$1 million Black Chamber of Commerce campaign
Original reporting by Hannah Lau Gleciano
A new campaign in Tampa is being launched to help business owners in need.
The Tampa Bay Black Chamber of Commerce Incorporated is working this year to raise $1 million to support local minority-owned businesses.
Suicide rates for business owners are about 3.5%-7% higher than those of the general public, according to the chamber.
The No Business Left Behind campaign operates under D.R.I.V.E., a five-program system that helps business owners build their foundations from the ground up while also monitoring their well-being.
“The goal is to help you to know and target where you’re supposed to be so that your resources are going to the things that matter instead of things that are going to bleed you,” said Vice President of TBBCCI Kimmisha Michels.
Each program in D.R.I.V.E. is designed to target a different step in the business-building process. For example, Pivot works with participants to reset their nervous system and mindset.
“A lot of businesses are left behind ‘cause they don’t have the knowledge, technology, they don’t have the power, manpower to keep it afloat,” said Founder of TBBCCI Willis Bowick.
For more information, visit tbbcci.org.
Temple Terrace $60,000 tree canopy restoration
Original reporting by Zoey Patrick
The city of Temple Terrace is investing $60,000 into restoring and improving the tree canopy at the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club.
City leaders approved a five-year plan that will remove nearly 100 hazardous trees while planting 400 new trees.
The project will roll out in phases beginning in early 2026, starting with tree removals and new planting.
The new trees won’t all be planted at once because newly planted trees require intensive care, including frequent wantering an monitoring during their early stages, according to city officials.
Spreading the work out in phases allows crews to manage the workload more effectively.
Younger, smaller trees were chosen because they establish roots faster and are more resistant to storm damage.
The goal is to create a safer, more sustainable environment for the community.
Credits
Anchors: Lydia Diehm
Teleprompter: Zoe Patrick
Producer: Grace Senecal
CG: Joana Riva
Floor Director: Sofia Celis Avellaneda
Tech Director: Zach Sherman
Editor: Gio Chitto
Web: Maya Gluck
Social Media: Catarina Rocha Tapias
Audio: Emma Brisk
Camera: Ayla Yebba
Clock: Dr. Stephanie Elder
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Elder
Graduate Assistant: Grace Ficara