Osprey Observer Political Guide Primary Election July 2024
Know T e Key Dates And T e T ree Ways To Vote Ahead Of Florida’s Primary Election
This is going to be an exciting year for elections. Voting is a right, but with every right comes responsibilities. In order to vote, you must be informed. The first opportunity to vote is in the primary election, which is set to take place on Tuesday, August 20. There are important dates and times to keep in mind. The deadline to register/ change your party afliation is Monday, July 22. Early voting will take place from Monday, August 5, to Sunday, August 18, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Thursday, August 8 at 5 p.m. Election Day is August 20, and polls are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
court judge, soil and water conservation districts, community development districts and special taxing districts — by visiting www. votehillsborough.gov.
For candidates for president, U.S. senator, U.S. Representative, state attorney, public defender, state senator, state representative, Supreme Court justice, district court of appeal and circuit judge, you can visit https:// dos.fl.gov/elections/.
While Florida is a closed primary state, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections
Craig Latimer said, “I want all voters to understand that they can vote in the primary election, regardless of their party afliation. There are nonpartisan races that will be de-
cided in the primary election, and if you do not vote you will miss your opportunity to have a voice in who represents you in those ofces.”
If you need information on the candidates, you can find local candidates — including clerk of circuit court, sherif, property appraiser, tax collector, supervisor of elections, county commission, school board, county
In Florida, you have several ways to vote. Latimer said, “I encourage voters to plan their vote. You have three convenient options that include vote-by-mail, early voting and election day. So, there really is no excuse to miss an election. You will find information about where, when and how you can vote at www.votehillsborough.gov. Starting about a month before each election, you can also look up your sample ballot to see who you can vote for.”
VOTE-BY-MAIL
Vote-by-mail is the most convenient method. You do not need an excuse to select this method. However, the Florida State Legislature has changed some of the rules surrounding vote-by-mail. Latimer explained, “Because of new state law, vote-by-mail requests expire after every general election. As such, you will only get vote-by-mail ballots for the 2024 elections
By Kathy L. Collins
if you have submitted a new request. The quickest way to make your request is to go online to www. votehillsborough.gov or call 744-5900. You will need to give us your Florida driver license or the last four digits of your Social Security number for verification.”
Using this method allows you to take your time making decisions about who to vote for. However, your vote-by-mail ballot must be received by the Hillsborough County supervisor of elections by 7 p.m. on primary election day.
EARLY VOTING
Early voting is just like voting on primary election day. You must bring one or two forms of identification with your photo and signature. Examples of acceptable forms of ID include a Florida driver’s license issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, U.S. passport, military ID, student ID, public assistance ID and more.
During early voting, you can go to a number of designated sites.
ELECTION DAY VOTING
Polling places or precincts are noted on your voter registration card. They are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. This year, primary election day is August 20.
Whichever method you choose, remember that your vote counts.
warren_a@ sao13th.com
LISA MCLEAN COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER
After several decades, voters in Hillsborough Couty will decide who the next Hillsborough County public defender will be. Lisa McLean, a longtime attorney with over three decades of diverse experience as a prosecutor, public defender, statewide prosecutor and owner of a firm specializing in criminal defense, is running to be the next public defender for Hillsborough County.
McLean would like your vote on Tuesday, August 20.
McLean said, “I am committed to bringing a fresh, outside perspective to the Public Defender’s Ofce. My goal is to enhance efciency, transparency and trust within the ofce by leveraging technology, fostering partnerships with local colleges and law schools and promoting work-life balance for our defenders to prevent burnout and reduce turnover. Ultimately, my professional journey is driven by a deep commitment to justice, fairness and the well-being of our community.”
McLean will use her vast professional experience as well as the lessons she learned growing up in poverty to revamp and improve the Public Defender’s Ofce.
McLean said, “I will ensure that taxpayer money is spent wisely. The ofce should be
By Kathy L. Collins
representing those that are truly indigent. It is the responsibility of the elected public defender to ensure compliance with the law. Fiscal conservatism benefits the community and those that truly cannot aford a lawyer. Limited resources should be directed toward the truly indigent and eforts to make our communities safe.”
McLean is board-certified in criminal trial, which means that she has special proficiency, skills and special knowledge in criminal law, as well as professionalism and ethics in practice. The experience and professionalism that must be demonstrated to become board-certified is exactly what citizens want in an elected ofcial.
