The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Public invited to help Pasco shape its future

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Pasco County will host its second series of workshops to invite public involvement in the update of the county’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan, according to a county news release.

The workshops will be at:

  • Elsie Logan Memorial Park, at 15830 Greenglen Lane, in Shady Hills, on July 13, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • The Community Center at Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., on July 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

All are welcome to attend these workshops, which will include a brief overview of Pasco 2050, a discussion of the issues and opportunities identified during the first series of workshops, and interactive exercises intended for members of the public to share their thoughts on the future vision of Pasco County.

Those unable to attend can provide input through the county’s Visioning Survey, which is available at MyPas.co/2050VisioningSurvey.

To register for updates on upcoming community meetings, community engagement, and other information about the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, visit Pasco2050.com.

Published July 12, 2023

Girl Scouts earn ‘gold’ for their achievements

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Thirty-two young women across the Tampa Bay area have earned the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting — the Gold Award. They were honored on June 10 at the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s (GSWCF) Annual Gold Award Ceremony, according to a news release.The award is the highest achievement a Girl Scout can earn, available to girls in high school who create a significant and sustainable positive change in a community.

Gold Award recipients address the root cause of a problem, plan and implement innovative solutions to drive change, and lead a team of people to success.

These young women were among the 32 teens that were honored with the highest achievement of Girl Scouting — the Gold Award. (Courtesy of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida)

Earning the Gold Award distinction were: Emily Allen, Skylar Anderson, Courtney Bennett, Yasmine Bouanani, Shaw Bouley, Abigail Cardoza, Georgia Chandler, Elaine Feaster, Isabela Fry, Riley Glogowski, Alexis Hatch, Madison Hurst, Lauren Kacinko, Nitya Katwala, Edy Krook, Emma Lefferts, Presley Lomel, Mariam Masud, Silvana Messina, Isha Patel, Saylor Purks, Emma Ream, Lisa Rosario, Kathleen Roset, Taylor Russell, Audrey Shelby, Samantha Squires, Maggie Warren, Abigail Weber, Emma Weiland, Amanda Whittlesey and Ayla Yebba.

“These Gold Award Girl Scouts courageously made a lasting impact throughout the Tampa Bay Area and beyond – and as a result, they know they have the power to do it again,” Cami Gibertini, GSWCF board president, said in the release.

The 2023 Gold Award Girl Scouts in West Central Florida invested more than 3,200 hours in planning and implementing projects that tackled many pervasive issues.

Each year, the projects are evaluated by the High Awards Committee for various scholarship opportunities.

The GSWCF Scholarship was presented to Emily Allen for her project that created community gardens to promote mental health initiatives.

Elaine Feaster’s literacy awareness project and Samantha Squires’ rain garden projects earned each of them an Ann Hensler Scholarship — an award established in 1999 in memory of former GSWCF CEO Ann Hensler. 

In addition, a $10,000 GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship will be presented later this summer to a GSWCF Gold Award Girl Scout whose project exemplifies the core components of the Gold Award and demonstrates extraordinary leadership to drive lasting change in her community and beyond.  

To learn more about the 2023 Gold Award Girl Scouts in West Central Florida, visit GSWCF.org/en/events/gold-award-ceremony.html.

Published July 12, 2023

Florida’s $117 billion budget is $5 billion more than last year

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Florida’s budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year of $117 billion is about $5 billion more than last year and roughly 27% percent larger than the state’s spending plan just three years ago.

Those were among the facts that Ralph Lair, intergovernmental affairs officer for Pasco County, and Shawn Foster, the county’s lobbyist from Sunrise Consulting, reported during the Pasco County Commission’s June 20 meeting.

The two men provided an overview of highlights from this year’s legislative session.

Lair told the board the budget includes about $46.5 billion in general revenue funding and more than $70 billion in trust fund spending, which is mostly earmarked for specific needs.

“The Legislature was able to set aside more than $11 billion that will be held back for future needs for the state,” Lair said.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the budget on June 15 and it took effect on July 1.

Foster told the county board: “You know, every session we go up there, we’re like: ‘This is the toughest year we’ve ever seen on local governments. It can’t be as bad as last year.’”

