City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor Weekly News - February 27, 2023
The City of Tampa recently launched Soulwalk, a new art & heritage trail celebrating Black History. The map's trail spans approximately 46 miles and 25 neighborhoods and includes nearly 100 stops that visitors can explore. Check it out at tampa.gov/soulwalk.
GET INVOLVED
Conversations with Castor
Mayor Jane Castor wants resident feedback on how City officials can enhance the quality of life in your neighborhood. Join the listening session tonight (February 27) at 6 pm at Ragan Park Community Center (1200 East Lake Ave).
26th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration
The City of Tampa will host its annual Women's History Month Celebration on March 1 at 10:30 am at the Tampa Bay History Center. The event will celebrate the Josephine Howard Stafford Memorial Award recipient Mary Bryan and feature keynote speaker Dr. Sarah McNamara, author of "Ybor City Crucible of the Latina South." The event is free and open to the public.
St. Patrick’s Day Festivities
The Rough Riders will host their annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ybor City on March 11 at 8 pm. River O’ Green Fest also returns on March 18 from 11 am – 5 pm at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. This annual, free event celebrates the St. Patrick’s Day holiday as the Hillsborough River is transformed into a bright shade of green. Celebrate with live Irish entertainment, food and beverage vendors, beer, and family-friendly activities. Admission is free, and the entire family is welcome, including four-legged members.
Apprenticeship Accelerator
Want to train to retain talent within the construction industry? Join us on March 16 at 2 pm at the Seminole Heights Garden Center for an exciting introduction to Registered Apprenticeship Programs (R.A.P.) as a model to strengthen your workforce pipeline. Attendees will also hear from employers who have integrated this model into their workforce training and learn how to retain a highly productive workforce while offering career seekers affordable paths to high-paying jobs.
Senior Day in the Park
Join the Parks & Recreation Department on March 10 from 9:30 am to 1 pm for Senior Day in the Park at MacFarlane Park. There will be a 1-mile walk, games, entertainment, free food, vendors, and raffles. For more information, call 813-348-1180.
Job of the Week
The Department of Economic Opportunity is hiring a Director of Economic Opportunity to develop and manage the City of Tampa’s initiatives to promote a comprehensive approach to economic development. This work is of unusual difficulty, requiring the exercise of considerable initiative and independent judgment in planning, coordinating, and organizing development and redevelopment efforts. This position will also initiate, monitor, and evaluate development and redevelopment progress and maintains effective working relationships with diverse external and internal stakeholders.
LAST WEEK'S HEADLINES
Tampa Soulwalk showcases history of city’s Black communities
WFLA NewsChannel 8
The City of Tampa debuted a new arts and heritage trail on Wednesday that tells the history of the city’s Black communities and highlights art from contemporary Black artists.
Tampa wins $5.3 million federal grant for Ashley Drive interchange improvement
Tampa Bay Times
City and county leaders have championed the project as promoting economic activity and making it easier for bikers and pedestrians.
River O' Green Fest coming to Downtown Tampa on March 18
10 Tampa Bay
Festivities will kick off at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with live music, kids' activities, food trucks and – you guessed it – beer.
Mayor Castor proclaims ‘USF Coed Cheer Team Day’
The Oracle
Friday’s ceremony featured 31 athletes in attendance as Tampa Mayor Jane Castor honored the USF coed cheer team.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Meet Roberta Bowmer, one of our Senior Code Enforcement Inspectors in the Neighborhood Enhancement Division. She has worked for the City of Tampa for 27 years, and is known by her peers for her determination and willingness to help others succeed. Most recently, she received a compliment from a resident stating: “Roberta provided timely, accurate, and helpful advice, but was extremely knowledgeable on city guidelines and laws that I needed to clarify. She has a genuine and caring approach. She is patient and a true professional”.
What's one of the coolest days you’ve had on the job? My coolest days are when I can accomplish tasks and see results. I am a hands-on person, so seeing things get done is one of the best feelings you can have.
What do you like to do in your free time? I like to camp, ride in the woods, hunt and shop. I also like to just be at peace in my free time.
What are you reading right now and/or binging on Netflix? I like watching Yellowstone and both old and new western shows.
Do you have any pets? Yes, Blue. Blue is a medium size dog. He was a rescue.
COMING UP THIS WEEK
Monday, February 27 at 1:30 p.m.
TAMPA HILLSBOROUGH EXPRESSWAY AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING
Monday, February 27 at 6 p.m.
COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSION - EAST TAMPA
Tuesday, February 28 at 8:15 a.m.
TAMPA BAY PARTNERSHIP LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST
Tuesday, February 28 at 10:30 a.m.
MEDIA EVENT – eBIKE VOUCHER PROGRAM LAUNCH
Tuesday, February 28 at 2 p.m.
FLORIDA BIG CITY COALITION MEETING, ORLANDO, FL
Wednesday, March 1 at 10:30 a.m.
CITY OF TAMPA'S ANNUAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM & 2023 JOSEPHINE HOWARD STAFFORD MEMORIAL AWARD PRESENTATION
Thursday, March 2 at 9 a.m.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY AVIATION AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING
Friday, March 3 at 12 p.m.
NEW YORK YANKEES 25th ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL LUNCHEON BENEFITTING BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF TAMPA BAY
Friday, March 3 – Saturday, March 4
U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS LEADERSHIP MEETING, CORAL GABLES, FL
Sunday, March 5
Opening Toast - BREWER'S BALL
