Kelly Kirschner (Photo courtesy of Team Kelly Kirschner) Kelly Kirschner says he is running a campaign that puts accountability at the forefront. The former Sarasota mayor is running for Florida’s 16th Congressional District against opponent Republican Sydney Gruters. The district seat was left vacant by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan. The six-county district encompasses portions of St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Pinellas County’s barrier islands, Manatee County, eastern Sarasota County, DeSoto County, Hardee County and southern Polk County. With Pinellas and Manatee counties accounting for approximately 85% of the district’s population, Kirschner has placed particular emphasis on connecting with voters in those communities, specifically Black voters. According to an August campaign poll shared exclusively by Kirschner’s team, Kirschner led opponent Sydney Gruters 53% to 19% among Black respondents, with 28% undecided. His initiatives around healthcare — including Black maternal health, Social Security, Medicare, affordable housing, and education — has resonated with many Black voters in Pinellas. “Black families in south St. Pete are dealing with the same insurance bills, healthcare costs and rising rents as everyone else in this district, and too often their voices aren’t heard,” Kirschner shared with Power Broker. His campaign has also secured endorsements from several local prominent Black community leaders, including Pinellas County Commissioner René Flowers, St. Petersburg City Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders and former Sarasota mayors Willie Charles Shaw and Fredd Atkins. In an exclusive interview with Power Broker, Kirschner discussed his campaign’s support among Black voters, the importance of representation and accountability and the priorities he hopes to advance in Washington if elected. The following Q&A is a combination of email responses and Kirschner’s appearance on Power Broker’s Power of the Vote Collective virtual fireside chat on Sept. 28. PB: What percentage of your total Black vote is in the Pinellas portion of your district, approximately, if you know? KIRSCHNER: Pinellas is home to over 56% of Florida (16th congressional district) Black voters, concentrated in south St. Petersburg. Under the governor’s new map, that community was carved out of the district Congresswoman Castor represented and attached to a district that runs all the way to Arcadia and Wauchula. They didn’t ask to be redrawn, and they deserve a representative who shows up. Our campaign is in St. Pete every day earning their trust and their votes. PB: Your district is a coastal community. There are a number of risks and due diligence that any person sitting in federal office needs to be aware of and planning to do something about. Talk about your experience in mobilizing communities around the environment, climate change, and the risks of hurricane and other disasters, and what would you do to mitigate, or to mitigate, disaster in that regard? KIRSCHNER: So you are correct. This is definitely a coastal district that includes the entirety of Southern Pinellas, stretching from North Redington Beach all the way down to the entirety of the city of St. Petersburg, Gulfport, and all of the barrier islands on the beaches, as well as Manatee County, and then we go inland to East Sarasota County, all of DeSoto County, all of Hardee County, and all of southern Polk County. The speed with FEMA recovery. So let me first say that as a member of Congress starting in January of 2027, representing a very vulnerable area of our country here in Florida, the first thing we need to prioritize is that FEMA is fully funded and FEMA is empowered to be proactive in really hardening communities, especially in the wake of a disaster like what we saw two years ago with one category 4 (Milton) and then immediately followed by a category 5 storm (Helene) in literally one week period of time. I think when you think about what is impacted from these storms, particularly in Pinellas County and areas of flood zones. We have many neighborhoods that need to be addressed with infrastructure improvements to stormwater management. We have neighborhoods that are continuously flooding and really houses need to be elevated so that we're not, you know, paying out these incredible sums every year that impact all of us with our property insurance bills. And so there needs to be programs that are backed by FEMA. PB: Affordable housing keeps coming up over and over and over again on the campaign trail. How will you, in the federal office, collaborate with both state, county and city governments to ensure that there is a consistent message coming out of Washington on making affordable housing a top concern ? KIRSCHNER: You have metro areas, including Miami and Tampa, that are now getting to be more expensive than Manhattan. I don't think any of us ever thought that we would see that. Programs, particularly through HUD and the Housing and Urban Development Office, that have historically supported access, particularly first-time homebuyers to housing, but also that have vibrant programs that are revitalizing public housing, that are funding Section 8 vouchers, and that actually will be market-based, that give people access to housing and communities, are critically important. That is what we're seeing in these areas … we have generations of residents that have grown up in St. Petersburg that can no longer afford to live here. And they are now buying homes in Parrish, south of the Skyway Bridge and they're commuting back into St. Petersburg. It has to be a partnership between federal, state, and local governments on how we expand these programs and cut red tape and ensure that the access for families that need that access is there. And it is not just for home buyers, it is also for access to affordable rentals as well. And that mix has to be present with a very strong Office of Housing and Urban Development. PB: One of the challenges that we face as people, as humans, is healthcare. What are you considering as a plan of action to ensure that healthcare is more affordable? KIRSCHNER: In December, our Congress allowed the tax credits for the ACA marketplace, Obamacare, to expire. That immediately led to, for some families, as small as a $400 increase. Other families that I've spoken to in this district, over $2,000 per month. That would be a $24,000 increase. Families are putting money away every month and hoping that they don't have a health emergency. We have people that are fleeing their insurance because they can't afford it, and now they're going to the emergency room when, God forbid, something happens. What I would work towards in Congress is to restore those tax credits, for families to have a much more affordable plan. I think we should take this administration up on what they've said since 2016, that they would be bringing a plan forward that would be an alternative to Obamacare that would bring affordable health care to all citizens of this country. It's been a decade that's not forthcoming and so in the absence of something forth. coming. I think it is incumbent upon us as Congress to start advancing those solutions that address these types of things that again allow families to thrive. PB: Regarding healthcare, can you talk about improving and or expanding access to resources, including maternal health and mental health? KIRSCHNER: Rep. Lauren Underwood is the youngest African American woman ever elected to Congress, and one of her biggest issues is on maternal health, particularly for African American women. At one point when I was mayor of Sarasota, I was on the board of Sarasota County's Healthy Start, and the health outcomes, particularly of Black women, compared to any other demographic in this country in terms of maternal health. The disparities there are shocking and continue to be an issue. And so one of the things that I'll say is that's something that Rep. Underwood has been championing since she got in office and that I would on day one seek to co-sponsor legislation that starts to address that and supports and empowers communities throughout this country to address those disparities, because there is no reason that, based upon your zip code, the color of your skin, that those health outcomes should be any different than anyone else PB: How do you plan to support small businesses? KIRSCHNER: Over 60% of job growth in this country comes from small and medium-sized businesses. I'm intimately familiar with here in St. Petersburg by virtue of my work on the board of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Pete, as well as work on the City Advisory Council for the Southside Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) and looking in both spaces on how do we provide greater access to support, to capital, to markets for small businesses? The Small Business Administration, like so many others that have seen DOGE cuts… I think we need to do a much better job of starting to center the efforts of the government at the vast majority of citizens that are really hurting… 47%.of this congressional district are living paycheck to paycheck. And so every day as a member of Congress, I should be asking. Who is this serving? Is this benefiting the majority of our residents, of these small businesses, including minority business owners? Are they getting the access that historically they haven't had? And if not, then what are the levers we need to pull that increase that access? PB: Which current U.S. representatives or senators are role models whose leadership reflects how you will work and fight in D.C.? KIRSCHNER: Andy Kim and Rob Sand. Andy took on New Jersey’s rigged party-line ballot system when everyone told him to wait his turn, and he won. Rob isn’t in Congress but running for governor of Iowa. As Iowa’s auditor, he’s followed the money no matter whose party it embarrassed. That’s the job. Corruption isn’t an abstract Washington problem. It’s why your insurance premium keeps climbing, why a drug costs triple what it should, why the same issues show up on the ballot every two years and never get fixed. Somebody is getting paid to keep them unsolved. I’m going to Washington to work for the people paying the bills, not the people sending them. PB: What are your day one priorities if you win this seat? KIRSCHNER: 1. Keep a roof overhead and stay healthy. Families are dropping health coverage just to keep the home insurance their mortgage requires. I’ll fight for a national catastrophic reinsurance backstop so Floridians aren’t carrying a risk the whole country should share, and I’ll work to expand the ACA, reverse Medicaid cuts, and let Medicare negotiate more drug prices. 2. Get the money out. Those fixes haven’t happened because the people writing the big checks are in the room. I’ll vote to ban stock trading by members of Congress and their families and pass the DISCLOSE Act, issues I’ve worked on for twenty years. 3. Protect Social Security and Medicare. You paid into them with every paycheck. I won’t vote to cut them or raise the retirement age. Those are earned benefits that will be paid to the beneficiaries. Early voting ends Nov. 1 in Pinellas County. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Nolan Wells (Facebook) A call for answers surrounding the death of Nolan Xavier Wells is bringing community members and advocates together in Tampa for a march demanding truth, transparency and accountability. The "What Happened to Nolan?" march is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Nov. 1 at Joe Chillura Courthouse Square, 600 E. Kennedy Blvd., in downtown Tampa. The march is part of the One March. Fifty States initiative, a nationwide effort centered around raising awareness and encouraging civic engagement, with participants as far away as London. The 18-year-old went missing during a boating trip with friends to Horn Island, off the Mississippi Gulf Coast during the 4th of July weekend. His body was found two days later. Both an independent and state autopsy listed his cause of death as undetermined. In September, a grand jury declined to press criminal charges in his case and maintained the evidence suggested an accidental drowning, despite the fact that the autopsy showed no water in his lungs, stomach or throat. Shariffa Spicer with her family (Courtesy of Shariffa Spicer) A mother’s Personal Connection For organizer Shariffa Spicer, the opportunity to get involved with the march was purposeful and personal. Spicer said she has been following Wells’ story since day one. Spicer said she saw a Facebook ad from One March seeking volunteers to organize marches. There were efforts to have the march in Orlando, but no one stepped up to organize it. So, Spicer decided to be the organizer for Tampa’s march. “We tend to personalize stories like this, we think about our children, we think about our family and because it seems to be a recurring conversation in the Black community, this was something that pulled on my heartstrings,” says Spicer, who is also a serial entrepreneur and the owner of Spice of Life Design. As a mother of six, Spicer says Nolan reminds her of two of her sons. “When I hear Nolan Wells, I [think] about Paul Jr., in my heart I hear Daniel [her sons] and I know what they mean to me and what it means to Christine [Nolan’s mother] and what it means for her to go through and grieve the loss of her 18-year-old son, Nolan.” She added, “I would be devastated to have anything like this happen, and the way that the community has come together to embrace that family [Wells’ family] … that type of demonstration I feel like I would’ve owed it to her [Christine] in this manner, that I’m pushing forward, just in the same way that I would’ve hoped the community would embrace me.” Voting Initiatives Tied to March The march is not only an initiative to honor Wells and keep his case in the public eye, but to also encourage people to the polls. The demonstration comes just two days before the Nov. 3 general election. “This upcoming election is very, very important and we’re really trying to motivate everyone to do so,” says Spicer. Calling the event a “cultural experience,” Spicer said she intentionally planned the route to spotlight historical moments in Downtown Tampa’s Black history, which will include the courthouse and police department, two buildings that Spicer said many in the Black community don’t embrace because of its negative connotations. A historian has also volunteered to provide context along the march. Other stops will include Perry Harvey Park and the Robert Saunders Library, where brief remarks will be shared about voter engagement. Then, the march will head back around to the Chillura Courthouse Square. “It will be a walk through history but it is making history with 50 other states, and again answering the question, ‘What happened to Nolan?’ Because we are not going to forget,” she said. Not a Political March Spicer emphasized that the march is not a political event but for anyone who has been impacted by Wells’ case. “This has nothing to do with being Black or being white,” she says. “This is about humanitarianism, this is about someone’s life. This is about a family who is seeking justice and seeking answers … they [Nolan’s family] want the transparency as Ben Crump continues to push. And that’s only fair for a Black family, a white family or any other family who loses a child under these terms that have not been fully disclosed.” Wear Black and Blue Participants are encouraged to wear black, powder blue or a mixture of both colors in honor of Wells. According to Spicer, the family requested powder blue, since it was Wells’ favorite color. People are also encouraged to create signs. Organizations such as NAACP Hillsborough, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Black Panther Party [Panthers Of Florida] and churches, including Love First, are among the many supporters and collaborators. The march is being promoted in partnership with What Happened to Nolan, 92 Percent News and PROBr, alongside the One March Fifty States initiative. All 50 states and London will be hosting marches on Nov. 1. Additional information is available at WhatHappenedtoNolan.com and OneMarchFiftyStates.com. Marches in St. Petersburg Also on Nov. 1, the Urban League Florida Suncoast will be doing a. ceremonial march in honor of Wells, as part of their Souls To The Polls event at 3 p.m. at the St. Pete Coliseum, 535 4th Avenue. N. in St. Petersburg. Social justice advocate Tamika Mallory will be a special guest. Another march is also scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. at Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE in St. Petersburg, with a moment of silence followed by a march at 9 a.m. Participants are also asked to wear black to that march. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Tamika Mallory TThe free community event will include voter engagement, entertainment, free food, door prizes, family activities and a ceremonial Stroll to the Poll honoring Nolan Wells. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Nationally recognized social justice advocate and author Tamika D. Mallory will make a special guest appearance at the 2026 Souls to the Polls event on Sunday, Nov. 1, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the St. Pete Coliseum, located at 535 Fourth Ave. N. in St. Petersburg. Doors between 12:30-12:45 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will bring together residents, faith-based organizations, and community leaders for an afternoon dedicated to voter participation and civic engagement ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Mallory, a prominent civil rights activist and influential voice in the national movement for racial and social justice, will be a guest speaker and join community members in encouraging residents to make their voices heard at the ballot box. A special highlight of the event will be a ceremonial march in solidarity of Nolan Wells at 3 p.m. Free transportation to the polls will be also available to help eliminate barriers to voter participation. “We will be offering folks transportation who may not have reliable transportation any other day leading up to Election Day,” says Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, the President and CEO of Urban League Suncoast. “Elected officials and candidates will also be coming to the public about the importance of voting and civic participation in our communities.” In addition to voter outreach, attendees can enjoy free food, live entertainment, games and contests for children and adults, door prizes and access to community resources. Specific activities will include: FREE admission & parking FREE rides to the polls for folks looking to vote throughout the day FREE food and beverages (non alcoholic) for attendees to enjoy. Baja's is who will be catering, so definitely love supporting our small black business! Community resources for the public sponsored by our community partners who will be tabling for the event. Kids Zone for our youth to enjoy while learning about civic engagement! Hear from elected officials and candidates on the importance of civic engagement and participation PRIZES for the most attended among these categories: Greek organizations, churches, and community organizations! Live entertainment from Mt. Zion Praise Team, NuBody Fitness Line dancing, live drumlines and more! The Souls to the Polls initiative is presented by the Power of the Vote Collective, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, Urban League Florida Suncoast, Allegany Franciscan Ministries and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Partnerships will include African American Heritage Association of St. Petersburg, Allegany Franciscan Ministries,Woodson African American Museum of Florida, Deuces Live, Black Voters Matter, Power Broker Media Group, Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., RaceWithoutIsm, National Council of Negro Women St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section, St. Petersburg Branch NAACP, Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, Urban League Florida Suncoast, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, National Pan Hellenic Council of Pinellas County,Tampa Bay Breakfast Club, New Direction Career Services, Saturday Morning Shoppes,Eta Rho Chapter Of Omega Psi Phi, St. Petersburg Alumni Chapter of ΚΑΨ, Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition, Saint Petersburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Crystal Lilly Pruitt, regional affairs manager of Storm Protection Program at TECO. For Crystal Lilly Pruitt, leadership is about more than professional advancement. It's an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the community she calls home. The St. Petersburg native has taken on a new leadership role at Tampa Electric, serving as regional affairs manager for the utility company's Storm Protection Program, a multiyear initiative designed to strengthen the electric grid and improve reliability during severe weather. A Hometown Connection The opportunity to help strengthen Tampa Bay's infrastructure also carries personal significance. Pruitt graduated from Lakewood High School. She earned her bachelor's degree from Eckerd College and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. Growing up in St. Petersburg has given her a firsthand understanding of the communities TECO serves. “It’s an opportunity for me to connect with community stakeholders and to inspire others who may be interested in leadership roles or roles within an energy company,” she said. Strengthening Communities Before the Next Storm As Florida communities continue to face the threat of hurricanes and other types of severe weather, strengthening the region's electrical infrastructure remains a priority. Through its Storm Protection Program, TECO is investing in projects that include strengthening power grids against severe weather, trimming trees and relocating electrical lines underground where feasible. In her new role, Pruitt will oversee activities supporting the program, making sure customers are informed about the work, helping advance initiatives intended to make the electric system more resilient and minimize outages during bad weather. “We anticipate that when we have those storm seasons to make sure that things are reliable, that we … ‘Keep the lights on,’” Pruitt added. “It is an opportunity to keep neighbors informed and educated around the work that we’re doing across the Tampa Bay market.” The program also brings to light important questions about how infrastructure improvements will affect their neighborhoods, particularly communities that have historically experienced challenges with aging infrastructure and storm recovery. “We’ve got old infrastructure, so we’re placing wooden poles with steel poles, we’re doing undergrounding in certain areas,” said Pruitt. “It’s a great opportunity to improve the system, the grid, making sure that we have the improved, sustainable infrastructure in place.” Breaking Barriers and Building a Legacy Despite clean energy becoming one of the fastest growing industries, according to a report from Economy and Environment, women make up less than 30% in clean energy jobs and Black women account for less than 10% of that number. Pruitt says specifically for Black women, there are many careers in the energy industry to pursue. “If you’d had asked me 15 years ago about a career in energy, it wasn’t even on top of minds,” said Pruitt. “But there have been others who’ve come before me, who have inspired me to pursue a career in energy.” Pruitt added that many skills are in demand for women of color. “There’s a lot of skills that are needed, whether it's engineering, communications, construction, project management, there’s so many careers that women — women of color — can pursue and certainly be successful and move towards leadership.” Before joining TECO, Pruitt served as senior transmission stakeholder engagement manager for Duke Energy Florida, where she supported major transmission and grid modernization projects across the state. Her professional background also includes senior communications and public affairs positions with Sarasota County government, Hillsborough County government and Pinellas County Schools. "Crystal has strong experience managing grid modernization projects and a true understanding of the unique needs of our region," said Stephanie Smith, vice president of state and regional affairs at Tampa Electric, in a company news release. "Her deep roots in Tampa Bay position her well to anticipate and respond to the needs of our customers, especially when storms hit." Inspiring Future Leaders Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Pruitt has established herself as a community leader committed to service and education. She is actively involved in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated, and Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. Pruitt also serves as an adjunct instructor at St. Petersburg College, teaching business communications. As she begins her tenure at Tampa Electric, Pruitt hopes that her work will open the door for others to follow. “I hope that I will inspire others that come behind me to know that it’s possible,” said Pruitt. “It’s possible to lead. For that little girl or young woman who’s thinking about leadership, specifically in an energy industry. I hope that I will inspire just as others have inspired me and inspire others to come behind me and continue soaring in leadership roles.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Keisha Lance Bottoms, Will Packer, and David Jolly. (Left to right) Hollywood producer Will Packer is officially backing Florida gubernatorial candidate David Jolly. During an appearance at Florida A&M University’s homecoming “Set Friday” event, Packer, who is also a FAMU graduate, voiced his support for Jolly, a Democrat, and his running mate, Gwen Graham. “I didn't want to miss this opportunity amongst all my people celebrating fellowship to say, ‘Hey, while we're having a good time, we're under attack,’” Packer shared with Roland Martin during his “Unfiltered” show. “We're under attack by an administration that has been a clown show.” Packer added, “You elect clowns, you get a circus. And it has been a circus, and now, we have an opportunity to do something historic. Adoration for his alma mater is what Packer says fueled his desire to discuss the importance of voting this year. “And I wanted to make sure, especially with Florida A&M University where there has been one candidate who has said, ‘I'm going to do what I can if I get to the governor's office to try to support this university which has been historically underfunded,’ I would be remiss if I didn't go to a place that bears my name at a university that I love and give him that platform because right now you're either registered to vote or you're not,” said Packer, referring to Jolly’s previous comments about FAMU being owed $2.1 billion in state funding. Packer also touched on Jolly’s Republican opponent, Byron Donalds, who attended FAMU before transferring to Florida State University. Earlier this month, FAMU hosted a townhall meeting with Donalds. Packer and Martin criticized Donalds for not advocating for FAMU’s funding. “There was a group that sent out a questionnaire to all the gubernatorial candidates and said, ‘What would you do for Florida A&M University?’ You know who didn't answer it at all? Byron Donalds,” said Packer. “He did not even answer the question there. David Jolly went, answered it, engaged, and said, ‘I'm going to do what I can to work with that Legislature to get that $2.1 billion that has been historically underfunded and owed, not new money, owed to Florida A&M,’” Packer said. For those who support Donalds, Packer reminded them of a very simple but common phrase. “All skin folk ain’t kinfolk,” Packer said. “Vote for your interest. That's it. I'm telling people who don't know the candidate, I'm saying don't vote for them. Vote for you. Vote for the person who has your interest at heart. I don't care what they look like.” This is not the first time Packer has voiced his support for Jolly and Graham. On Aug. 29, Packer posted a Jolly campaign video on his Facebook page. “There is only one candidate for Governor of Florida who has committed to securing FAMU the funds and resources owed,” he captioned his post. “Only one candidate who is willing to address the $2B that the State unlawfully withheld from our great institution. Only one - DAVID JOLLY. FAMU it’s time to stand up for someone who is willing to stand for us. Don’t be distracted. Pay attention to who is actually FOR US.” Packer also announced his support of the Rattler Freedom Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports FAMU administrators, students, staff and faculty through scholarships and grants. “We are launching an independent organization to raise money so that we can be independent,” Packer said. “I don't care who's in the governor's mansion. FAMU needs its own support system and so many public HBCUs.” The official launch of the fund kicks off on Nov. 20. To learn more about the Rattler Freedom Fund go to www.rattlerfreedomfund.com/. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Kelly Kirschner (Photo courtesy of Team Kelly Kirschner) In a traditionally Republican congressional district, Democrat Kelly Kirschner is making a bid to turn Florida's 16th Congressional District blue, with support from Black voters in south St. Petersburg potentially playing a pivotal role in the race.The former Sarasota mayor is challenging Republican Sydney Gruters for the seat previously held by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan. According to Kirschner's campaign, Pinellas County is home to more than 56% of the district's Black voters, with many concentrated in south St. Petersburg. The community, previously represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, was moved into District 16 under Florida's revised congressional map. "They didn’t ask to be redrawn, and they deserve a representative who shows up. Our campaign is in St. Pete every day earning their trust and their votes," Kirschner's campaign shared with Power Broker. The six-county district encompasses portions of St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Pinellas County’s barrier islands, Manatee County, eastern Sarasota County, DeSoto County, Hardee County, and southern Polk County. With Pinellas and Manatee counties accounting for approximately 85% of the district's population, Kirschner has placed particular emphasis on connecting with voters in those communities, particularly Black voters whose political influence could prove consequential in a competitive race. According to an internal August campaign poll shared exclusively by Kirschner’s team, Kirschner led opponent Gruters 53% to 19% among Black respondents, with 28% undecided. After respondents received additional information about both candidates, Kirschner's support increased to 78%, compared with 11% for Gruters, according to the campaign. While the findings reflect internal campaign polling rather than independent election results, they suggest an opportunity for Kirschner to build support among a voting bloc that has historically leaned Democratic. That support comes with an obligation to address the everyday challenges facing residents. His initiatives around healthcare — including Black maternal health, Social Security, Medicare, affordable housing, and education — has resonated with many Black voters in Pinellas. "Black families in south St. Pete are dealing with the same insurance bills, healthcare costs and rising rents as everyone else in this district, and too often their voices aren’t heard," Kirschner shared with Power Broker. Black Voters Weigh In Across south St. Petersburg, several Black voters and community leaders who support Kirschner point to his accessibility, commitment to underserved communities and willingness to challenge political interests as reasons for backing his candidacy. With Kirschner campaigning for a redistricted, voters like Danny E. White, the president of RaceWithoutIsm, Inc. says his versatility as a seasoned public servant and prioritized affordability brings a viable agenda for change to the campaign. “In the case that he is running in redistricted territory, I think his election would be proof that the will of voters is not an absolute that can (be) determined by imaginary lines,” said White. For Bishop Manuel Sykes, the decision comes down to a candidate's being present and respect for the people he hopes to represent. Sykes shares with Power Broker that for him, unlike his opponent, Kirschner shows a “genuine desire to get to know the people in the community.” “He is not a bought and ‘paid for candidate’ and he has done the difficult work of traveling the length and breadth of his constituency. He has overcome difficult challenges due to gerrymandering and I believe has fought a valiant race against his opponent,” said Sykes. Sykes added, “Another thing that’s very important to me as a pastor and leader is that candidates demonstrate respect for our community. This happens by showing up making themselves known and seen among our community members. I council my members to avoid voting just because of their party, but taking a closer look at the behavior and respect demonstrated to persons whose votes they’re soliciting.” Dr. Katurah Jenkins-Hall Aquil and Imam Askia Muhammad Aquil. (Courtesy of the Aquils) Dr. Katurah Jenkins-Hall Aquil, a licensed clinical psychologist, has known Kirschner for eight years. She says her support is rooted in years of observing his advocacy and commitment to equity. “I have witnessed his commitment to immigrant rights, health equity, and equal opportunity, grounded in his belief that every person deserves fairness, compassion, and respect,” said Jenkins-Hall Aquil. “His understanding of the challenges facing marginalized and underserved communities reflects a conviction that meaningful change requires more than words—it demands action. He doesn’t back down from a righteous fight!” Other supporters say economic opportunity and the rising cost of living are among their top concerns. “I want Kelly to fight for affordable housing, opportunities for small businesses, and an economy where working families can get ahead,” Roy James shared with Power Broker. “We need leadership that listens to our communities and turns those priorities into meaningful results.” His stance on healthcare and government accountability are also driving voter support. “I like his plan for protecting healthcare and his willingness to hold people accountable,” said Renee Edwards. “ We need someone in there who will be present and fight for us.” For Adrienne Reddick, the stakes extend beyond local concerns to federal spending, immigration enforcement and U.S. foreign policy. Reddick tells Power Broker she wants Kirschner to hold the executive branch of the government accountable. “I want Kelly to fight for affordable healthcare, end the war in Iran, and rein in an out-of-control immigration enforcement agency,” said Reddick. “Kelly’s victory is important because Gruters would rubber-stamp the current president’s actions.” Other supporters believe Kirschner's leadership style could help bridge political divides. Terri Lipsey Scott believes Kirschner will bring a “fresh perspective and a strong commitment” to representing his district. “Kelly understands the importance of collaboration, accountability, and ensuring that every voice has a seat at the table,” said Scott, who is executive director of the Woodson Museum in St. Petersburg. Dr. Rene Y. Robinson-Flowers also pointed to Kirschner's professional and public service experience as qualifications for the role. “From an educator at Eckerd College to serving as mayor for a metropolitan community, Kevin has what Washington needs,” says Robinson-Flowers. “ It’s time to bring sense back to a community where collaboration was once commonplace.” The Aquils with Kelly Kirschner. Support Among Black Community Leaders Kirschner’s campaign has secured endorsements from several local prominent Black community leaders, including Pinellas County Commissioner René Flowers, St. Petersburg City Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders and former Sarasota mayors Willie Charles Shaw and Fredd Atkins. Additional supporters include business owner and U.S. Army veteran "Fancy Nancy" Dunham, former Raiders offensive tackle Henry Lawrence, Sowing Seeds Tennis President and Coach Rob Perry, faith and human rights leader Imam Askia Muhammad Aquil and Reverend Charles S. McKenzie Jr. Kirschner’s Outline If elected, Kirschner tells Power Broker his first priorities would focus on three areas: making healthcare and housing-related costs more affordable, reducing the influence of money in politics, and protecting Social Security and Medicare. He also supports establishing a national catastrophic reinsurance backstop, which would help distribute the financial risks associated with major disasters. “Families are dropping health coverage just to keep the home insurance their mortgage requires,” said Kirschner. “I’ll fight for a national catastrophic reinsurance backstop so Floridians aren’t carrying a risk the whole country should share, and I’ll work to expand the ACA, reverse Medicaid cuts, and let Medicare negotiate more drug prices.” His position on Social Security and Medicare is equally firm. "You paid into them with every paycheck. I won’t vote to cut them or raise the retirement age. Those are earned benefits that will be paid to the beneficiaries." Kirschner says his approach is influenced by leaders willing to challenge established political systems, including U.S. Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey and Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand, who is running for governor. “Andy took on New Jersey’s rigged party-line ballot system when everyone told him to wait his turn, and he won,” said Kirschner. “Rob isn’t in Congress but running for governor of Iowa. As Iowa’s auditor he’s followed the money no matter whose party it embarrassed. That’s the job.” Kirschner explained, “Corruption isn’t an abstract Washington problem. It’s why your insurance premium keeps climbing, why a drug costs triple what it should, why the same issues show up on the ballot every two years and never get fixed. Somebody is getting paid to keep them unsolved. I’m going to Washington to work for the people paying the bills, not the people sending them.” Flipping a traditionally Republican district will require more than enthusiasm from Democratic voters. Kirschner must build a coalition capable of overcoming the district's Republican voting history, including strong turnout in south St. Petersburg and support from voters across the district's other counties. (Courtesy of Kirschner campaign) Translating Support to Action During a Power of the Vote Collective virtual fireside chat on Sept. 28, Kirschner spoke about the importance of service, accountability and empowering communities, reflecting on a lesson he learned during his time in the Peace Corps. “One of the things that they taught us on day one in orientation [Peace Corps], was your job is not that the community where you serve erects a marble statue of you when you leave,” said Kirschner. “Your job is that you are leaving the place where the community has a greater sense of self-efficacy, of their belief to empower themselves to make their lives better. And when you do that, you are that much more successful of a volunteer.” Whether Kirschner can translate that philosophy and his support among Black voters into an electoral victory remains to be seen. But with more than half of the district's Black electorate residing in Pinellas County, south St. Petersburg could play a significant role in determining whether this Democrat can flip the seat in November. Early voting ends Nov. 1 in Pinellas County. The general election is Nov. 3. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