Foster told the board that of the state’s budget, about $41 billion is pass-through money from the federal government.

“We have had extra pass-through federal dollars since COVID. Those will stop in the next years,” he said.

Meanwhile, the extra funds have “very much helped our reserves.

“In 2019, we only had $4 billion in reserves. We only had enough to last less than 14 days.

“Today, because of the reserves the governor and the Legislature have done, we’ve moved into $33 billion. We’re higher than other states have around the nation, and we’re in a very good position.”

Now, the state has enough in reserves to operate for roughly 36 days, Foster said.

“For us to put away the dollars we have the past two years has been phenomenal. We’ve been very, very responsible,” Foster said.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said that’s impressive, “especially on the heels of a hurricane that we had.”

During the session, 1,873 bills were filed and 356 bills passed, Lair said

“We had a really, really smooth session. The two houses got along really well. They were able to compromise and both come out, as they felt, as winners,” Foster said.

“I think the governor, as you saw, pretty much got all that he wanted,” Foster added.

The budget includes $2.7 billion in tax relief and $4 billion for moving forward initiatives that will accelerate the completion of 20 transportation projects around the state.

Published July 12, 2023

All about the Red, White & Lutz

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The floats were patriotic and as hot as the sun.

Nearly 50 entries, along with hundreds of Lutz residents and locals, made their way up Lutz Lake Fern Road for the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade. The much-anticipated event — held on the sweltering morning of the Fourth of July — brought together the best of the unincorporated community of more than 28,000 to celebrate the country’s birthday.

Parade-goers out at the grandstand, near the library, jump and cheer as beads and trinkets are tossed from floats. (Mike Camunas)

The parade route, which stretched more than a mile, started near the Oscar Cooler Sports Complex and finished in front of the Lutz Branch Library and historic Lutz Train Depot.

Local organizers also held a 5K and Mile Fun Run in the early morning, a cake-decorating contest and, after the parade, announced the winner of this year’s Lutz Guv’na campaign.

Annabelle Depolis, a young local singer, belted out the National Anthem to kick off the parade, which was led by grand marshal 2022 Guv’na Atlas Cortecero.

Katelyn Easterwood, and Missy, walk along First Ave. N.W., on the tail end of the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade on a sweltering Fourth of July morning.

Hundreds lined the street as floats from the likes of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, Boy and Girl Scout troops, North Tampa-Lutz Civil Air Patrol Squadron, Lutz Chiefs Cheer Squad, and local politicians, leaders and businesses owners all tossed out patriotic beads and other trinkets.

Other floats included Lutz All Star Baseball, Lutz Scoops passing out ice cream, the Tampa Rough Riders, Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Hagen, Learning Gate Community School and the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes.

In the 5K, the top Lutz finisher was 17-year-old Ethan Russ (16:52), who finished in sixth place, barely edging out 17-year-old Dylan Powell, of Land O’ Lakes (16:55).

All three Lutz Guv’na candidates also had entries in the parade, with eventual Guv’na winner Jerome Smalls bringing his company, SoccerGemz, and several athletes to walk in the parade.

It’s an event he looks forward to every year.

“The turnout, every year, is always amazing,” Smalls said. “It is one of the best parades, really, in the area. We learned to not  throw all beads and goodies away so fast, because you then still have a mile to go!

“(The parade is) always phenomenal, and we love being a part of it and coming out to see it every year, no matter how hot it is, and it’s always hot!”

Lutz Independence Parade Trophy Winners
Best Vehicle: Charley Musselman
Bicycle Entry: West Coast Elite
Commercial Entry: Pinch-A-Penny
Largest Turnout Participation: Lutz Chiefs Cheer
Most Patriotic: Boy Scout Pack 37
Themed Entry (RED, WHITE & Lutz): Lutz Volunteer Fire Department
Walking Unit: Civil Air Patrol
Youth Entry: Learning Gate Community School
Judge’s Favorite: The Barn at Stark Farms
Grand Marshal’s Choice: First Baptist of Lutz

