website, familysupporthc.org.

Favorite Things: Baby Edition

Every Fall we like to round up the best of the best of what’s new for Baby. From big ticket items like strollers, wagons and bassinets, to the latest in nursing and feeding products, nursery upgrades and more, these are our picks for great baby gifts and registry items this year.

by Zoë Joiner

BIG TICKET ITEMS

Mockingbird Bassinet

Adding a superfunctional bassinet to their repertoire, Mockingbird's superfunctional bassinet comes with a collapsible stand, making it a 2-for-1 option that can be used in the home on the stand or on-the-go with the stroller; $265 at hellomockingbird.com.

Familidoo Q1 Wagon

A brand new stroller wagon on the market, the Q1 Wagon from Familidoo features an adaptable, off-the-ground seat complete with a 5-point harness to give your child better posture, comfort and visibility. Designed for modern parents who want more comfort and less clutter, this unique, 1-seat wagon holds up to 132 pounds and grows with your family from 6 to 36 months and beyond; $279 at Familidoo.com.

Mockingbird Stroller

We love this brand for making luxurious strollers more accessible. Stroll in style with Mockingbird's awardwinning singleto-double stroller complete with second seat and ride-on board making it a smooth ride for up to 3; $549+ at hellomockingbird.com.

POP IT IN THE BABY SHOWER BASKET

Loulou Lollipop makes the cutest little teething mitts that you ever did see from 100% premium and soft, food-safe silicone. Available in different animal shapes, babies love this unique design and flexible texture, which offers a fun tactile experience; $11.95 at louloulollipop.com.

A shower gift wouldn’t be complete without a super sweet book to sign. A Day at the Farm with The Very Hungry Caterpillar is an adorable new board book with colorful, interactive tabs; ($5.42 on Amazon.com). Meanwhile, Indestructibles™ are still the winners if you’re looking for durability. They can literally withstand it all, from chewing and ripping to drooling. They’re even 100% washable and come in different languages; $5.99 on Amazon.

For extra soft snuggles with baby, gift an adorable pajama or onesie option from our favorite children’s brands, Loulou Lollipop or Emerson and Friends. Our favorite nursing brand, Kindred Bravely, also has a brand-new line of Bamboo Baby Pajamas, made from buttery-soft, breathable bamboo that keeps little ones comfy no matter the temperature; $34.90 at KindredBravely.com.

NURSING & FEEDING ESSENTIALS

Le Lolo Nursing Products

Because new moms deserve products that are both functional and pretty, this beautiful line of postpartum essentials feature thoughtfully designed nipple shields (with silicone stickers to hold them in place!), nursing pads, hot and cold packs, balms, lactation support essentials and even beautifully-curated gift boxes all designed to make the motherhood journey a little easier and a lot more joyful; wearelelolo.com.

Bodily Nursing Bras

Co-designed with IBCLCs to support comfort, breast health, and a changing body, the line of nursing bras from Bodily were created to support Founder Tova Haim's proprietary Stages of Breastfeeding, from the 4-in-1 pumping and nursing “Do Anything” bra to the I'm-ready-for-jeansagain "So Easy” bra. You can even get The Stages of Breastfeeding Bundle featuring three bras in order of when you need them; from $48 at itsbodily.com.

BIBS Baby Bottles, Pacifiers and Feeders

We love BIBS’ Try-It Pacifier Collection featuring three different options of nipple shapes to try out, all made from soft, natural rubber latex, in case your little is *selective* like mine was; $19.95 on Amazon.

They recently launched a line of bottles as well. Offering options galore so you can determine the best bottle for your baby, the new BIBS Bottles are available in 5-ounce or 9-ounce sizes in glass or plastic, and you can choose between latex or silicone nipples; from $9.95 on Amazon.

Fill BIBS’ new silicone Baby Food Freezer Tray up with frozen breast milk and formula, or with small bites of fruits and veggies. They fit perfectly inside the BIBS Baby Feeder for a safe introduction to new foods; $9.95-$13.95 on Amazon.

BabyBuddha UV 3-in-1 Sterilizer

This might be the most helpful gift yet – perfect for cleaning all feeding equipment and pumping parts. Our test mom loved its quick cycles and how this UV sterilizer effectively kills 99.9% of harmful bacteria and viruses without using chemicals. Save a step and combine washing, drying and sanitizing all-in-one; $249.99; Available on Amazon.

