July 2022 by Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

JULY 2022

7 FUN MUSEUMS

to explore this summer with the kids Including Glazer Children's Museum

10 Awesome Places to Go

Kayaking in Tampa Bay

YOUR KID LOVE GAMING?

It could turn into a lucrative career

Our Favorite Ways to Celebrate the Fourth of July

+ MORE JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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Heart care. Cancer care. Boo-boo care. BayCare Kids is trusted by more parents in Tampa Bay than any other health care system. BayCare Kids is committed to keeping children healthy so they can become healthy adults, and we’ve got an entire network dedicated to the unique medical needs of kids. The BayCare Kids network includes our flagship hospital, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, which provides comprehensive, highly specialized care for kids with complex conditions like congenital heart defects and cancer. With 80 pediatric physician specialists representing 25 medical and surgical disciplines, our pediatric team offers the care St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is known for. And parents can feel confident knowing that in addition to these specialized pediatric services, emergency care is provided by our Steinbrenner Emergency/Trauma Center for Children. At St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, we treat more children than any other hospital in Tampa Bay, so you can rest assured your child will receive expert care close to home. Kids grow up fast. We’re here to help them grow up healthy, too. Learn more: BayCareKids.org

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JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

JULY 2022 CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER Laura Byrne ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anu Varma Panchal Brie Gorecki

ARTICLES:

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sarah Rigby

10 // SUMMER AT ZOOTAMPA: New animals to meet and more fun ways to enjoy the zoo with the kids!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Byrne Brie Gorecki Anu Varma Panchal Sandra Torres Ciarra Johnson Ginain Grayes Jenny P. Maggie Rodriguez Tara Payor, PhD Julie Tingley Rodrigo Diaz Laura Cross Rachel Dawkins, MD

13 // COVER STORY: 7 museums to explore with the kids in Tampa Bay 14 // SAVE OUR SPRINGS: How you can help protect the Weeki Wachee River on your next kayaking adventure 17 // WATER FUN: 10 more awesome places to go kayaking in Tampa Bay 18 // DOES YOUR KID LOVE GAMING? See how a love of gaming can turn into a lucrative career

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ralf Gonzalez

21 // RED, WHITE AND YUMMY: Patriotic charcuterie boards with Ginain Grayes of @cookprayslay

LAYOUT & DESIGN Sarah Rigby CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Laura Byrne Megan Renee Photography The Clark Family Jenny P. Ginain Grayes Douglas R. Clifford, Tampa Bay Times Rick Tauceda Natalie Jennings Beth Bell Stephanie Patterson

22 // SUMMERTIME SNACKS: Healthy and easy ideas from Jenny P. of @lunchboxmafia 24 // SOUND OF MUSIC: Tampa’s Colt Clark and the Quarantine Kids share their musical journey

BOOKKEEPING James Anderson 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

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.

42 // SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FROM BAYCARE: Simple steps you can take this summer to keep your kids safe and healthy 45 // HOW TO CREATE YOUR FAMILY’S EMERGENCY KIT FOR HURRICANE SEASON: Expert advice from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

EVERY ISSUE: 6 // MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS 8 // JULY TOP PICKS

28 // GET LIVE WITH TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS’ #45: DEVIN WHITE

30 // MOMS TO KNOW: Get to know Courtney Vermette of Butter Bug Boutique

37 // NO REST FOR THE REFERENDUM: Learn how your referendum tax dollars are working to fix schools this summer

ON THE COVER: Caleb and Kaisen Henry, sons of Karimah Henry of CraftingaFunLife.com, had a blast exploring the Storyland exhibit at Glazer Children’s Museum! Read more about our favorite Tampa museums to visit with kids on page 13.

TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022

39 // HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT SCARY THINGS: Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s Dr. Jennifer Katzenstein offers suggestions for all ages

26 // MEDITATIONS FOR MOM: Meet the local mom whose meditation podcast for women has been downloaded more than 44 million times!

34 // LOVE YOUR ROOTS: Ways to share history and culture with our children—with help from the local library

BECOME A FAN tampabayparentingmagazine @tampabayparenting @TBParenting

38 // WHEN ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: How you can get involved with Moms Demand Action in Tampa Bay

9 // NOTEWORTHY

33 // KIDS TO KNOW: Meet Maisy Kiefer and her work with Gigi’s Playhouse 46 // WHAT’S TRENDING ON TAMPABAYPARENTING.COM

JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

Meet our Contributors

thank you to our advertisers and sponsors

Because of them, we are able to provide this family-friendly resource to you for FREE.

ANU VARMA PANCHAL Anu Varma Panchal has written and edited for area publications for nearly 20 years. She’s ac tive on her children’s PTA boards, loves theatre, concerts, the local brewery scene and travel. She never leaves home without her library card. You can find her at youreditingsolutions.com.

Brie Gorecki has been writing for websites and local publications for 10+ years. A USF graduate, she has worked for several major companies in New York, Atlanta and Tampa. She’s a proud mom to a sweet little boy and to a rescue dog and cat from Humane Society of Tampa Bay. She loves spending time with her family, whether it’s a date night out with her husband or a day filled with roller coaster rides at a theme park.

Rachel Dawkins, M.D. is medi cal director of the Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Clinics in the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Department of Pediatric Medi cine, seeing patients as a pedia trician in St. Petersburg, Florida. She also is an assistant professor of pediatrics in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Dawkins is active nationally with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Board of Pediatrics. Her research and teaching interests are in childhood resilience, advocacy, resident education and obesity. She earned her medical degree at the University of Miami. She completed her residency at Louisiana State University, where she also completed a year as chief resident. As a faculty member at LSU, Dr. Dawkins spent six years as an associate program director for the pediatric residency program.

TARA PAYOR, PH.D.

RODRIGO DIAZ

BRIE GORECKI

MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS

RACHEL DAWKINS, M.D.

Tara Payor earned a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of South Florida. She’s a language arts educator and has taught students from the middle school level to adult learners at the doctorate level. A member of the Junior League of Tampa and KNOW Wom en, she has two children, Harlow and Hendrix. You can reach her at tara@tbparenting.com.

Rodrigo Díaz has been a public librarian for 25 years. Currently, he works at the Egypt Lake Partnership Library in Tampa.

JENNY P. JULIE TINGLEY Julie Tingley is a 10-year Tampa transplant who has found her way through many professional and parenting transitions by maintaining focus on her daily inspirations: daughters Ella and Kate. With a vision of a better future for her girls, she introduced the KNOW Women commu nity to Tampa Bay, and founded Wee Macree, a purpose-driven brand for kids.

MAGGIE RODRIGUEZ Maggie Rodriguez co-hosts the nationally-syn dicated lifestyle show, "Daytime" on WFLA, Channel 8. She recently returned to TV after taking a 10-year break to raise her two chil dren. During her career, Rodriguez reported and anchored the news in Miami, Los Angeles, and at the network level in New York as the host of "The Early Show" on CBS. She now lives in South Tampa, which she calls the perfect place to raise a family.

TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022

Jenny P. is the wife, mom and boss behind @lunchboxmafia on Instagram and Facebook. As Jenny started sharing ideas on social media, she discovered an amazing community of lunchbox parents and enthusiasts. It’s be come a creative outlet for her and one way that she cares for and show love to her family.

Story Idea?

Are you a local blogger or writer? If you have a content idea or a story to tell, tell us. editor@tbparenting.com

Pediatric Orthopedic Expertise You Can Trust At AdventHealth for Children in Tampa, helping kids get back to a happy, active and fun-filled life is our whole-hearted promise. From sports injuries and complex health issues that range from scoliosis and bowing legs to dwarfism and cerebral palsy, our team of skilled pediatric orthopedic specialists and surgeons is here to support your family with comprehensive kid-focused care. Our goal is to heal your child with the most advanced treatment methods and the quickest recovery time, so they can get back to just being a kid.

AdventHealthforChildren.com/Orthopedics 844-326-2907

JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

JULY TOP PICKS Our favorite Fourth of July events in Tampa Bay

BOOM BY THE BAY 2022

Tampa is going BIG for this year’s Fourth of July celebration. Enjoy several different fireworks displays along the downtown Tampa riverfront with activities and events at each location.

Boom by the Bay events and fireworks locations:

photo credit: Sparkman Wharf

★ Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Works | Starting at 3 p.m. - Live music, hot dog eating competition, Kids' Zone, food and drinks.

Other Events We’re Looking Forward to in July:

★ Star Spangled at Sparkman | Starting at 4 p.m. - Water ski show, live music, food and drinks, prime fireworks view.

Tampa Bay Moms Group presents Tampa’s Biggest Birthday Bash: July 16

★ Water Works Park | Starting at 4 p.m. - Food trucks and an incredible view of the fireworks.

Tampa is turning 135 and everyone is invited to celebrate at this FREE event! Head to Water Works Park in Tampa to party with interactive exhibits, games, prizes, live entertainment, food trucks and more! There will be goody bags for the first 100 families, party favors, giveaways, gifts and much more! facebook.com/TBMGProductions

★ Curtis Hixon Park | Starting at 4 p.m. - Food trucks, Boom Bar and family fun area. *Not a fireworks viewing area ★ Boom on Bayshore | Starting at 7 p.m. - Food trucks, live entertainment and waterfront views.

101 Dalmatians KIDS! July 21-24

FOU

The Fourth St. Pete at The St. Pete Pier

The Patel Conservatory at The Straz Center presents "101 Dalmatians, KIDS!" The beloved Disney animated classic comes to life on stage. Experience the story of everyone’s favorite fourlegged family as they work to save themselves from the evil intentions of the outrageously villainous Cruella DeVil. This show will be performed and told entirely by students of the Patel Conservatory. strazcenter.org

The outdoor family-friendly festivities at the Pier will include fun activities such as the second H T O annual St. Pete Pier run, a craft beer garden, food N FJ U LY E V E trucks and local vendors. There will be live music, roaming entertainers and more. The traditional Fourth of July fireworks show, sponsored by the City of St. Pete, will be visible from various spots on the downtown waterfront, including Bayshore Drive, Straub Park and Vinoy Park. Before the show, the 13th U.S. Army Band will perform patriotic opera music. The event starts at 4 p.m. with fireworks beginning at 9 p.m.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on Stage: July 22-24 and 29-31

Fourth of July Cruises on Yacht Starship

Directed by David O’Hara, this tale as old as time is a musical production the whole family will en joy! Taking place at the Tarpon Arts Community Theater, this enchanting story brings all your fa vorite characters and songs from the classic tale to life on stage. Children are welcome to attend the show in costume! tarponarts.org

Celebrate the stars and stripes on the water with a spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise! Several different cruise options allow you to enjoy a delicious meal, drink from an open bar that’s free at sea and dance on the top deck with a spectacular fireworks finale. All ages are welcome. yachstarship.com

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Celebrate our nation’s independence with a bang! Hop on the Pirate Water Taxi for an hour-long cruise where you’ll view Tampa’s city fireworks right above your head. Fireworks start at approximately 9 p.m. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Water taxi rides are $50 per person. piratewatertaxi.com

Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise on Pirate Water Taxi

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Time to make this school year the best one yet! We’re gathering the best that Tampa Bay has to offer at the ultimate back to school bash! This FREE event will take place once again at WestShore Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be over 60 different vendors, and we’re giving away free backpacks to the first 500 kids in line. Enjoy meet-and-greets and take pictures with princesses, mascots and more. Scan the QR Code to learn more and to stay updated about this not-to-miss event!