Published July 12, 2023

Ten-year-old Sophia Joiner was one of hundreds of Lutz residents and locals that attended the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade on the morning of the Fourth of July.
The very vocal Lutz Chiefs Cheer squad filled their float to capacity and encouraged the crowd of hundreds to cheer along with them near the Lutz Branch Library, during the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade.
The annual Lutz Independence Day Parade and its nearly 50 floats and entries came up Lutz Lake Fern Road toward U.S. 41 and finished in front of Lutz Branch Library and the historic Lutz Train Depot. Hundreds along the parade route clamored for beads and trinkets being tossed from the floats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club wave from their float during the annual parade.
Justin Gaertner, a veteran who lives in Lutz, holds his son, Landry, during the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade.
Members of Cub Scout Pack 339, based out of First Baptist of Lutz, wave to the crowd in front of Lutz Branch Library.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four-year-old Lutz resident Charlotte Sherwood enjoys a freezer pop while being pulled in a wagon in the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade on Lutz Lake Fern Road.
From back to front: Hayes White, Brantley White and Cayson Schmidt wait eagerly for floats in the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade to come toward them down Lutz Lake Fern Road.
Old Suzie, the first fire engine of the Lutz Volunteer Fire Department and privately owned by Dr. Earl Smith, makes its way down Lutz Lake Fern Road during the parade.

No small feat, as new Lutz Guv’na crowned

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Jerome Smalls wasn’t about to be a two-time loser.

“Once was enough,” said Smalls, who was unsuccessful in his 2014 bid for the Lutz Guv’na title.

Newly ‘elected’ 2023 Lutz Guv’na Jerome Smalls accepts his coveted Guv’na sash, which he received following the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade. His swearing-in ceremony was held at the historic Lutz Train Depot at the corner of Lutz Lake Fern and U.S 41. The annual campaign each year raises money for local charities and nonprofit organizations. Smalls won by raising the most money, among the three Guv’na candidates. (Mike Camunas)

This time, he brought in the most cash and was crowned the 2023 Lutz Guv’na following the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade. Smalls was one of three candidates vying for the title in a yearly competition that involves raising money for various local charities and nonprofit organizations.

The winner receives the coveted Guv’na sash, a red-and-white Cat-in-the-Hat hat and a key to the unincorporated community of more than 28,000 people.

After raising more than $4,300, Smalls topped fellow candidates Shanon Monahan ($4,000 plus) and Tim Davis ($3,000 plus) and, humbly, accepted the passing of the torch from 2022 Guv’na Atlas Cortecero.

The candidates combined to raise more than $11,000, which will be divvied out to nonprofits, such as the Old Lutz School House, GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, churches, schools, sports teams and other organizations in Lutz.

“This is just so crazy, really, but it’s not only being up at the podium (after winning),” Smalls said. “There’s the parade and seeing all the families that we know through our program (SoccerGemz), to see (the kids) that came through and grow up and at the parade, supporting us and all the candidates.

“It’s crazy to have all that support, especially when starting a business in Lutz.”

Smalls moved to Tampa in 2005 and opened SoccerGemz in 2012. It’s an introductory soccer program which teaches the basic skills and fundamentals of soccer for children 18 months to 8 years old in the Lutz community.

An avid sports fan, Smalls was aided by his two daughters — Ivoryele, 14, and Anora, 9 — at the Guv’na debate on May 13. He also is a very active member with Lutz First Baptist.

Smalls is no stranger to being the Guv’na, since he ultimately came up short when running in 2014. This time, though, he was more savvy with his campaign.

He got the backing of some “political” heavy hitters from Lutz: the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

“The women in green shirts — I call them the WIGS,” Smalls said with a laugh. “They supported me and worked with me, because in 2014, I was just like, ‘Hey, I’m running for Guv’na! That’s cool!’ This time, I went out and got that organization because those women do so, so much for Lutz and all the organizations here.”

Whoever is crowned Guv’na earmarks 10% of the proceeds to a Lutz charitable organization of his or her choice, and Smalls said his will go to the Woman’s Club. He added he also will help other nonprofits, such as the Old Lutz School House and also plans on donating to the Lutz Branch Library — since he is a frequent patron.

