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Pictured with my partner, Ana Cruz, and performers at Tampa's Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the Tampa Theatre.
Hola, Tampa!

If you needed an excuse for extra café con leche on a Monday, this is it: Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Today marks the start of a season that’s woven into our city’s DNA, from Ybor City’s cigar-rolling legacy to our world-renowned Cuban sandwiches. Hispanic culture has shaped our neighborhoods and is a big part of our city’s identity.

I’m proud of the work we’ve done with the Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Council to carry traditions forward and bring more Hispanic voices directly into City decision-making. That’s how we ensure Tampa’s future reflects all who call our great city home.

Mark your calendars! Our 37th Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration (https://www.tampa.gov/hispanic-heritage-committee/mayors-hispanic-heritage-celebration) at the Tampa Theatre is set for October 14. It’s a fun, high-energy event that always captures the heart and soul of our city. Hope to see you there!

On a personal note, this month means a lot in my own home. My partner, Ana, grew up in a proud Latin household where faith, family, food (can’t forget that!), and service come first, and she reminds me daily how those values make communities stronger. Even our dog carries a little Hispanic pride. We named her Alcaldesa, Spanish for “Mayor.”

Here’s to a month of celebrating the traditions, languages, and stories that have shaped Tampa for generations. May this Hispanic Heritage Month remind us of the pride we share in our past and the hope we carry for our future together.

- Mayor Jane
SPECIAL FEATURE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ouFne0DLqA&feature=youtu.be
As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, we remember Tampa’s own First Lieutenant Baldomero López, a Hillsborough High graduate and Marine whose courage at Inchon, Korea, saved his fellow servicemen.

His sacrifice earned the Medal of Honor and secured his place in both our nation’s military history and Tampa’s proud Hispanic heritage.
(Story told by Councilman Luis Viera and Judge EJ Salcines)
GET INVOLVED
FY2026 Budget

Tampa City Council will host an Evening Session on September 16 at 5:01 pm to review the proposed FY26 Budget (https://www.tampa.gov/budget) .

World Car-Free Day

On September 20 from 9 am – 2 pm, celebrate World Car Free Day (https://www.walkbiketampa.org/our-events/car-free-day-tampa) with Walk Bike Tampa with events across the city - including giveaways, farmers markets, food trucks, public art installations, music, and more! The annual holiday promotes walking, cycling, and public transportation, aiming to reduce vehicle emissions and create healthier communities.

Tampa Bay Region Post-Disaster Redevelopment Plan Public Workshop

Help create a stronger, more resilient Tampa! The City of Tampa is working with our regional partners to develop a Tampa Bay Region Post-Disaster Redevelopment Plan (PDRP) (https://postdisastertampabay.com/) to guide how our community recovers and rebuilds after future disasters. On September 23 from 6 pm – 8 pm at the City Center at Hanna Avenue, Workshop #2 will review and rank recovery and rebuilding strategies as part of interactive roundtable activities – making sure the plan reflects what matters most to you.

Signal 87 Summit

On September 24 at 6:30 pm at The Canopy at West River (1147 W Main St), join Tampa Police officers, local leaders, and neighborhood residents at Signal 87 Summit (https://www.tampa.gov/events/signal-87-summit/172871) - a relaxed get-together to chat, share ideas, and work together to build a stronger community.

YA By The Bay Story Warrior Book Fair

The YA By The Bay Story Warrior Book Fair (https://yabythebay.org/) will be hosted at the Tampa Convention Center on September 25 from 3:30 pm – 8 pm. The book fair is free and open to the public. The event also features a “Goosebumps & Gut Punches: How Stories Give Us Courage” Fireside Chat with authors R.L. Stine & Tiffany Jackson at 6 pm, which is free to attend, but advance registration is required.

