Tampa offers pool access on really hot days
TAMPA – Residents can now get free admission to Tampa’s city-operated pools on days when a heat advisory is in effect.
Seven Tampa public pools remain open: Bobby Hicks, Copeland, Cyrus Greene, Danny Del Rio, Interbay, Loretta Ingraham, and Roy Jenkins. Visit tampa.gov/pools for the exact schedule for each pool.
Some pools are also used by high school swim teams, and portions of those pools may be reserved for student-athletes during designated times. The pools will remain open to the public during those times, but available swimming areas may be limited.
The city also operates nine splash pads throughout Tampa, which are already free to the public. Locations and current operating hours are available at tampa.gov/splashpads.
Residents can stay up to date on heat advisories and receive heat safety information by texting HEATSAFE to 888-777.
Plant rated in top 50 Florida high schools
Plant High School has been ranked in the top 50 schools in Florida in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools ranking.
Nine Hillsborough County public high schools were ranked in the top 200, according to the report.
The high schools, and their rankings, are:
• Plant High School, #41
• Newsome High School, #62
• Steinbrenner High School, #67
• Sickles High School, #94
• Robinson High School, #106
• Strawberry Crest High School, #120
• Tampa Bay Technical High School, #137
• Alonso High School, #140
• Bloomingdale High School, #163
The U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools Rankings evaluate nearly 18,000 public high schools nationwide on factors including college readiness, state assessment performance, curriculum breadth, underserved student performance, and graduation rates.
Applications open for annual Neighborhood Awards
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Hillsborough County Neighborhood Awards.
The Neighborhood Awards celebrate exceptional neighborhood projects, programs, and events that took place in unincorporated Hillsborough County between July 2025 and June 2026.
Nominations are accepted in three categories:
• Healthy – Promoting conservation, environmental stewardship, or healthy living
• Safe – Enhancing safety or boosting disaster preparedness
• Engaged – Building community spirit through volunteerism or communication
Eligible neighborhood groups must be listed in the Hillsborough County Neighborhood Listing. Each neighborhood may submit one application and select any or all categories that apply by 5 p.m. Sept. 11.
One outstanding category winner will be honored as the 2026 Neighborhood of the Year and receive a $500 check for their neighborhood.
Learn more, view eligibility requirements, and apply at HCFL.gov/NeighborhoodAwards.
Tampa Bay Sun to host free youth soccer clinics
TAMPA – The Tampa Bay Sun Foundation is launching a new season of free soccer clinics across Tampa Bay, thanks to support from Tampa Electric.
Kids ages 7 to 13 can turn their enthusiasm for soccer into opportunities to get active, learn skills, and create friendships through 19 free-to-play programs that develop character on the field. TECO’s support also powers Gear Goals, a year-round effort committed to getting quality soccer gear into the hands of kids who need it.
Through the spring of 2027, TECO’s sponsorship will support:
• 10 Energize the Bay Youth Clinics – open to girls and boys ages 7–13 at fields throughout Tampa Bay, including Suncoast Credit Union Field.
• 6 Shine Soccer Clinics – bringing the game to girls and boys at Title I schools and youth-focused community organizations.
• 3 Rise Up Soccer Club School Sessions – four-week partnered program for girls at Title I schools, blending soccer education with leadership and life skills.
• Gear Goals – ongoing, year-round program that pairs coaches, players, and teams in Tampa Bay with the soccer gear they need to participate.
Players from Tampa Bay’s women’s professional soccer team, Tampa Bay Sun FC, will take part in some of the clinics, and all programs are led by U.S. Soccer Licensed Coaches with support from Foundation volunteers.
Families can sign up for the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation’s email newsletter and follow the Foundation on social media.