D at e !

Tampa Bay Parenting’s 15th Annual Back to School Fair Presented by Hillsborough County Public Schools – July 30

, 2022 Saturday, July 30 . p.m 2 to . 10 a.m

WestShore Plaza a, Tampa, FL 33609

250 Westshore Plaz

TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022

NOTEWORTHY SE

S CA L L O P I N

Scalloping season is officially here! Scalloping is a fun family activity that will keep you cool and give you something unique to do. Here in the Tampa area, you’ll find bay scallops. They’re smaller than sea scallops but are just as tasty. You can go scalloping in Citrus, Hernando and Levy counties through Sept. 24, and in Pasco County from July 15-24. Some of our favorite spots are Homosassa and Crystal River where – bonus – you can also book a tour to swim with the manatees! Scan the QR code for more info to plan your scalloping adventure!

Scalloping Season

Real Florida Reader Day Pass

Dinosaurs Around the World at MOSI: Through Sept. 5

Travel back in time on a dinosaur adven ture. Tour an Earth very different from today, before the continents as we know them existed, when lush landscapes covered Africa, and Antarctica was filled with greenery. Witness the Age of Reptiles come to life with advanced animatronics and immersive design elements. Grab your prehistoric passport to Pangea and discover how plate tectonics, land bridges and volcanic activity allowed dinosaurs to roam all corners of the globe. mosi.org

Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites at Glazer Children’s Museum: Through Sept. 11

This summer, GCM turned seven beloved and award-winning picture books into three-dimensional play and bi-lingual learning environments highlighting the six pre-reading skills defined by the Pub lic Library Association and Association for Library Service to Children. Step into the pages of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” “The Snowy Day,” “Where’s Spot,” “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” “Abuela” and “Tuesday.” Designed for children from birth through 8 years old, Storyland will engage visitors in storylines and literacy activities. glazermuseum.org/storyland

It’s HOT outside, so local movie theatres are giv ing you a great way to cool off. All summer long, you can take advantage of free and cheap (previ ously released) movies at area movie theatres: » Xscape Theatres in Riverview: Every Tuesday and Thursday through July; doors open at 9 a.m.; show at 9:30 a.m. Free admission. » Regal Theatres Summer Movie Express: Every Tuesday and Wednesday; check your theater for showtimes. $2 admission. » B&B Theatres at The Grove in Wesley Chapel: Tuesdays through Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. $3 for Backstage Pass members, $5 for non-members.

July Sales Tax Holidays

Pop these dates into your calendar to take ad vantage of Florida’s popular sales tax holidays: » The Children’s Books Tax Holiday: Through Aug. 14, 2022 » Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday: July 1-7, 2022 » Baby Diapers and Clothing Items Tax Holiday: July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023 » Energy Star Appliances: July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023 » Home Hardening: July 1, 2022-June 30, 2024 » Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: July 25-Aug. 7, 2022 » Tool Time: Sept. 3-9, 2022 » Motor Fuel: Oct. 1-31, 2022 Scan the QR code to learn more about each savings opportunity.

X TA

H OL I DAY

What's on Exhibit

Cool Off at the Movies!

SA L

Your library card can be one of the most powerful tools in your summer of fun toolbox! Now through Sept. 12, you can head to your local library and check out a Real Florida Reader Day Pass that will get you free admission to one of Florida’s 175 state parks (excluding Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Pier State Park and Weekie Wachee State Park). Passes must be returned to the same branch they’re checked out from. Each library will receive a limited number of passes, so start planning those park visits now to take advantage of this awesome perk!

JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

PRESENTED BY ZOOTAMPA

Summer at ZooTampa by Sandra Torres, vice president of marketing and communications at ZooTampa

School is out and the weather is warm, so for most kids, learning is not at the top of their summer agenda. However, savvy parents know the secret … have them learn while having fun! One of the best places to do that is ZooTampa. Home to more than 1,000 animals representing hundreds of different species, the zoo provides hours of education and entertainment! A day at ZooTampa could start with a visit to some of the world’s most endangered species, including the red wolf, which once inhabited the entire southeastern United States (including Florida), but has fewer than 20 remaining individuals in the wild. ZooTampa, along with more than 40 conservation organizations, is part of a critically important effort to help save this species. Due to the team’s dedication, red wolves, which were once declared extinct in the wild, have f lourished in managed care. Several pairs have been released into the wild, including the release earlier this year of 4-year-old wolf Boca who was born at ZooTampa. The Zoo’s new Florida Wilds area is currently home to two family groups: brothers Reddington, Conner and Yulee and pair Nymeria and Sumac and their four pups born in April. Be sure to check out their habitat and catch a glimpse of the pups taking their first steps. They’re a powerful symbol that gives hope to the future of this amazing animal. Then head on over to the Africa Realm of the Zoo where the crash of southern white rhinos enjoys their day wallowing in the mud and eating upwards to 100 pounds of food a day!

TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022

This incredible species is the only rhino species with broad, f lat lips that enable them to pull grasses out of the ground. It’s no wonder they are also called the lawn mowers of the African Savanna. Be sure to check out baby Ruby, the newest addition to the crash! A visit to ZooTampa is not complete without a stop at the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center where Florida’s iconic species receive around-the-clock expert life-saving care. The center is one of only four critical care centers in the United States for sick, injured and orphaned manatees. Since opening in 1991, the team has cared for more than 500 manatees with a majority reintroduced into Florida waters. What’s the best ending to a day of learning in the sun? A splash at the Manatee Circle fountains or Wallaroo water play area!

Purchase a ZooTampa membership and enjoy unlimited admission all summer long with no blockout dates, free preferred parking, a free guest per visit, discounts on food and merchandise, special pricing on signature encounters, invitations to member only events and much more! Memberships start at just $114! Or take advantage of our best deal: a family membership that includes two adults, all kids, plus a free guest for just $224. Visit www.zootampa.org for details. Summer 2022 is going to be the best one yet!

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Endless adventures await Become a member and enjoy unlimited admission, exclusive access to event previews, great discounts, and more for 12 full months!

Learn more at ZooTampa.org/Membership JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

INSPIRE A LOVE OF READING ONE CRUMB AT A TIME

Open June 11 to Sept 11 at GCM

Discover an imaginative world of beloved picture books – some nostalgic, some new favorites – this Summer at GCM’s newest traveling exhibit, Storyland™ A Trip Through Childhood Favorites. Inspire a love of reading in the exhibit’s immersive environments for children ages birth to eight. GLAZE R M U SE U M .OR G/STORY LA N D

© 2022 Minnesota Children’s Museum. All rights reserved. Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites™ was created by Minnesota Children’s Museum. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE. Text copyright © 2000 by Lauren Numeroff. Illustrations © 2000 by Felicia Bond. Used by permission of HarperCollins Publishers.

MADE POSSIBLE BY

LOCALLY SPONSORED BY

7withMUSEUMS TO EXPLORE the Kids this Summer! by Laura Byrne

Tampa Bay is home to some pretty awesome museums with some incredible options for kids too! A museum visit is a great way to keep cool on hot or rainy summer days while giving the kids a chance to learn and play.

On The Cover! 720 E. Zack St., Tampa | tampafirefightersmuseum.org

p Tr i lan d: A

110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa | glazermuseum.org

Tampa Firefighters Museum

Sto r y

Glazer Children’s Museum

This FREE Museum is a must-visit with the kids, especially if they are into fire trucks. The Tampa Firefighters Museum is located inside one of downtown’s original fire houses. Inside, you’ll find old fire trucks and learn about how firefighters have protected our city over the years. There is a children’s area as well where kids can try on fire gear, climb through a “smoke-filled” hallway and explore a kitchen area where they can learn about fire hazards.

Can you identify the sounds the body makes? Or give a monster a CT scan? How do you create a balanced meal? Kids will learn ou the answers to these questions and more at this gh s Ch ite museum, which is all about the kiddos. Whether ild h o o d F a vo r it’s caring for animals in the vet clinic, shopping for groceries at a pint-sized Publix or using bed sheets and pillows to make their own forts, children will have hours of fun, imaginative play. r

This summer, be sure to check out the Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites exhibit that allows your child to step inside the worlds of their favorite storybooks including “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” “Where's Spot?” and “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.”

Great Explorations Children’s Museum 1925 4th St. N., St. Pete | greatex.org

Featuring more than 8,000 square feet of interactive, hands-on exhibits, this kids’ museum stimulates learning through creativity, play and exploration! Kids become firefighters, news anchors, scientists, artists and more as they engage in opportunities to build physical, social and emotional skills all through creative play! The museum is located next to the historic Sunken Gardens on Fourth Street in St. Petersburg for added family fun!

The exhibit is bilingual, and the museum is also hosting family play projects where your child can make their own finger puppets and even bring more fun home with them with GCM at Home project ideas.

MOSI

4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa | mosi.org MOSI has many favorites for all of your STEAM interests: Bed of Nails, Cargo, Loading, the Hurricane Machine, IdeaZone, Mission Moon Base, Dinovations and Slippery Science, the Tampa Bay Lightning-themed and sponsored exhibit at this incredible kids’ museum. Over at CONNECTUS, guests can see and feel the future with many state-of-art displays and technologies.

St. Petersburg Museum of History 335 2nd Ave. NE, St. Pete | spmoh.com

Do you have a baseball fanatic in your home? If so, this is the kids’ museum to visit this summer. The St. Petersburg Museum of History located on the downtown waterfront has the largest collection of baseballs of its kind certified by Guinness World Records. The Schrader’s Little Cooperstown exhibit has nearly 5,000 baseballs.