“I’m an avid reader and I come here a lot,” Small said, pointing to the library from the nearby Lutz Train Depot. “I want to help out the place I go to a lot.”

Smalls held several fundraising events since May 13, from bingo events at Black Sheep American Pub, to other luncheons and dinners and fun events. Many people he knew through SoccerGemz also donated to his cause, as he could “panhandle” in the parade, in a final push to cash in for the sash.

But now that he has said sash, he plans to make due on a big campaign “promise” he made while “mudslinging” his other candidates.

And this promise is a real winner.

“I promised that I became Guv’na — which I now have after running two times — I promised to build a brand new stadium in the middle of (U.S.) 41 — for the (Tampa Bay) Rays!

“I will bring the Rays to Lutz!” he said, jokingly.

Past Lutz Guv’nas
2023 – Jerome Smalls
2022 – Atlas Cortecero
2019 – Amy Lancaster
2018 – Domenic Difante
2017 – Kori Rankin
2016 – Greg Gilbert
2015 – Jennifer Rankin
2014 – Dr. Cindy Perkins
2013 – Suzin Carr
2012 – Karen D’Amico
2011 – Kevin White
2010 – Stephanie Ensor
2009 – Suzin Carr
2008 – Teri Burgess
2007 – Michele Northrup
2006 – Edwina Kraemer
2005 – Liz Iaconetti
2004 – Dean Rivett
2003 – Joni Cagle
2002 – Brett Montegny
2001 – Helen Kinyon
2000 – Vince Arcuri
1999 – Danny Neeley
1998 – Sandy Ruberg
1997 – Earl Smith
1996 – Ben Nevel
1995 – Kay Dahman
1994 – Lorraine Dabney
1993 – Leslie Dennison
1992 – Betty Neeley
1991 – Jo Van Bebber

Published July 12, 2023

New initiative focuses on residents’ food knowledge

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Hillsborough County Extension Services has announced a community initiative to educate and engage residents on their local food system  — on the production, distribution, marketing, access and consumption of food.

Hillsborough County Extension wants to hear from residents about the county’s food system. (File)

The “Homegrown Hillsborough” program will focus on community nutrition, food entrepreneurship and agricultural production designed to strengthen the relationship that county residents have with their food, according to a news release.

To help develop the initiative, residents are asked to complete a survey to help the county create food system programs and projects relevant to the interests and values of residents.

The goal of the survey is to discover what aspects of the food system Hillsborough County residents are interested in learning more about. It will gather information on these topics;

  • Interest in buying locally grown food
  • Interest in growing your own food
  • Knowledge of food insecurity in Hillsborough County
  • Accessibility to foods that promote a healthy lifestyle
  • Maintaining a robust agricultural economy
  • Preserving local farming

Residents living in urban, suburban and rural areas in Hillsborough can participate in the survey, which will be available through the end of the year.

Visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/homegrownhillsborough/ to access the survey online.

Published July 12, 2023

Grant cycle open for organizations that provide autism services

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Purchases of the Florida Support Autism Specialty License Plate generate funds to support nonprofit organizations that provide direct services for individuals with autism and related disabilities within the state.

(File)

“By purchasing a specialty license plate, individuals not only show their support but also contribute to funding the exceptional work carried out by organizations providing vital autism services across the state,” said Kim Vassar, chair of the Autism Services Grants Council in Florida, in a news release.

During 2022, the council awarded a total of $141,000 in grants to 19 Florida-based nonprofits, the release said.

Recently, it celebrated the sale of its 13,000th license plate.

“Every license plate on our roadways serves as a rolling billboard, raising awareness and reminding everyone that individuals with autism are an integral part of our community,” Vassar added.

All nonprofit organizations with a current Internal Revenue Service designation as a 501(c)(3) exempt organization and a current State of Florida Charitable Solicitation Registration number that provide services to individuals with autism and related disabilities in Florida are eligible to apply for grants.

Grant funds can be used to purchase vehicles, real property, building improvements, or for capital campaigns, endowments, lobbying, research, incurred debt, and program expenses incurred prior to grant approval.

Grant awards are for one year and will not exceed $10,000.