“I aim to create a more equitable legal system, one that decriminalizes poverty, supports mental health and provides alternatives to incarceration. The Public Defender’s Ofce stands as a pillar of fairness and compassion in our community,” stated McLean.
“I am ready to lead the Public Defender’s Ofce with dedication, innovation and compassion to ensure a more just legal system for all,” McLean added.
For more information, please visit https:// lisaforpublicdefender.com/.
CHRISTINE EDWARDS COUNTY COURT JUDGE, GROUP 11
Attorney Christine Edwards is running for county court judge for Hillsborough County in Group 11. Edwards is on the ballot and you can vote for her during the primary election, which is on Tuesday, August 20. Edwards said, “As someone who walked side by side with someone navigating the court system, I have a unique insight and awareness of the immense responsibility and privilege it is to have someone put their full trust in you. I value trust as the most important quality of a judge because they make decisions that will profoundly impact someone else’s life.”
Edwards focuses on criminal law, family law and personal injury law. Edwards said, “In addition to private practice, I am proud to be the only attorney on the ballot court appointed by the State of Florida. I have the privilege to handle Marchman Act cases exclusively and [am] one of very few lawyers … in this county that practices in this area. Marchman Act Court was established as a problem-solving court that allows families to petition the courts for mandatory substance abuse assessment and treatment, whether drugs or alcohol. Through this appointment, I work closely with the Behavioral Resources Unit of the Hillsborough County Sherif ’s Ofce.”
Staf Report
When asked of her greatest accomplishment, Edwards explained, “I am humbled to have been a young lawyer that successfully defended a 3.850 motion, challenging the conviction of a man that was sentenced to 30 years for a drug offense, a mere six months after I graduated law school. Those motions are argued 100 percent of the time and rarely granted. Today, that man has an amazing life. He is rehabilitated, has a great job and family. His daughter he named after me. That man was also my uncle.”
This story explains the depth and breadth of Edwards’ passion for the judicial system and for those who need a fair judge to hear their case.
Edwards said, “I am the best candidate because when I walk into the courthouse, it will be through the same doors I have walked in nearly every day for the last 12 years. I will be serving the same community I have connected with over my career. My experience in the courtroom, knowledge from practicing in disciplines that a county court judge will preside over, criminal and civil cases, makes me the best candidate for county judge.”
For more information, please visit https:// voteedwardsforjudge.com/.
Professional Practicing law since 2012 in the areas of criminal defense, civil litigation & family law
Owner and Managing Attorney of Edwards Law, PLLC
Offce of Criminal Confict and Civil Regional Counsel - Assistant Regional Counsel
Court-appointed counsel for Marchman Act Court
eDUCaTion
Stetson University College of Law, Juris Doctor, May 2012
University of Central Florida, BS, Legal Studies, cum laude CiViC inVolVeMenT Human Development Center, Board of Trustees
Tampa Kiwanis, Member
Tampa’s Top 40 under 40
FOX 13, Legal Commentator
Innocence Project Stetson Law Chapter, past member
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, past member
KAREN BENDORF SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 7
Karen Bendorf, a Plant City resident and sixth grade teacher at Tomlin Middle School in Plant City, is running for a seat on the Hillsborough County School Board in District 7, a countywide seat.
By Kathy L. Collins
Bendorf is married to a community pastor and is a mother to six boys who range in age from 10-23 years old. Bendorf received her bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University. She has been a teacher in Hillsborough County for 13 years.
“It is time to stand up and do better for our children,” said Bendorf, who wants to bring her experience as a teacher, her knowledge and her out-of-the-box thinking to the Hillsborough County School Board to help reform the county’s schools.
Bendorf articulated several issues that propelled her to run for the school board.
First, Bendorf wants to reform the ways in which we teach our children to read. “We are not teaching our students how to read. More than 50 percent of students are below the third grade proficiency level.” Bendorf added, “Every child should be able to read, and all of them can learn to read. However, we have not been teaching them the basic
skills.”
Second, according to Bendorf, there are discipline issues in schools that are not being addressed.
“The school board needs
to set a high standard for student conduct in the classroom,” said Bendorf. “Teachers do not feel supported, and parents do not know what is happening in the classroom due to behavior issues,” she added.