GIFT THE NEW MOM SOME LOVE

NURSERY UPGRADES

Miku Pro Smart Baby Monitor

Available with wall mount or stand, the Miku Pro uses SensorFusion Tech to monitor temperature, humidity, light, sound, and motion without wearables, even in the dark. Miku provides live breathing patterns, sleep analytics, and smart alerts, all while delivering superior AV quality and enhanced security; $179.99 on Amazon; subscription required for advanced features.

Little Bot Ofie Play Mat

The sweetest, reversible playmats, Little Bot’s mats are thoughtfully designed for families who value style and functionality in their homes. Featuring safe, non-toxic, and beautifully designed playmats, these bad boys are super durable and easy to clean. We love this special edition mat featuring a road map on one side and beloved Eric Carle imagery on the other; $159, littlebotbaby.com.

VAVA Cradle Baby Night Light

New moms will especially appreciate receiving Bodily’s award-winning Care For Birth Box, which was put together with OB-GYNs, midwives, and IBCLC lactation experts as a postpartum and breastfeeding care kit. It’s a curated set of 33 premium products designed to support you through those first sensitive days, including upgraded recovery underwear, nursing pads, hydrogel nipple pads, cloud-soft maxi pads, slouch socks, even a chic retractable peri bottle – and much more; $84 at ItsBodily.com.

This egg-shaped light brings a soft, soothing glow to midnight feeds, diaper changes, and bedtime outines and features a 200-hour runtime, dimmable light, and charging base; $29.69 on Amazon.

BIBS Bottles

BIBS Feeder

BIBS Freezer Tray

Backpack Safety 101 for Parents: Keeping Your Child’s Back Healthy and Strong

by Dr. Joe Chow, Chief Medical Officer

Backpacks are an everyday school necessity for schoolaged children, helping them carry books, supplies, snacks, and sometimes even their favorite stuffed animal. But did you know that when backpacks are overloaded or worn incorrectly, they can lead to back pain and posture problems, even at a young age? Let’s take a moment to review how to keep backpacks comfortable, safe and supportive for your child’s growing body.

WHY BACKPACK SAFETY IS IMPORTANT

Children’s bones and muscles are still developing, and their bodies are more vulnerable to strain and imbalance. A heavy or poorly worn backpack can cause:

• Muscle fatigue

• Back, neck or shoulder pain

• Rounded shoulders or poor posture

• Trouble balancing

Most of these issues are avoidable with just a few smart adjustments to what they carry and how they wear their pack.

QUICK AT-HOME BACKPACK CHECK

Take a minute to check your child’s backpack:

Can they put it on easily without struggling?

Are both straps being used and properly adjusted?

Does the pack sit evenly across their shoulders and not sag low?

Is the load necessary and well-balanced?

By helping your child develop safe backpack habits now, you are protecting their posture, comfort and health for years to come.

EASY BACKPACK SAFETY TIPS

1. Keep It Light

A good rule of thumb: A backpack should weigh no more than 10% of your child’s body weight. If your child weighs 60 pounds, their backpack should be no more than 6 pounds. If it feels heavy to you, it’s probably too heavy for them.

2. Choose the Right Backpack

Look for these features:

• Wide, padded shoulder straps to prevent digging into shoulders

• A padded back panel for extra comfort

• A chest or waist strap to help distribute weight

• Multiple compartments to organize items and spread the load

3. Teach Proper Wearing Habits

Backpacks should always be worn with both shoulder straps. Slinging it over one shoulder might be quick, but it puts all the weight on one side, leading to strain. Straps should be snug so the backpack sits close to the back, not drooping below the waist.

4. Pack Strategically

Encourage your child to only bring what is needed for the day. Place heavier items like textbooks closest to the back and lighter items in outer pockets. If a laptop or tablet is needed, it should be in a padded section close to the spine.

5. Schedule Weekly Backpack Clean-Outs

You would be surprised what builds up in a child’s backpack — old worksheets, forgotten permission slips, toys and sometimes even half-eaten lunches. A regular clean-out helps remove clutter and lighten the load.

6. Support Healthy Habits

Strong backs make carrying easier. Encourage your child to stay active through walking, biking, sports, or even simple playground play. Activities that build core strength and balance are especially helpful.

Weather Hunters is a new animated PBS KIDS series created by America’s weathercaster, Al Roker. Join the Hunter family as they explore and report on all kinds of weather!

