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Homegrown small businesses like Structure Interior Design Studio are the backbone of our community, and its owners, Rodney Nieves (left) and Luis Arroyo (far left) achieved their dream with a grand opening in Ybor City last Thursday. (October 9, 2025) ​
Hey Tampa,

While most of you know today as Columbus Day, a time to reflect on our nation’s history and the those who shaped it, here’s a lesser known fact: Today is also National Kick Butt Day.

Yes, that’s a real thing…Every second Monday in October, people across the country use this day as motivation to stop procrastinating and kick something’s butt, a goal, a project, or a dream you’ve been hesitating to start.

So here’s what I want you to do, not because I’m the mayor, but because I know how much talent and potential sit across our city: Pick one thing today that’s been lingering.

If your goal is to grow, buy, build, or just get ahead, your city has tools to make it easier:
* Start or grow a business: Our Small Business Navigator Program (https://www.tampa.gov/deo/economic-opportunity/small-business-navigator) offers free, one-on-one guidance to help you with licenses, permits, and access to local grants. We also just launched our Entrepreneur Support Hub (https://www.tampa.gov/news/2025-09/city-tampa-launches-applications-its-entrepreneur-support-hub-173756) , offering microgrants to support business growth.
* Spruce up your home or neighborhood: Give your yard or community a makeover with a free tree through our Trees for Tampa Program (https://www.tampa.gov/green-tampa/trees-tampa) , not only improving the look of your property, but also the air quality in the long run!
* Buy your first home: Our Dare to Own the Dream Program (https://www.tampa.gov/housing-and-community-development/programs/mortgage-assistance) provides up to $40,000 in down payment assistance to qualified residents ready to take that next step in homeownership.
* Build your future: This week we’re proudly launching the GEAR UP program, a workforce initiative aimed to help local students jump start their career in mechanics. Stay tuned for details as we highlight our first round of students on Wednesday! This couples perfectly with our city’s year-round internships (https://www.tampa.gov/parks-and-recreation/get-involved/internship-program) , apprenticeship programs (https://www.tampa.gov/sites/default/files/document/2023/apprenticeship_requirement_faqs.pdf) , and upcoming Career Glow Up Job Fair (https://www.tampa.gov/page/career-glow) on November 7 (start freshening up your resume early!).

These programs exist to make it easier to take that first step and to remind you that your city is in your corner.

If there’s ever a day to lean in, this is it. Let’s use this “holiday” to kick butt, together.

— Mayor Jane
SPECIAL FEATURE
https://youtu.be/CtE6cpHP210
The City of Tampa has acquired a second brand-new paving machine!
GET INVOLVED
37th Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration

The 37th Annual City of Tampa Hispanic Heritage Celebration (https://www.tampa.gov/hispanic-heritage-committee) will be hosted on October 14 at 11 am at Tampa Theatre. The first 200 guests will receive free lunch. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit tampa.gov/MHHCSponsor (https://www.tampa.gov/MHHCSponsor) .

Ybor City Saturday Market

The Ybor City Saturday Market (https://www.tampa.gov/events/ybor-city-saturday-market/174356) is open every Saturday from 9 am – 3 pm at Centennial Park. Meet and shop from local artists and pick up some locally made gourmet treats and produce. Upcoming Dates: October 19, October 25, November 1.

Home Court

On October 19 at 6 pm, the Mayor's Asian American Pacific Islander Advisory Council will present a special screening of "Home Court" (https://www.tampa.gov/events/home-court/172986) - the inspiring coming of age story of Ashley Chea, a Cambodian American basketball prodigy navigating injury, identity, and expectations that define her own legacy. The screening will be hosted at HCC Theater in the Performing Arts Building (1411 E 11th Ave). Admission is $10, but HCC students & faculty receive free admission with HCC ID.

Tampa Veterans Job Fair

RecruitMilitary Job Fairs (https://my.recruitmilitary.com/events/tampa-veterans-job-fair-october-30-2025) allow job seekers with military experience to meet with recruiters from local and national companies. Join the next fair at the Tampa Convention Center on October 30 from 11 am - 3 pm. The event is free for U.S veterans, military spouses, transitioning military, and members of the Guard and Reserve.

Homebuyer Education Workshop

Looking to buy a home, but not sure what housing resources are available to you? Attend a free in-person homebuyer education workshop (https://reach4housing.org/event/free-8hr-in-person-homebuyer-education-workshop-english-17/) on October 25 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm to learn how to take steps towards homeownership and how you may qualify for up to $100,000 in down payment assistance.

Riverwalk Trick or Treat

On October 25 from 4 pm – 7 pm, join the Friends of the Riverwalk for the 9th Annual Riverwalk Trick or Treat (https://www.tampa.gov/events/riverwalk-trick-or-treat/171526) . This free community event invites children in costume and their families to trick-or-treat along the Tampa Riverwalk from Cotanchobee Park to the Tampa Convention Center. There will be over 50 treat stations, a pumpkin patch, costume contests, food trucks, photo stations, flash mobs, and a Halloween Movie in the Park event at 7 pm in Cotanchobee Park.

Hyde Park Art Festival

The 35th Annual Hyde Park Village Art Fair (https://www.tampa.gov/events/hyde-park-art-festival/172406) returns on October 25-26, open from 10 am – 5 pm. Enjoy free admission and check out local art of all kinds at this open-air show.