Third, according to Bendorf, the Hillsborough County School Board needs to be more responsible with the budget and not request additional money through taxes or referendums. Bendorf said, “There has not been an audit of the school budget. When you try to find information about cost of programs, you cannot find it. We need to know where the dollars are going and how it impacts students in the classroom.”
Bendorf said, “I am proud of the fact that I have raised boys to love the Lord, make good choices and go against the flow. I want to see a generation of children who can read and make our community what it can be.”
For more information, please visit www. electkarenbendorf.com.
MATTHEW SMITH COUNTY COURT JUDGE, GROUP 21
Judge Matt Smith has served as a county court judge for Hillsborough County since December 2021. He was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis. Smith is running for election in Group 21 and would like your vote on Tuesday, August 20.
Smith presides over county civil cases. These include landlord/ tenant disputes, insurance claims for both homeowner and automobile disputes, debtor/creditor disputes and much more. Smith efectively handles a busy docket. When he was first appointed, he presided over dependency drug treatment court, Title IV child support, animal court and more.
Why is this important? Smith explained, “There is no substitute for judicial experience. Voters want to select someone who they think is a good judge, and the best evidence of that is the fact that he is doing the job and has a record.”
Smith has presided over thousands of cases since being appointed to the bench. Smith said, “A good measurement is to look at how a judge’s rulings are reviewed during an appeal. In the two and a half years that I have been a judge, no case that I have ruled on has been overturned on appeal.”
By Kathy L. Collins
Smith brings discipline and years of trial experience to the bench. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1997 and is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was medically discharged from the Air Force. He graduated from Florida State University College of Law in 2000.
Following graduation, he served as a prosecutor for 21 years, first in the State Attorney’s Ofce for the Second Judicial Circuit in Leon County and then in the State Attorney’s Ofce for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County. He also served as a prosecutor for the Florida attorney general in the Ofce of Statewide Prosecution.
Again, this is important. Smith said, “As a prosecutor I was constantly in court. I have tried 160 cases to verdict and argued countless motions. Ninety percent of what a judge does is in the courtroom. You want a judge who has trial experience.”
In addition to the trial experience, you can count on Smith to be nonbiased, as he has efectively served in the military and as a prosecutor under the administrations of both political parties.
For more information, visit https:// judgemattsmith.com/.
PROFESSIONAL
County Judge – Presiding over County Civil Division V, Title IV Child Support Division and Animal Court, hearing and ruling on thousands of cases
Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor
State Attorney, Chief Felony Division
U. S. Air Force Veteran
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Military Veterans Afairs Committee
HCBA Bench Bar Committee
Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago
Dad’s Club, Academy of the Holy Names
Florida Bar Grievance Committee
Florida Prosecuting Attorneys’ Association
Education Committee
American Legion
Tampa Hispanic Bar Association
Florida Cattlemen’s Association
Egypt Shrlne
EDUCATION
FSU College of Law
U. S. Air Force Academy
Valley Forge Military College
PERSONAL
Matthew and Roxanna have two children, Penelope and Maximilian, and a French Bulldog named French Fry
Attends St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
Paid by Matt Smith for Hillsborough County Judge.
JIM DAVISON COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 6
Jim Davison, a longtime resident of New Tampa, is running for election to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. Davison, a Republican, is a candidate for District 6, which is a countywide seat.
Davison has spent his life serving others both professionally and as a volunteer in the community. Davison earned his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He retired in October 2023 after working as an emergency medicine physician for over 35 years. As an emergency room physician, Davison made critical decisions in a timely manner.
With countless hours of travel to emergency rooms and urgent care centers throughout the county, from Sun City Center to New Tampa and West Tampa to Brandon, Davison became well-aware of transportation needs due to expansion and growth in the area. He co-founded and was the first chairman of the New Tampa Transportation Task Force. He was appointed by Tampa City Council to the countywide transportation ‘Committee of 99.’ Davison currently serves on the Hillsborough County Transportation Planning Organization’s advisory commission, working on the five-year and ‘LongRange Transportation’ plans.
“Hillsborough County is my home. It is
By Jane Owen
where I raised my family. I love New Tampa. I have driven all over the county. It’s a wonderful county. The people deserve better. There is a better way than what they are getting.”
Davison said. “They are not getting the infrastructure they are being promised.