A St. Petersburg pastor who is known for helping those in need is now seeking support as he undergoes a challenging chapter in his life. Community leader Rev. Dr. Kenneth Irby works with the Office of Community Impact for the city of St. Petersburg. He recently transitioned from his role as the 30th senior pastor at Historic Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1991, he was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The cysts were discovered during a renal ultrasound exam while testing for hypertension. At the time of this reporting, he decided against dialysis and is starting his third year on the transplant list at Largo Medical Hospital and his second year on the list at Tampa General Hospital. Kidney transplant wait times at Tampa General Hospital range from approximately 23-37 months, depending on the blood type. “Without question, the greatest challenge has been the waiting process,” Irby shared with Power Broker. Facts About Kidney Disease Stage 4 chronic kidney disease, also known as renal disease, is caused by polycystic kidney disease. Experts say polycystic kidney disease is the most common inherited form. A person with an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the condition. “Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited condition in which fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys and can gradually interfere with their function,” said Ilana Schachter, a registered dietitian and nutritionist for Consumer Health Digest. “Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, the most common inherited form, is frequently associated with changes in the PKD1 or PKD2 genes.” Polycystin-1 and polycystin-2 genes (PKD1) are proteins that are active in kidney development. Black Kidney Crisis Irby’s diagnosis exposes the kidney crisis that many Black Americans face. Black people are 47% more likely to have chronic kidney disease and 95% more likely to die from it. Additionally, according to the National Kidney Foundation, Black Americans are three times more likely to have kidney failure than whites. Schachter attributes the disproportionate burden of chronic kidney disease among Black Americans — who have higher rates of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes — to inequities in access to preventive care and treatment. “High blood pressure and diabetes are two of the leading causes of kidney disease, and disparities in their diagnosis, management, and treatment can contribute to kidney damage over time,” says Schachter. “Social determinants of health, including access to affordable nutritious food, healthcare coverage, and consistent medical follow-up, also influence outcomes.” A Generational Disease Genetics also play a role in kidney function and risk since polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disease. Schachter says variants in the APOL1 gene are more common in people with “recent African ancestry” and is commonly associated with increased risk of kidney disease as well as HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) and lupus nephritis. “These variants do not mean that a person will inevitably develop kidney failure,” Schachter said. Screenings, blood work and urine tests can help detect early kidney damage. For instance, if PKD is suspected because of family history or symptoms, a clinician may recommend kidney imaging, genetic counseling, or testing. “People with a family history of kidney disease should discuss their risk with a healthcare professional,” said Schachter. For Irby, a fourth-generation Washingtonian, his family has been impacted by the disease for generations. That prompted him to do his own research and start making healthier changes in his own life. “By the time of my diagnosis, my mother and grandmother were deceased and several family members were dealing with renal failure and extreme hypertension,” he says. Rev. Kenneth Irby and his wife, Karen Irby. (courtesy of Kenneth Irby) Faith, Rest, and Family The impact of the disease has been challenging on his day-to-day routine, from fatigue to severe body aches. But Irby has four things he says are keeping him afloat. “Diet, medication rest and faith are sustaining me thus far,” he says. As a ministry leader, he continues to pastor and serve through his diverse portfolio. As a former senior faculty member at The Poynter Institute, Irby created the award-winning photojournalism program. In 2024, he became St. Petersburg’s first faith and community justice liaison. He and his wife are the co-founders of Men & Women In the Making initiative, a mentoring and academic program for minority youth in St. Petersburg. Irby calls her his “queen.” Both are survivors of cancer. Irby overcame prostate cancer in 2023, and his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. “Karen is an amazing partner in marriage, ministry and life,” he says about his wife. “Our marital vow to love in sickness and in health have been manifested as we have been each other's caregivers. She is without question my greatest encourager and number one prayer warrior.” Between 2016 and 2023, Irby served as the city’s first Director of Community Intervention & Juvenile Outreach for the St. Petersburg Police department and later as the Faith and Community Justice Liaison. As a living organ donor advocate, he continuously speaks out, shares his story, in an effort to spread awareness on a factor that impacts the lives of many. “No question, my faith and family are the reason that I am still standing,” he says. “I trust that our creator — God — is not through with me yet, and that if I can help somebody as I endure this health challenge, then my living will not be in vain.” Irby is working with the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg on an upcoming organ donation event. The foundation is partnering with Lifelink and All Kidney Patient Support Group for the Voices of Life: Truth, Equity & Testimony in Organ Donation event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 10 at 2333 34th St. South in St. Petersburg at Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. There will be a dinner, a panel discussion, and free genetic testing. Click here to register. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