Taste of Latino Festival

Celebrate Latin food, wine, art & music at the 2025 Taste of Latino Festival (http://www.tasteoflatino.com/) on October 26 from 12 pm – 6 pm at Centennial Park in Ybor City. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy food, over 100 vendors, a dance contest, and more. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

Mark Your Calendar: Career Glow Up

Tampa is glowing with opportunity, and this is your chance to claim it. Career Glow Up is where ambition meets action: instant interviews, employers ready to hire, and a vibe that feels more like a festival than a job fair! If you’re looking for a new career, register for this free career fair (https://www.tampa.gov/CareerGlowUp) on November 7 at the City Center at Hanna Avenue – featuring on-the-spot hiring, free headshots, interview coaching, resume workshop, free lunch, giveaways, and more.

Job of the Week

The Mobility Department is hiring a Smart Mobility Chief Engineer (https://www.jobapscloud.com/Tampa/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1=251003&R2=427760&R3=003) to perform professional engineering & supervisory work involving transportation engineering, right-of-way permitting, data management, and more. Applicants should be a Florida-registered Professional Engineer or a Professional Engineer registered from another state with the ability to obtain Florida registration within six (6) months of employment.
LAST WEEK'S HEADLINES
Honoring Hispanic contributions to Tampa Bay’s vibrant culture
Honoring Hispanic contributions to Tampa Bay’s vibrant culture (https://www.wfla.com/bloom-tampa-bay/honoring-hispanic-contributions-to-tampa-bays-vibrant-culture/)
Bloom TV
Maribel Garrett shares the ways in which the Hispanic community has contributed to many projects and initiatives in the City of Tampa.
Roosevelt Elementary celebrates National Walk to School Day
Roosevelt Elementary celebrates National Walk to School Day (https://www.wmnf.org/roosevelt-elementary-celebrates-national-walk-to-school-day/)
WMNF
Castor said it was an honor to see all the students coming into school with smiles on their faces.
Tampa Convention Center wins top ranking
Tampa Convention Center wins top ranking (https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2025/10/10/tampa-convention-center-wins-top-ranking.html)
Tampa Bay Business Journal
“Winning three years in a row shows that we are a world-class venue that focuses on partnerships and outstanding service for our clients.”
Community honors fallen heroes at Tampa Police Memorial Run
Community honors fallen heroes at Tampa Police Memorial Run (https://www.fox13news.com/news/community-honors-fallen-heroes-tampa-police-memorial-run)
FOX13
32 officers ran in honor of the department’s 32 fallen heroes.

============================================================
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Meet Dorothy Blair, Automotive Equipment Operator II at our Tampa Convention Center. She has worked for the City of Tampa for 14 years, and she enjoys that her role often works outside, enjoying the sights of the Riverwalk.

What do you like to do in your free time? Well, I’m a 32-year leader of the Pony Express 4-H Club through the University of Florida. I’ve touched the lives of thousands of horse-loving youths and worked with some of the top horse people in the world. I’m also on the 4-H Area West Committee, the Florida State 4-H Equine Advisory with UF Animal Sciences, and I’m an Equine Judging Team Coach. In fact, last year, I coached the Florida Team to the Regionals in Perry, Georgia, and the Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky -- and will be doing the same with the State Horse Quiz Bowl Team this year. I was the 2023 American Youth Horse Council Volunteer of the Year. I helped start the Black Stallion Literacy Project years back and helped bring the Special Olympics USA Equine Contest to Florida in 2022. Children I’ve worked with have become Area, State, Regional, and World Champions in many different riding disciplines, showing their horses. Proudly, they have become veterinarians, teachers, equine
insurance specialists, etc. And so, in my spare time… I work at the Tampa Convention Center.

What's your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving, hands down. Food and Family. And that’s the one day a year I don’t mind cooking.

What's your favorite movie? “It’s a Wonderful Life” is my "Can’t Miss It" movie.

What's the craziest thing you've seen on the job? Without a doubt, it’s Gasparilla every year. Mix Pirates and rum & all is lost. LOL.
SPECIAL FEATURE
Did you know that our Tampa Convention Center has won four awards this year? These recognitions help the center continue to draw world-class events to Tampa and support our local economy.
* Gold medal for Best Convention Center in the Northstar Stella Awards (for the 3rd year in a row!)
* Best Convention Center in the Smart Stars Awards from Smart Meetings
* Best Event Center in the Tampa’s Best Awards
* ConventionSouth Readers' Choice Award

UPCOMING MAYOR JANE EVENTS

Tuesday, October 14 at 8:30 a.m.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA INAUGURAL 2025 CYBERBAY SUMMIT

Tuesday, October 14 at 10:50 a.m.
CITY OF TAMPA 37th ANNUAL MAYOR'S HISPANIC HERITAGE COMMITTEE CELEBRATION

Tuesday, October 14 at 3:30 p.m.
PRESS CONFERENCE – DEFIBRILLATORS AT TAMPA PARKS

Tuesday, October 14 at 6 p.m.
TAMPA POLICE DEPARTMENT’S TAMPA NIGHT OUT & TRUNK OR TREAT EVENT

Wednesday, October 15 at 10:30 a.m.
PRESS CONFERENCE – GEAR UP FLEET SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Wednesday, October 15 at 1 p.m.
THE HARRISON TOPPING OUT

Thursday, October 16 at 11:45 a.m.
FLORIDA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER'S GROW 2025 WOMEN'S BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Thursday, October 16 at 6 p.m.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS "LIGHT IT UP" EVENT

Thursday, October 16 at 6:30 p.m.
COTE FRANCE BAKERY & CAFE GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

Thursday, October 16 at 7 p.m.
NARCOTICS OVERDOSE PREVENTION EDUCATION (NOPE) HILLSBOROUGH CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

Friday, October 17 at 11:15 a.m.
THE FLORIDA BAR LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Friday, October 17 at 4 p.m.
HINDU DIWALI INDIAN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Saturday, October 18 at 7:30 a.m.
HUMANE SOCIETY OF TAMPA BAY'S TUXES & TAILS BOLLYWOOD GALA
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