But that’s not all! This summer, visitors can experience Dinosaurs Around the World and come face to snout with animatronic dinos. There will be themed events throughout the summer as well to coincide with this exhibit, so be on the lookout.

You’ll find stories and artifacts from baseball legends like Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and Joe DiMaggio and learn about more than 100 years of Tampa Bay’s own history as a spring training destination.

And there's more exciting things happening at MOSI—the museum is joining NASA as one of hundreds of sites to release the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope on July 16! There will also be hands-on astronomy activities for all ages.

The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art

The Tampa Bay History Center

150 Central Ave., St. Pete | thejamesmuseum.org

801 Water St., Tampa | tampabayhistorycenter.org

The museum itself is a work of art, but don’t stop at the front door! Make your way inside to see more than 400 pieces of artwork that connect you to the American West. You’ll see jewelry, sculptures and paintings on display through the exhibits. The museum is also very kid-friendly, with James Playdates for littles and Family Days on schedule throughout the year.

Children can learn about 12,000 years of Florida History here not just by immersing themselves in the exhibits, but also by jumping in the saddle and riding with cattle ranchers or playing with tiny Tampa trains. Tr e

The Tampa Bay History Center offers a variety of family-friendly days throughout the year. One of our favorite areas to play is the Treasure Seekers: Conquistadors, Pirates and Shipwrecks. Located on the third f loor, it features several little kid-friendly hands-on activities!

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While you’re there, be sure to stop for lunch or an early dinner at the Columbia Cafe at the museum!

Scan the QR code for MORE museums to explore in Tampa Bay! ,P ir

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JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

PROTECTING A CROWN JEWEL OF TAMPA BAY: The Weeki Wachee River by Laura Byrne

We don’t mean to be a party pooper, but the way some of us are using the Weeki Wachee River for recreation is harming the spring-fed gem of Tampa Bay. If we want our kids and grandkids to be able to enjoy this beautiful river in the future, we need to start taking steps now to protect it. A pre-pandemic study showed that as many as 200-400 people were launching per day from the headsprings area of the Weeki Wachee and another 700-1,000 people launched per day from Rogers Park a few miles downriver. Southwest Florida Water Management District springs scientist, Madison Trowbridge, Ph.D., says those numbers are likely even higher now as even more people get out and explore Tampa Bay’s great outdoors. The problem is, we haven’t changed our old habits. But there are ways we can be good stewards of the river, and it’s as simple as staying inside your vessel whether that be a kayak, paddleboard, canoe or boat. HERE’S WHY: An ecological study of the Weeki Wachee River discovered that even a small amount of trampling when you exit your kayak or paddleboard can greatly impact vegetation and organic soil—to the point it may not grow back. That’s bad news for the animals who rely on that vegetation for food. Take a look at these aerial images from the study of one small section of the river. Notice how in 2008, you can see a lot more green vegetation. Fast forward to 2017, you can see what looks like sandbar, a loss of 1,600 square feet of vegetation. Trowbridge tells us you’re not supposed to see sand bars on a spring run. As tempting it may be to stop and swim (and take that Insta-worthy picture), she’s urging you to think twice for the sake of the river’s health. This goes for jumping and swinging off trees too. “It causes damage because we are getting erosion on the riverbanks, and when we’re climbing on the trees, it will eventually not only cause damage to them, but can cause them to lean, and they can fall into the river. We want folks to stay in the vessel when possible,” said Trowbridge. In a joint campaign with Hernando County, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other agencies, SWFWMD is sending out seven simple tips we can follow when recreating on the Weeki Wachee River: ●

Stay in the vessel when possible.

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If you have to leave the vessel, tie off in shallow waters.

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Avoid docking on riverbanks.

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Don’t trample vegetation or kick up silt.

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Avoid climbing on banks and walking on sand point bars.

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Don’t climb trees or use rope swings.

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Don’t throw out litter or leave anything behind.

If the crystal-clear water of the Weeki Wachee River is too tempting not to take a dip, head on over to Rogers Park where there is a swimming area, OR even better, go to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and play in Buccaneer Bay. There are waterslides kids and adults love, a swimming area, tubing and more fun things to do for families. Oh, and let’s not forget the mermaids! We want to make sure this beautiful 7.4-mile-long spring-fed river is around for generations to come. We can do that simply by being good neighbors and good stewards of our beloved Weeki Wachee River.

For more information, visit WaterMatters.org/ProtectWeeki

TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022

2017 Aerial view

2008 Aerial view

Rogers Park

Buccaneer Bay at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

Looking for

a great date night? Get Inspired at

TampaBayDateNightGuide.com Your source for fun places to try and new activities to make your date night inspired!

TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022

10 MORE Awesome Spots

to Go Kayaking in Tampa Bay

by Ciarra Johnson, in partnership with TampaBayDateNightGuide.com

There’s no better way to appreciate Florida’s natural beauty with your family than by getting on the water. Rent a kayak or bring your own to one of these perfect spots to commune with nature.

SHELL KEY PRESERVE Multiple kayak tour companies, including Coastal Kayak Charters and Get up and Go Kayaking, offer guided kayaking tours to explore the serene Shell Key Preserve near Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg. Depending on the tide, you may be able to paddle through mangrove tunnels. If you’re lucky, a dolphin may swim near your kayak.

GET UP AND GO KAYAKING AT SHELL KEY

TAMPA BAY AND ST. PETE KAYAKING Want to kayak with the scenic Tampa skyline as your backdrop? Urban Kai is best known for stand up paddle (SUP) board rentals, but kayak rentals are also available. Other options for kayaking the downtown waterways include Tampa Bay SUP and WhatSUP Paddle Sports.

LITTLE MANATEE RIVER KAYAK TOUR Located 30 minutes from downtown Tampa, Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River offers multiple kayaking adventures at various levels of difficulty. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned kayaker, you’ll enjoy paddling out and back or embarking on a longer journey with a return trip by shuttle bus.

HONEYMOON ISLAND/CALADESI ISLAND Boasting natural beaches, stunning sunsets, top-notch shelling and more, Honeymoon island State Park is an unspoiled paradise just minutes from downtown Dunedin. Kayak rentals are available at the park concession. Alternatively, you can rent a tandem kayak outside the park from Sail Honeymoon, setting your sights on scenic Caladesi Island for a secluded beach day.

LIDO KEY Lido Key may be a bit of a trek from Tampa, but the drive is worth the reward of paddling through scenic mangrove tunnels. Rentals are available from several companies, including Sea Life Kayak Adventures. While guided tours are available, the twisty tunnels are surprisingly simple to navigate, and the current will help you along.

TARPON SPRINGS For kayakers who want a leisurely trip paired with manatee sightings, a manatee tour kayak trip is the way to go. Guided kayak tours are offered in tandem clear kayaks, giving you an unobstructed view of any manatees you’re lucky enough to spot. Tours are only offered during manatee season in the colder months.

WEEDON ISLAND PRESERVE Enjoy an adventurous paddle through scenic mangrove tunnels. Sweetwater Kayaks is located at Weedon Island Preserve and not only rents out kayaks, but also offers lessons and expeditions. The rental shop is open every day until 5 p.m.

LONGBOAT KEY South of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key is a ritzy haven with stunning shorelines and fantastic restaurants. Exploring on the water offers a unique vantage point of both Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, while also inviting you to stop off at a sandbar or peruse mangroves. Happy Paddler Kayak has several rental locations in the area.

FORT DE SOTO Offering daily tours in Fort De Soto and Shell Key south of St. Pete, See Through Adventures is a glass-bottom kayak experience where you’re almost guaranteed to spot friendly Florida wildlife. Choose from a 1.5 or 2.5-hour tour option and keep your eyes peeled for manatees and dolphins that are commonly seen in the shallow, calm waters.

ROBINSON PRESERVE Headed to Anna Maria Island for a laid-back beach day? Combine soaking in the sun with a morning kayak trip through the mangroves and calm waters of Robinson Preserve. The iconic Surfer Bus offers kayak rentals just a short paddle away from the entrance to the preserve. You can paddle all the way to the preserve’s lookout tour which offers scenic views of Anna Maria Island and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

Your Kid Love Gaming? Don’t sweat it. It could actually turn into a lucrative career. Let us explain… by Laura Byrne, photos provided by Esports Players Club

As a parent of two boys who love playing video games, it piqued my interest when the new Esports Players Club opened its doors in Tampa earlier this year. Not going to lie, the time my boys spent gaming definitely increased during the height of the pandemic as we tried to find ways to entertain them while allowing them to safely connect with their friends. But, two years later, they’re still at it. In fact, it has become part of the way they play WITH their friends, along with the good old-fashioned outside play, too. Balance, right?

So, when Alex Matzkin reached out to tout his new business and the lucrative opportunities that can come along with esports, I wanted to know more. It turns out there’s a lot more to esports than just gaming. It’s an industry that has seen growth year after year, and that doesn’t appear to be stopping. Matzkin points out that esports and streaming industries have a combined value of $2.1 billion and are expected to grow to le x $3.5 billion by 2025. Ma in Okay, you have my attention.