Premieres September 8

Ages K–Grade 2

Watch and Play Anytime on PBS KIDS

Explore additional resources for the home and classroom on pbslearningmedia.org and pbskidsforparents.org - live on September 8.

Take a SAFE Seat

Car seat safety tips for our tiniest passengers

by Anu Varma Panchal

Among the bottle warmers, sleep technology and adorable crib bedding that you might be putting on your baby registry, there is one thing that is so important that you cannot go home from the hospital without it: your baby’s car seat.

In terms of safety, comfort and peace of mind, it may be the most important purchase you make for baby, and yet it is an item that most parents don’t give enough thought to using correctly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1-13. Choosing the right car seat and installing it properly are a crucial first step in your parenting journey.

“Research shows that seven out of 10 car seats are not installed correctly,” says Gina Baez, BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Specialist. “Even the best car seat can’t protect your child if it’s not used properly. To ensure your child’s safety, we encourage parents and caregivers to schedule a free car seat inspection with a Safe Kids certified child passenger technician through BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety Center."

Here are some tips from Safekids.org, which also has a full installation guide with videos and diagrams:

CHOOSING a car seat

Based on the age, weight and height of your child, determine whether you need a rear-facing car seat, a forward facing car seat or a booster.

• Children should remain in a rear-facing car seat at least until the age of 2, ideally until they reach the maximum height or weight limit specified by the car seat manufacturer.

• Children over 2 can sit in a forward-facing seat with a harness and top tether.

• Children who have outgrown the height and weight limits of the forward-facing seat can use a booster seat until they can use an adult car seat, generally between 8 and 12 years.

To check if a child is ready for an adult seat belt, make sure their knees bend at the edge of the seat when their back and bottom are against the vehicle seat back and that their feet touch the floor. The vehicle lap belt must fit snugly across the hips or upper thighs and the shoulder belt should go across the shoulder and chest, not the face or the neck.

BUYING a car seat

• Buy a car seat that already has all the features that you want, such as soft covers for the straps. Adding your own bits and pieces ad hoc after the fact can affect the safety of the seat.

• Read the label or specs to ensure that the seat can accommodate your child’s size.

• Register your seat so that you can be updated with any safety concerns or recalls by the manufacturer.

• Never purchase a used car seat. You do not know whether it has been in an accident or if its safety has been compromised in some way.

INSTALLING a car seat

• The back seat is always the safest place for a child.

• Attach the car seat to the car either by threading the seatbelt through the appropriate slots in the seat or by using the lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system. Forward-facing seats should use the top latch also. Read the labels to see which method is best for your child based on their weight.

• When installed, at the belt path, try and wiggle the seat forward to backward and side to side. It should move no more than one inch each way.

Safe Kids Greater Tampa Coalition, led by St. Jospeh's Children's Hospital, provides one-on-one car seat inspections and car seat education classes to our community. Visit baycare.org/wellness-resources/pregnancy/secondtrimester/car-seat-safety-and-inspection for more information. You can also check out familysupporthc.org/baycare-kids for information about car seat installation classes. (Please note that the classes do have income requirements.)

ENSURING the right fit

• Make sure your child is secured within the car seat with a properly fitted five-point harness system. Straps should go over both shoulders and hips and be secured at the crotch.

• On rear-facing car seats, the shoulder straps should come through the car seat slots at or just BELOW your child’s shoulders. On forward-facing seats, the shoulder straps should be at or just ABOVE the shoulders.

• After tightening the harness, pinch it at the shoulder; your fingers should slide off the webbing. If you are able to pinch the webbing between your fingers, the harness is loose.

COMMON MISTAKES PARENTS MAKE:

• Not switching the retractor with the lap and shoulder belt

• Using the lower anchors in the upside-down position

• Incorrect use of lower anchor and seat belt

• Adding products to the car seat that did not come with the car seat

• Turning children around to forward-facing too soon (child should be rear-facing until at least 2 years of age)

• Shoulder harnesses are too low, too high or not snug enough

• Retainer clip is too low or too high

• Seats move more than one inch

• Moving kids out of booster seats too early (before they max out the height or weight limit of that booster seat)

• Not realizing that different states or countries have different child restraint laws

McIlwain Dental Specialists

Comprehensive Dental Care Under One Roof!