I want to show them that this can all be done without raising taxes. In fact, we can actually roll back their taxes.”
Davison is dedicated to conservatism with taxes and government control, establishing a dependable transportation system that meets the needs of the growing community and accountability with the county budget.
Davison is endorsed by former Hillsborough County Commissioner Stacy R. White; Cyril Spiro, M.D., MBA and former chair of Cory Lake Isles Community Development District; and Karen Jaroch, director of Fix Our Roads First.
Davison has been married to his wife, Diane, for 43 years. They have four grown children and five grandchildren.
For more information about Davison, visit www.votejimdavison.com. To learn more about the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, visit https://hcfl. gov/government/board-of-county-commissioners.
LYNN GRAY SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 7
Lynn Gray is running for reelection to the Hillsborough County School Board for District 7, a countywide seat. She would like your vote on Tuesday, August 20. Gray is one of seven members responsible for making policy decisions and overseeing a total budget of $4.2 billion for the seventh-largest school district in the nation and is the county’s largest employer with more than 24,000 employees.
Gray, a longtime teacher and instructional leader, was first elected in 2016. She has served as the school board chair and is currently a member of the Hillsborough County Children’s Board.
When asked why she is seeking reelection, Gray said, “I would like to continue my districtwide monthly committee meetings which address the needs of our communities, students, parents and staf members. My districtwide committees which had been formed since 2016 reflect the needs of the county. This includes a growing Hispanic population (Hispanic Forum), the need for increased Black studies and cultural identity (African American Task Force) and the need for student mental-social-emotional well-being (the Hillsborough Healthy Schools Committee). There is a major challenge of social media abuse among our students with human trafckers involved in their social me-
By Kathy L. Collins
dia platforms. The Human Trafcking and Student Online Safety committees are made up of the FBI, Hillsborough County Sherif ’s Ofce, City of Tampa Police, NoMore Foundation and other Florida agencies.”
Gray would also like to continue working on afordable housing for teachers with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and other developers in conjunction with unused schools and properties. Gray said, “Providing afordable housing is part of my concern and goal for the 20242025 school year.”
As to the issues, Gray explained that they include taking care of teachers and staf with pay that matches their dedicated service to children in the district.
Over her career as an educator, Gray has taught at every grade level, including college. “I am only serving for the well-being of the children,” she said. Gray was named Teacher of the Year two times in Hillsborough County and one time in Pasco County. Gray is an avid runner as well, having completed over 100 marathons, including 12 Boston Marathons. She has been married for 45 years and has one son and two grandchildren who attend Bevis Elementary School.
For more information, please visit www. votelynngray.com.
40 YEARS SERVING CHILDREN
NANCY MILLAN COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR
Nancy Millan, Hillsborough County tax collector, is running for reelection this year.
Millan was first elected in 2020 and would like your vote to continue serving Hillsborough County’s approximately 1.5 million residents.
Millan said, “I am pleased to announce my candidacy for reelection as Hillsborough County tax collector.” She added, “In the past two and a half years, we have made significant strides in delivering top-notch customer service to Hillsborough County residents. This includes modernizing appointment and walk-in procedures, leveraging new technologies for enhanced accessibility and investing in our dedicated team of 402 public servants.”
The tax collector is responsible for delivering several state and local government services. The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Ofce is one of the largest tax collector agencies in the state of Florida with over $2.8 billion collected and distributed over 2.3 million transactions processed in the last fiscal year.
Last year, under Millan’s leadership, the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Ofce modernized the walk-in queuing and appointment process by launching paperless mobile ticketing and a user-friendly online platform to schedule appointments. Millan also shifted the ofce from a strictly appointment-based model, used during the
By Kathy L. Collins
COVID-19 pandemic, to a service model focused on meeting the demand for a walk-in service, allowing for more customers to be served. Millan also improved driving test services and has increased driving tests administered by 43 percent since 2020.
In 2023, Millan became the first tax collector in the state of Florida to identify and deploy a language translation technology called Pocketalk in all Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Ofce locations. This technology allows Millan’s team to communicate with customers visiting the branch ofces for various services in 82 diferent languages, reducing repeat visits and breaking down barriers to service for non-English-speaking customers.