OPEN THE DOOR TO HOMEOWNERSHIP FOR YOURSELF. FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES. FOR OUR COMMUNITY. As housing costs continue to rise, homeownership is increasingly out of reach for many working residents, including teachers, healthcare workers, municipal employees, hospitality professionals, nonprofit staff, and other workforce households. The Habitat for Humanity homeownership program, and its new development, Pelican Place, represents an opportunity for these residents to build equity and long-term stability in the city they serve. Whether you’re exploring homeownership for yourself or looking for a meaningful resource to support your employees, Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside can help. Interested in becoming a homeowner? Explore Pelican Place and learn about program eligibility. Apply Today! Are you an employer or community leader? Partner with Habitat to provide employees with access to trusted homeownership education, workplace information sessions, and resources designed to support long-term housing stability. Learn More!

Byron Donalds (left) and David Jolly (right). Donalds leads in financial contributions while Jolly leads in Black support Democrat David Jolly and Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds are both pushing for financial momentum in their campaigns to become Florida’s governor. According to an Oct. 17 report published by Florida Politics, Jolly has raised more than $1.97 million during the reporting period ending Oct. 9 through his campaign account and affiliated political committee, Florida 2026. The latest contributions follow a previous fundraising period in which Jolly collected approximately $2.7 million. Despite those gains, Donalds maintains a commanding financial lead. Florida Politics reported that Donalds raised more than $5.9 million during the same period, bringing his total fundraising to more than $146 million this election cycle, compared with $21 million for Jolly. The spending gap is equally significant. Donalds has spent more than $110 million, while Jolly has spent more than $17 million, according to the publication. Donations Fuel Jolly's Campaign While Donalds continues to attract major contributions, Jolly's campaign has benefited from thousands of individual donations. During the week ending Oct. 9, Jolly's campaign account received 10,941 contributions, according to Florida Politics. His fundraising included approximately $241,000 in public matching funds, along with major contributions to his political committee from labor organizations. The National Education Association contributed $250,000, while the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees contributed $200,000. Florida's public campaign financing program provides matching funds for eligible contributions, helping qualifying candidates supplement their campaign resources. According to the Florida Division of Elections, Jolly received an additional $223,106 in matching funds on Oct. 16, compared with $55,953 awarded to Donalds. Donalds' Fundraising Donalds' campaign has benefited from substantial contributions to his political committee, Friends of Byron Donalds. Among the largest contributions during the reporting period were $1 million each from the GEO Group, a private corrections and detention services company, and Fighting for Florida's Families, according to Florida Politics. Donalds' financial advantage has been evident throughout the campaign. In June, WLRN reported that Donalds had raised approximately $14 million over a two-month period, giving his campaign and political committee significant resources heading into the summer. Support From Black Voters Jolly, a former Republican congressman who represented parts of Tampa Bay before becoming a Democrat, faces an uphill battle in a state where Republicans have controlled the governor's office since 1999. A Stetson University poll released on Oct. 13 shows Donalds leading Jolly 52% to 41%. Donalds is working to garner more support from Florida Black voters. Gainesville city commissioner Cynthia Moore Chestnut recently endorsed Donalds. A Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy poll for NBC 6 and Telemundo, also released on Oct. 13 showed Donalds leading Jolly 48% to 41%. However, when it came to the Black vote, Jolly was supported by 76% versus Donalds’ 10%. The numbers show that skin color is not the deciding asset for Black voters. “There is a phrase, ‘All skin folk ain’t kin folk,’ which means that just because he’s Black doesn’t mean that he has a Black agenda, or he even addresses the actual needs in the Black community,” said Rep. Ashley Gantt as reported by U.S. News World and Report. Donalds recently shared with CBS News that he is currently seeking ‘north of 20%’ of the Black vote. "I think there's a lot of Black voters who are looking at my campaign because they're just trying to figure out who's going to be the best person to lead Florida into the future," Donalds told CBS in a recent interview. "I think the other thing with Black voters: they're starting to not be as monolithically tied to the Democrat Party." Early voting opened in many Florida counties on Oct. 19. The general election will be Nov. 3. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

United Way Suncoast is searching for a visionary Chief Advancement Officer to lead its integrated revenue, marketing, and communications strategies. Reporting directly to the CEO, this executive leader will drive sustainable fundraising, cultivate high-value donor partnerships, and elevate the organization's brand narrative across the Suncoast region. Ideal candidates will be entrepreneurial, results-driven professionals with 15+ years of experience ready to ignite transformational community impact. Interested applicants can click here to apply today.

Woodson Museum in St. Petersburg, Fla. (courtesy of Taylor McCray Honor) A unique shopping event will be hosted next weekend by The Woodson African American Museum of Florida. The Curator’s Closet will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 at the museum, 2240 9th Avenue South in St. Petersburg. The community is invited to visit The Woodson for a garden sale that offers an opportunity to uncover exciting finds such as linens, glassware, kitchen essentials, Christmas decorations, and more while supporting the museum's mission to preserve, present, interpret, celebrate, and educate African American history, art, and culture. The Curator’s Closet event is the first of its kind at the museum. The event is free and open to the public. Proceeds from sales will go to the museum. About The Woodson Museum Located in the heart of St. Petersburg’s historic Jordan Park neighborhood and held in its curated Legacy Garden, visitors say The Woodson is more than a museum. It is a cultural cornerstone committed to telling the stories, achievements, and experiences that shape our shared history. Organizers hope events such as The Curator’s Closet bring the community together in ways that extend beyond the galleries, creating opportunities for engagement, connection, and support. “For nearly twenty years, The Woodson has thoughtfully collected a wonderful array of items, each offering its own unique charm and value,” said Terri Lipsey Scott, executive director of The Woodson Museum. “Through our Curator’s Closet garden sale, we invite you to explore these special treasures, discover something unexpected, and perhaps find that perfect item you didn’t even know you were looking for.” For additional information, visit woodsonmuseum.org. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

The Bulwark’s Springfield, Ohio, show on Sept. 25 (Facebook) The Bulwark, a Washington D.C.-based independent media company and political media outlet, has raised more than $575,000 to support Haitian families in Springfield, Ohio. The fundraising milestone comes as organizations in Florida confront the fallout from President Donald Trump administration’s termination of Temporary Protected Status, or TPS. The Dayton/Springfield benefit on Sept. 25 at the Dayton Masonic Center was the outlet’s largest fundraiser to date, selling roughly 1,100 tickets. The fundraising campaign supports the Haitian Support Center, which helps Springfield families with food, transportation, legal assistance and other basic needs. “Nothing is more fundamental to our country and society than how our government treats the most vulnerable among us, whether they be citizens, immigrants, or people in the United States with legal status,” said Bulwark’s managing editor and MSNow Contributor Sam Stein, in an email to Power Broker. “The current administration has engaged in a years-long effort to demonize the Haitian community in Springfield, both with baseless lies and through efforts to end their TPS protections. Going to Dayton/Springfield was our attempt to bring a light to this saga and raise much needed awareness as to what's actually happening on the ground.” Stein said he and his team had previously gone to Minneapolis following the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and did two shows there. Their Minneapolis shows raised nearly $1,100. The visit sought to illuminate the experiences of Springfield’s Haitian community, which has faced false claims and efforts to end its immigration protections. Springfield is home to nearly 12,000 Haitians, many of whom are facing fear of deportation. About 56,632 people live in Springfield, Ohio, according to the 2020 census. “Few projects are more important to our outlet and our community than this one,” Stein said. The Bulwark. (Facebook) Aftershocks in Florida On July 27, the Trump administration terminated TPS for more than 500,000 Haitians, stating that Haiti “no longer met the conditions” for it. In 1990, Congress enacted the TPS law to allow fully vetted and eligible migrants to live and work legally in the U.S. if they can’t return safely to their home countries because of natural disasters, government conflicts or other conditions. Many Haitians came to the United States under this order in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake that devastated the island nation. The consequences are already visible in Florida, where the stakes extend across households, workplaces and neighborhoods. A January 2026 analysis by FWD.us estimated that 158,000 Haitian TPS holders lived in Florida, including approximately 93,000 workers. Their estimated annual economic contribution totaled $2.6 billion statewide and $125 million in the Tampa metropolitan area. In October, Le Monde reported increased arrests of undocumented Haitians in Florida and described Miami residents avoiding work, church and school trips because they feared immigration enforcement. And in September in South Florida, Haitian Pastor Molis Augustave was deported to Haiti with dozens others. There were several legal efforts to stop the deportation and reverse a decision by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that denied his application for permanent residence filed by his wife, who is a U.S. citizen. Local Support Florida’s community organizations are responding through services and advocacy. In Miami-Dade County, the Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, led by Executive Director Thamara Labrousse, provides employment assistance, help enrolling in health coverage and community education, connecting Haitian families with resources that support stability. The Haitian American Foundation for Democracy organizes and informs the Haitian diaspora, working with Haitian civil society to influence U.S. policies affecting people of Haitian descent here and in Haiti. Tampa Bay has a history of sending assistance directly to Haiti. Following the 2021 earthquake, the Haitian Association Foundation of Tampa Bay and Boriquas de Corazon purchased and sent medical supplies, including assistance for Bon Samaritan Hospital in Les Cayes. Tampa’s New Jerusalem Haitian Baptist Church also served as a collection location. In St. Petersburg, the Holy Family Catholic Church’s Hand-in-Hand with Haiti ministry reports raising more than $100,000 over its partnership for medical care and rebuilding projects. In January 2026, its Council of Catholic Women also funded and assembled birthing kits for women in Haiti. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside is hiring for open roles, including Grants Coordinator, Operations Coordinator, Homeowner Solution Specialist, and Construction Leaders. Recognized as a top place to work, the organization offers exceptional benefits, including 100% employer-paid health coverage, tuition and childcare reimbursement, and a generous 401(k) match. Apply at habitatbg.org/careers.

The Urban League of Florida Suncoast has partnered with INROADS to launch College Links, a free college and career readiness program for Tampa Bay high school students with a 2.5+ GPA. Participants gain year-round mentoring, hands-on STEAM experiences, resume building, professional skills training, and a direct pathway to paid college internships. Monthly sessions run from October through May. Ready to turn your potential into possibility? Apply today at INROADS.org/college-links.