Children’s Dentistry

Leigh Ann McIlwain, DMD

Michael McIlwain, DMD

Kara Ford, DMD

Cosmetic & Adult Dentistry

Michael Chiaramonte, DMD

Rebecca Warnken, DDS

Justin Mitchell, DMD

Orthodontics

Matthew S. Ahrens, DMD, MS

Mary Awadallah, DDS

Smiling Through It All: The Joyful Legacy of Dr. Michael McIlwain

by Dana Busciglio Diaz

If there’s one word to describe Dr. Michael Fulghum McIlwain, it’s extraordinary. As a beloved Pediatric Dentist, husband, father, coach, and friend, Mike lived with a joy and generosity that touched everyone he met. Even in the face of a devastating diagnosis, he never stopped showing up, for his family, his patients, his colleagues, and his community. He fought neuroendocrine carcinoma with quiet courage and an unwavering smile, never letting his illness dim the light he brought into the world. In the office, on the soccer field, or at home with his wife Cristina and their three incredible children, Mike led by example with kindness, humility, and heart.

1. A Light in the Profession

"Dr. Mike," as he was lovingly known by his patients and team, was born and raised in Tampa and was a proud graduate of Berkeley Prep. He was the cornerstone of McIlwain Dental Specialists and has served the Tampa Bay Area for over two decades as a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. He was a steady presence whose warmth and expertise defined the heart of the practice. He dedicated his life to caring for children and families with gentleness, skill, and a signature smile that could put even the most nervous patient at ease. Mike truly loved what he did. Dentistry wasn't work to him; it was a calling. He brought a sense of fun and lightness to the office every day, creating a joyful environment for both patients and staff whom he loved so much.

His generosity extended far beyond the walls of his practice. Mike volunteered for 20 years with the craniofacial team at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, where his patients became part of his extended dental family. He was an expert in treating medically complex cases and often provided pro bono care, believing fiercely that no child should be denied treatment because of financial hardship. That unwavering commitment to his patients, regardless of circumstance, defined his legacy in the profession he loved so deeply.

2. Family First, Always

More than anything in the world, Dr. Mike McIlwain loved being a husband and a father. He and his wife Cristina shared a deep, devoted love, a true partnership filled with laughter, respect, and unwavering support. Together, they raised three incredible children: Ella, Grayson, and Lucy, each of whom carries a piece of Mike’s spirit.

In the past six months, Mike had the joy of working side by side with his son Grayson in the dental office. Grayson, inspired by his dad in every way, plans to follow in his footsteps and become a pediatric dentist. He soaked up every moment with Mike like a sponge, watching, learning, asking questions — eager to understand not just the technical skill of dentistry, but the heart behind it. Mike was so proud to see Grayson’s passion unfold right before his eyes.

Ella, too, is following the path her father set. She dreams of becoming a dentist and specializing in orthodontics, blending precision with care just as Mike did so effortlessly. His youngest daughter Lucy, his “Gooey”, lit up his world with her humor and hugs, and her mischievous charm reminded everyone of Mike’s playful side. Through his children, Mike’s legacy continues with purpose, promise, and love.

3. The Beautiful Game

Soccer was more than a sport to Mike, it was a way of life. He played competitively through college at the University of Maryland and never lost his love for the game, often setting up pick up matches at Cinco Soccer in Tampa with the same passion he brought to every part of life. He served as a coach for Tampa Bay United Soccer Club for 12 years and led his teams with positivity, encouragement, and quiet strength. He believed in building confidence, not just skills, and his players looked up to him both on and off the field. Through soccer, Mike taught kids how to love the game and believe in themselves. He was recently honored by the University of Maryland with the team’s annual “Coaches Award” for his instrumental role in contributing to the early success of the soccer program. In every task, he demonstrated unmatched professionalism and was a true teammate who lifted everyone around him. This recognition is a perfect reflection of who he was on the soccer field and personally.

4. Living with Purpose

Mike McIlwain lived every day like it was a gift. Whether he was fishing, coaching soccer in the Florida heat, playing a quick round of golf, or simply relaxing in flip-flops with close friends and family, Mike poured his energy into the moments that mattered most. He didn't just fill his days; he filled them with intention, joy, and the people he loved most. Even during his yearlong battle with cancer, he showed up fully at work, at home, and in his friendships, often saying that this past year was the best year of his life.