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We sat down with Matzkin to get more details, because we want to know how our kids can get a piece of this growing industry and just maybe, become a part of it when they grow up. TBPM: This business you’ve created has garnered national media attention, including profiles on NBC’s “Today Show.” What exactly goes on here? ALEX MATZKIN: There are other places where they have computer set ups, but this [is] definitely the only place that is academy focused. We’re focused on the education that goes behind the gaming—coding, graphic design, 3-D modeling—as well as game play coaching, so we’re a lot more than just a place to game. TBPM: When I first heard esports, I literally thought sports games like Madden football. But, that’s not the true definition of esports. AM: There are a lot of games under the esports umbrella and really, traditional sports is one of the smallest segments. There are

TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022

these huge games that are incredibly popular in other countries, and in the United States, it’s catching up to that. Now that streaming has become such a popular platform, you have esports celebrities that are American that these kids can identify with, and it’s really helped launch that platform. It’s not the traditional gamers you kind of think of. These guys look like actors and models (the girls are the same way), so it’s really kind of helped clean up the image of gaming. TBPM: Alright, so let’s talk careers for a minute. Can my child actually make a living in the esports industry when they grow up? AM: The industry by itself is bigger than music and movies combined, so kids that develop these technical skills early, they end up having great careers even if it’s not just in gaming. You know—the coding side of things is an amazing career. The average salary for a coder is $105,000 a year. Kids that develop these skills very early, they’re going to have a better trajectory towards that. It’s really becoming something that’s more important. Everything is going online. Everything is technology based, so having these skills is crucial. And then the graphic design skills too: There’s not a company in the world that doesn’t use graphic design, video editing and 3-D modeling almost every day. Content creation is everything now, and how to do those skills properly is important. Before, having it on your resume made you stand out, but now and in the future, it’s going to be something where it’s almost expected.

yet, so when they look to give a kid scholarship, it’s an investment from the school and they want to know—what’s this kid’s experience, has he competed before, has he been with coaches? So, they look to us and say, hey who do you have coming up that we can take a look at? We can really help kids achieve those scholarships by creating those connections for them. They work with our coaches. They develop the skills and we can help them bridge that gap. TBPM: What about younger kids in elementary school? What games do you recommend? AM: The most popular games for younger kids are Minecraft and Roblox—and we teach coding through those games. It’s a really cool experience because kids get to play on the games they love, but they are also learning true coding skills. The difference is, kids look for that instant gratification so when you’re writing code in Minecraft, we can have you write a few basic lines of code, and you immediately see the effects; you change the game. TBPM: Your classes and memberships aren’t just for kids. Adults can take advantage of some of the classes including graphic design and video editing, right? AM: Yeah—we work with real estate agents who are working on their social media content because that is so important now. These skills are transferable to really any age, but for us, teaching this at a younger age is the most effective because they are only going to continue to thrive and get better at it. It’s never too late to learn.

TBPM: How are you helping kids take the next step in esports? You mentioned there are scholarships for college? AM: That was really one of the foundations of why we built this place because in 2017, there were seven universities that had esports programs with scholarships. In 2021, it was 250. So, we saw this huge explosion in growth, and it’s not slowing down. We’ll be at 500 in no time. It’s major universities—UF, USF, UCF, Miami—every major school now has an esports program with scholarships and we have a unique opportunity because they really don’t have anywhere to recruit from. There aren’t really high school leagues

To learn more about Esports Players Club, visit esportsplayersclub.com.

Be a part of this larger than life experience at MOSI! Dinosaurs Around the World is a paleontological journey back in time to the supercontinent Pangea. MOSI guests will go on a globetrotting expedition, dropping in to see a variety of animatronic dinosaurs in an immersive environment millions of years in the making!

Going on now through September 5 th ! SPONSORED BY:

4 8 0 1 E A S T F O W L E R AV E • TA M P A • 8 1 3 - 9 8 7 - 6 0 0 0 • M O S I . O R G 19

MOSI’s mission is to be the intersection of science, technology and innovation in the Tampa Bay region where conversations and learning happen, JULY knowledge is exchanged and new ideas are celebrated. 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

Quit tobacco with virtual Group Quit. There’s never been a more important time to quit. Free, expert-led online sessions are now available for all Florida residents. Upon class completion, participants are eligible to receive free nicotine replacement therapy such as gum, patches or lozenges.* For more information on virtual Group Quit classes, contact: USF AHEC at 813-974-7889 *if medically appropriate for those 18 years of age or older

Fall Registration Coming Soon! 20

TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022

Learn more about all of Tobacco Free Florida’s tools and services at tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway.

Easy Red, White & Blue Charcuterie Boards story and photo by Ginain Grayes, @cookprayslay

If you follow my social media accounts, you know I’m completely obsessed with charcuterie, cheese and snack boards! It’s the best way to enjoy good food, especially during holidays when you’re gathered with family and friends. This month I just couldn’t pass up an opportunity to share some patriotic red, white and blue themed board inspiration. A huge misconception about charcuterie boards is that they have to be expensive to be good - that’s simply a myth I debunk over and over again with my creations. You can make your own boards at a reasonable cost by using in-season fruits and vegetables, using what you already have in your fridge and pantry, and getting creative with platters and dishes in your kitchen!

istockphoto.com / saicle

This red, white and blue board is not only perfect for the Fourth of July, but the theme can be used all summer long. Plus it can be used to commemorate other holidays such as Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day or really any occasion! Here are a few additional food ideas to make a red, white and blue charcuterie board that the whole family and your guests will enjoy this summer!

RED FOOD IDEAS ●

Cured meats (salami, prosciutto)

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Red bell pepper slices, cherry tomatoes

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Fruits such as cherries, red grapes, pomegranate arils, red apple slices, currants or watermelon.

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Red fruit jellies or preserves, salsas

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Sun dried tomatoes

WHITE FOOD IDEAS ●

Veggies, such as cauliflower florets or sliced cucumber with skin removed

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Fruits such as banana slices, coconut and sliced pears or apples

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Ranch dip or tzatziki

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White chocolate or yogurt covered nuts or pretzels

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Cream cheese spread, baked brie

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Potato chips or popcorn

BLUE FOOD IDEAS ●

Blueberry preserves, dried blueberries

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Concord grapes

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Black currants

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Elderberries

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Blue corn chips

JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

WHAT’S FOR story and photos by Jenny P., @lunchboxmafia

LUNCH SNACK TIME?

So here we are in the thick of summer break. The days are long and you’re constantly hearing, “Mom, I’m bored!” and “Mom, can I have a snack?” And if you have teenagers, it’s likely they’re staying up late, sleeping in and making their appearance at lunch. You’re not alone. It’s the same story over here. Hi, I’m Jenny from Lunchboxmafia on Instagram. I’m here to help you navigate and maximize snack time. First, taking a few minutes to prep and get organized can save you time throughout the day. This can be as simple as: » Cutting up your watermelon or peeling some carrots after getting groceries. » Portioning out leftovers while you clean up from dinner. » Designating a “snack drawer” in the refrigerator to store your juice boxes, yogurt tubes, string cheese and fruit cups. Let’s think of snacks as small meals. By adding a side or dip or by pairing your snack with other nutrient dense foods, you and your kids can fill up and fuel up! Here are some ideas: Mix Greek yogurt with peanut butter and it’s a delicious, high protein dip for apples or graham crackers. Adding a protein will keep them fuller longer. Try cheese and crackers with strawberries, carrots with ranch dip and sliced turkey roll ups or rice cakes with Nutella and hemp seeds. Yum! Which one are you craving right now? Eat, play and learn with your smaller kids! By engaging their five senses, you can have meaningful conversations about food with them while making snack time fun. Let them be silly. Let them play. Let them discover and enjoy snacks their own way. » SIGHT - These grapes are green. What other yummy foods are green? » SMELL - We’re having strawberries. What do you think of when you smell fresh strawberries? » TOUCH - Put these olives on your fingers. Wiggle your fingers like this. How do they feel? » SOUND - If a dinosaur was eating this apple, what would it sound like? » TASTE - Tell me what this fruit dip tastes like?

TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022

Are there foods you wish your kids would eat? Kids are usually more relaxed around the table at snack time than at dinner. This is when they are more likely to explore. Use snack time to introduce new foods and practice food exposure. New foods can be scary so staying consistent with exposure is key. At first they might ignore it or reject the new food completely. But their reaction can improve with each exposure as they talk about it, touch it, smell it. Maybe by the fifth time, they lick it. If they engage in some way, consider it a win until the next time! Here are some tips we’ve practiced that could work for you: Put it on a snack board. This fosters independence by allowing kids to pick and choose their bites! Be a good example and put a little bit of everything (including the new-to-them food) on your own plate. Serve new foods with something they love. If your kid loves strawberries and you are introducing hummus, serve a small portion of hummus and crackers with strawberries. If they finish all the strawberries first and ask for more before touching the hummus and crackers, instead of saying no and shutting down the conversation, you can say something like, “That’s all the strawberries we have for today. Maybe we’ll have some more tomorrow.” Accurately name and reference the food. Talk about where it comes from, how it provides energy, whether it’s a fruit or vegetable. Avoid labeling foods as “good or bad”. This is important because kids associate labels with behavior. Use cookie cutters to serve food in fun shapes. Serve the snack with their favorite utensil or put it on their favorite plate if they have one. (Check out my Amazon store via the link in my bio on Instagram.) Try the food with them! If it’s something you don’t like, be honest. My daughter and I had some laughs when we first started eating Brussels sprouts. We enjoy them now, but it took us both several tries. Come say hello! Follow me on Instagram @lunchboxmafia and let me know if you found this helpful.

Podcast Power from PBS KIDS Introduce your own PBS KIDS to podcasts this summer with new stories from their favorite characters. Whether traveling to Alaska with Molly of Denali, going on imaginative backyard adventures with Pinkalicious & Peterrific, or solving curious mysteries with agents from Odd Squad, there’s plenty of fun to be had with a new-tech-twist on old-fashioned storytelling!

Join Molly Mabray on brand-new adventures in the Molly of Denali podcast! Check out each of the three seasons of storytelling from Molly and her friends and family.

Sing along with Pinkalicious and her little brother Peter on the Pinkalicious & Peterrific podcast, a delightful musical companion to the hit series. Ten pink-credible episodes are hosted by the duo as they sing their favorite songs. Each episode takes listeners on creative adventures, encouraging kids to dance, sing, and make believe.

Spinning off from the “odd-ventures” of Odd Squad is the Odd Squad: Odd Squadcast! This seven-episode podcast follows The Big O as she hosts a weekly radio address for agents all over the world—and tries to stop an odd invasion on headquarters at the same time!

Listen to PBS KIDS Podcasts on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Learn more at pbs.org/parents/podcasts

Tampa’s Colt Clark and The Quarantine Kids Share their Musical Journey by Brie Gorecki, photos by the Clark Family

In early 2020, Colt and Aubree Clark, along with their three children (Cash, 12, Beckett, 10, and Bellamy, 8) wanted to bring a little joy to others during the pandemic. What started as a few musical performances in their living room turned into something much bigger, including an invitation to perform on one of Nashville’s most iconic stages. We recently spoke to them about their journey and what this has meant to them.