Tampa Bay Tuskegee Charter president Wanda Mays (third from left) with Councilman Luis Viera, Councilman Guido Maniscalco, and Councilwoman Naya Young at the charter ceremony on Oct. 13 at the Egypt Shrine Event Center in Tampa. (Photo by Alexia McKay) The legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen has found its way to Tampa Bay. On May 28, Tuskegee Airmen Inc. approved the charter of the Tampa Bay Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen. The establishment of the chapter makes Tampa the fourth Tuskegee Airmen chapter in Florida and the largest in the national organization with 110 founding members. Other Florida chapters are in South Florida — covering Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties — Miami, and Orlando. An official charter ceremony commemorating the chapter took place on Oct. 13 at the Egypt Shrine Event Center in Tampa. Among the attendees were active and retired military as well as community officials. Tampa City Councilmen Guido Maniscalco and Luis Viera and Councilwoman Naya Young also attended. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American aviators to serve in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Their story has been immortalized in documentaries, television series and movies — most notably, the 2012 movie “Red Tails.” Dr. Catherine White of Hillsborough county schools, 1st Vice President Erica Jones, 2nd Vice President Lt. Colonel Russell Rogers, Tampa Bay Tuskegee Charter president Wanda Mays and Tampa City Councilwoman Naya Young. City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor made the opening remarks. “Not just in aviation, but anything was possible if you looked at the Tuskegee Airmen and what they did, the sacrifices they made, the perseverance they had, the skills, the leadership, the tenacity,” Castor said. “Those are skills that we want to see in our young people.” City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor made opening remarks at the ceremony. Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera made opening remarks at the ceremony. Congresswoman Kathy Castor said the Tuskegee Airmen answered the call for a global democracy. “Their service became a symbol of perseverance and possibility, debunking racist myths proving skill, discipline and patriotism transcend color.” The chapter has a broad focus, founding chapter member and Ret. Col. Tonja Brickhouse noted in her comments, which includes, “Preserving history, opening aviation and aerospace pathways, investing in young people, serving veterans and connecting the organization that can make this work possible.” Original Tuskegee airman, Flight Officer Daniel Keel. (Photo by Alexia McKay) Local Tuskegee Airmen. A notable guest of the evening was a surviving Distinguished Original Tuskegee airman. Flight Officer Daniel Keel, who is 104, traveled from Leesburg, Fla., with his daughters to participate in the charter ceremony. Keel was honored with a plaque from the chapter and participated in the officer commitment part of the ceremony. “Make no doubt about it, I would not be standing here right now as retired major general in the United States army without Flight Officer Daniel Keel standing up to the segregated era that he had to deal with back in Tuskegee, Alabama,” said retired Major Gen. Abraham Turner, the guest speaker of the event. Turner is a former Fort Jackson commander in South Carolina. Retired Major Gen. Abraham Turner of South Carolina was the guest speaker. Origins of the Tampa Chapter The creation of the chapter is the brainchild of Wanda Mays, the charter and chapter president. She says the thought of establishing a Tampa chapter came about while she was trying to get her drone license. Mays is a claims adjuster for the state of Florida who became active with the Tuskegee chapter in Broward county, where she started taking drone classes. Over time, Mays started receiving questions about why there was not a Tuskegee Airmen chapter in Tampa. “Of course, me being who I am, I raised my hand, quicker than my mind thought, and I said, ‘I will help us get chartered, get a chapter,’” said Mays, recalling the conversation. Active military airmen and airwomen at the Oct.13 charter ceremony. Tampa Bay Tuskegee chapter officers. Meanwhile, Florida’s political climate became a target of attack for initiatives involving minorities. Earlier this year, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation into law that prohibits local governments from funding any programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). And in 2013, the governor rejected an advanced placement course that would have covered African American studies, claiming the course “significantly lacks educational value.” Even so, Mays says it was important for the Tuskegee Airmen to have a presence in Tampa so current and future generations are aware of their contributions. “Another reason we really wanted to be here was to make sure that the history that’s connected to Tuskegee is preserved,” says Mays. “And with the current climate that we’re in, with so many things taken away, people are not sure where to go or information they should receive … we are going to make sure that we make those connections back to the community.” Girl Scouts hold up the Tampa Chapter flag during the ceremony. Tampa’s Men of Vision Inc. and chapter representatives. Tampa Bay Tuskegee chapter members. Education and Community Outreach Mays says the chapter exists to support anyone who is interested in aviation, whether that’s information or interest in becoming a pilot or work in aviation mechanics. Initiatives include: Red Tails Ambassadors Program, in which students can acquire aviation skills through mentorship, STEM learning, and career development. The chapter has also partnered with Hillsborough County Public Schools to offer students options in STEM careers. “Partnerships like this are incredibly important because our students need more than what happens inside of a classroom,” said Dr. Catherine White of Hillsborough County Schools. “They need opportunities to see themselves in careers, to connect with you all [the audience] as mentors and to understand what is possible for their future.” Mays has ambitious goals for the new chapter. “One of our goals this year is to create at least 27 drone pilots at the age of 16,” says Mays. “We want to make sure that we help 50 veterans get into homes, make sure that they have their medicals together and any other information to help them have a sustainable life.” Mays added, “The Tuskegee Airmen made history. Now, another generation has the responsibility to carry the legacy forward.” To learn more about the Tampa Bay Tuskegee Chapter go to https://www.tampabaychaptertai.org/ Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside has unveiled Pelican Place, a brand-new 40-unit townhome community coming to South St. Petersburg. These modern 3- and 4-bedroom homes offer flexible floor plans, energy-efficient designs, and dedicated parking—all built to make owning a home achievable. Qualified buyers can access 0% APR mortgages, $0 down payments, and no required PMI, turning the dream of long-term stability into reality. RSVP for the virtual info session to explore floor plans and start your path to homeownership today. Register for the event

Pinellas County Schools and the City of St. Petersburg are launching Saturday L.E.A.D.—a free 16-session enrichment program starting October 17, 2026, at Childs Park and Lake Vista Recreation Centers. Led by trained teachers, this initiative offers high school students expert Math and English support, SAT prep, college and career readiness guidance, hands-on challenges, plus food, prizes, and incentives. Give your teen the tools to excel academically and beyond. Click here to sign up now.

The James B. Sanderlin Neighborhood Family Center is hiring a Licensing Director in St. Petersburg, FL, offering an annual salary of $55,000. This vital leadership role guides the Education Department, ensures childcare licensing compliance, supports staff, and maintains high-quality program operations for local children and families. Candidates need a Florida Child Care Staff Credential and two years of relevant experience. Take the next step in your career before the Sunday, October 18, 2026 application deadline. Click here to apply now.

Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center. Hosted by the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber of Commerce, this premier event brings together manufacturers, executives, educators, HR leaders, and government officials to drive high-wage career growth, embrace advanced technologies, and strengthen the regional workforce pipeline. Be part of the solution and help build tomorrow together. Register for the event today.

Eligible colleges and universities can now secure major federal funding through the USDA Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Education Grants Program. Designed to strengthen higher education initiatives, this program provides awards ranging from $25,000 to $1.2 million across education and career preparation, food and agricultural sciences, and community development. Empower your institution and expand opportunities for students before the December 3, 2026 deadline. Click here to apply now.

The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium is launching the Dream Investment Program—a 16-week initiative offering up to $5,000 in seed funding, mentorship, and training for young and early-stage entrepreneurs. Selected participants will graduate at the 2027 Black Girls Dream Conference. Spots are strictly limited to the first 150 applicants, and applications open Tuesday, October 13 at 6 PM ET. Don’t miss your chance to secure funding and scale your business. Click here to apply now.

FAMU representatives assist a prospective student during a recruitment event, providing information about scholarship opportunities, academic programs and pathways to enrollment. (Photo courtesy of Ernest Nelfrard.) Florida A&M University (FAMU) is bringing its recruitment efforts to Tampa Bay this November. Representatives from the historically Black university will visit St. Petersburg College's Gibbs Campus on Nov. 18, followed by a recruitment stop at the Shanna and Bryan Glazer JCC in Tampa on Nov. 20. The university's November recruitment schedule also includes stops at Polk State College in Winter Haven on Nov. 17 and the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando on Nov. 20. Recruitment efforts will continue in Orlando on Nov. 21 during the Florida Classic at Camping World Stadium. The visits are part of FAMU's expanded recruitment strategy, which includes college fairs, high school visits and outreach events. For Tampa Bay students and families considering FAMU, the events offer an opportunity to connect directly with university representatives, ask questions about admissions and financial aid, and explore academic programs and student organizations. “FAMU’s recruitment has evolved from a more traditional, relationship-driven approach into a more intentional, data-informed enrollment strategy — while still drawing on the power of the Rattler brand, alumni network and HBCU mission,” William E. Hudson Jr., Ph.D., who is FAMU’s vice president for Student Affairs, said in a news release. For the fall 2026 semester, FAMU received more than 32,000 applications, resulting in an incoming class of more than 1,900 first-time college students. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked FAMU No. 79 on their 2027 list of top public HBCUs and the No. 1 HBCU. While data helps shape FAMU's recruitment strategy, student leaders say personal connections remain an important part of introducing prospective students to the university. Jordyn Anderson, the 120th Miss Florida A&M University and a fourth-year marketing student, participates in recruitment tours. “I remember what it felt like to be a prospective student trying to picture myself at FAMU, and now I have the opportunity to help other students see themselves here,” Anderson said. The university also uses digital platforms to connect with prospective students and their families and continues to diversify their outreach. Last month, FAMU announced a partnership with Valencia College. The partnership, which is being called the 2+2 pathway, would allow Valencia students with an associate in arts or associate in science degree to transition into designated FAMU baccalaureate programs. “Our goal is to continue to recruit the best and brightest students at the undergraduate and graduate level,” Hudson said. “Enrollment management is more than one person, one department or one division. Every FAMU constituent has a role.” For more information on the recruitment tours, go to FAMU’s website. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Brian Butler, president and CEO of Vistra Communications. Brian Butler, founder, president and CEO of Vistra Communications, has been named the 28th Chair of the Tampa Bay Partnership. The coalition works with employers and non-profit organizations to address challenges facing the Tampa Bay community. “I’m honored to serve as Chair of the Tampa Bay Partnership and grateful to Nikky Flores and the chairs before her, whose leadership built the strong foundation we stand on today,” said Butler in a news release. “Vistra has been proud to support the Partnership’s work, and I’m excited to help carry it forward alongside leaders who care deeply about Tampa Bay’s future. We have important work ahead, especially making sure the people who live and work here have what they need to build a stable and prosperous life. I look forward to building on the Partnership’s progress as we move our region forward.” Butler succeeds Nikky Flores, Florida region manager of commercial banking at JPMorgan Chase, who served a two-year term. As partnership chair, Butler will help guide regional priorities that include housing affordability, workforce development, and transportation. “As we embark on a more ambitious housing affordability agenda through Tampa Bay Rising, Brian brings the relationships and leadership needed to help us make meaningful progress,” said Bemetra Simmons, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership. “I am excited to work alongside him as we continue strengthening our region’s talent pipeline, advancing transportation solutions, and tackling the issues that matter most to Tampa Bay’s future. I’m also incredibly grateful to Nikky for her leadership over the past two years and the momentum she has helped us build.” In 2007, Butler founded Vistra Communications, growing the Black-owned company into an award-winning strategic communications, marketing and consulting firm serving corporate, government, and nonprofit clients nationwide. Before establishing Vistra, Butler — a decorated military veteran — provided strategic communications counsel to senior leaders at U.S. Central Command and served as a policy director on the Homeland Security Council in the White House. Butler previously chaired the Tampa Bay Chamber and has served on the boards of Visit Tampa Bay, WEDU Public Broadcasting and the Tampa Bay Partnership Council of Governors. He currently serves on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. His accolades include the Tampa Bay Chamber’s 2018 Outstanding Leader of the Year award and recognition among Florida Trend’s Florida 500 Most Influential Business Leaders. Beyond the boardroom, Butler has also made education a cornerstone. Alongside his wife, Maureen Butler, the couple are founders of CEOs in Schools in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools. Through hands-on service and ongoing partnerships, the program encourages executives to become education advocates while providing school principals with additional perspectives and professional relationships. Both were recent recipients of the Hillsborough Education Foundation’s first-ever CEOs in Schools Impact Award. Butler was also recently featured in our Tampa Bay Forward 20th anniversary edition. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