During her tenure as tax collector, zero findings were recorded during the ofce’s annual independent financial audits. With an ofce that collects and distributes over $2.8 billion annually, the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Ofce is a model agency for fiscal responsibility and accountability Millan is a native of Hillsborough County and an active community member. She is the first female and individual of Hispanic descent to hold the ofce. Millan was Hillsborough County’s Hispanic Woman of the Year in 2021.
For more information, please visit https:// votenancymillan.com/.
HILLSBOROUGH STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE EXPANDS GUN VIOLENCE UNIT FOR SAFER COMMUNITIES
Hillsborough County is growing faster than ever, and not only because of our gorgeous weather and booming economy. People are moving here because our county is a safe bet to start a small business and raise a family. It’s a place where our residents know law enforcement takes public safety seriously.
One of my top priorities as a state attorney is to work collaboratively with law enforcement partners on important issues facing our residents. Gun violence is at the top of the list. To better meet the needs of our growing community, I have expanded my office’s Gun Violence Unit. This unit is a team of highly trained prosecutors who handle exclusively firearm-related cases.
This restructuring will bring the Gun Violence Unit to a total of five attorneys. It allows our team of specialized attorneys to work hand in hand with law enforcement from the crime scene to the courtroom, giving us the best chance of holding violent offenders accountable.
As prosecutors, our greatest responsibilities are to the victims of crime and protecting public safety. We must use every tool we can to fight gun violence in our community. By expanding the Gun
Violence Unit, we will be dedicating significant resources toward prosecuting these brutal crimes that tear families apart. While it may seem like gun violence won’t happen in your community, I can tell you it has touched every corner of our county. The work this unit performs will make a positive difference no matter where you live. This expansion means we have more attorneys to work closely with law enforcement to keep track of violent offenders before they revictimize our community. It means our attorneys are learning about these cases at the earliest possible stage, moments after the trigger pull, which will create stronger prosecutions.
To ensure Hillsborough County remains a place where people want to live, work and play, we must stand up together to combat gun violence as a community. Addressing gun violence head on, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, is essential to keep our community thriving. I am proud that our office can play an important role in enhancing public safety as we grow together.
Dear Residents of Hillsborough County,
With heartfelt gratitude, I am proud that our campaign faced no opposition and I am honored to continue serving as your tax collector for the next four years.
I am grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me. I assure you that my commitment to serve each and every one of you with integrity, innovation, and dedication remains unwavering.
I am excited to build on our accomplishments and to bring forth new initiatives that will further empower our community and enhance our services.
Nancy Millan
State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
Staf Report
BOB HENRIQUEZ COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER
One of the ofces up for election this year is the Hillsborough County property appraiser. Bob Henriquez is seeking reelection. Henriquez stands out as a candidate with a proven track record of fiscal responsibility, technological advancement and genuine concern for the county’s citizens.
Throughout his tenure, Henriquez has demonstrated a relentless drive to enhance the efciency of the Property Appraiser’s Ofce while minimizing the tax burden on residents. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, Henriquez has proposed a budget decrease of 1.09 percent from the previous year. Thanks to these and previous efciencies during his 12-year tenure as property appraiser, Henriquez’s ofce has returned nearly $3.2 million to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.
Henriquez is a fifth-generation resident of Hillsborough County and a former head football coach for his alma mater, Tampa Catholic High School. Henriquez graduated from Princeton University and played football there.
“As the son of a house painter who was the first in my family to attend college, I fully understand the financial pressures that our citizens are facing due to ongoing inflation,” said Henriquez.
“I have made it a priority to listen to our citizens’ concerns and find ways to alleviate
By Kathy L. Collins
the tax burden many are feeling as property values rise,” added Henriquez.
A recent financial report from the Florida Department of Revenue highlighted Henriquez’s ofce as operating with the lowest budget per capita among the state’s 67 county property appraiser ofces.
The primary duty of the Property Appraiser’s Ofce is to assess the full market value of the approximately 557,000 properties in Hillsborough County as of January 1 each year and issue property tax exemptions to all qualified owners. During his tenure, Henriquez has leveraged cutting-edge technologies to reduce his total number of employees from 133 when he first took ofce in 2013 to its current level of 108.
Of all the property tax exemptions Henriquez’s ofce is responsible for, the most important is homestead exemption. This exemption is vital because it statutorily caps the taxed value of a property from increasing more than 3 percent per year, ofering significant savings and stability for homeowners.