All proposals are due by July 31 and are available online at AutismLicensePlate.com/grant-application/.

Published July 12, 2023

Free scallop sorters available for Pasco scallop season

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Scallop seekers are being offered a tool to help them know when to keep scallops and when to toss them back into the water to let them grow for another year. Experience Florida’s Sports Coast is providing the sorters for free, in an effort to promote sustainable scalloping. (Courtesy of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast)

Experience Florida’s Sports Coast is offering free Scallop Sorters to scallopers, in an effort to encourage sustainable scalloping practices in Pasco County, according to a county news release.

The free Scallop Sorters are available at the Florida’s Sports Coast office, 1938 Duck Slough Blvd., in Trinity, during regular business hours.

There is a limit of two per family, while supplies last.

The Scallop Sorter tool, developed by the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant, helps to keep smaller, underdeveloped scallops from being harvested.

Pasco County’s scallop season began on July 1 and runs through Aug. 6.

“Promoting sustainable tourism is important to our Florida’s Sports Coast team and to our destination offerings, such as scalloping,” Florida’s Sports Coast Director Adam Thomas, said in the release. “As we gear up for the launch of our 37-day scalloping season this summer, we’re encouraging first-time and returning scallopers to use ethical practices to help ensure the health and quality of our Bay Scallop population for years to come.”

The Scallop Sorter is easy to use. Simply place the tool above each scallop to check its size. If it’s too small, toss the scallop back so it can have a chance to grow for another scallop season, the release says.

For more information, visit FlSportsCoast.com/scalloping for tips on enjoying Pasco’s Bay Scallop Season.

Published July 12, 2023

Pasco County Schools names new communications director

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Pasco County Schools has hired Melanie Waxler as its new director of strategic communications.

She replaces Steve Hegarty, the district’s public information officer, who retired from the district’s top communications post on June 20.

In announcing Waxler’s appointment and Hegarty’s departure, Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning noted Waxler’s extensive communications background and said he’s excited about the positive impact he believes she will have in the district.

But he also took a few minutes to thank Hegarty, noting that he marveled at Hegarty’s impressive work ethic, his calming influence and his sense of humor.

He noted that Hegarty took over leadership of district communications at the beginning of COVID and played a key role in helping to communicate the district’s response to the pandemic.

Hegarty also was heavily involved in crisis communications, Browning said.

The superintendent said the vast majority of Hegarty’s time was devoted to dealing with crises that occurred in the district, “generally because some kid made a stupid choice and posted something very stupid on social media.”

“They should know better. It disrupts our educational environment,” Browning said.

Browning said he appreciated Hegarty’s sage counsel, noting there were times he wanted to say something, but thought better of it, after talking to Hegarty.

“I always knew that when Steve told me something, I could take it to the bank,” the superintendent said.

Published July 12, 2023

Girls giving back, globally and locally

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Tanvi Handoo doesn’t mind picking up trash at a local beach.

She knows that as she removes garbage from a sandy shore here, her actual reach is global.

From left, members of the Tampa chapter Girls Give Back organization, Land O’ Lakes High seniors Chloe Stout and Tanvi Handoo and Wiregrass Ranch High senior Meghna Manjith took part in a community service project at Ben T. Davis Beach in Tampa, as part of the chapter’s initiative. Handoo is the Tampa chapter president of Girls Give Back, a global organization that provides a platform and space for girls to become leaders by tackling social issues such as women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, human trafficking and homelessness. (Mike Camunas)

Handoo, a senior at Land O’ Lakes High, started the Tampa chapter of Girls Give Back — a global nonprofit that provides a platform and space for girls to become leaders in their communities and beyond. They raise awareness about social issues through community projects and services. They also connect throughout the world to discuss injustices, allowing these young women to cultivate skills to become  leaders in their own communities.

“We try to find an area where we can come together and say, ‘I’ve noticed this in my area and community and I want to do something about it,’” Handoo said. “(It’s) where we do projects that raise money or awareness or both — and our group gives us the platform to do this and a place for young women to come together.