5. Faith and Strength

In the final year of his life, Mike made a deeply personal and powerful decision, he was baptized at Christ the King Catholic Church on Easter Sunday. Surrounded by his family and loved ones, he embraced his faith with quiet conviction and humility. For those who knew him, it felt like a natural extension of how he already lived: with compassion, grace, and a heart full of love. His spiritual journey was one of peace and purpose, a reminder that it is never too late to lean into hope, light, and something greater than us.

6. The Friend We All Wish For

Mike had a quiet gift for making people feel seen, valued, and cared for. He was the kind of friend who showed up without being asked, who listened more than he spoke, and who always left others feeling better than he found them. His kindness, humor, and unwavering loyalty made life sweeter for everyone who knew him.

That mindset, grateful, resilient, and full of light, is what Mike leaves behind for all of us. To honor his legacy, take his example and apply it to your own life. Be present. Be kind. Say yes when someone needs you. And even when life does not go as planned, choose to live it all in just like Mike did.

To honor Mike’s legacy of service and compassion, please consider making a donation to the Mike McIlwain Cleft and Craniofacial Fun Day at flcleft.com.

Discover Life Lessons Through Fall Sports at the Y

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

With back-to-school season in full swing and cooler temperatures on the way, fall is the perfect time to get your kids moving, learning and having fun through YMCA fall sports.

Whether your child is brand new to sports or already an all-star, the YMCA provides a welcoming, inclusive space where every child has the chance to thrive. As a nonprofit organization, the YMCA is committed to ensuring that cost is never a barrier. Scholarships and financial assistance are available for families that may need extra support to participate in our programs.

From soccer and flag football to volleyball, cheer, golf and so much more, the Y offers a wide range of youth sports programs designed to keep children active, build confidence and develop healthy habits.

At the YMCA, youth sports are about more than just learning the fundamentals of the game. While our certified coaches help kids build essential athletic skills, we are equally committed to teaching important life lessons, such as teamwork, communication, perseverance and sportsmanship. These are the skills that prepare children not just for game day, but for life. Whether it’s learning how to support a teammate, how to bounce back after a tough loss or how to set and achieve goals, the lessons learned on the field or court are ones they’ll carry with them long after the season ends.

“YMCA youth sports are a powerful tool for development,” said Eamonn OSullivan, senior program director at the New Tampa Family YMCA. “We’re not just coaching sports, we’re helping kids discover who they are, what they’re capable of and how they can contribute to something bigger than themselves. It’s gratifying to watch a child grow in skill and confidence throughout a season and know that we played a role in that journey.”

Fall sports at the Y also provide a strong sense of community. Our programs bring families together and provide kids with a safe space to grow, try new things and discover their full potential. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to be involved, cheering on the sidelines, volunteering as coaches or simply sharing in the joy of watching their kids learn and succeed.

It’s this spirit of togetherness that makes YMCA youth sports more than just a seasonal activity; it becomes a part of a child’s development journey and a meaningful way for families to connect.

If you’re looking for a way to keep your child active and engaged this fall, there’s no better place than the YMCA. With convenient schedules, supportive coaches and a welcoming environment, our fall sports programs are designed with families in mind. Registration is now open. Spots fill up quickly, so don’t wait to sign up!

For specific Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA programs and locations, visit tampaymca.org/programs/youth-programs/youth-sports. For all YMCA of the Suncoast programs and locations, visit ymcasuncoast.org/program s/s ports.

PLAY MORE STRESS LESS

This fall, rediscover family time, the power of movement, and the comfort of belonging. At the YMCA, we’re more than a gym, we’re a community that strengthens families, supports well-being, and helps everyone feel at home.

Whether you’re building healthy habits, finding a safe space for your kids, or reconnecting with loved ones, you’ll find it all at the Y.

Membership at the Y gives you access to: Fitness classes and wellness programs for every level

Discounts on programs like youth sports, swim lessons, holiday camp and afterschool care

Personal and small group training by certified trainers

Stay & Play for busy parents

Events and activities, and so much MORE!

JOIN TODAY

Aliyah is Cured of Sickle Cell Disease at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

by Roy Adams

Aliyah and Alijah will forever share a very special bond — and it goes far beyond being brother and sister.

Aliyah was born with sickle cell disease, the most common form of inherited blood disorder. Her brother, Alijah, did not have sickle cell and was a 100% match as a potential bone marrow donor.

