3-day rodeo festival to bring cowboys, concerts
TAMPA — The Hondo Rodeo Fest will bring the sport’s champions, and top musical performers, to Raymond James Stadium for a three-day festival in February 2027.
The event, which organizers call “a must-attend event at the intersection of Western sports and music,” brings together elite rodeo competition and nightly, full-length country music concerts. World champion cowboys and cowgirls will compete across eight disciplines for a $1 million prize purse. Each day’s rodeo events will conclude with a concert, while a fan street festival will entertain during the length of the entire event.
The Hondo Rodeo Fest started in Phoenix, Arizona, in November 2024. It expanded to Las Vegas, Nevada, in April of this year, and is now expanding to Tampa.
The festival is scheduled for Feb. 26-28, 2027. The artist lineup will be announced later this year.
Hillsborough schools lauded for mental health programs
TAMPA — Hillsborough County Public Schools has been recognized with the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention.
The award is presented to organizations that meet national standards for supporting employee mental well-being through policies, practices, and benefits that promote a healthy workplace culture. Mental Health America evaluates recipients across four key areas: workplace culture, benefits, compliance, and wellness.
“This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of our employees,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “Creating a supportive workplace environment helps us recruit and retain talented staff while ensuring our employees feel valued and supported.”
Breeze adds destinations to Caribbean, Mexico
TAMPA — Breeze has added non-stop flights to St. Thomas and Cancun beginning in December.
Both routes to St. Thomas and Cancun are scheduled to operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Service to St. Thomas is scheduled to begin on Dec. 16 followed by Cancun on Dec. 19.
The flights to STT will be the first-ever nonstop service between TPA and St. Thomas and the route to Cancun will be Breeze’s first destination in Mexico from Tampa International Airport.
U.S. citizens traveling to St. Thomas do not need a passport, as the U.S. Virgin Islands are a territory of the United. States.
Four new hangars coming to Tampa Executive Airport
Almost 42,000 square feet of aircraft storage space will open at Tampa Executive Airport by the end of the year thanks to $6.4 million worth of private infrastructure investment.
These hangar projects by various private developers mark one of the largest general aviation infrastructure expansions to date for Hillsborough County Aviation Authority facilities at VDF, the agency said in a press release. The four hangars will add about 42,000 total square feet of space to VDF and are the result of more than $6.4 million in private investment.
The first hangar completed was a nearly 12,000-square-foot project started last summer by fixed-base operator Skyport and was finished in March. An additional 20 vehicle parking spaces were included in the scope of the construction.
The second hangar project that started in June 2025 also will add another approximate 12,000 square feet of hangar space and is more than 50% completed. It is anticipated to be completed by end of summer.
The third hangar project will be an approximately 12,000-square-foot hangar split into two hangers that are about 6,000 square feet apiece. This project is in early construction phase and should be completed by year-end.
The fourth hangar will be approximately 6,000 square feet and is currently in final permitting. The project should also be completed by the end of 2026.
Student photography exhibit at TPA honors teen’s creativity
TAMPA — Travelers passing through Tampa International Airport will have the chance to experience the creativity and vision of young artists from across the Tampa Bay region.
Tampa International Airport is hosting “Through Their Lens: A Journey of Self-Exploration,” a public photography exhibit showcasing the winners of the third annual Student Photography Contest held in memory of Jacob Ari Kamis, a Hillel Academy graduate whose passion for photography continues to inspire others.
The exhibition, organized by Hillel Academy, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and Tampa International Airport, features 25 winning photographs by students in grades six through 12, along with a selection of Jacob’s own work. The contest drew a record 221 submissions from 27 schools throughout Hillsborough, Manatee, and Pinellas counties.
The display on the airport’s Ticketing Level will run through July 31. The exhibit will later move to the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts Aug. 4—Sept. 20 and then to the Hillsborough County Arts Council’s Frederick B. Karl County Center Sept. 21—Nov. 16.
Jacob Kamis discovered his love for photography while in middle school at Hillel Academy and went on to become the official photographer for the Aston Martin Owners Club of Florida. Jacob’s many interests included dancing, volleyball, baking, traveling, and flying planes, as he was training for his private pilot’s license. His family and former teachers created the contest to honor his memory and encourage other young artists to express themselves through photography.
Armwood wins national honor for education achievements
TAMPA — Armwood High School has been named a 2026 Discovery Education School of the Year, a national honor recognizing schools that inspire student achievement by tapping into curiosity, innovation and meaningful learning experiences.