From left to right: Tampa Bay Regional Director of Operation New Hope Natasha Goodley, President & CEO of Visit Tampa Bay Santiago Corada, Founder & CEO of CDC of Tampa Chloe Coney, Urban League Florida Suncoast President & CEO Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, Commissioner Gwen Myers, Rep. Elect Jacqueline Coffie-Leeks and State Rep. Elect Kyandra Darling CEO Nikki Gaskin-Capehart laid out her long-term community impact plans that include affordable housing and a potential national presence to the Tampa Bay area. The Pinellas County Urban League and the Hillsborough County Urban League have become one. The two organizations recently merged to create the Urban League Florida Suncoast. According to its website, its mission is to “enable and empower African Americans and others who are underserved in our communities to achieve their highest human potential and secure economic self-reliance, parity, power, and civil rights.” Before merging, the Hillsborough County Urban League had been operating in Tampa since 1922 and the Pinellas County Urban League in St. Petersburg since 1978. The expansion not only covers Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, but as far south as Ft. Myers. “That’s one of the reasons we became the Urban League of Florida Suncoast,” Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, the president and CEO of Urban League Florida Suncoast, tells Power Broker. “Because we just wouldn't be in the Tampa Bay region, we would be even further south and further north.” An official launch event announcing the merger took place on Sept. 22 at Stetson Tampa Law Center. Power Broker Media were among the many supporters in attendance. Both chapters had previously discussed coming together to develop a larger regional urban league. Gaskin-Capehart stepped in as CEO and president of the Pinellas Urban League in 2023, in which merger talks resumed. At the time, the Urban League of Hillsborough County was looking for leadership opportunities after the passing of their interim CEO Stanley Gray. Capehart had the opportunity to connect with the Hillsborough Urban League’s board about merging. Both chapters eventually received their approval from the National Urban League to come together as a regional affiliate. The Urban League of Florida Suncoast launch event on Sept. 22. (National Urban League) Localizing National Initiatives Each of Gaskin-Capehart’s initiatives focus on localizing national programs the Urban League already has in place, beginning with national partnerships. Urban League Florida Suncoast is partnering with the INROADS Internship Program. The career development program connects underrepresented and minority students with paid internships at Fortune 500 companies and major corporations. Gaskin-Capehart is an alumni of the program and worked as a banking intern for Barnett Bank, which eventually merged into Bank of America. She shared her excitement to bring the program back to Tampa Bay and expose it to a new generation of students. “We are now partnering with this national organization to bring those services back to Tampa and we’ll be offering it in conjunction with Stetson Tampa Law Center,” she said. Three Major Developments Other community initiatives Gaskin-Capehart says she is focused on with Urban League Florida Suncoast are housing, education and business development. “Through the National Urban League, there are developer accelerator academies that will help our churches to become affordable housing providers and developers on their sites,” says Gaskin-Capehart. Gaskin-Capehart shared three major commercial developments the urban league is pursuing. The first is a redevelopment of their current headquarters on 31st St. N in St. Pete into housing and commercial space. The organization is also working with Pinellas county schools on a housing development project in Clearwater and a potential new headquarters in the historic Deuces area in a partnership with the City of St. Petersburg. “We’ll be looking for more to do in Hillsborough,” added Gaskin-Capehart. Work, Family and Entrepreneurial Initiatives Another focus area for the new urban league is keeping communities engaged year-round in civic activities through initiatives such as Reclaim Your Vote and Sound the Trumpet. “These are all ways that we continue to ask our community to hold their family members accountable and if you know good friends, to make sure people are keeping their registration and voting status current and voting in every election,” Gaskin-Capehart says. There is also intergenerational connection through the Urban League’s newest group, Urban Influencers, which connects entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals. The initiative is tailored for those between the ages of 41-55 but adults of all ages are welcomed. An interest meeting takes place on Oct. 13 via Zoom. And for the younger crowd, there is Project Ready, a career and colleague initiative for middle and high school schools. “No matter what age you are, there’s a place for you in the Urban League movement,” she says. For families, the Urban League Florida Suncoast is offering Family Transformation Friday, an initiative that was already practiced in Pinellas League that is being pulled over to the regional organization. This will be a quarterly event that allows organizations to bring all of their services at one family-fun night event that will include Spades, line dancing, food trucks, and music. Services offered will include childcare, a free clothes closet and workforce and entrepreneurship opportunities. The urban league also has an initiative called the Tampa Bay Anchors Urban Alliance. The alliance brings in corporate entities who are looking to hire and do workforce training for job openings they have. Hillsborough county leaders say they are ready to help get the work done and have backed their support with funding. “We’ve agreed to $72,000 dollars we’re investing come October 1 into this program, into the new merger, and that’s a win, win for the organization,” Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers said at the Sept. 22 event as reported by Spectrum Bay News 9. “To merge and have some funding.” Bringing a National Convention to Tampa Bay In addition to community initiatives, Gaskin-Capehart and her team want to bring a National Urban League convention to the Tampa Bay area by 2030. The urban league is working with Visit Tampa Bay to make the conference happen. If executed, it will be the first national Urban League conference hosted in Tampa Bay. Gaskin-Capehart says the convention will bring massive economic impact and exposure to the city with its Small Business Saturday, the family and youth community day, empowerment opportunities and other events that the national conference could bring. “I want the community to know as part of the expansion that is one of our priorities … is to be able to bring that type of a conference to the area,” she says. The crowd at the Urban League of Florida Suncoast launch event on Sept. 22 (Photo courtesy of Anysia McDowall, VP of Urban League) Keeping Community Engaged Gaskin-Capehart says she wants to hear from the community on a daily basis about their needs and how the league can better serve them. “We are engaging people to give us their ideas on things they would like to see from their Urban League and just keep the lines of communication open, it’s so important.” To stay connected with Urban League Florida Suncoast and up to date with their activities you can follow them on Instagram, Facebook and their website. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Robin Lockett, regional director of the Tampa Bay Region of Florida Rising. With Election Day less than three weeks away, Florida voters are preparing to head to the polls to determine who represents them at the state, federal, and local levels. The state’s mandatory early-voting period for the 2026 general election runs from Oct. 24 through Oct. 31. Florida law allows county supervisors of elections to offer additional early-voting days beginning as early as Oct. 19 and extending through Nov. 1. For Black voters in Tampa Bay, the upcoming early-voting period also presents an opportunity to consider the issues directly affecting their neighborhoods, from housing and education to economic development, health care, public safety, and the cost of living. Robin Lockett is the regional director of the Tampa Bay region of Florida Rising, an organization that advocates for racial and economic justice across the state. She says early voting is important for Black voters because that’s where the power lies. “It gives us more opportunities to overcome everyday life barriers, such as work schedules, transportation, childcare, illness, and unexpected emergencies that could keep us from voting on Election Day,” says Lockett. “Generations before us fought for this right, and we should continue to honor that legacy by using our power to vote.” Lockett says the majority of issues she hears from Tampa Bay Black residents range from affordable housing to the quality of education. She shared the following insights with Power Broker: Cost of living and economic security: “Groceries, utilities, gas, wages and simply being able to make ends meet.” Good-paying jobs and economic opportunity: “Not just having a job, but earning enough to live, access to skilled trades and apprenticeships, and opportunities for Black-owned businesses. Tampa Bay's longstanding racial disparities in wages, poverty and homeownership make this especially relevant locally.” Education and our children: “Quality neighborhood schools, teacher and support-staff pay, literacy, vocational and trade programs and ensuring Black children aren't left behind.” Healthcare and mental health: “Particularly affordability, access and prescription costs. Healthcare costs remain one of the major economic concerns heading into the midterms.” Public safety and criminal justice: “People want safe neighborhoods, but they also care about fairness, accountability, second chances and opportunities for people returning from incarceration.” CT Harris, Hillsborough regional organizing director for the Angie Nixon campaign. Tampa Bay community advocate CT Harris is the Hillsborough regional organizing director for the Angie Nixon campaign. Nixon is the 2026 Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Florida. Harris says educating the community is a huge part of the responsibilities of educating and mobilizing voters on these issues. Harris explained that early voting is more than convenience — it’s about access, opportunity, and making sure voices are heard. On Sept. 27, Nixon hosted an "All Hands on Deck" campaign rally at The Skills Center. It's one of many community events Harris and her team collaborate on to engage the community. “Early voting gives us options and ensures that exercising our right to vote doesn’t depend on everything going perfectly on Election Day,” says Harris. “For me, voting is also about legacy. Our ancestors fought too hard for access to the ballot for us to treat it as an afterthought. Take your children with you. Bring a neighbor. Call a friend. Let the next generation see democracy in action.” Angie Nixon rally at The Skills Center on Sept. 27. (photo courtesy of CT Harris) As of Sept. 16, there are over 13.5 million registered voters in Florida, according to the Florida Division of Elections. Out of that number, over 1.8 million are registered in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. “We cannot demand change while sitting out the process that helps create it,” says Harris. “Early voting gives us the opportunity to be intentional with our power because democracy begins with people who decide their voice matters enough to use it.” However, some are hesitant to get involved in the voting process. Lockett emphasizes with those individuals, especially when they don't see their communities changing or their concerns being heard. But she says not voting is not the answer. “Not voting doesn't make the system hear us, it makes it easier to ignore us, “ says Lockett. “The answer isn't to step away. It's to show up, vote, organize, hold elected officials accountable, and make them earn our vote.” The deadline to request a ballot be mailed is Oct. 22. Early voting is Oct. 24- 31. Election day is on Nov. 3. For more information go to the Florida Elections website. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Actor Jasmine Guy (Instagram) The scrutiny surrounding actor Jasmine Guy raises a larger question about beauty, respect, and who gets permission to grow older. “Black don’t crack” is something we often say with pride. But what happens when a Black woman looks her age? Does the admiration disappear? The recent criticism of actor Jasmine Guy presented an uncomfortable discussion point about aging. Guy, 64, recently became the subject of online commentary about her appearance following her return as Whitley Gilbert in Netflix’s “A Different World” sequel. The conversation prompted the actor to address the scrutiny on social media. “The internet can be brutal to women as we grow older. It asks us to celebrate life while criticizing every sign that we’ve lived it,” she wrote on Sept. 28 on her Instagram. “Growing older brings change, and I won’t pretend every change is easy. But beauty, style, and joy don’t have an expiration date. Let’s spend less time judging ourselves and each other, and more time loving each other, making memories, and living the life we’re here to live.” Her message raises a question that extends beyond television: Have we made looking young a condition of celebrating Black women? "It's a very consistent and sad response to women who somehow neglect themselves by the act of aging and men who gain experience, wisdom, money and even, in a lot of cases, improved attractiveness,” said Dr. Cheryl Hall-Russell, a Culture & Organizational Management Consultant. “We simply aren’t allowed to age gracefully.” Actors Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison reprised their roles as Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne on Netflix’s “A Different World” sequel (Getty Images) For many, Guy represents an entire generation of natural Black beauty, pride, and elegance. Black people who attended a historically Black college or university often say they’ve met a Whitley at least once or twice. The original series debuted in 1987. But the burden of expecting a woman to preserve that chapter in her appearance asks her to carry our nostalgia on her face. Some women are celebrated because nobody believes their age. Another becomes the subject of speculation because the years are visible. Suddenly, women of the same generation are being measured against one another, with youthfulness treated as the prize. Experts say that leaves little room for the woman who likes what she sees in the mirror without needing to hear that she looks 20 years younger. And this perspective is not just directed toward women. Central Florida-based licensed therapist and owner of Mindful Blooms Counseling Adebisi Gbadamosi studies women of color and racial trauma as among her specialties. She said she observed the shift when late actor Chadwick Boseman faced criticism for his declining appearance. Unbeknownst to the masses, Boseman was privately battling with colon cancer, which he passed away from in 2020. Gbadamosi says the high beauty standards placed on Black women are both systemic and internalized racism. “It's almost as though signs of aging have become a slight against the way Black people have to present themselves,” says Gbadamosi. “As young girls, we're seen as ‘grown’ entirely too quickly, so it's almost ingrained in us to look and act a certain way.” Gbadamosi added, “When a Black woman isn't actively counteracting the signs of aging, it's almost as though people are mad at her for not caring as much as she should.” Quin Brewington, founder of Sister Lady Girl Consulting Communications strategist Quin Brewington was a fan of the original “A Different World” series. She believes the conversation about Guy connects to a bigger issue in the Black community. “Black women aren’t given enough room to be fully human. To be vulnerable. To be confident in what we know without being called cocky or proud,” says Brewington. “To change without having to explain ourselves. Aging is another place where those expectations show up.” Brewington, who is also the founder of Sister Lady Girl Consulting, a women's leadership conference for women 40 and over in the Tampa Bay area, says she's never personally experienced public scrutiny but acknowledged that it exists for older women. “The judgment can be so harsh, and I admire anyone who has to keep showing up under the weight of it,” says Brewington. “People hurl these criticisms as though we aren’t aware that we’ve aged. We have mirrors. We see the changes. We don’t need strangers announcing them as if they’ve discovered something.” For Black women, this conversation also deserves space beyond celebrity status. Guy represents the everyday dilemma, whether spoken or non-spoken, Black women face about aging. Brewington is nearing 60 and says she receives compliments about how good she looks for her age all of the time. But she added that looking young is not something she spends a lot of time thinking about. “My mother is in her 80s, and people tell her the same thing. I literally got it from my mama,” says Brewington. “The part I question is the, ‘For your age.’ I know people usually mean well, but why does looking good need an age qualifier? I’d like to think I can look my age and look good at the same time.” Perhaps “Black don’t crack” can remain an affectionate saying without becoming a standard women must uphold. As our grandmothers would say, keep living, ladies. “At this age, we have so much depth. We have knowledge, perspective, humor, and wisdom that came from actually living. When the conversation stops at our faces or our bodies, people miss all of that,” says Brewington. “I’d love to hear more about what Black women know, what we’re creating, and what we still want for our lives. There’s so much more to ask us than how we’ve managed to look young.” Both the original and the new “A Different World” are airing on Netflix. The reboot was recently greenlit for a second season shortly after its September 2026 premiere. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Image of Dr. B. Lee Green (Right) and Dr. Kevin B. Sneed (Left) Growing up in the Black community, many of us were handed a definition of manhood forged in survival. We were taught to be strong, to shoulder the weight of our families, to handle our business without complaint, and never to let anyone see us sweat. There is unquestionable honor in that resilience. It is a stoicism that carried our fathers and grandfathers through generations of adversity. But somewhere along the way, we made a mistake: We confused strength with silence. Think for a moment about how we treat our cars. Most Black men take immense pride in their vehicles. We are diligent — almost religious — about maintenance. We wouldn't dream of driving our car past 3,000 or 5,000 miles without getting the oil changed, checking the fluids, or getting a multi-point inspection. If a little yellow “check engine” light flickers on the dashboard, we take it straight to the auto repair shop because we know that ignoring a small squeak or light today leads to a blown-out engine and an expensive repair tomorrow. Yet, as men, many of us will go three, five, or even 10 years without stepping foot inside a doctor’s office for a basic physical. When our own bodies give us warning signs like feeling unusually winded going up stairs, persistent headaches, or unexplained fatigue, we turn down the radio, push through the pain, and tell ourselves, “I’m straight.” We treat a piece of machinery that can be replaced with immaculate care, while leaving the only body we will ever get completely unserviced. It’s time we bring that same stewardship and respect we show our cars back to ourselves. “If you wouldn't drive your car 10,000 miles with the check engine light on, don't drive your body years without lifting the hood. The strongest thing a man can do for his family is stay here.” 1. The Facts: Understanding Why Black Men Face Higher Health Risks When looking at public health data, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the statistics surrounding Black men. However, understanding why these health disparities exist is essential. Not to place blame, but to empower us with the facts so we can take proactive control of our well-being. The primary reasons Black men experience higher rates of chronic conditions come down to clear, understandable factors: The “Silent” Nature of Common Conditions: High blood pressure (hypertension), early-stage prostate cancer, and colon polyps rarely cause pain in their initial stages. Following the rule, “if it ain't broke, don't fix it” works for a broken chair, but not for internal health. By the time symptoms appear, the condition has often advanced. Environmental Stress and Daily Pressures: Chronic stress from economic pressures, daily racialized encounters, and high-demand roles raises stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which physically elevates blood pressure and strains the cardiovascular system over time. Medical Hesitancy and Prior Negative Experiences: Studies published in the academic journal Behavioral Medicine show that delays in getting routine check-ups are frequently connected to past experiences of feeling dismissed or disrespected in healthcare settings. This creates understandable caution, causing many men to put off preventive care. Lack of Early Detection Habits: Because preventive screenings haven't historically been emphasized in our social circles or barbershops, many brothers only see a clinician when a health crisis occurs, rather than having a consistent healthcare partner. 2. The Core Health Numbers Every Brother Should Know Walk into any barbershop on a Saturday and you'll hear men passionately discussing sports averages, engine specs, or financial figures. We know our numbers when it comes to things outside of us. Knowing our health statistics is just as essential for keeping us around for the long haul. Here is where things stand: Cardiovascular Health: More than 6 in 10 non-Hispanic Black men in the U.S. have high blood pressure. Black men are nearly 60% more likely than White men to die from stroke, and hypertension-related heart disease mortality has been nearly twice as high among Black men as White men. Among Black men ages 30–39, historical data has found rates of kidney failure attributed to high blood pressure approximately 14 times higher than among White men of the same age. Regular blood-pressure checks can help identify hypertension early. Prostate Cancer Awareness: Black men in the U.S. are nearly 70% more likely than White men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and are about twice as likely to die from it. Prostate cancer is often highly treatable when detected before it has spread. Black men are considered at higher risk and should discuss prostate cancer screening with their health-care provider, generally beginning that conversation earlier than men at average risk. Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer is a major cancer concern for Black men, with a lifetime risk of about 1 in 23. Screening can detect colorectal cancer early — and can also prevent some cancers by finding and removing precancerous polyps. For adults at average risk, the American Cancer Society recommends beginning regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45. When colorectal cancer is found early, about 90% of people survive at least five years. Mental and Emotional Wellness: Research has found that Black people are about 20% more likely than White Americans to experience serious psychological distress, while also being less likely to use mental health services. Suicide deaths in the Black community have also disproportionately involved men. Historical data from 2014 found that approximately 80% of suicide deaths among Black Americans were men. Prioritizing mental and emotional health is an important part of wellness. 3. Your Personal Health Maintenance Schedule Taking control of your health doesn't require complex medical jargon. Just like following a vehicle maintenance guide, you can follow four straightforward steps: Know Your Key Numbers: At your annual check-up, ask for your specific readings: blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose, and body mass index. Don't settle for “Everything looks fine.” Know your baseline stats. Schedule Colorectal Screening at Age 45: All Black adults should begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 45 (or earlier with a family history). Options today include convenient, non-invasive home stool tests as well as standard colonoscopies. Discuss Prostate PSA Testing at Age 40–45: National guidelines recommend that Black men engage in shared decision-making discussions with their doctor about PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests starting at age 45 — or as early as age 40 if prostate cancer runs in your family. Cultivate Mental & Community Support: Managing stress is physical health care. Engaging with peer support groups, seeking counseling, or joining community initiatives offer comfortable, culturally grounded spaces to recharge. 4. An Encouraging Call to Families and Community Partners To the women who love Black men — wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, and partners — you are often the primary care architects of our homes. Research shows that the person who successfully encourages a Black man to see a doctor is rarely another clinician, it is a loved one. Asking directly, “When was your last physical? What was your blood pressure reading?” and helping set up appointments is a powerful gift of love. To our faith leaders, fraternity brothers, barbers, and neighborhood mentors: We must continue bringing health conversations into the places where men gather naturally. When barbershops and churches partner with health advocates, we replace apprehension with community support. “We don't just want longer reports. We want longer, fuller, healthier lives for our brothers, fathers, and sons.” Conclusion: Take Your Health Personally Through initiatives like the Black Men’s Health Study at Moffitt Cancer Center/USF Health, we are dedicated to listening directly to Black men. Our goal is not to preach or judge, but to support brothers in living long, thriving lives. (To learn more or participate, visit lab.moffitt.org/green and look for the Men’s Health Study). Brothers, we spend our entire lives working hard to provide for our families, excel in our careers, support our churches, and lift up our neighborhoods. It is time we give ourselves that same care. True strength is not ignoring your body or pushing through pain. True strength is lifting the hood, getting that physical, knowing your numbers, and staying healthy so you can enjoy every moment with the people who count on you. Our goal is simple: To help Black men live longer, live healthier, and live well. About the Authors Dr. B. Lee Green runs the Green Lab at Moffitt Cancer Center, a research team that focuses on ending cancer disparities in underserved communities. Dr. Kevin B. Sneed is a professor in the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy whose research includes the advanced pharmacological treatment of patients with cardio-metabolic disorders and examining disparities in healthcare. Op-ed Policy and Submissions The Power Broker publishes op-eds representing a range of viewpoints. The opinions expressed are the authors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Power Broker Media Group or its staff. To submit an op-ed, email us at reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com.

Black Voters Matter is hiring a Development Director to lead fundraising strategies for its C3 and C4 organizations. Based in Atlanta with 20% travel, this remote leadership role focuses on expanding major donor networks, overseeing grant operations, and driving resource partnerships to build power in marginalized Black communities. Offering $165,000–$185,000 annually with unlimited PTO and full benefits, the position requires at least eight years of executive non-profit fundraising experience. Click here to view the full job description and apply.