TBPM: HOW DID THIS GET STARTED AND WHAT BROUGHT THIS ON? AUBREE: Colt is a full-time musician. He plays at the Don CeSar and he’s played at a lot of hotels and nicer restaurants in the area. We always thought that was good job security because there were so many places that he played at that, in what circumstance would they all cancel at one time? [The pandemic] is the only scenario that that would happen. We had no work, no income coming in. We were kind of sitting around our house thinking ‘I guess we can live off savings for a while until this blows over,’ but we had nothing to do around the house and we were all kind of down in the dumps. I said, ‘Tomorrow let’s just focus on doing something positive with the kids that they think is fun. It’ll give us all something to look forward to, so let’s all work together and pick a song and we’ll play it and record it in the evening.’ I figured we’d send it to our parents because we hadn’t seen them in a couple weeks because of the pandemic, and they were getting lonely. The next morning everybody was excited and the mood in the house changed. They learned the song a lot quicker than we thought they would, and we recorded it in the evening. We uploaded it to Facebook and our parents loved it. We left to escape the walls of the house for a while and take a drive around the town. And [when] we came back like an hour later, it had been viewed around 10,000 times. We were like, ‘Who’s been watching this?’ We had no idea that people had seen it and shared it. It just turned into something that I think was needed by a lot of people, just some levity in their day-today lives at that time.

TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022

TBPM: COLT, YOU HAVE A MUSICAL BACKGROUND, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? AUBREE: They had gotten instruments for Christmas, and we didn’t know if they would figure out how to play or if they’d have any real interest in it. They kind of dabbled a little bit. COLT: I would show them things so that they could figure it out. Beckett, our drummer, he was 8 at the time, and he had this natural sense of rhythm. Bellamy was only 5 when we started this, and she just wanted to be a part of it. She said, ‘I can dance, and I could sing.’ And I was like, ‘OK, great, let’s do that.’ AUBREE: She’s kind of amazed us because we’ll say that we need Cash to play guitar and need somebody to play bass. And she’s like ‘I’ll play bass!’ So, she’ll learn her bass parts or percussion or whatever. She’s picked up wherever we’ve needed her to be.

TBPM: DID THEY CATCH ON QUICKLY, LEARNING TO PLAY AND SING A BRAND-NEW SONG JUST WITHIN A FEW HOURS? AUBREE: Yeah, it’s crazy because that was a part of it that we never anticipated. I mean, I know I’m their mother, but they really do have real talent for it. What we discovered most throughout this is that they want to do this as careers. They love what they’re doing. COLT: In the past couple months they’ve actually taught me some songs that I didn’t know. All this beforehand was stuff that I’ve known and then maybe we’ll learn something together, but Cash pulled me aside and said, ‘Hey, you’re playing that wrong and it goes like this.’ So that’s cool. Also, we did have a leg up with the fact that they listened to music all the time, even before the pandemic. We were always taking drives and had playlists that we would listen to just for fun, and music going on in the house. They had a repertoire in their mind with songs that they were familiar with.

TBPM: WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST LIFE CHANGING MOMENT FOR YOU WITH THIS? COLT: Early on, I think a month after we had just started doing this, the people from The Ellen Show reached out to us, along with The Today Show and a couple other shows. That was really kind of a game changer. But just recently, we’ve had the actual musicians that we cover reach out to us. AUBREE: We’ll post the Bob Seger song and then Bob Seger will write back and say, ‘Oh my goodness, I love this!’ The Who has shared all our songs of theirs that we’ve sung. Probably the biggest one and one of the coolest things we played is a show at the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater in November with Marty Stuart. He’s a country music legend. He played in Johnny Cash’s band. He played with everybody, knows everybody. COLT: He started off playing bluegrass at 12 years old and was a touring musician at 12 years old. That’s why he loves seeing our kids play, because that was him. AUBREE: His wife is Connie Smith, a country music legend in her own right. She was one of the pioneering females in country music, and we met them last July. At 80 years old, her voice is just as strong as it was when she started. It’s insane. We met with them, and it went really well. They were so warm and down to earth, and they said, ‘Next time you’re in Tennessee, we’d love to have you guys up to our house.’ We went up to their house and were able to have lunch with them, and they played a show with Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives Band in November. It was like the last three or four songs of the night and this is the first time that the kids had been on a real stage at a real show.

We didn’t know how the little band that we had in our living room would translate to a big stage. And the kids were like, ‘We’ve got it.’ We figured if we hate it, we won’t do it again. But if we love it, we’ll know that this is something to explore further. I was weeping on the side stage. Everybody had so much fun, and Marty and his band made it so much fun for the kids. At the end of the show, he said, ‘We want you guys to play my Late Night Jam in Nashville in June at the Ryman Theater.’ For a musician, the Ryman is like the pinnacle of venues, so we were stunned. We couldn’t believe it.

TBPM: NOW THAT IT’S TWO YEARS LATER AND THINGS HAVE GOTTEN BACK TO NORMAL, WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO CONTINUE DOING THIS? COLT: We were doing a song a day and they were loving it. But then things started opening and I started getting back to some work and so we did every other day. A couple of months ago, it was tight, so we were just going to do two songs a week because things have been getting so hectic schedule-wise. AUBREE: They never want to stop. It really has brought us closer as a family and given us some common interests. I think the main part of it is that we never imagined the reach it would have. When we started, we were getting messages from people in Argentina, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand and China –all over the world. They would tell us that we were keeping them going and the one thing they had every day to look forward to. A lot of people don’t realize people in other countries were locked down far longer than we were, and repeatedly, they’d open up and then they’d close back down again. A lot of people were saying ‘We haven’t left our house in weeks, and we wait every day.’ They waited every day for us to post because that’s the thing that they looked forward to. It became bigger than just giving us something to do. We had messages from parents in the hospital with their kids going through chemotherapy and they said they watched our videos with their kids every day. So, then it was like, whoa, it’s way bigger than just learning a song every morning and recording it in the evening. It’s a bigger deal to people than just a few moments of levity, and I think that’s when we really made the decision that this is a way to keep everybody kind of going at this time. This is something that brings joy to people, and it brings joy to us. And it was just a way to reach out to people when there really wasn’t any other way to reach out to people. Colt and The Quarantine Kids are always open to and interested in doing corporate and private events. To contact them for inquiries, please email clarkfamilyband@gmail.com You can watch them on Facebook @coltclarkmusic and at YouTube @TheClarkFamilyCreative. For an extended interview and to learn more about the Clark family and their experience at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville last month, scan the QR CODE. JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

Meditations for Mom by Maggie Rodriguez

Katie Krimitsos puts her two young daughters to bed. She feels exasperated and exhausted, but she doesn’t take a rest. Instead, she heads to her bedroom closet—where the acoustics are perfect—sits down, opens her computer and records her podcast after one last ritual: “I close my eyes for a solid minute or two, I take some deep breaths, and I always think of the one woman who needs to hear what I have to say.” Since starting The Women’s Meditation Network just three and a half years ago, Krimitsos has recorded seven podcasts that have been downloaded more than 44 million times.

MR: You didn’t know if it was going to work out, but boy did it. What do you think is the appeal? KK: Within the podcasting space, surprisingly, there were actually no meditation podcasts for women. I just saw the gap in the industry and thought, “I’m going to fill this.” I also think the world has gotten a lot more full of anxiety and stress and fear over all of these past years, and I feel like I just happened to be there at a time when a lot of people are seeking out ways to calm down and feel less stressed… and feel like they want to be more empowered to live lives that are meaningful to them. And the last piece is that the meditations themselves are

KK: That was one of the top reasons why I did it. When I got pregnant, the business I had at the time was also a work from home company … but the freedom that it didn’t give me is that in order for that business to make money, I had to show up for meetings. I didn’t want to have to show up at any given time so … probably one of the top two reasons I made the decision is because I wanted the time and freedom to be the type of mom I wanted to be.

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MR: You were pregnant with your second daughter when you started recording your podcasts: a job that you could do at home and that allowed for plenty of time with your kids. It seems perfect for a mother of two young girls. Did that factor into your decision?

KK: They’re for women who are searching for very easy and simple ways to relax, to get more calm, to release anxiety, to feel less stressed. Every single one of them has a different audience… but ultimately, for all the guided mediations, my goal is really to infuse the women listening with some sense of connection to herself and some clarity on who she is, what’s important to her and how she can go about her day living the most authentic way that she can.

not like your typical meditations. I humbly pride myself on being s a really impactful writer Fa mi ly -p who’s writing these scripts a ho t c ed o cre d i t : R i c k Ta u to be something meaningful for women, to share messages with women that can help them really connect to themselves and see that they can totally surrender and be confident in who they are and make decisions for themselves for their lives. (See sidebar) Kr

MR: How would you describe your podcasts to someone wondering, “Should I take a listen?”

MR: What do you say to the busy mom who says that she doesn’t have time to meditate… like me? KK: Start with a baby step that I call “mini moments of mindfulness.” [For example], if you’ve just dropped off the kids at school and you’ve just pulled back up to your house, instead of immediately getting out and doing your checklist, take five deep breaths while you’re in the car—very conscious breaths, count to five as you’re taking them—and use that moment to come into a space of mindfulness. I love using mini moments of mindfulness because it doesn’t need to feel as structured or like another thing on your to-do list. These little moments are really big baby steps we can take to get out of our heads and into the present moment. MR: Has meditating made you a better parent? KK: Oh 1000%! It’s allowed me to practice taking a pause between my ego reaction to something and then allowing myself to decide how I want to react. It allows me to not be a reactionary parent …. to breathe and see things a little clearer. In addition to that, it’s allowed me to become a more conscious parent, to think ahead about how it is important for me to raise my girls, what kind of parent do I want to be, what are the values that I want to make sure to instill in my girls. These are all things that happen when you become accustomed to taking a pause, becoming present and connecting with yourself instead of always running in the race.

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THIS ONE’S FOR YOU, MAMA Excerpt from Morning Meditation for Women Through exhaustion and pain, Through laughter and tears, You show up. Through confusion and stress, Happiness and fears, You show up. When you’ve yelled too loud, And pushed too hard. Oh, those moments that choke you up. When you do it all wrong, But come back again, For hugs that always fill your cup. This one’s for you, mama. The imperfect soul you are, Who keeps showing up every day. Sometimes bright and cheery, Sometimes dim and weary, But always in your own special way.

TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022 photo credit: Natalie Jennings

JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

Get Live with Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ #45: Devin White by Tara Payor, Ph.D., photos provided by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Maybe he’s born with it. Maybe it’s hard work. For Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ linebacker, Devin White, it’s a perfectly created blend. Fifth overall pick in the NFL’s 2019 draft, White learned lessons on loss and mindset young. At 13, White lost his 19-year-old brother, Jae Jae, to a fatal bus accident. Rather than downward spiraling, Devin chose to #GetLive. Devin chose living life all out because Jae Jae cultivated the mindset. Now, #45 is sharing the #GetLive mindset with his son, his teammates and his Tampa Bay community.