Sickle cell disease can include the sudden onset of pain called “sickle cell crisis” because of blocked blood flow to surrounding tissues and often requires medical attention.

The only cure for sickle cell disease is a bone marrow transplant, but finding the right donor can be challenging. Siblings often make good bone marrow donors, but in the case of sickle cell, a sibling often also has the disease.

This is where Alijah — who did not inherit the disease — comes in.

THE BEGINNING

When Alijah was conceived, his mother Terri knew she was a carrier of the sickle cell trait. However, Terri and her husband Narada didn’t realize he too was a carrier until their OB-GYN suggested Narada get tested. They were relieved that Alijah did not have the sickle trait nor the disease, however Aliyah wasn’t as fortunate.

Doctors soon confirmed Aliyah had sickle cell disease.

Terri’s cousin who has a doctorate degree and studies sickle cell, connected the family to sickle cell specialists at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida.

A MIRACLE IN THE MAKING

When Aliyah turned 3, she began having serious spleen issues due to her sickle cell disease. After the second episode, the medical protocol is to remove the spleen.

“I prayed about it and told the doctors, ‘I respect your position, but I don’t feel this is the right time to remove it,’” Terri says. “The Lord Jesus told me he was going to heal her.”

Terri began to learn about bone marrow transplant (BMT) as an option for sickle cell treatment.

“I thought, OK, well maybe this is an answer to my prayers,” Terri says. “I called the doctors back and asked if a BMT was an option instead of a spleen removal.”

Carrie Gann, a nurse practitioner in the sickle cell program, told Terri that a cheek swab could be used to test for a sibling match. Terri suggested testing Alijah.

“Turns out he was a 100% match for a bone marrow transplant that could potentially cure her of sickle cell disease,” Terri says. “When we told Alijah that he was a perfect match for his sister and his bone marrow could save her life, he got very excited at first. When we came home, we explained that donating bone marrow stem cells requires agreeing to have stem cells drawn from either your blood or bone marrow to be given to someone else.”

“He is terrified of needles and at first said no due fear of getting blood drawn. We told him it was OK. We understand. If you change your mind let us know. He was 8 years old at this point, and we are asking a lot of him. We told him we were not pressuring him to do anything he didn’t want to do. We always reassured him we were not upset with him.”

THE PERFECT AGE

A bone marrow transplant for sickle cell disease involves replacing the patient's faulty blood-forming cells with healthy stem cells from a donor. This process typically includes chemotherapy and/or radiation to prepare the patient's bone marrow for the new cells, followed by the infusion of donor stem cells through an IV, similar to a blood transfusion.

“Every single appointment they educated us about the disease and medications,” Terri says. “They addressed all our concerns and really treated us like family.”

“Aliyah was the perfect age,” says Minelys M. Alicea Marrero, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist specializing in blood and marrow transplants in the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute.

As Alijah got older and realized Aliyah was becoming sicker, he decided to be the donor. His mother recalls him saying: “That’s my sister. I don’t want to see her suffer anymore. I want to do what it takes to make her better.”

“That made me cry,” Terri says. “We arranged for him to speak to counselors and the medical team without us being in the room to confirm he understood the surgical processes and that he was not being pressured.”

LAST-MINUTE UNCERTAINTY

Alijah arrived at the hospital for his bone marrow donation feeling excited that he was going to help his sister feel better. But as he entered the pre-operative area, he had a panic attack.

“We were not expecting that,” Terri says. “I told him, I understand you are scared to be put to sleep, but your sister has already started the chemotherapy, and we can’t turn back now. That’s when the Child Life team got involved to help us. They were a great help to explain the process of anesthesia.”

“Finally, I just laid down on his gurney and hugged him tightly, reassuring him everything would be OK. Then they rolled us both into the OR. When he woke up an hour later, Alijah said, ‘When are they going to do this?’ When we told him it was all over, he said, ‘Mommy, I did it! … I did it!”

“To this day, Alijah tells everyone, he helped heal his sister and save her life,” Terri says.

A BRIGHT FUTURE

The tests confirmed that the transplant was a success, and Aliyah was sickle cell free.

“Before this, I had no idea that sickle cell disease could be cured,” Terri says. “Today, Aliyah is full of energy, like any 5-year-old kid,” says Terri. “We are now working our way toward a normal family life and do not have to worry anymore about her having a sickle cell crisis.”

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