Armwood High School was selected through a competitive nomination and review process that evaluates evidence of academic growth and impactful instructional practices, Hillsborough County Public Schools said in a press release. Discovery Education recognized the school for its dedication and unwavering commitment to students and families, along with its intentional, student-centered approach to teaching and learning.
Discovery Education specifically praised Armwood’s leadership that “leads with heart,” the school’s implementation of the Triple R Framework, the development of its Future Career Academy, and the innovative programs designed to drive academic success forward for all students.
Armwood High School is one of six schools nationwide recognized as a School of the Year as part of Discovery Education’s third annual awards program.
Tampa teacher named Teacher of the Year
Lisa Medina, a kindergarten teacher at The Goddard School of South Tampa, has been named a 2026 Goddard School Teacher of the Year regional finalist.
Medina was nominated for “her leadership and lasting impact as a founding teacher at The Goddard School of South Tampa, where she has helped shape a culture rooted in care, excellence and family partnership,” Goddard Systems, LLC, the manager of The Goddard School franchise system, said in a press release. “Her consistent dedication to health, safety and individualized learning ensures every child is supported to achieve—and exceed—kindergarten readiness goals.”
As a 2026 Teacher of the Year regional finalist, Medina received a $1,000 cash award, branded Goddard merchandise and a framed certificate.
Medina is among 17 Goddard School teachers from across the country selected as regional finalists.
Become an ‘astronaut’ at MOSI exhibit
TAMPA — As excitement builds around the next era of space exploration, the Museum of Science & Innovation is giving you a way to get closer to that dream—no rocket required. Starting May 16, you can step into the future of flight and space travel when MOSI’s newest exhibit, Above and Beyond, officially opens.
This limited-time, hands-on aerospace experience takes visitors from the Wright brothers’ first flight to the possibilities of tomorrow. Above and Beyond blends imagination, engineering, and exploration in a way that puts you in the pilot’s seat.
The journey begins in a wraparound immersive theater before opening into four interactive galleries: Up, Faster, Higher, and Smarter, each designed to turn big ideas into real experiences.
Created in collaboration with Boeing, NASA, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Above and Beyond will be included with MOSI admission.
Haven to close as Peddler + Potter opens
TAMPA — Haven restaurant, part of the Bern’s Steak House Group, will close after its final service on May 21. Its space will be taken over in the fall by Peddler + Potter Oyster House, the company has announced.
Peddler + Potter Oyster House will center on a seafood menu that changes daily. A raw bar highlighting Florida oysters will serve as a focal point of the restaurant.
“As we looked at the long-term future of the property, it became clear this was the right moment to bring Peddler + Potter to life, a concept I’ve been developing for years,” said Executive Chef Chad Johnson. “It’s a bittersweet moment for many of us, as Haven has been home to so many incredible memories and played such an important role in shaping how we think about food and hospitality. We’re excited to share something new with Tampa while honoring everything that Haven has meant to our team and our guests.”
Many Haven employees are expected to remain with the company.
Newsome JROTC team earns national title
TAMPA — The Newsome High School Army JROTC Coed Raider Team has earned national recognition after winning first place in the Masters Elite Division at the United States Army Cadet Command National Raider Competition, defeating more than 4,000 cadets from across the country.
The team’s victory marks one of the highest honors achievable in a high school JROTC Raider program and is considered a rare accomplishment nationwide.
Often described as the high school equivalent of the U.S. Army’s elite Ranger competitions, the National Raider Competition is a physically and mentally demanding, military-style athletic challenge. Hosted by U.S. Army Cadet Command, the event tests cadets in team-based events such as endurance running, obstacle courses, rope bridge construction, rescue scenarios and strength-based challenges designed to build leadership, teamwork and resilience.
Newsome High School competed in the Masters Division, the competition’s most advanced level.
Hillsborough residents asked to advise on county parks
Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation is asking residents what they’d like to see in their park system in the future.
The department is conducting a systemwide parks needs assessment as part of a 10-year update to the county’s Parks & Recreation Master Plan. The effort, which began May 4, includes opportunities for residents to offer feedback on parks facilities, amenities, programs, and services. The assessment will measure satisfaction, identify gaps and opportunities, and support investments that enhance health, wellness, environmental stewardship, and community connection.
Residents can give their opinion online or by attending public meetings scheduled over the coming months.
The county will use the Hillsborough Engagement & Education Hub to collect feedback on the Parks & Recreation Master Plan. Comment for this project is open until June 5. Visit HCFL.gov/HCEngage to participate. For more information, call Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation at 813-744-5595.
The remaining public meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the following dates:
• May 18: Brandon Park and Community Center, 502 E. Sadie St., Brandon
• June 1: Ruskin Park & Recreation Center, 906 6th St. S.E., Ruskin