Newcomers meet at Mothers
Members of Newcomers of Northwest Hillsborough County recently enjoyed lunch at Mother’s Restaurant in Tampa. Such luncheons are among the group’s regular activities, organized by the club to provide opportunities for meeting new friends. Among their many other activities, bridge was held last month at Carrollwood Country Club. Ladies wanting to meet new friends, get to know the area better and enjoy the club’s many activities can contact Debbie Blackford at 951-283-3452 or email membership2.newcomers@yahoo.com.
Hillsborough upgrades online kennel
TAMPA — Residents looking for a dog or cat can now see more photos and details.
Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center has made major upgrades to its online kennel that can be used when looking for a pet to adopt or foster. The new online kennel gives residents a more colorful, engaging way to explore the pets looking for homes, the PRC says. Users can search and filter available pets, view more photos, and learn additional details about each cat and dog to help find the right match. They can even look for lost pets that were taken to the shelter.
The new platform also provides a closer look at the work happening at PRC, with shelter statistics and reporting that give the community greater insight into the pets entering the shelter and the outcomes they receive.
Residents interested in adopting are encouraged to explore the new online kennel, browse available pets, and visit PRC at 440 N. Falkenburg Road.
OneBlood, Busch Gardens team for Howl-O-Scream blood drive
TAMPA — There’s plenty of fake blood present at Busch Gardens’ annual Howl-O-Scream scare-a-thon. The entertainment park wants your blood too, but in a less frightening setting.
The park has teamed with iHeart Media to bring OneBlood’s Big Red Bus on site on Friday, Sept. 18. Blood donors will receive a free ticket to Howl-O-Scream and a OneBlood Halloween t-shirt.
“Having community partners like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and iHeart Media hosting this blood drive are critical to saving lives in our community,” says Pat Michaels, OneBlood director of media and public relations. Donated blood is essential for area hospitals in providing life-saving care for patients who frequently rely on blood transfusions.
Chaplain draws attention for book about new starts
TAMPA — Tampa General Hospital chaplain J.S. Park has written a book about emotional healing after grief, and it’s getting national notice.
Park’s book, “We Are Made of Us: Uncovering Our Hidden Family Dynamics, Rewriting Our Stories, and Returning to Ourselves,” shares lessons about “how to rewrite the next chapter in your family history” while continuing to hold onto complexity, grief, and hope, according to a press release.
As a hospital chaplain at a 1,000-plus-bed level-1 trauma center, Park understands that familial tensions are high during end-of-life care. He explores three concentric circles — “family of origin, chosen family, and family beyond” — in navigating complicated family dynamics to build a peaceful path forward. As the son of Korean immigrants, he offers fresh insights that go beyond the usual therapy cliches to resonate with people from all kinds of different cultures and perspectives.
Park recently was on NPR 1A and has been featured in local media such as Fox 13 Tampa Bay and national media such as Good Morning America: Faith Friday & CBS News: State of Spirituality with Lisa Ling.
The book, published by Penguin Random House, goes on sale Oct. 20. He has upcoming events at Books-a-Million on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 3 p.m. and Oxford Exchange on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 3:30 p.m.
Kinward Living open luxury townhomes
RIVERVIEW — Kinward Living has opened Kinward at Spencer Glen, a build-to-rent townhome community in Riverview near U.S. 301 and Big Bend Road.
Upon completion, the community will feature 172 three- and four-bedroom, luxury townhomes.
All units have private direct access garages, large screened-in lanais with additional storage, quartz countertops and backsplashes throughout, luxury flooring and premium finishes. The gated community offers lush landscaping, a clubhouse with fitness center, on-site management, resort-style pool, grilling station and on-site maintenance. Future amenities will include a dog park, playground and community event spaces.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
The community offers convenient access to neighborhood shopping and services, a variety of school options, key transportation networks and a strong employment base inside of the larger Spencer Glen community.
Now recruiting for Mayor’s Youth Corps class of 2027
TAMPA — Tampa teens wanting to give back to their community and looking for a glimpse into the workings of City Hall are invited to apply for seats on the Mayor’s Youth Corps.
The Mayor’s Youth Corps is comprised of students in grades 9, 10, or 11 who live in and/or attend a public or private high school within the Tampa city limits. Applications are now being accepted for one-year terms. Applications are available on the city of Tampa Mayor’s Youth Corps webpage and will be accepted until Oct. 22 at 5 p.m.
Members of the Youth Leadership Council review applications, conduct interviews, and make recommendations regarding acceptance into the program.
Mayor’s Youth Corps members learn about and engage with city government, meet with Mayor Jane Castor, connect with peers, conduct community service projects, participate in state and national conferences, and run social media platforms. Teens also learn leadership and employability skills while serving in the program.
For more information, contact the Mayor’s Youth Corps Coordinator, Molly Biebel, at 813-459-4002 or via email at molly.biebel@tampa.gov.
All-day café Pura Vida Miami opens on Water Street
TAMPA — Pura Vida Miami, the Miami-born all-day café, has opened at Water Street Tampa. The opening marks the brand’s first location in the Tampa market.
Spanning over 3,400 square feet of indoor and outdoor seating, the location at 1038 Water Street reflects Pura Vida Miami’s “clean, coastal-inspired, design-forward aesthetic,” according to a press release. Natural materials, warm finishes, custom millwork and greenery create a bright, welcoming environment. Designed as an all-day destination, the space invites guests to gather, work and unwind from morning through evening.
The café’s menu is rooted in an “ingredient-driven philosophy centered on thoughtful preparation and high-quality sourcing.” The menu is prepared without the use of seed oils and emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, whole grains and premium proteins.
The cafe is open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Delivery and pickup is available through the Pura Vida Miami app.