TBPM: What drives you to get up in the morning?

DW: Having the opportunity. God blessed me with talent. I won’t waste it. I’m motivated to sharpen my skills and take care of my family. They’re depending on me. I’m the family glue; football keeps us together. We don’t have family reunions anymore, but everyone reunites by coming to my games and that’s just a vibe.

TBPM: Tell us about your little boy.

DW: Conner is two. He shares the middle name Jewel with Jae Jae. He’s me all over again. He does everything I do, so I try doing the right thing. I try being in his life daily—showing him how much I care for him.

I’m trying to be positive for Conner and for a lot of kids. A lot of kids in the community look up to me.

TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022

TBPM: What has surprised you about fatherhood?

DW: Everything. You’re never ready— especially being young. I was 22. You take it on headfirst. First is seeing how much I can love another person. You love your parents and grandparents, but being a parent is beyond. I’d take a bullet for him, no question. I’ve never felt the way I do being a dad— even when we’re chillin’, just riding in the car. Conner’s a mini me with my blood running through his body.

TBPM: What’s been the most challenging part of fatherhood? DW: Not having Conner full time; he travels between my house and his mom’s. My mom brings him to Tampa for games. He knows what I do and can spot me in videos. When he’s away, that’s the hardest.

TBPM: Jae Jae was your mentor. Who mentors you now?

DW: Shaun Houston, my youth league coach, is number one. I thought I was a basketball player, but he knew football was my calling. We travelled the country scouting colleges—been together since day one. He believed in me and stuck around. I lean on guys in the NFL who played or play the same position. I talk to Bobby Wagner a lot—anybody I can learn from. I’m not at the mountaintop. Every day, I’m climbing. I lean on my coaches, and I believe they’re around to help me. If you gave me a roster number, you’re willing to give me advice. I ask for phone numbers, call and pick brains. I wanna understand how other players looked at the position. I talk to Derrick Brooks before games: “How’d you use to see this?” Mentors help me improve.

TBPM: What’s the best part about competing?

meet my expectations—go beyond them. That’s how I’ve always gotten myself where I need to.

It’s not boxing. I’m not in the ring controlling everything. On the team, I’m doing my part to help us win. We say, “Win your one-on-ones.” Winning one-on-ones makes a good team.

Being a good person matters most. What else can I do while I have this spotlight? While everybody loves me, let me give back. I can get people to donate money and serve the community because of what I’m doing on the field. I use my success to make successes beyond myself.

DW: Sacrificing everything to win. I’m competing at practice and I’m competing at the game because I wanna win.

I like seeing 11 people, on both sides, working together to win.

TBPM: Did growing up riding horses inform how you approach football?

DW: I went from waking up early to feed horses to waking up early to work out. I went from throwing barrels in barns to tackling guys with just one hand because my hands became so strong. My patience on the field comes from horses. Horses and football go hand in hand. If I play 15 years, I can still be with my horses when I retire.

TBPM: When Jae Jae passed, you focused on horses. Does football offer the same mental rest? DW: Football is work. I have a job to do, and I can’t feel sorry for myself.

Football still offers refreshment. I’m in another world on the field—enjoying the energy and happiness. I don’t take it for granted. Anybody else could’ve had my talent.

TBPM: How much is you’re born with it and how much is your hard work?

DW: I give credit to the Man above: 75% God and 25% me working hard to sharpen the knife. Watching video of my younger days, what’s different now is what I can do on the field and what the commentators say: They don’t see many doing what I do. I’m rare. My skills set is rare. There are similar people, but they’re not me: Devin White.

TBPM: How do you stay humble?

DW: This success matters, but I’ve had success. I expect myself to excel. At every stage, I’ve succeeded. In high school, I was district MVP. In college, I won the most prestigious award for my position. In the NFL, I drafted high. Expectations are high, and I always

TBPM: How do you rise above the pressure? DW: Football is what I do. I’m continuing improving with more practice and more studying. I’m never nervous because this is just what I do.

You don’t lock up when you’re interviewing, even if it was Tom Brady, because it’s just what you do. Football is my routine. I’m there to be the best—practice or game. I’m there to make all the plays—leaving nothing on the field. When you know the expectations and believe you can do it, it’s easy.

TBPM: How does the team keep practice fun?

DW: By going at each other. Nobody’s safe. Just because it’s Mike Evans, one of football’s best receivers, doesn’t mean we don’t challenge him. When Carlton Davis knocked the ball down during today’s practice, I celebrated him like gameday. It’s fun seeing teammates competing and going hard.

Tara Payor with Devin White

TBPM: What word describes you? DW: Relentless.

I shouldn’t have to tell you to chase what you want. I should have to pull you back from going too hard. I have a relentless mindset no matter what I’m doing—even watching film. It’s an all-out pursuit. I’m trending up and trying to stay that way because the game doesn’t last forever.

TBPM: What’s important to you?

DW: Becoming a better man. You wanna look great in the spotlight but, behind closed doors, you wanna be great in every area. Areas people don’t see. I wanna know I’m living life and going to bed with peace of mind. Life: more unpredictable than any NFL game. Odds are high that relentless loyalty to one’s family, one’s calling and one’s community will culminate with an all-out team victory. #GetLive.

FAVORITE SPORTS MOVIES: LeBron James’ “More than the Game” and Michael Jordan’s “The Last Dance.” FAVORITE SONG: Anything by NBA YoungBoy. He puts me in the mood before games. Learn about Devin’s GetLive 45 Foundation: https://bit.ly/3trqhM4 JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

Moms to Know Courtney Vermette | Butter Bug Boutique by Julie Tingley, @weemacree

Nestled in a quaint area of South Tampa is a children’s boutique unlike any other. Named for her daughter’s love of butterflies, bugs and buttery soft bamboo clothing, Butter Bug Boutique is where you’ll find Courtney Vermette, sharing chemical-free products and brands that helped her daughter overcome skin allergies. More than a storefront, Butter Bug Boutique has become a place where parents can test the latest developmental toys, support purpose-driven mom-owned brands, and even discover solutions for kids that struggle with sensory issues. Vermette has become a friend to all families seeking better for their children, offering a space for welcomed answers, and lifting the community up one mompreneur, one meaningful cause at a time. TBPM: We talked with you in 2020 when you first started Butter Bug Boutique to learn what motivated you to combine your school counseling background with your passion for better baby and children’s products. How has your business and vision developed over the last two years? CV: I think if anything, I have learned so much more about the needs of parents – from sensory challenges with clothing to toys that help with developmental disorders. Since 2020, I have discovered so many more products that are developed by moms who found solutions to overcome these challenges, and I love being able to offer these unique items to parents in need. TBPM: Because much of the world was forced online in 2020 and many remained in that space, how does this continue to affect retail shopping? What is the key to survival in this business? CV: I do agree that a lot of people still prefer to shop online, but I also have learned that customers absolutely LOVE to come into the store to see the products in person. It is a different experience seeing something online like a bamboo pajama set and actually feeling that buttery soft texture in person. I often hear “I love coming in to feel and see everything. It is all so soft, and a lot better in person!” However, it can be very challenging to compete with direct brands that may offer more online, or a sale that I cannot match because I do not have the margins that they do. This affects small retail shops everywhere, but I am incredibly grateful for the loyalty of my customer base. They know that they get a personal experience and 1:1 attention that you may not get from direct brands online. Having loyal customers both online and locally is the key to survival, and I am so fortunate for those that even just spread the word about us. That means everything.

TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022

TBPM: Tell us more about your latest project- Butter Bug Boutique’s own brand! From children’s toys to clothing, we need the details for this launch and other happenings at the store. CV: This has been a work in progress for over a year! My focus for this brand is to offer sustainable toys that are purposeful, hand-crafted and developmentally driven. This brand will also offer sensory friendly bamboo basics for everyday wear, uniforms and even lineless socks! All apparel items will be released by season but will coordinate with every line so that you can mix and match. Offering tag-less, comfortable bamboo basics that are affordable is something inspired by my own daughter who has a sensory processing disorder. I know that there are other moms like me who struggle with kids who have texture challenges or are in general just “picky” about what they wear. For these reasons, this brand will be the perfect solution! Brand name and launch date to be announced in the coming months. TBPM: Social good and social marketing have really taken off over the past several years as more brands recognize their responsibility to give back as they grow. How has the “Buy with a purpose” slogan you adopted early on resonated with your customer base? Do most of the brands you carry still support nonprofit missions? CV: My social media manager really works hard to promote our brands that give back and the purpose behind all of our products. Marketing this is very important to me because I want our customers to know that their purchases ARE meaningful, and yes, most all of our brands give back in some way. One of our favorite brands, Emerson and Friends, is located in Clearwater and the founder gives back to different non-profits every month such as CASA, a domestic violence shelter. Laree

& Co., another brand we carry and love, donates portions of sale proceeds to medically fragile children, and sends bereavement packages to mothers. We carry a lot of brands that give back nationally and world-wide with each release of a print. For example, Bellabu Bear releases prints that give back to national foundations; the Ocean PJ Set that we carry, funds the removal of 1lb of plastic from our oceans with every purchase. We recently collaborated with one of our brands to have an exclusive “Butter Bugs” print and the collection released a few days after the Robb Elementary tragedy. I wanted to be excited about having my own exclusive print release, but the tragedy weighed heavy on my heart. I decided to take a small part in helping those families, and donate 10% of sale proceeds towards the school’s GoFundMe. Even today, we are continuing to donate with every purchase. I love that we are all collectively supporting social good – it becomes more than just buying clothes for your kids. We are all paying it forward with each purchase, and I will do whatever I can to continue to support my brands’ missions as well as my own. TBPM: As back-to-school shopping is imminent at the end of this month, what do you have planned in-store to prepare for the new school year? CV: We will be announcing a back-toschool drive to collect donations such as school supplies and uniforms that will go directly to a few local Title 1 schools. Everyone who donates will receive a gift card to our store. We will also be hosting a pop-up with Wee Macree, a local mom-owned kids brand where each shirt partners with a nonprofit to benefit a different child in need. The pop-up will launch a Tampa-focused campaign that helps prepare and promote school readiness among children that are homeless.

JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022

Kids to Know: Maisy Kiefer by Julie Tingley, @weemacree

If you haven’t met Maisy Kiefer yet, consider this a surprise summer gift! Maisy represents everything that is good in this world. She has the perfect innocence and softness of any 7-year-old girl but carries a level of confidence and awareness far beyond her years. Maisy’s family met her at birth and made her adoption final after 482 days. In that time, Maisy overcame setbacks and challenges over and over again. Maisy has garnered local recognition through her involvement with Gigi’s Playhouse, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that offers the only network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers to provide life-changing therapeutic, educational and career training programs at no cost. Her adoring family (including eight brothers and sisters!) is equally as unforgettable. Maisy with her mother, Michelle Kiefer, tell us why she is a kid to know in Tampa Bay and beyond. TBPM: You’ve been described as “the best” from our mutual friend Sean Daly, as “magical” by your peers at the model shoot for local brand Wee Macree, and as a “blessing” by your family. Tell us more about you and why you think you’ve captured the attention and the hearts of so many in our Tampa Bay community. MAISY: I’m special because I love everybody, and everybody loves me. I make you happy. And I like my hair! MICHELLE: Maisy has a special quality that simply draws people in. She is extremely sweet, but topped off with just the right amount of sass! We've been delighted to make such wonderful connections in Tampa, including having the opportunity to participate in a super fun interview at Gigi's Playhouse with Sean Daly, where Maisy decided to take the mic and took charge of the interview! Sean was so gracious and went right along with it, following her lead. Last year while attending a Tampa Bay Lightning game (courtesy of the Lightning Foundation), Maisy was spotted in the crowd by Alex Killorn who called us down to the bench and gave her a puck. She was thrilled! She absolutely remembers that night and still talks about it! I truly believe it is Maisy's purity and approach to life that draws people to her. She embraces both life and those around her with love, acceptance and excitement. It's a cinch to be completely in love with Maisy Kay! And she's right... Her hair is phenomenal! Those curls! TBPM: From your fearlessness to your friendliness, you inspire people, Maisy. Can you talk about what you’ve had to overcome in your life so far? Who inspires you and makes you feel excited about doing more with the gifts you have? MAISY: Yes, I went to the hospital a lot. I was sick, but now I'm all better. My family makes me happy: Mommy, Daddy, Stevie Joy, Gus, Abi, Sam, Emma, Lily, Sarah, Bryant, Bennett, Claire, Owen, MaeMae, Doodad, Aunt Julie, Uncle Tommy, Megan, Adson, Baby AJ, Molly, CC, Uncle Derrick, Ronnie, Eric, Laila, E-Mama, Judy, Wrigley, Bubbles.

MICHELLE: She is a graceful little warrior that has overcome more in her seven years of life than many people have to face in a lifetime. Besides being born with her glorious extra chromosome (Trisomy 21) and having to face some of the challenges that often come along with that, she was also born addicted to meth and had to go through difficult withdrawals. Maisy has faced several surgeries, and at one point, was near death due to an abscess near her heart. Her medical issues have been the largest part of her journey in regards to challenges, but with each year her health has improved, and we are all deeply thankful. People that inspire Maisy are family, friends and those who choose to stop and to SEE her. If you take the time to pause and slow down just enough to connect and engage with Maisy, you will find that YOU are inspired by HER and you will also see that SHE is inspired by YOU. Maisy thrives on connections. She is extraordinarily perceptive and brings out the best in those around her, which in turn brings out the best in her. She is light and love! Maisy responds well to any encouragement and is fearless to try new things. Those who challenge and encourage her become her inspiration! TBPM: Your family is so big and so diverse! Tell us about your parents, your sisters and your brothers. MAISY: I love my mommy. We like to hold hands and go to the beach and sing and dance. I like daddy. He's funny and he makes me laugh. I love my brothers and sisters. We have fun together. MICHELLE: Maisy is indeed a part of a large and ethnically diverse family! She is one of nine children, eight of which are adopted. Their ages range from 37 to 4. My husband, Steve, and I were married in 1993, and after a few years, began our journey of adoption. Through both private adoption and foster care, our family has continued to grow. We affectionately refer to the six oldest kids as the "O.G." kids, and the youngest three (including Maisy) as their "2.0" kids. This is due to the fact

photo credit: Megan Renee Photography

that we thought we were done adopting, but decided (with the strong desire and help from the older children) to re-engage in the foster care system. We have one set of twins in the family, and Maisy is considered one in a set of "fwins" (fake twins). She has a sister, Stevie Joy, that is just 6 weeks older than her. The Kiefer family has a unique and complex story and Maisy is a vital part of it. TBPM: What do you want to be when you grow up? MAISY: I wanna be taller than mom. I will do fashion shows and be a dance teacher. MICHELLE: We also asked her if she wants to be modeling on the catwalk when she is grown, and she responded with a passionate "YEAH BABY!" TBPM: What is your favorite thing to do in school? MAISY: I like to write my name and I love drawing pictures. I count and say my ABCs. MICHELLE: Maisy is homeschooled and has just completed the first grade. One of Maisy's favorite things to do in school is to "fake sleep" by putting her head on the table and loudly snoring to interrupt the lesson when she is bored. She loves to make people laugh! Maisy is a hard worker and has spent this school year focusing on learning the alphabet, counting, spelling and writing. She loves books and being read to as well. A big part of Maisy's educational experience are her therapies. Maisy spends quite a bit of time in speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Although these therapies are often challenging for her, she greets each session with determination and usually with joy. Occasionally she chooses to be noncompliant and grouchy, which is a great reminder for us all that she is like everyone else... she has good days and bad days, and that is perfectly okay! JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

Sharing Our History and Culture with Our Children by Rodrigo Díaz, photos provided by Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

An important part of parenting is passing down historical memory and cultural heritage to our children. Through the public library, your family can enjoy timely and relevant cultural events and classes that showcase our community’s diversity. At your local branch, books, eBooks, DVDs, streaming content and online classes can help you and your family discover more about our community’s history and culture. Hillsborough County’s museums and parks also offer families the opportunity to share cultural experiences, learn about the past and deepen their appreciation of our rich community heritage. Here are eight suggestions of places to go. Also, check out our list of art and history books available from the library that parents can share with their children before or after they visit. HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM: Located on the University of Tampa campus, the museum pays homage to the days when the school was a hotel that catered to America’s wealthy and famous. One exhibit commemorates the hotel’s role during the time that Tampa served as a military staging ground for the Spanish-American War. TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART: Nestled on the east bank of the Hillsborough River across from the University of Tampa, our city’s premier public gallery features works by nationally and internationally renowned painters, photographers, sculptors and multimedia creators as well as local artists. There are also permanent exhibits of art and artifacts from ancient civilizations, including an Egyptian sarcophagus. TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER: Near Amalie Arena lies the largest history museum in Tampa. Its three f loors house exhibitions that recount different parts of our community’s story. One permanent exhibit narrates an early encounter between Spaniards and the Tocobaga people of Tampa Bay, while another uses animatronics and film to relate the events of the Second Seminole War. FORT FOSTER INTERPRETIVE CENTER: In 1836, the U.S. Army constructed Fort Foster, a small garrison on the Hillsborough River. Today, part of Hillsborough River State Park is located on the site of the old fort. The park features a small museum dedicated to the garrison and to the war between the Seminoles and the United States military. The museum includes artifacts left by the Seminoles, American soldiers and settlers. VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK: Off U.S. 301 sits a Hillsborough County park that commemorates those who served in America’s armed forces. Tree-lined paths wind through a plaza of statues, plaques, f lags and monuments that honor the service and sacrifice of those in uniform. SULPHUR SPRINGS MUSEUM AND HERITAGE CENTER: In Mann-Wagon Memorial Park is a small museum that preserves and interprets the legacy of a Tampa neighborhood that was once a local tourist hub. The museum highlights the contributions of African Americans from the area and also includes natural history exhibits, including shells, arrowheads, fossils, minerals and a Lepidoptera collection. YBOR CITY MUSEUM: The museum is a Florida state park housed in the historic Ferlita Bakery building. Its exhibits tell the history of a neighborhood founded in the 1880s as a multi-ethnic and multi-racial immigrant enclave. PARQUE AMIGOS DE JOSÉ MARTÍ: Within easy walking distance of the Ybor City Museum, this small park commemorates the site of a boarding house that sheltered poet and Cuban revolutionary José Martí 130 years ago. The boarding house was owned by Paulina Pedroso, an Afro-Cuban immigrant who gave safe haven to Martí, a Cuban revolutionary and one of the most beloved poets of the Spanish language. A statue of Martí, Cuba’s tragic hero, presides over the grounds.

Pair your visit with one of the titles on this book list: bit.ly/HCPLC-CommunityCulture

TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022

DISCOVERY PASS IS BACK!

The Library’s Discovery Pass program gives you FREE admission or tour pass to select local museums and attractions, and it is now available through a new, easierto-use digital system accessible through your smart phone, tablet, computer, or by visiting your local library and using one of the public computers to reserve your pass. HCPLC.org/Discovery Pass.

HAPPY STUDENTS S E R I O U S E D U C AT I O N

(813) 961-3087 • PreK3-8th Grade • www.corbettprep.com Transportation Available

JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

Strong Schools – Stronger Hillsborough During the height of the pandemic, many parents saw firsthand the true challenge of our teachers. It’s become even more evident that teachers are heroes – the first responders that our children go to for answers or just a kind smile. But like most school districts across the nation, Hillsborough County Public Schools is experiencing critical staff shortages including teachers, bus drivers, and support staff. Just this year, we had a 240% increase in teacher vacancies. While teachers enter the profession due to a calling, many are leaving for financial reasons. According to EdWeek, teacher salaries are not keeping up with inflation. The national average teacher salary for 2021-22 was $66,397 – a 1.7% increase from the previous year. But when adjusted for inflation, the average teacher salary decreased by an estimated 3.9% over the last decade.

Florida is ranked 48th in average teacher pay

Mid-career teachers in Hillsborough County earn salaries only slightly higher than early career teachers, prompting many of them to seek new jobs outside of education or in other school districts where salaries are more competitive. Twenty-one Florida school districts have successfully implemented a millage referendum, gaining a competitive advantage over Hillsborough in attracting high-quality teachers and staff. Other school districts considering a referendum or renewal in 2022 include Pasco, Sarasota, Duval, Brevard, and Palm Beach. On the August 23rd primary ballot, Hillsborough County voters will decide on increasing the ad valorem tax by one mil. What could this mean to our school heroes? 75% of the district’s share of the funds over the 4-year term will be used to increase pay for teachers, bus drivers, custodians, support professionals, and other staff. The remaining 25% will be used to protect and expand art, music, PE, and workforce education programs. Hillsborough Schools must remain competitive as we recruit and retain the best and brightest teachers for our children.

TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022

HillsboroughSchools.org

No Rest for the Referendum! by Laura Cross, Hillsborough County Public Schools

Ask most of our students and staff what they’re up to this summer and the answer will probably be: The beach! Camp! Traveling! FUN! Ask the men and women working for Reno Boyd and Carruthers & Associates and their answer will be: “Making our schools better!” That’s right; while we’re at rest, our referendum dollars are hard at work. A quick refresher before we go into more detail about our hard-working education referendum cash. In 2018, voters in Hillsborough County passed the education referendum. The money is earmarked solely for improving the facilities and other capital projects in our schools such as replacing air conditioning units, improving old roofs, enhancing security systems and repaving parking lots, among other necessary projects. So far, more than $355 million dollars have gone into our schools to make them better! That number will jump substantially after this summer, because this summer’s project list is massive. Let’s look at the summer to-do list for just one school in particular: Ballast Point Elementary in Tampa: ●

Complete air conditioning overhaul

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Adding a ramp to the front of the campus where there was no ADA access

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Replacing f looring in main office to remove termite and moisture damage

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Installing new carpeting in media center and media lab

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Replacing f looring in cafeteria

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Replacing f looring in 32 classrooms

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Revamping the water collection system to keep unwanted moisture out of the building

Crews began work on Ballast Point Elementary Memorial Day weekend. Work is expected to be complete by Aug. 2, just in time for teachers and staff to return. The same thing is happening in many of our schools over the summer. Our district operations team, along with the Citizens Oversight Committee, has spent the past few months interviewing companies and getting the very best bids for the work. Local companies are given the highest consideration, along with minority owned businesses. Reno Boyd Building Company is based out of Tampa, as is Carruthers & Associates Architecture. Together, those companies are working on Ballast Point Elementary and Madison Middle School this summer. When the work is complete, more than $10 million referendum dollars will be invested into those two schools. The work is so intense, even the principal works offsite in order to stay out of the way. Beth Hastings has been principal at Ballast Point Elementary for seven years. She says her entire school came together to make sure everything was ready for the summer work to begin. “Our families and staff are phenomenal,” she said. “During the most hectic time of the year – the end of the year – we all showed up to pack up rooms, purge, move technology and music equipment to other areas so construction could get started as soon as that final bell rang!” Hastings says everyone is excited to get back on campus in August and see the improvements in the school. That’s what it is all about. Our staff and students spend a majority of their day, five days a week, in these buildings. Thanks to the education referendum, we are able to make them a more comfortable place to prepare our students for life! JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

When enough is enough How to get involved with Moms Demand Action by Laura Byrne

It still feels raw. We are all sharing in the grief and anger about the senseless murder of 19 children and two teachers at a Texas elementary school—at the hands of a madman who was practically a child himself; a person who, upon his recent 18th birthday, was able to purchase the guns he allegedly used in the deadly shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

Many of us are left asking: How? Why? And what can we do? We recently reconnected with Wendy Malloy, the co-leader of the Moms Demand Action Florida chapter of moms, to learn more about how families in Tampa Bay can get involved in the fight for common sense change so no other family has to endure the unimaginable heartbreak of losing a child to gun violence. And, so no child has to go to school in fear for their lives.

TBPM: For those who may not be familiar with Moms Demand Action, tell us more about the organization and its mission.

y M a ll o y

Our hearts are broken for the families and loved ones of victims in Buffalo and Uvalde, and the 110 people killed by guns every day in America. We’re holding them close as we work to honor their lives with action.

WENDY MALLOY: Moms Demand Action started in 2012, the day after the Sandy Hook shooting that killed 20 first-graders and six teachers and administrators. Our founder, Shannon Watts, started a Facebook page to begin a conversation about solutions to the country’s gun violence epidemic.

TBPM: How can families get involved with the local chapter and what can we expect to do?

Now, almost 10 years later, we have 8 million supporters nationwide. We have a chapter in every state and a presence in every state house. We work on several fronts:

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Text ACT to 644-33

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Download our Demand Action app Check out our Moms Demand Action website: momsdemandaction.org

WM: There are two active Moms groups in the Bay area – one in Tampa and one in St. Pete. There are several ways to connect:

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Advocate common sense gun laws at the local, state and national level

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Work to elect Gun Sense Candidates

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Support gun violence survivors with the Everytown Survivors Network

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Educate the public about secure firearm storage with our Be SMART program

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Support and partner with community violence intervention programs (such as Safe & Sound Hillsborough and Rise Up for Peace) and more

TBPM: It’s incredibly frustrating for so many families who have seen this news cycle repeat itself without any real change. What else can we do?

TBPM: How has the most recent tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, changed the messaging from Moms Demand Action? WM: Our message remains the same: Common sense gun laws save lives. If more guns made people safer, the U.S. would be the safest nation on the planet. Instead, 110 people every single day die by guns. And most shocking and enraging: Gun violence is the Number One cause of death for American children and teenagers.

TampaBayParenting.com JULY 2022

WM: I share your frustration. Believe me, we all want meaningful change at the federal level. But it’s important to know that the gun violence prevention movement is absolutely making progress across the U.S., state by state, school board by school board, city council by city council. Here are just two examples of our wins in Florida, just in the past few months: ●

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector shares gun violence prevention info and stats on digital screens in all eight offices across our region, serving 1.5 million Floridians every year. And every concealed permit applicant (2,400 last year) goes home with Be SMART info about secure firearm storage.

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Duval County Schools passed a Momsled resolution to send Be SMART materials home with every student (130,000 countywide) at the start of the school year.

TBPM: As a member of Moms Demand Action, you have been part of this fight for quite a while. How are you feeling right now? WM: Heartbroken that two more American communities are experiencing the devastation and trauma so many have suffered. Furious that so many elected officials have chosen blood money from the gun lobby over the lives of their constituents – little children watching a Disney movie in the last week of school, grocery shoppers on a spring afternoon … and the list goes on. Determined that this time, we will NOT let the gun lobby and its lackeys in Congress get away with hollow thoughts and prayers. We demand action on common sense laws that save lives.

TBPM: What else do you want our readers to know? WM: Thousands of new volunteers have joined Florida Moms and we’re ready to put them to work. Join us: Text ACT to 644-33.

How to talk to your kids about scary things by Laura Byrne

It's not always easy to find the right words when our kids come to us with questions about the scary things happening in our world. And sometimes, the struggle for us is knowing that many of these things are out of our control. But, there are ways we can comfort our children and help guide them as they process current events. The most recent story that has gutted every parent was the murder of 19 children and their 2 teachers at an Uvalde, Texas, elementary school. How in the world do we explain this to our kids? In my conversations with other parents, I discovered that many of us, myself included, haven't told our kids about it yet. But—should we? To help guide us as parents, we're turning to Jennifer Katzenstein, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, the co-director of the Center for Behavioral Health at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, to learn more about how to talk to our kids about scary things. TBPM: If our kids haven't yet learned about the tragic shooting in Uvalde, Texas, should we tell them or wait for them to bring it up? DR. JENNIFER KATZENSTEIN: It depends on the age and developmental level. For our younger kids, it is hard to understand the gravity of the event.

level. In addition, children before 7-8 years of age often will not yet make the connection between the news and reality, so it is best at those ages to talk about scary situations more broadly, and what safety plans are. See previous question for more related to this.

For those under the age of 7, a great option is to reinforce the safety plans that their school has in place. If they ask about the shooting, speak in clear terms at their level, such as "kids were hurt at school," and remind them that adults are doing everything they can to protect them.

TBPM: The school shooting hits home for many kids because the victims were their age and in a classroom where they are supposed to feel the most safe. How do we reassure our kids? Especially as they head back to school and go through the active shooter practice drills?

For kids 8 years old to middle school age, again, meet them at their level and explain that many kids were killed by a shooter at school, and again, remind them that adults are here to keep them safe and reinforce school safety plans. Ask them about how they are feeling and let them express any concerns without prompts.

JK: A great place to start is to review family safety plans and school safety plans. Practice coping skills together, especially when we feel our anxiety on the rise, including deep breathing, meditation and muscle relaxation. Remind them that adults at school and at home are doing everything they can to keep them safe.

For our high school aged kids, this is a great opportunity to discuss legislation [and] varying opinions, and together, you can start to engage in volunteer or activist work of your family's choice.

TBPM: If a child is especially anxious about the news, how do we best comfort them when we know most of what is going on in the outside world is out of our control? We don't want to lie to them, right?

TBPM: Kids understand things at different ages and stages. What's the best way to talk about these scary things in the news with our kids from preschoolers to high schoolers? JK: Talking about scary things in the news varies by age and developmental

JK: Correct. We always want to be as transparent as possible in our communication and [by] presenting language at an age-appropriate level. However, keep in mind, too much news isn't healthy for anyone, including ourselves, so limit news if it is distressful, and make sure to get news from trusted news sources.

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TBPM: What should a parent do if they are concerned about their child's mental health? JK: Talking with your pediatrician or a trusted psychologist/counselor/therapist is a great place to start. I wish everyone established with a therapist when they find their pediatrician, but since that isn't what happens right now, find some trusted providers and bring your concerns. It is great to establish a relationship with people now so that when concerns arise, you know who you have a relationship with and who to go to.

TBPM: In the event of something like a hurricane (since it's hurricane season), how do we comfort our kids when again—Mother Nature is out of our control? JK: The most important thing we can do is have a family safety plan. Make sure we have hurricane supplies on hand, and that the family is well versed in the family safety plan. Although we can't predict the future, and Mother Nature is out of our control, our kids need to have reassurance that we are doing everything we can to keep them safe.

TBPM: Anything else you want to add? JK: Healthy parents are important for healthy kids. If we personally are feeling a lot of anxiety or experience changes in our own mood, we as parents may need support as well! Taking care of ourselves is very important, and sleep and social work are two of the biggest protective factors we can do to take care of ourselves. But, receiving our own care from a psychologist, therapist or counselor models for our kids the importance of taking care of our mental health and seeking out care when we need it. JULY 2022 TampaBayParenting.com

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St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation presents

Christmas in July D R I V E

July 1–29 Your donation can give hope to the extraordinary kids at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital by providing ways for them to cope during their hospital stay.

Find out how you can help: StJosephsChristmas.org

With every generation, we get better at protecting our environment. Reclamation ecologists like Ashlee work to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, public parks and more—so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.

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