The property appraiser has no authority to raise or lower taxes. Henriquez strives to help citizens of the county understand the rate at which a property is taxed is set by elected ofcials at the city and county levels, as well as by other taxing authorities.
For more information, visit www.vote4coachbob.com.
DIONNE
‘DEE’ JONES COUNTY COURT JUDGE, GROUP 21
Dionne ‘Dee’ Jones has been practicing law for over 28 years, defending justice and leading with integrity. She is running for Hillsborough County court judge in Group 21.
Jones has extensive experience in both civil and criminal domains. As a civil litigator, she practiced family, employment and tort law. In the criminal field, she was a felony prosecutor handling drug trafcking, robberies and aggravated assault and battery cases. In her role as hearing ofcer for Hillsborough County for the past four years, she fulfilled a quasi-judicial role, hearing cases requiring discernment and good judgement.
“I am deeply passionate about prosecuting domestic violence, aggravated battery and aggravated assault cases. While serving as a felony prosecutor, I took the lead in my division in handling these cases. Ensuring justice for victims and holding ofenders accountable is essential for the safety and well-being of our community,” Jones said.
Jones is the daughter of late Command Sgt. Maj. Levester Jones (USA, retired, who served in the Army for 28 years with two tours in Vietnam) and Liza Dudley Jones, who was an educator.
“My father taught me the value of hard
By Jane Owen
work, duty, responsibility, accountability for my actions and honor,” Jones said.
Raised in Tampa, Jones attended public school and earned a B.A. in political science, a juris doctorate from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from the University of South Florida.
Jones currently serves as the trial advisory counsel for Allstate Insurance Company. Her community commitment includes the following leadership roles: University of Florida Law Alumni Council; George Edgecomb Bar Association, vice president; National Black Prosecutors Association, executive board and vice president; Hillsborough County Sherif ’s Ofce and Community Relations Committee; and Kiwanis Club of Tampa, executive board.
As judge, Jones said she will carefully consider each case, resolve conflicts, protect rights and ensure that justice is served.
“I am eager to become a judge, as I love the law and want to continue serving our community as well as administering justice with fairness and integrity,” Jones said.
For more information about Jones, visit https://deejonesforjudge.com/.
Florida’s hottest show on dirt returns. The Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival, presented by Bartow Ford, charges into the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20. Fresh of a sold-out event in April, this summer’s rodeo promises to be a can’t-be-missed event with new competitors, new livestock and thrilling action throughout. The area’s best cowboys and cowgirls are saddling up for two days of rodeo competition, including bull riding, bronco riding, barrel racing, team roping, calf roping and steer wrestling. Fans can come early to the Family Festival for yummy food, refreshing beverages, live music and fun activities for the entire family. Tickets are on sale now for this high-energy event; parking is free.
To beat the summer heat, guests can cool of in one of the brand-new Family Festival Cool Zones, ofering shade and misters. One Cool Zone is located in the 150-foot-by-130-foot Mega Tent, a new addition this year. The other is in the Entertainment Beer Barn where Crossfire Creek Band will take the stage both nights playing country tunes.
“We are always looking for ways to make the Tampa Bay Rodeo a bigger and
As always, there will be delicious fare, including barbecue, tacos, pork rinds, pizza, corn dogs, funnel cakes and more. Attendees can quench their thirst with cold sodas, water or refreshing beer. Making its Family Festival debut, monster truck Later Gator raises dust with wheel-churning rides. Guests can test their skills on the always-popular mechanical bull or try their hand at ax throwing. While food and some activities require an extra fee, there are plenty of amusements included in the ticket price, such as kids/family yard games, such as Jenga, Connect 4 and cornhole; the 45-foot-tall Super Slide; and a goat playground area, complete with adorable baby goats. Multiple photo-op areas allow families to capture memories of the night. For more information and tickets, please visit the https://tamparodeo.com/. The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds are located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover. Staf
better experience for families,” said event producer Ryan Henning. “Providing a way for everyone to get out of the sun and cool of was important to us because of the heat we’ve been experiencing in Florida. Plus, we know fans like a full rodeo, so we are featuring six diferent competitions this summer.”
Restaurant
Focal
Engaging
Pet
Te Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival returns in July with two days of rodeo competition plus food, beverages, fun and live music for the whole family.