6th Annual Silver Night Out

Calling all Tampa seniors! Tickets are available for the 6th Annual Silver Night Out: “A Black-And-White Affair” (https://www.tampa.gov/parks-and-recreation) on September 27 from 6 pm – 10 pm at Higgins Hall (5225 N Himes Ave). Tickets are $50 each and available for purchase at Barksdale Senior Center and the Cyrus Greene Center.

Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta

The Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta (https://www.tampasdowntown.com/events/mayors-food-truck-fiesta-24-243-847-650-862-945-373-685-359-669-297-880-824-546/?occurrence=2025-10-01) returns to Lykes Gaslight Park on October 1 from 11 am – 2 pm. Participating food trucks: Mr Bulgogi, Salsa My Love, Brisket & Beyond, Keilbasa Bus, and Tutty Frutty.

Saturday Session

Join us at the next Saturday Session (https://www.tampa.gov/SaturdaySession) on October 4 from 9 am – 2 pm at the City Center at Hanna Avenue. Attendees will get the latest information on the City budget, programs, grants, and ways to strengthen their neighborhood. This interactive session is built for both current and aspiring neighborhood leaders. Free lunch will be provided.

Mark Your Calendar: 37th Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration

The 37th Annual City of Tampa Hispanic Heritage Celebration 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)

Apply for the Mayor’s Youth Corps

Know a young person ready to get involved in our community? Applications for the next class of Tampa Mayor's Youth Corps are now open at tampa.gov/MYC (https://www.tampa.gov/MYC) . In this unique program, students in grades 9, 10, or 11 learn about city government, meet with the mayor, conduct community service projects, gain employability skills, and more. Apply by October 23.

Golf in the City of Tampa

Did you know that the City of Tampa owns three municipal golf courses that are managed by the Tampa Sports Authority? Babe Zaharias, Rogers Park, and Rocky Point are public courses that seek to enhance the quality of life for residents by providing an excellent golfing experience and social venues for all ages. Based on surveys of rates from several local public courses, we continue to offer some of the lowest green fee rates in the region. Learn more at tampasportsauthority.com (https://www.tampasportsauthority.com/) .

Job of the Week

The Contract Administration Department is hiring a Construction Engineering Support Technician (https://www.jobapscloud.com/Tampa/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1=250825&R2=532750&R3=001) to perform a variety of sub-professional engineering assignments during the planning phase and in conducting compliance inspections. This role will conduct detailed, continuous reviews of materials, methods, and workmanship.
LAST WEEK'S HEADLINES

Tampa expands Green Team thanks to new grant funding
Tampa expands Green Team thanks to new grant funding (https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/tampa-expands-green-team-thanks-to-new-grant-funding/amp/)
WFLA NewsChannel 8
This expansion is made possible thanks to new funding made available through an AmeriCorps grant.

Tampa set to celebrate third annual World Car Free Day
Tampa set to celebrate third annual World Car Free Day (https://www.wmnf.org/tampa-set-to-celebrate-world-car-free-day/)
WMNF
Organizers say the event is an opportunity explore the city using active transportation.

Tampa intersection improvements get $13M boost from Hillsborough County as pothole program hits 4 years
Tampa intersection improvements get $13M boost from Hillsborough County as pothole program hits 4 years (https://www.fox13news.com/news/tampa-intersection-improvements-get-13m-boost-from-hillsborough-county-pothole-program-hits-4-years)
FOX13
Officials highlight both short-term fixes and long-term paving investments.

Thomas Scott, Naya Young finish top 2 in District 5 Tampa race; will meet in runoff
Thomas Scott, Naya Young finish top 2 in District 5 Tampa race; will meet in runoff (https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/09/09/tampa-special-election-headed-to-run-off)
Spectrum Bay News 9
District 5 includes downtown, East Tampa, Ybor City and parts of West Tampa.

100-year old dance instructor celebrated by City of Tampa
100-year old dance instructor celebrated by City of Tampa (https://www.fox13news.com/news/100-year-old-dance-instructor-celebrated-city-tampa)
FOX13
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor says Baizan is a true inspiration to the community.