Left: Oscar Horton, Chairman & CEO, Sun State International Trucks & Founder, Horton Holdings; Right: Troy Taylor, CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Florida. Oscar Horton and Troy Taylor shared with Power Broker how they built profitable businesses and what it takes to succeed. Two Black Tampa Bay CEOs are being recognized by Forbes. Troy Taylor, the founder, chairman and CEO of Coke Florida, and Oscar Horton, the chairman and CEO of Sun State International and founder of Horton Holdings, made Forbes’ Top 25 Black Businesses to Watch list. Both Taylor and Horton were previously recognized in Power Broker’s Tampa Bay Forward 20th anniversary edition. Taylor tells Power Broker he is not only proud of the recognition but what it represents. “As a Black entrepreneur, I understand the importance of representation and the impact it can have at scale,” Taylor says. “When Black-owned businesses grow, we have the ability to create jobs, build wealth, work with other minority-owned businesses, and invest back into our communities.” Taylor says making the Forbes list is a testament to the future. “For me, that is what makes this recognition meaningful: not just what we have built, but what our growth allows us to contribute and what it shows others is possible.” This past year, the company reported annual revenue of $2.2 billion and ranked among the largest minority-owned businesses in Tampa Bay, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal. Taylor credits his associates, whom he calls his champions, for the growth. “We have built a company of more than 5,000 champions (associates) that compete successfully every day in one of the largest consumer markets in the country,” says Taylor. “From the beginning, our vision for Coke Florida was about more than building a competitive business. We set out to serve our customers exceptionally well, create meaningful opportunities for our champions, and make a lasting, positive impact in the communities where we live and work.” But Taylor’s journey to securing distribution rights in Florida did not happen overnight. “The biggest barrier was getting to the point where I could earn the opportunity. People look at Coke Florida today and assume that it happened very quickly,” says Taylor. “I spent about 20 years learning the business, building relationships, and preparing myself for the moment when an opportunity became available.” Taylor says he worked with colleagues, learned and understood operations and stayed intimate with the business as the industry evolved. By the time the company started to re-franchise its North American operations, Taylor says he was prepared to step in and step up. “I demonstrated my ability to operate the business, assemble the right team and be a trusted steward of one of the most valuable brands in the world,” he says. Oscar Horton ( Facebook) A Tool to What’s Possible Horton shared with Power Broker that the Forbes recognition is a tool to communicate what can be accomplished and motivation for others to do the same. “This recognition is good for future generations to know what is possible,” says Horton. When Horton purchased the company in 2000, it made $25 in revenue. Today, Sun State brings in over $200 million. “When I came to Florida, there were 12 owners. Today there are three — a 75% reduction. Each owner will now have 5-6 locations,” says Horton. “This requires major investments in personnel, technology, capital equipment, land, buildings and cyber security.” When it comes to building a business at this scale, Horton says he can only speak from his own journey and what he has observed while serving on the boards of multibillion-dollar for-profit and nonprofit organizations. “I see any number of different business approaches,” says Horton. “The sustainable operations focus on culture, talent, quality products, customer service, community support, and the income statement and balance sheet.” As both Horton and Taylor look ahead, both men are taking a long-term forecast on the future. “We are not so much focused on 2027, we are looking 3-5 years out,” says Horton. “The focus is on succession planning, generational sustainability, customer satisfaction, profitability, employee retention and capital. We get those things right, the rest will come.” Taylor says moving forward, he sees the company’s greatest opportunity continuing to be in Florida. “This is one of the most dynamic consumer markets in the country, and we believe there is significant room to continue growing with our customers and consumers,” says Taylor. “As we enter our next decade, that means continuing to invest in our people, our infrastructure, and our capabilities to provide consumers the beverages that they want for every occasion. We have built a strong foundation during our first 10 years. Now the opportunity is to take that foundation and accelerate growth.” Troy Taylor with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and team at the grand opening of the new 800,000 sq. ft facility in 2025. (Facebook) Scaling Up for Next Leaders For entrepreneurs looking to grow beyond their first major milestone, Horton says focusing on those areas can also help open the door to one of the most important resources needed to scale: capital. “Capital is your runway,” he says. “And you need enough to get your plane off the ground.” In 2023, Black-owned businesses surpassed 200,000 for the first time, according to a report from Brookings. At least 3.4% of U.S. businesses are Black-owned compared to 80% of white-owned and 11.5% of Asian owned businesses. For Black entrepreneurs looking to scale, Taylor shared three suggestions. “First, understand and invest in the areas of your business and industry where there are the greatest growth opportunities,” he says. “Second, build a great team that has relevant expertise and properly incentivize the team. And third, continuously re-invest in your business and be strategically patient. Taylor added, “Scale does not happen just because you have a great idea. It happens because you can execute consistently on a market need, attract talented people, access capital, and build strong partnerships.” Other Black businesses recognized by Forbes include: Erin Tolefree and Cara Hughes of Baldwin Richardson Foods in New York, a food and beverage manufacturer; Warren Thompson, the founder and CEO of Thompson Hospitality, one of the nation’s largest food service suppliers, specifically cafeterias at historically Black colleges and universities. Also on the list is Justin Bridgeman of Heartland Coca-Cola in Kansas; Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins of Promise, a government technology company; and Kevin Caldwell, the owner of Ossium, the world’s first bone marrow bank. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Holly Lassiter with her mother, the late Theresa A. Lassiter (Photo courtesy of Holly Lassiter) “It’s honoring Momma Tee.” — Holly Lassiter Holly Lassiter says she is working on learning everything her mother left behind. Lassiter is the daughter of the late Theresa Lassiter, affectionately known as “Momma Tee,” a St. Petersburg grassroots community activist. With the help of supporters and community leaders, Lassiter is resurrecting one of her mother’s most prized community endeavors: Lawfest. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 at the St. Petersburg College’s Midtown Center, 1300 22nd St. S. Started by Momma Tee, Lawfest is a free event where local lawyers, judges and other legal experts will offer complimentary services to the community. There will also be free fingerprinting and other activities. This year’s fest is special because it is the first time the Lawfest is returning since Momma Tee’s passing in 2018 from pancreatic cancer. Lassiter hopes to honor her mother’s legacy of community service and carry on the good work that she started. “We are going to get the Lawfest back up and running,” said Lassiter, who also says it’s one of many events she has planned that included back-to-school drives and holiday events. “Everything my mom had going on in the city (was) to help the community,” said Lassiter. For its return, Lassiter went back to recruit original supporters of the event. Lawfest is a collaborative effort with the Sixth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, the Community Law Program, the St. Pete College Midtown paralegal law program, and community leaders Donna Welch, a youth developmental leader and advocate, and Jabaar Edmond, the Program Director at the Community Development & Training Center. Judge Michael Andrews is also assisting. “It’s about helping the community, helping the people, the ones who need help. I don’t want no egos involved. I just want good people who want to be assistants to our community and make us thrive,” said Lassiter. Lawfest is also an opportunity to let residents know of the resources that are available to them. “It’s a workshop and resource fair for everybody to get to know each other and know what we have to offer, what do you need help with and we’re here to help,” said Lassiter. Momma Tee’s Legacy Through initiatives such as Lawfest, Lassiter says the impact of her mother’s legacy is still felt today. Momma Tee was a St. Pete community staple for over 20 years. She was the founder of Successes Unlimited Women & Youth Business Center, Inc. — another initiative Lassiter said she is working on bringing back — founder of the Back to School festival and was a co-chair on the Pinellas County Schools Community Task Force. When it came to legal justice, the late Lassiter worked with individuals who had been jailed by helping them find legal representation, jobs after re-entry and access to services to reduce recidivism. She mentored and helped many judges and lawyers in the area, including former St. Pete mayor Bill Foster and current Mayor Ken Welch. Lassiter also recounted her mother’s love for children. While she was battling cancer in a nursing home, she says Momma Tee would have people bring back school supplies and Christmas gifts to hand out to kids. “My mom told me one time that, ‘You know I do everything because God tells me to do it in honor of God. He tells me what to do and I do it,’ and it just speaks volumes to me,” she said. “She’s here to help the people, that was her legacy … and I want us to carry it, everybody … everybody can carry a torch.” She added, “I am not trying to step into her shoes and be Momma Tee because there was only one Theresa Ann Lassiter. So if I could just do a fraction, a portion of what she did, I will be happy with that.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group –YouTube.

H&R Block is hiring a seasonal Tax Associate in Saint Petersburg, FL—no prior tax experience required! Gain hands-on client service skills, access top-tier training, and earn competitive pay while helping local clients navigate their taxes. Click here to apply.

The University of South Florida’s College of Behavioral and Community Sciences is seeking its inaugural Executive Director for the Darryl E. Rouson Center for Substance Use and Mental Health Research. This exceptional leadership role offers a visionary scholar the chance to build the center from the ground up, driving interdisciplinary innovation, impactful partnerships, and solutions for complex mental health and substance use challenges. Click here to apply.

Essence & Grace Group Home in Dade City, Pasco County, is hiring compassionate professionals to support adult males (18+) with behavioral needs. Open roles include Direct Support Specialists (day/night shifts), House Managers, and Healthcare Professionals, available across full-time, part-time, and PRN schedules. Employees enjoy health, dental, and vision insurance, career growth opportunities, and a retirement match after 90 days. Join a dedicated team driven by faith, family, and purpose. Call 850-313-6541 or email essence@essencegrace.org to schedule an interview today.

David Jolly speaks to crowd at The Skills Center on Sept. 24 ( Photo by Alexia McKay) On Sept. 24, David Jolly, the Democratic candidate for governor in Florida, sat down with residents for a candid town hall meeting at The Skills Center in East Tampa. “Change is coming,” he captioned the event and posted a series of images on his Instagram page. Over 500 people attended the sold-out town hall, moderated by journalist and legal analyst Katie Phang and Sen. Fentrice Driskell. Each shared their perspectives on the future of the Democratic party, challenges going into the election season and the overall political landscape of the United States. Sen. Fentrice Driskell speaks to residents after the town hall. Those in attendance said they left the town hall energized and motivated. Driskell says she is very hopeful for the Democratic party. “If you saw the energy of this room and you saw the diversity of this room, you will know that this is truly reflective of Florida,” said Driskell. Kimberly G. Jackson, policy adviser for David Jolly, moderated the rally. It was organized by the Democratic Women’s Club of SE Hillsborough County. “We truly had an honest conversation focused on providing real answers to real problems,” said Jackson. “The room felt alive, purposeful, and I believe we all felt committed to moving forward together.” Town hall attendees, including CDC of Tampa Founder Chloe Coney (center). Voter James Cole says he is optimistic about Florida’s political future. “ … This is the best I’ve felt in a long time going into election season in the state of Florida, the general election,” said Cole. “I believe Florida is looking to get it right after eight years of the same policy, eight years of legislature focusing on contracts, focusing on big business. It’s time for us to focus on the people.” Fran Tate, candidate for Tampa City Council District 5 East Tampa resident Fran Tate is running for a seat in Tampa City Council District 5 and expressed her excitement to support Jolly. “We are so excited to have a Democrat governor and he is coming,” said Tate. “We’re going to make sure that happens.” The latest poll numbers from St. Pete Polls shows Jolly with 43.4% of Florida’s vote versus his Republican opponent, Byron Donalds, who has 43.5%. Both candidates were scheduled to meet for a televised gubernatorial debate at Florida A&M University on Sept. 29; but that debate has been cancelled. In a statement, Jolly declined all general election debates with Donalds, stating the engagements would only “create constructive, honest conversation and only further stoke division, animosity, and bad will.” Instead both candidates will do separate engagements. Donalds, who is a FAMU graduate, is reportedly meeting with FAMU students on Sept. 29, while Jolly is meeting students on Oct. 12, according to a FAMU Student Government Association memorandum posted on the university’s Instagram. Meanwhile, Donalds, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, recently removed all references of the president from his campaign website. Donalds is among several Republicans who have started to distance themselves from the president, including Miami Republican Rep. María Elvira Salazar, who released an ad that accused the president’s immigration crackdown of going too far. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Fall scholarship applications are now open through the National Society of Black Engineers! Eligible members can secure funding from leading industry sponsors, including Cargill, Chevron, Cummins, Deloitte Foundation, Honeywell, and Intel. Whether you are pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies, these opportunities provide critical financial backing and career acceleration. To apply, ensure your NSBE membership is renewed and your GPA is verified on your profile. Apply for NSBE Scholarships Today

DATE & TIME: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM LOCATION: Walter Pownall Service Center, 11111 S Belcher Rd, Largo, FL On-Site Interviews - Bring copies of your resume Featured Jobs Bus Driver (Paid CDL Training) | Automotive and Diesel Mechanics| HVAC | Painters | Equipment Operators | Mason-Journeyman | Plant Operations (Custodians) | Food and Nutrition|School Security and Police Officers and more! Register Today

Arts Conservatory for Teens in St. Petersburg. A St. Petersburg non-profit organization has secured a historic partnership with one of the largest entertainment and concert promotion companies in the world. The Arts Conservatory for Teens (ACT), which is dedicated to exposing underserved and at-risk teens to creative arts, has partnered with premiere promotional company Live Nation to give local teens the opportunity to explore careers in live entertainment. ACT CEO and President Dr. Alex Harris tells Power Broker that the partnership makes ACT the first outsourced educational partner of its kind to work with Live Nation. “This is huge for our community because our students do not get this kind of exposure in one of the fastest growing workforces,” Harris said. Three ACT students, artist Jack Johnson, ACT CEO and President Dr. Alex Harris, Harris’ wife, and son. (Photos courtesy of Dr. Alex Harris) The partnership officially began this summer. Live Nation hosted 50 ACT students at two concert events in Tampa — the Post Malone show at Raymond James Stadium on July 8 and Jack Johnson with Lake Street Dive at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre on Aug. 19. The collaborative idea was sparked in 2024 when Harris met the LIVE regional president, Brittany Flores. Harris said there was great synergy between both parties. He said at that time, LIVE was in space and place in time to impact communities beyond the concert headlines and elevate the experience of the community through educational opportunities. “This is an opportunity I was able to seize and start to nurture and this year we’re able to officially launch the beginning of our programming for young people,” Harris said. Holistic, Experiential Education Within the curriculum created by Harris and his team, students are offered experiential, in-person masterclasses from various artists where they are able to get hands-on training, talk to the artist and ask questions. “They get a chance to see how things function, the operation behind the scenes, not just with the artists themselves, but also those people who are a part of the crew, venue operators, the Live Nation team itself,” he explained. “They get a chance to really engage all of these different moving pieces of the operation before the spotlight ever hits.” The curriculum is based on Harris’ methodology, also known as the Alex Harris Creators’ Learning Method (AHCLM). Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of Albert Bandura and David Kolb, it “provides students a holistic model for creative, personal, and professional development.” Harris added that, “ACT’s partnership with Live Nation further strengthens this mission by expanding students’ access to industry-informed opportunities, mentorship, and experiences that support their growth and provide a meaningful competitive advantage in the creative field. “ In addition to the masterclass, Harris anticipates adding a shadowing experience within the next two years in which students observe an artist or professional for the day in tour preparation or rehearsals. Lake Street Dive band with ACT students. Greater Vision and Intention Harris shares that the partnership is long-term and the overall goal is to hopefully pilot a LIVE global community impact program that other organizations can follow. He believes the initiative presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the St. Petersburg community to help shape a global model for community impact by providing young people with experiential learning and career opportunities at the same time. “The great thing that I’m excited about is that our city [St. Petersburg] has an opportunity to lead in this global model of what cities can do when strategic partnerships happen with entities like mine [ACT], especially in the not-for-profit sector and major Fortune 500 companies,” says Harris. ACT students at the Post Malone Experiential learning summer program. Over the next three years, Harris hopes to have year-round opportunities and between 500 to 1,000 students to be involved in this program. Interested students can apply through the ACT website. It’s set up for those who already participate in the Conservatory. Founded in 2012, Harris says ACT’s mission extends beyond career development. It also uses the arts to help build healthier, safer communities by first recognizing creativity as a powerful influence on how people learn, connect, and grow. He believes the partnership with Live Nation is a significant opportunity to combine the resources of a major global entertainment company with ACT’s educational mission, and that the partnership gives families in St. Petersburg and Tampa access to experiences typically found in larger cities such like New York. “This is the kind of thing I think our community needs,” Harris said. “I think this is what the residents of the community want, and we are here to provide that in a selfless way, being very inclusive and looking at opportunities to expand what we do with an organization such as Live Nation to benefit our students and our families.” Learn more about ACT at artsconservatoryforteens.org Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group –YouTube.

Calling all aspiring student journalists! The Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists (TBABJ) is offering scholarships to support the next generation of storytellers through its annual Griot Drum Awards. Inspired by the West African tradition of history keepers, TBABJ provides financial support and recognition to students pursuing careers in journalism, communications, and digital media. If you are a student reporter, producer, or content creator looking to fund your education and connect with top media professionals, don't miss this opportunity! Scholarship recipients will be honored at the Griot Drum Awards ceremony. Learn more and apply today at tampabayabj.com/griot-drum.

The Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists is now accepting nominations for the Griot Drum Awards. This is your opportunity to honor an outstanding journalist whose exceptional reporting, media excellence, and commitment to community-driven stories elevate underrepresented voices across the Tampa Bay area. Nominate a deserving colleague—or submit your own impactful work—to secure regional recognition for journalism that makes a difference. Submit a Journalist Nomination: https://tampabayabj.com/griot-drum/

A mixer hosted by the FAMU NAA Tampa Chapter. The FAMU National Alumni Association Chapter celebrates a milestone with its membership engagement. The chapter recently won the award for largest percentage increase of chapter membership. Between 2025-2026, membership increased 55% from the 2024-2025 year. Chapter President LaKetra Claiborne says when she began her term, the Tampa chapter had 120 members on its roster. By the end of the membership year, that number had grown to 219 members. “This tremendous growth represents more than numbers,” Claiborne, a 1996 FAMU graduate, tells Power Broker. “It reflects the renewed energy, engagement, and Rattler pride within our Tampa Bay alumni community. Every member who invited a fellow Rattler to an event, renewed their membership, volunteered, shared a chapter post, or simply encouraged someone to get involved played a role in helping us reach this milestone.” Claiborne credits the growth of the membership to the diversity of the executive board. Members range in ages from 28 to 60. That diversity brings a variety of fresh perspectives, experiences, wisdom and connections, she said. “This multigenerational leadership has helped us create opportunities and experiences that appeal to alumni at different stages of their lives and reconnect Rattlers from across generations,” says Claiborne. LaKetra Claiborne, president of FAMU NAA Tampa Chapter There’s been an intentional effort by the chapter to increase its visibility throughout the Tampa Bay community beyond the traditional chapter meetings. The chapter regularly hosts football watch parties and participates in major community events such as FAMU Be Out Day and the Tampa Bay Greek Picnic. There’s also investment in future Rattler generations. On Sept. 25, the chapter is taking at least 50 high school students to FAMU campus on their annual fall preview college tour. There students will get an opportunity to tour the historic campus, interact with student organizations and learn about academic programs. At the scholarship ceremony in May, over $60,000 in scholarships were awarded to students. Looking to the future, the chapter is hoping to reach a goal of 300 members for the 2026-2027 year. “I am excited about what we can accomplish together,” says Claiborne. “We will continue building relationships, increasing our presence in the community, creating meaningful experiences for our members, and showing Tampa Bay what it means to be Rattlers for Life.” Learn more about FAMU NAA Tampa Chapter at www.famualumnitampabay.org Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group –YouTube.

Roxanne Bartley, global chief revenue officer at TRAKAmerica; Bryce Bowden, commercial real estate specialist with Turner Cole Company Two Black business and community leaders are bringing their experience and perspectives to one of the Tampa Bay area’s most influential philanthropic organizations. Roxanne Bartley and Bryce Bowden have been appointed to the Community Foundation Tampa Bay Board of Trustees. They are among five new members joining the board as the foundation continues connecting charitable giving with nonprofit organizations and community needs across the region. Bartley serves as global chief revenue officer at TRAKAmerica. In addition to her corporate leadership, she has volunteered with several local organizations, including the Straz Center, the Caribbean-American National Development Organization and the South Tampa Chamber. Bowden is a commercial real estate specialist with Turner Cole Company and a military veteran. His community service includes involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Hillsborough County Hospital Authority, the Wimauma Community Development Corporation and the Harbour Isles Homeowners Association. Their appointments add two Black voices with experience in business development, real estate and community engagement to the foundation’s governing board. The positions also give Bartley and Bowden opportunities to help shape philanthropic priorities and strengthen connections between charitable resources and communities throughout Tampa Bay. “Our trustees play an important role in keeping Community Foundation Tampa Bay connected to the people, opportunities and needs across our region,” said Marlene Spalten, president and CEO of Community Foundation Tampa Bay. Spalten said the five new trustees bring valuable connections and distinct perspectives to the organization. Bartley and Bowden are joined by Rhea Law, former president of the University of South Florida; Bill Goede, former Tampa Bay president for Bank of America; and Sean Brown, a Florida-certified public accountant and former chief financial officer of Minor League Baseball. The new members join the foundation’s existing Board of Trustees, chaired by Linda O. Simmons. Founded in 1990, Community Foundation Tampa Bay works with donors, nonprofits and community partners throughout Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. The foundation reports investing more than $516 million in nonprofit organizations serving the Tampa Bay region. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group –YouTube.

Kamilah Perry, 9th Judicial Circuit Judge Kamilah Perry, a Stetson University College of Law alumna, has been elected a circuit judge in Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit. Perry defeated Steve Kerestes. Her endorsements included Sen. LaVon Bracey Davis and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Ballotpedia reports. “From the very bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who supported, encouraged, prayed for, and stood with me throughout this campaign. I am truly humbled and deeply grateful for every vote, every conversation, and every act of kindness,” Perry wrote in an Aug. 19 Facebook post. “I take the law very seriously and I do not take this opportunity lightly. I am grateful for the trust placed in me, and I am ready to get to work and serve our community with the highest level of integrity. Now the work begins. She also congratulated Kerestes for running a “good and fair race.” “Running is not easy and I commend him on a job well done. Thank you,” she wrote. Perry currently serves as executive director and general counsel of the Ninth Circuit State Attorney’s Office and owns Perry Law Group, LLC. She previously led the George Edgecomb Bar Association and the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association, and taught as an adjunct professor at FAMU Law. The Florida Super Lawyers Magazine named Perry a Florida Super Lawyer for six years from 2013- 2019 and one of their “Rising Stars” for five consecutive years, 2009-2013. “Personal values should play no role in judicial decision-making, with the exception that all judges should certainly personally value being unbiased, fair, and impartial when making all decisions,” Perry told the Orlando Sentinel in July, when asked about the role of personal values in judicial decision making. Perry is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Baby girl playing in her playroom (Stock) Expecting parents and families with young children will have a chance to explore healthcare, childcare and other parenting resources at the Family Vibes Baby Expo from Sept. 19–20 at the Tampa Convention Center. Organizers expect 4,000 to 5,000 attendees over the two days and nearly 50 local businesses will be participating, including Power Broker’s news correspondent, Alexia McKay, who will be debuting her The Crowned Assignment brand. This is a community centered network committed to supporting mothers and families through every season of parenthood, with a specific emphasis on Black maternal mortality and wellness, as well as postpartum and mental health. Under the program, Crowned Assignment seeks to connect families with healthcare professionals, birth workers, organizations and advocates committed to improving maternal wellness. Inspired by her own postpartum experience as a mom of two and passion for Black maternal health and wellness, McKay says as a journalist, she hopes to provide a bridge between families and the resources in need. “There are two programs under the Crowned Assignment that spotlight every season of parenthood,” says McKay. “We have Crowned Motherhood, which focuses on supporting moms through pregnancy, postpartum and mental health. And Crowned Fatherhood, which celebrates dads while creating space for self-care, honest conversations and resources to help them as well. McKay will also be debuting her new children’s books at the expo. The toddler-aged books, “Where’s My Crown?” encourages kids to embrace their inner greatness. “I love writing stories and being a girl mom and journalist, it just made sense,” she says. “And it’s also a great reminder to encourage our kids to see the royalty in themselves.” “Where’s My Crown?” book series by Alexia McKay Khylir Patton, CEO and founder of IYA Cares. IYA Cares, a resource app for expecting mothers, is another Black-owned business that will be at the expo. Tampa mom Khylir Patton is the founder and CEO. “YA was built on the idea that physical recovery, mental health, identity, community, and spiritual grounding are all the same conversation,” she shared with RoyalTee Magazine. “ You cannot heal your pelvic floor without addressing the birth trauma. You cannot address the birth trauma without community. You cannot build community without time, which most mothers don’t have. It’s all connected.” Major vendors Tampa General Hospital is the event’s title sponsor. Other major vendors will include: Children's Board Of Hillsborough County, Florida Department of Health, the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Tampa Bay Lactation, Pediatric Associates and BCBS Florida Blue. Notable local businesses that will be involved include Fourth Trimester Wellness and Grounded Wellness Chiropractic. Founder and producer Allyson Lopez, a Tampa Bay event producer and mother of seven, said the expo is meant to serve more than first-time parents. “We want the expecting mom, but we also want her partner beside her, the grandparents who are excited about a new grandbaby and the parents who already have a toddler while preparing for baby number two,” Lopez said. “Building a family is a journey, and there are different needs at every stage.” Family activities Along with exhibitors, the expo will offer infant and toddler CPR classes, a baby-food tasting experience called Flavor Passport, a Toddler Zone, and a Cool Zoo petting zoo. Families can also watch the Diaper Derby. Lopez broke down the family-fun game. “We’re going to have three lanes of competition where people are going to compete with a life-like baby to run down to a changing table, completely changing the baby from head to toe, including the diaper,” explained Lopez. “ Whoever does this first will win a prize from one of our sponsors. Then, the remaining contestants will re-change the baby's diaper and put the day clothes back on and take the baby back to a chair at the beginning of the Derby lane. Whoever does this the quickest comes in second place and gets a prize from one of our sponsors as well.” Lopez says they are also giving away a stroller system each day to a grand prize winner that will be chosen from the pool of contestants from that day. Reflecting on the expo, her goal for Family Vibes is to grow into an experience families can trust and look forward to each year. “I want parents to walk away feeling like they discovered something that will genuinely help their family and also feel like they had a really great day together,” she says. Three more Family Vibes Baby Expo events are scheduled for 2027 in St. Petersburg, Jacksonville and another one in Tampa. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 19-20 at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St. Tickets and additional information are available at FVbabyexpo.com.

TEDx Speaker Michelle Gines Florida speaker, publishing consultant and authority strategist Michelle "MG" Gines recently took to the TEDx stage with a message that challenges one of leadership's most accepted assumptions – that the most effective leaders are always the loudest voices in the room. During her TEDxThirdWard presentation, “The Quiet Extrovert Advantage: Say Less, Become M.O.R.E.,’’ Gines explored the hidden pressure many extroverts experience to constantly contribute, energize conversations, and carry the emotional weight of every room they enter. Drawing from her own experience as the oldest child in a single-parent household, Gines shared how she learned early to become the voice, the fixer, and the person responsible for keeping everything moving. What initially appeared to be confidence and leadership eventually revealed itself as something different: A lifelong pattern of performative leadership driven by conditioning rather than intention. "We live in a culture that rewards visibility," Gines said. "Many extroverts have been taught that their value comes from how much they contribute, how quickly they respond, or how effectively they keep conversations going. But leadership isn't measured by volume. It's measured by intentionality." Quiet Extrovert Advantage In her Tedx Talk, the Tampa Bay resident addresses the growing toll of emotional labor, cognitive overload, and the expectation that leaders must always be "on." She challenges the misconception that extroverts naturally enjoy carrying the energy of every interaction and argues that many are quietly exhausted by the pressure to perform. The presentation introduces what Gines calls the Quiet Extrovert Advantage, a framework encouraging leaders to become: Measured rather than reactive Observant rather than performative Relational rather than transactional Effective through intentional presence rather than constant contribution The framework is built around a simple but provocative premise: Resisting the urge to fill every silence may be one of the most powerful leadership skills available today. Why This Matters Now As conversations around workplace burnout, executive presence, mental wellness, and sustainable leadership continue to grow, Gines' message arrives at a time when many professionals are re-evaluating long-held beliefs about success and influence. Her TEDx talk highlights a reality often overlooked in leadership development: Exhaustion is not always caused by workload. Sometimes it is created by the unspoken expectation to constantly manage energy, solve tension, and prove value through visibility. Rather than encouraging leaders to become quieter versions of themselves, Gines advocates for a more intentional approach to communication — one where listening, discernment, and strategic contribution create greater impact than constant participation. "Your value is not in how much volume you can create," Gines says in the closing moments of her TEDx Talk. "It's in how much clarity your presence brings." The TEDx Talk was presented at TEDxThirdWard before a live audience of approximately 150 attendees. Watch Gines’ talk at www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFZ0UoQy7Ww. For more information about Gines, visit michellegines.online. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane to address the impact of the Black vote on opportunity, inclusion, employment, and progress. First, we want to revisit the election of President John F. Kennedy in 1960, when he won against Richard Nixon with 49.7% to 49.5%; a 0.17% difference in the popular vote which equates to 118,000 voters nationwide (The American Presidency Project). Election historical data substantiates that the Black vote paid a crucial role in his narrow victory for president in 1960.   KENNEDY became an icon and one of the most beloved presidents in American History, including the Black community.  As a result, his influence, even after his death, promulgated the passage of significant federal civil rights legislation during the Johnson administration, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The lesson is clear; VOTES matter. The impact of the Black vote has affected significant outcomes in local, state and national elections. As we are approaching the upcoming mid-term election to be held Tuesday, November 3, 2026, we want to convey the exigency to the electorate that we can’t sit this election out.  All Black, Brown and progressive voters must participate in large numbers to minimize any debate about election outcomes. The stakes are too high, and our participation must be substantial enough to ensure that our VOICES are heard at every level of government! The power of the VOTE. Black voter participation has influenced significant outcomes in local, state and national elections.  In 2018, 51.4 % of Black folk voted which shifted the leadership from Republican to Democrat. In2020, a massive turnout of Black voters led to the victory of President Joe Biden.  The most alarming election data was when President Donald Trump was reelected—Black voters increased from their support for Trump from approximately 8% in 2020 to 15% in 2024 (Pew Research Center).  Among Black men, 21% voted for Donald Trump, according to Pew Research Center’s analysis of validated voters); younger Black men voters (The Associated Press) made notable gains.  What did Black people gain from voting for Donald Trump? When Donald Trump won against Kamala Harris, the popular vote difference was 1.5%--49.8% voted for Trump and 48.3% voted for Harris. Since Donald Trump took office in 2024, these are some of the examples of discriminatory and cruel policies of his administration. Anti-DEI – Donald Trump began his second term with the statement: “we only hire the best.” As a result, massive, large reduction of Black employment and diversity initiatives have declined or were eliminated in public and private industries based on his ANTI-DEI policies. During the first six months of his presidency, 319,000 Black women professionals employed in the federal government were fired or laid off.   THIS WAS ALL INTENTIONAL and RETAILITORY! They called it DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency). Elon Musk, South African billionaire, was bestowed the power of firing many Black women with no government experience! Donald Trump directed the removal of Black archival historical artifacts, displays and Black history presentations primarily supported by the Smithsonian Institute and other Art Museums throughout the United States. Donald Trump instructed the removal of Black historical heroes from the official White House website. This was all done in 2025.The removal included Harriet Tubman, Medgar Evers, and the Tuskegee Airmen.  THIS WAS DELIBERATE! Donald Trump instructed Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense, to remove portraits of Black Generals and fired or demoted present military officers. Donald Trump funded highly paid ICE agents with minimal training, no badges, no warrants but given the authority to capture and deport targeted Brown and Black immigrants with no criminal records (e.g. Hispanic/Latino/Haitians/Caribbeans). This included children and women and placed them in deplorable detention camps. These are law-abiding hardworking communities that have resided in this country for more than 20 years. Donald Trump’s presidency has significantly increased gas and food prices; legislated illegal tariffs, reduced health insurance benefits, and increased costs; increased rent and utilities; started an illegal IRAN war and increased national debt to $40 trillion dollars. He has destroyed the White House, The Kennedy Center, the Reflection pool, and even the cherry trees which are significant historical landmarks in the nation’s Capital.  Project 2025 is a 900-page policy designed to dismantle civil rights and democratic principles; remove job protection from career civil servants; increase mass deportations, eliminate the Department of Education and end Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs, to name a few). Donald Trump hired the authors of Project 2025, Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget and white nationalist Stephen Miller as his White House Deputy Chief of Staff. These are just a few of the many atrocities of the policies that have been executed by Donald Trump and his selected cabinet, but let's not forget Donald Trump’s most deplorable act— the removal of President Barack Obama’s portrait from the White House. During Black History Month on February 6, 2026, he posted a picture of the OBAMAs as apes on the official White House website.  During Black History Month on February 6, 2026, Donald Trump posted a picture of the OBAMAs as apes on the official White House website.  There has been very little pushback and outrage from Republicans locally, statewide, and nationally about any of this, including Byron Donalds and Ashley Moody. All Black, Brown, and progressive communities need to VOTE!  Most recently, the TRUMP Administration is issuing an all-out voter suppression effort to discourage an scare democratic and independent voters.   VOTE BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY! WE CAN’T SIT THIS ONE OUT! About the Authors Dr. Joan Holmes Mosley is a retired administrator and College professor from Hillsborough College and USF. She is chair of her son’s Brad’s Beyond Ball Foundation and is the president of Holmes Educational Consultant, LLC.  Dr. Samuel Wright, Sr. is a retired Student Affairs Administrator from USF and is CEO of Dr. Samuel L. Wright Consulting, LL C.  He founded the Black Heritage Festival in 1999. Op-ed Policy and Submissions The Power Broker publishes op-eds representing a range of viewpoints. The opinions expressed are the authors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Power Broker Media Group or or its staff. To submit an op-ed, email us at reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com.

