Jail and Bail
Tampa Bay business leaders, elected officials, community advocates, and philanthropists sit in “jail” after they were “arrested,” assigned humorous charges, and challenged to raise bail from friends, family, colleagues, and supporters. By the end of the day, the fundraiser for Wheelchairs 4 Kids generated $240,581.00 to help provide wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, adaptive equipment, and life-changing experiences for children with physical disabilities. One of the day’s most moving moments was the presentation of a new Convaid Rodeo tilt-in-space wheelchair to Hansel, highlighting the direct impact these donations have on families. Now in its 15th year, Wheelchairs 4 Kids Jail and Bail has become one of Tampa Bay’s signature nonprofit fundraisers, combining humor with purpose while changing the lives of children with physical disabilities and their families.

Jail and Bail Tampa Bay business leaders, elected officials, community advocates, and philanthropists sit in “jail” after they were “arrested,” assigned humorous charges, and challenged to raise bail from friends, family, colleagues, and supporters. By the end of the day, the fundraiser for Wheelchairs 4 Kids generated $240,581.00 to help provide wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, adaptive equipment, and life-changing experiences for children with physical disabilities. One of the day’s most moving moments was the presentation of a new Convaid Rodeo tilt-in-space wheelchair to Hansel, highlighting the direct impact these donations have on families. Now in its 15th year, Wheelchairs 4 Kids Jail and Bail has become one of Tampa Bay’s signature nonprofit fundraisers, combining humor with purpose while changing the lives of children with physical disabilities and their families. [ Photo SUBMITTED ]

Around town: North Pinellas news briefs

By Tampa Bay Beacons

Dunedin woman to ride in Pan-Mass Challenge

Eva Herzing of Dunedin will join more than 6,000 cyclists Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1-2, in the Pan-Mass Challenge, an annual ride across Massachusetts that raises money for cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Riders choose routes ranging from 25 to 177 miles, supported by about 4,000 volunteers. Among the participants are members of the event’s Living Proof group, riders and volunteers who have been treated for cancer or are in treatment now.

Organizers have set a fundraising goal of $79 million this year, which they say would be a record for the event. For the 20th consecutive year, every dollar raised by riders will go directly to Dana-Farber.

Since the ride began in 1980, it has raised $1.125 billion for the Boston hospital, according to organizers, who say the event is Dana-Farber’s largest single contributor and accounts for 67% of the annual revenue of the Jimmy Fund, the hospital’s community fundraising arm.

To donate, visit profile.pmc.org/EM0191.

Eva Herzing from Dunedin will be among the more than 6,000 cyclists and 4,000 volunteers participating in the Pan-Mass Challenge on Aug. 1-2. The annual bike-a-thon across Massachusetts raises money for cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Cyclists ride routes ranging from 25 to 177 miles. Included among these participants is the PMC Living Proof community, riders and volunteers who were previously treated or are currently undergoing cancer treatment and serve as Living Proof of the progress made through raising funds for cancer research and treatment.

The PMC, which raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraiser in the world, is aiming to raise more than ever this year, with a fundraising goal of $79 million.

This year’s PMC comes at an especially critical time, with federal research support shrinking, grant approval rates reaching historic lows, and cancer cases continuing to rise. For the 20th consecutive year, 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar will go directly to Dana-Farber, one of the nation’s top three hospitals for cancer research and care.

Since its inception in 1980, the PMC has raised $1.125 billion for Dana-Farber, making it the organization’s largest single contributor and accounting for 67 percent of the annual revenue of The Jimmy Fund, Dana-Farber’s community-driven fundraising arm.

To donate, visit https://profile.pmc.org/EM0191

Student achievements

• Gunner Goodwin of Tarpon Springs graduated from Mississippi State University in spring 2026. Goodwin received a Bachelor of Science from MSU’s College of Education.

• Anjali Degala, class of 2027 from Palm Harbor, was named to the dean’s list at Tufts University for the spring 2026 semester. Dean’s list honors at Tufts University require a semester grade point average of 3.4 or greater.

• Kiya Boisvenue of Palm Harbor, a student at Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions, has been named to the university’s spring 2026 provost’s List.

• Catherin Zaghlol of Palm Harbor, a student at the Ohio University Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts, has been named to Ohio University’s spring 2026 dean’s list. The dean’s list recognizes undergraduate students who complete a particular semester with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.999 with a minimum of 12 credit hours attempted for letter grades that are used to calculate GPA.

• Kimberly Martin of Tarpon Springs has been named to the Spring 2026 dean’s list at the University of West Alabama. Martin is majoring in Creative Arts Enterprise.

Survey to aid in shaping Palm Harbor’s future

The Palm Harbor Library and Parks and Recreation are hosting a survey as the organizations begin developing their 2027-2029 strategic plan.

The survey hopes to gather information from the public about the library’s strengths, opportunities and aspirations. The survey will remain open through the end of the day on Friday, Aug. 7, and should take approximately 5–10 minutes to complete.

Survey results will be analyzed by Collaborative Labs of St. Petersburg College. Responses will be confidential.

Dunedin Youth Sailing offers competition, fun

DYSA is a not-for-profit association that offers sailing classes for youth, teens and adults. DYSA classes are held at the Dunedin Community Sailing Center at the Dunedin Marina

The DYSA high school sailing team is open to all Pinellas County high school students in grades 9-12. The team meets every Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Dunedin Marina, 49 Marina Plaza.

The association also offers youth and adult-teen sailing classes.

For more information, visit Dunedinyouthsailing.com.

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Tampa Bay Beacons
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