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Meet Ron Thuemler, a Transportation Technician III in the Mobility Department. He has worked for the City of Tampa for almost 44 years, and he most enjoys collaborating with his team members to make Tampa's streets safer each day.

What’s your favorite meal to cook? Chicken or vegetables with Basmati rice. Quick and simple-and I’m not much of a cook, so...I also love “veggie-burgers”, and also Triscuits with a few toppings. Hey, it’s a meal!

What’s your dream vacation? I love hiking and horseback riding - staying at a resort or area where you get around only on horseback would be awesome. There’s also the Grand Canyon and West Virginia, to name a couple on my list. I hope to visit Leipzig, Germany, someday soon, which is where my father was born.

What reality show would you want to be on? Reality TV has nothing to do with reality. I’m on a real one now; it’s called “Grandpa, can you please fix this??” I have three grandchildren (two girls, 8 & 4, & one boy 1 & 1/2 yrs old). That’s reality, and I love it.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen on the job? There have been quite a few...Let’s say I’ve seen humanity at its strangest while driving their vehicles. Wrong-way drivers on major roads must rank up there. Pedestrians tempting fate is up there, too. Guardian Angels must exist, from what I see daily.

What’s your favorite movie? “The Natural” with Robert Redford is a great baseball-themed tale about a man’s redemption. Shawshank Redemption is another powerful film. I love so many westerns, I can’t count them! “Shane” being one of my favorites, along with “Unforgiven” with Clint Eastwood.
SPECIAL FEATURE
Did you Know? Last month, the fleet maintenance team closed 1,206 work orders.
Fleet is the team that keeps us moving - literally! In August 2025, the Fleet Maintenance team closed 1,206 work orders. Review more citywide performance metrics online at ** tampa.gov/metrics (https://www.tampa.gov/metrics)
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COMING UP THIS WEEK

Monday, September 15 at 10 a.m.
TAMPA HOUSING AUTHORITY – ROBLES PARK VILLAGE DEMOLITION CEREMONY

Monday, September 15 at 1:45 p.m.
1st LIEUTENANT BALDOMERO LOPEZ REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

Monday, September 15 at 6 p.m.
TAMPENO FISH & MEAT MARKET UNVEILS EXCLUSIVE MENU IN HONOR OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH 2025 CELEBRATING WEST TAMPA'S RICH CULTURAL ROOTS

Monday, September 15 at 7:15 p.m.
TAMPA BAY RAYS vs. TORONTO BLUE JAYS | RAYS ANNUAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE NIGHT CELEBRATION

Tuesday, September 16 at 8 a.m.
ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS & AQUARIUMS ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Tuesday, September 16 at 9:30 a.m.
PORT TAMPA BAY COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Tuesday, September 16 at 11:45 a.m.
WEST TAMPA CHAMBER LUNCHEON

Tuesday, September 16 at 5 p.m.
RIBBON CUTTING - BARRIO TACOS + TEQUILA + WHISKEY'S ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Wednesday, September 17 at 10:30 a.m.
PRESS CONFERENCE – FUN LAN RIBBON CUTTING & HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Thursday, September 18 at 11:50 a.m.
TAMPA DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP 39th ANNUAL MEETING & LUNCHEON

Friday, September 19 at 8:30 a.m.
TAMPA BAY CHAMBER COLLEGIATE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Friday, September 19 at 11 a.m.
PRESS CONFERENCE – TAMPA FIRE RESCUE NEW BOAT

Friday, September 19 at 7 p.m.
TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART - ART & ACES 2025

Saturday, September 20 at 9:30 a.m.
WORLD CAR FREE DAY - KIDICAL MASS BIKE RIDE

Saturday, September 20 at 10:30 a.m.
WORLD CAR FREE DAY – MIDTOWN TAMPA
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