The historic Jackson House on E. Zack Street in Tampa. Leaders working to preserve Tampa’s historic Jackson House say the landmark’s recent partial collapse does not mark the end of the building or its story. A section of the deteriorating structure on East Zack Street collapsed over Labor Day weekend, renewing concerns about the future of one of Tampa’s last surviving landmarks tied to the city’s once-thriving Black business district. Jackson House Foundation leaders said the organization was already preparing for an extensive reconstruction project. The Tampa City Council recently approved a $1 million grant to help the foundation purchase construction materials for the project. The full restoration is expected to cost approximately $4 million and could take up to two years to complete, according to previous estimates. The process is expected to involve carefully dismantling the remaining structure, identifying materials that can be preserved and rebuilding the house to reflect its original appearance. Foundation representatives emphasized that reconstruction should not be confused with demolition. The house will not be moved and will remain in its same location. The collapse followed years of delays connected to funding, construction planning, regulatory requirements and access to surrounding property. Another section of the building collapsed during the summer of 2025. The Jackson House dates to 1901 and operated as a boarding house during segregation, when Black travelers were routinely denied accommodations at white-owned hotels. Located near Tampa Union Station, it provided a safe place for Black visitors arriving in the city. Among its guests were prominent entertainers and civil rights-era figures, including Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Cab Calloway and Count Basie. The house is also one of the few remaining physical connections to Tampa’s historic Black Central Avenue community. The district was once home to Black-owned businesses, restaurants, entertainment venues and residences before urban renewal and interstate construction displaced much of the neighborhood. Power Broker News reached out to Jackson House Foundation for comment and were told they were not doing interviews at this time. This report was developed from information reported by WFLA News Channel 8 and additional background from FOX 13 Tampa Bay.

Sen. Darryl Rouson, Commissioner Gwen Myers and other officials present the check for the Tampa Bay African American Arts & Cultural Center on Thursday, Sept. 3. Plans to establish the Tampa Bay African American Arts & Cultural Center in historic West Tampa received a major boost with a nearly $4.9 million investment from the State of Florida. Sen. Darryl Rouson presented the $4.895 million allocation to leaders of the planned center on Thursday. The funding will support efforts to develop a permanent gathering place dedicated to preserving African American history, showcasing the arts and expanding cultural opportunities across the Tampa Bay region. Estimated completion is late 2026 with a total price tag of about $30 million, center leaders say. Center leaders credited Rouson’s leadership and thanked state Rep. Michele K. Rayner for her advocacy in helping secure the investment. The funding will help create a space where residents and visitors can learn about the contributions of African Americans, experience visual and performing arts, and participate in educational and community programming. Rendering of the Tampa Bay African American Arts & Cultural Center (tampabayculturalcenter.com) The 50,000-square-foot center will be located at 2103 N. Rome Ave. in West Tampa, a historically diverse neighborhood shaped by generations of Black, Afro-Cuban and Latino residents, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders. The center will include an amphitheater, heritage trail, cafe, sculpture garden, and event spaces. It is also expected to create new opportunities for emerging artists and give local residents a place to celebrate and share their cultural heritage. “This investment represents much more than dollars toward a building,” the Tampa Bay African American Arts & Cultural Center said in announcing the award on their Facebook page. “It is an investment in preserving African American history, elevating the arts, celebrating culture, creating opportunities and building a place that will serve Tampa Bay for generations to come.” The latest investment follows action by Hillsborough County commissioners to support fundraising efforts for the proposed center. As planning and fundraising continue, the state allocation brings the long-envisioned project closer to becoming a reality. Once completed, the cultural center is expected to provide a dedicated home for exhibitions, performances, educational programs and community events while ensuring that the stories and achievements of Tampa Bay’s African American community remain visible for generations.

Left to right: Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis, Byron Donalds, City Commissioner Cynthia Moore Chestnut Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis recently said she is "deeply disappointed" about the decision Cynthia Moore Chestnut, Gainesville city commissioner at-large, made to endorse gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds. On Sept. 3, Chestnut announced her support of Donalds, who is a Republican. She wrote in a Facebook post that she is a “ Black Democrat” and is not confused about who she was or what she believed. “My endorsement of Byron Donalds is not a betrayal of my values; it is a declaration that Black voters are not political property,” wrote Chestnut. “We are not to be taken for granted, spoken to only during election season, or expected to fall in line while our concerns are ignored.” Endorsement flyer shared on Byron Donalds’ social media. Chestnut then went on to quote community organizer and women's rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, saying, “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Chestnut’s Reason for Endorsement Chestnut mentioned representation in her post when she explained her endorsement. “I want to see a Black governor of Florida in my lifetime, and I will not apologize for saying so,” Chestnut said in the post. “I do not have to agree with every vote he has taken or political decision he has made to believe that he deserves to be heard, questioned, challenged, and engaged.” Chestnut, who is a FAMU graduate, credited Donalds, who also attended the university, for his support of historically Black colleges and universities, and their shared Caribbean roots. “This endorsement does not mean I have not stopped being a Democrat. I simply have stopped accepting the idea that my party label should silence my judgment,” wrote Chestnut in the Facebook post. “I am endorsing Byron Donalds because Black leadership matters, political courage matters, and Florida deserves a conversation that is bigger than fear, habit, or blind.” Davis Discusses Disappointment With Chestnut's Decision In a lengthy Facebook post on her page, Davis, an Orlando senator, shared her thoughts about Chestnut's decision, saying it was “deeply disappointing.” At first, Davis said she wasn't going to respond to Chestnut's endorsement of Donalds, but said that Chestnut “doubled down in a way that will not let me keep quiet.” “Dr. Chestnut is not just any Democrat. She was the first African American woman elected to the Gainesville City Commission, “ Davis wrote. “She served in the Florida House and on the Alachua County Commission, chaired the Alachua County Democratic Party, served as vice chair of the Florida Democratic Party, and helped found the Florida Democratic Black Women's Consortium, an organization dedicated in part to voter empowerment and voter education.So when a woman with THAT history invokes the "sacred value of our vote" to explain this endorsement, I have to say something.” Davis also dove into Donalds’ voting history, pointing out that he voted against the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and his decision to not support the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Florida Voting Rights Act if elected governor. Named after two Black Florida civil rights leaders who were killed when their home was bombed in 1951, the bill would protect against voter suppression and discrimination. “You know our history. You know what it took for Black people to gain political power in Florida,” Chestnut wrote. “So how do you spend a lifetime fighting to open doors for Black people and then lend your name and credibility to a political movement that you know many Black Floridians believe is working to close those doors?” Davis' Concern for Chestnut’s Legacy Davis, who is a FAMU graduate, also criticized Chestnut's comments about attending FAMU and his HBCU support. “He attended FAMU,” wrote Davis. “He did not graduate from FAMU. But even if he had, what exactly does that prove?” Davis added, “Attending an HBCU is not a voting record. Wearing orange and green does not erase how you vote in Washington.” The Orlando senator ended her post by doubling back down on Chestnut and pointing out her previous support for gubernatorial candidate David Jolly. Davis wrote, “You spent decades building a public legacy, Dr. Chestnut. I sincerely hope this endorsement is not the part of that legacy people remember most.” Rep. Byron Donalds selected Florida State Sen. Bryan Ávila as his running mate in his campaign for governor. (TNS) Democratic candidate for governor David Jolly addresses supporters during his primary election night party at the Miami Lakes Hotel in Miami Lakes, Florida, on Aug. 18. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald/TNS) Chestnut's Opinions on David Jolly’s Running Mate Pick During a recent livestream on the Good News Report, Chestnut — who was a former mentor to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum — elaborated on what led her to endorse Donalds. She said it was Jolly's decision to name Gwen Graham as his running mate instead of choosing a person of color. “I spoke to him the day after he made that decision and shared with him why I was concerned,” said Chestnut. “I said to him, ‘You had the opportunity to select a Black woman, a Black man, a Hispanic man, or a Hispanic woman, and you chose to go backward, not forward. Going with a Black candidate or a Hispanic candidate would have done very much to pull the state together, to pull the voting patterns together. We need to be able to reach out and recapture the votes of Black males. We need to be able to recapture the votes of Hispanics, so an all-white ticket, I don’t think, will achieve that goal.’” But Chestnut made it clear that her support of Donalds does not extend to national political leadership. “There's no tug to support Donald Trump,” said Chestnut. “I'm only interested in supporting Byron Donalds.”

The 10th XCEL Summit takes place in Orlando from Oct. 21-23. Some of the nation’s most influential Black men in the fields of business, entertainment, sports and public service will head to Florida this fall as BLACK ENTERPRISE brings its XCEL Summit for Men to Orlando. The three-day summit, set for Oct. 21–23 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort, is built to support men at every stage of their careers, from entry-level to C-suite, while celebrating leaders shaping industries and communities across the country. XCEL comes at a time when conversations about Black male leadership, economic opportunity, entrepreneurship and representation remain especially important. Since the summit launched in 2017, the mission had always been to elevate and celebrate Black men through professional and personal development workshops. “Black Men XCEL is both a declaration and a quantum leap forward in the recognition of the achievements, leadership, and excellence of Black men,” said Black Enterprise President and CEO Earl “Butch” Graves. “It is the perfect opportunity for Black men — and the women who love them — to indulge, celebrate, and enjoy themselves.” One of the premier highlights of the summit will be the XCEL Awards, which honors men whose careers span music, business, science, sports, and corporate leadership. This year's honorees include 20-time Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter and producer Kirk Franklin; BET founder and The RLJ Companies Chairman Robert L. Johnson; physician, entrepreneur and former NASA astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr.; NBA Hall of Famer, entrepreneur and investor Isiah Thomas; and Exelon President and CEO Calvin Butler. The summit will also recognize its 2026 Impact Awardees, spotlighting men making a difference in business, media, government, and service. The group includes former NBA star and multimedia personality Jalen Rose; former NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Capt. Victor J. Glover Jr.; Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott; and Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor. Beyond the awards, organizers say the summit will allow attendees to have the opportunity to meet business leaders, entrepreneurs and other professionals while picking up strategies they can bring back to their own careers, businesses, and communities. For emerging professionals, there is access to mentors, professional networks and examples of Black men succeeding at the highest levels. And for established executives and entrepreneurs, the summit offers a chance to swap ideas, build partnerships and think about how their influence can help open doors for the next generation. To learn more about the XCEL summit go to www.blackenterprise.com/xcelsummit2026/

UN Photo Robert Dussey, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Togo, briefs reporters at the United Nations on the day of the vote. “A fair map does not change the geography of the world, it changes how we see the world,” he said. The UN General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to encourage governments, schools and tech companies worldwide to stop using maps that make Africa look far smaller than it really is. By 164 votes to one, Member States on Friday endorsed a resolution promoting map projections that more accurately reflect the true size of continents – the culmination of an African-led campaign against the 16th-century Mercator projection, still the most widely used map in the world. The United States cast the sole vote against, dismissing the initiative as part of a “radical ideological project.” Six countries – Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine – abstained. The resolution does not ban the Mercator projection or impose a replacement. Instead, it encourages governments, schools, international organizations and technology companies to use the Equal Earth projection and other so-called equal-area maps when relative size matters, and to teach the limitations of any flat map in representing a spherical planet. Behind that seemingly technical debate lies a larger argument about history and power: whether a map designed for European sailors in the 16th century has, over generations, distorted not only geography but perceptions of a whole, vast and complex continent. “Maps shape our understanding of the world,” Robert Dussey, Togo’s foreign minister, said before the vote. “They guide education, nourish the imagination, and influence collective perceptions.” Made small Gerardus Mercator, a Flemish cartographer, devised his projection in 1569 to solve a practical problem of maritime navigation. Because straight lines on his map correspond to constant compass directions, sailors could use it to plot their courses. But preserving direction came at the expense of area. Landmasses appear increasingly enlarged the farther they are from the Equator. Greenland for instance can look roughly comparable in size to Africa, even though Africa is about 14 times larger. Northern Europe and North America are similarly magnified, relative to equatorial regions. Despite its original navigational purpose, Mercator remains common in educational, media, digital and official materials. The resolution says those distortions have contributed to the “symbolic minimization” of Africa and perpetuated an unbalanced view of the world. ‘A fair map’ Togo led negotiations on behalf of the African group, building on a campaign backed by the African Union. The resolution describes correcting such distortions as an act of “cognitive justice and memorial reparation” and points to Equal Earth, developed in 2018, as a projection that more accurately represents relative size. Mr. Dussey emphasized that the effort was not meant to condemn Mercator, whose usefulness for navigation he acknowledged, or to impose a single projection. “A fair map does not change the geography of the world, it changes how we see the world,” he said. UN Photo Robert Dussey, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Togo (at podium and on screens), introduces the "Correct the map” draft resolution. Washington objects The United States saw something far more political in the effort. “This resolution mocks the work and purpose of this institution,” the American representative said, arguing that what was presented as an innocuous attempt to update cartographic proportions was part of “the much larger and more radical ideological project it belongs to.” The representative singled out the resolution’s references to reparations and “cognitive justice,” calling initiatives like it “barnacles on our work here and the reason this institution is losing its credibility.” France moved in the opposite direction. Hours before the vote, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced Paris was planning to abandon Mercator for its maps of the world, aligning his Government with the broader effort championed by the African Union. The shift means France itself, like the United States and Russia, will appear smaller relative to equatorial countries. It illustrates the unusual dynamics of this decades-long debate. Equal-area maps do not make Africa larger; they remove the exaggeration Mercator gives landmasses closer to the poles. Borderline revolt Ukraine said it supported efforts to correct historical distortions affecting Africa and other parts of the Global South but objected to the way some maps using Equal Earth depict Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia. Its representative warned that endorsing the projection without adequate safeguards could open a “Pandora’s box,” allowing maps to create ambiguity over disputed territories. The European Union supported the resolution but addressed the same concern. Speaking on behalf of the bloc, Ireland stressed that the measure applied only to the relative size of landmasses and had no bearing on sovereignty, territorial status or internationally recognized borders. The bloc also said its support did not constitute an endorsement of the maps displayed on the Equal Earth website. Imperfect view The resolution itself acknowledges a fundamental problem that no vote can solve. No projection can perfectly reproduce the curved surface of the Earth on a plane. Each sacrifice something – area, shape, distance or direction – and each is suited to different purposes. The measure is nonbinding, and Mercator is not disappearing into the library vaults, never to be seen again. But Friday’s vote gave near unanimous international backing to an argument which many African governments have increasingly pressed: that the choices we make over maps can shape how generations understand the world. Visit www.news.un.org for more.