“And, from a global role, to get young women from around the world to hear each other, to talk to each other and see their perspectives and voices and realize that there are other young women out there, just like them, that feel just like them and that they can connect with,” she added.

Remarkably, Handoo started her Girls Give Back (GGB) chapter when she was a freshman, during the height of the COVID pandemic. At that time, it was a lot of online meetings and discussions until she could get to community projects and build up membership.

Each chapter plans and carries out events that are tailored to address the disparities and issues in their own communities. 

Wiregrass Ranch High senior Meghna Manjith, left, and Land O’ Lakes senior Chloe Stout, right, help pick up trash during a Girls Give Back Tampa Chapter community service project on June 24.

Some events Handoo and her chapter have planned and executed include a Feminine Hygiene Drive for women and abuse victims; a “Moving FL Forward” forum with chapters across Florida; a global forum with the India chapter about the COVID crisis in India; beach cleanups; creating and mailing cards to kids at St. Jude’s Hospital; and the EQ4U series — webinars serving as a safe space for Tampa youth to discuss setbacks in mental health and learn about scientifically proven, healthy coping mechanisms.

Additionally, Handoo co-founded the India Chapter of GGB, was promoted to GGB Global Ambassador (second hand to founder, Salma Murphy) and led and participated in a multitude of events.

“A lot of us are very passionate about social justice advocacy, and we all have our range of passions,” Handoo said. “Be it mental health, feminism, climate justice — and this (group) allows them to become a leader and they don’t have to be a specific gender or identity or background to be a leader in their community or to create change.

“Anyone who is passionate about making a difference and change, can join,” she said.

As of now, the Tampa chapter has 15 members with nearly all of them coming from Pasco County schools, such as Land O’ Lakes and Wiregrass Ranch.

Girls Give Back Tampa Chapter founder Tanvi Handoo, a senior at Land O’ Lakes High, picks up trash along Ben T. Davis Beach in Tampa during a community service initiative.

Globally, GGB is trying to expand more, including creating middle-school aged chapters, she said.

Handoo only started “recruiting” new members at the beginning of 2023, however, she quickly found other like-minded young women.

“I thought it was very interesting to have a global group that focused on making change in our communities,” said Wiregrass Ranch senior Meghna Manjith, a longtime friend of Handoo. “GGB is so broad and it has all these chapters and you can reach out to members, so it’s very diverse with plenty of resources. … And with the projects, you come into the community and interact with members of the community — it’s just helping everyone out and it makes that much bigger of an impact.”

Manjith said she is passionate about raising awareness on human trafficking in her community, including running Teens Battle Human Trafficking, a student-organization at her school.

Handoo, for her part, is passionate about feminism and fighting “sexism and gender bias in my own community.”

“Especially,” she added, “with my parents being Indian immigrants, so I’ve seen it in my home country and in America and it’s something that I’ve seen from a young age and continue to see.”

Another member, fellow Land O’ Lakes senior Chloe Stout, is deeply interested in speaking up for all social injustices, as long as all women’s voices are heard.

“I think it’s important to empower women and bring light to their struggles,” Stout said. “We need to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard, so people are not made to feel less than others or inferior.

“I think, as a group, we do a good job at that and that everyone is aware of the important topics and being able to talk to other women about these topics.”

As for Handoo, and her Tampa chapter, it’s all about reaching out — to support one another.

“Honestly, I think there’s a lot of people, girls and boys, that are passionate about these types of things, but aren’t encouraged to be active in their community,” she said. “I think about all those out there, and they have no voice, but we can come together and be a part of something that supports one another and do great things together.”

Girls Give Back Tampa Chapter
Details: Girls Give Back Global (GGB) was founded in May 2020 by Salma Murphy in Boston and quickly expanded to become a national and global non-profit. GGB provides a platform and space for girls to become leaders in their communities and beyond. The girls are able to lead projects they’re passionate about that target issues unique to their community, but also are able to lead global impact projects — while connecting with other passionate young women across the globe.
For more information, or to join the Tampa chapter, contact Tanvi Handoo at and visit the chapter’s Instagram: @ggbtampa.
For more information, visit www.girlsgivebackglobal.com.

Published July 04, 2023