Local woman helps feed community kids
Original reporting by Sofia Celis Avellaneda
For some, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. One Tampa resident is making sure that students are getting enough to eat.
When the sun comes up in East Tampa, so does Diane Wingfield’s snack station.
Every Monday morning, from 6 until 7:45 a.m., first lady Wingfield of Agape Ministries Church of God in Christ waits to hand out snacks and drinks to kids on their way to school.
Since the Church is right next to the bus stop, students don’t have to go far to get a morning bite.
“We have to work as one. You know and there’s an old adage that says, it takes a village. It seriously takes a village. You know, to help raise our children and raise them in the right way,” said Wingfield.
She started the program at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year and plans to continue in August.
Nearly 60% of children from low-income communites go to school hungry, which affects their ability to concentrate, according to No Kid Hungry.
“If anybody has a chance- opportunity to do something in the community at all. Jump on it and even if it don’t stay, if it don’t last. Jump on it. It’s very rewarding to me,” said Church Volunteer Sharise Edwards.
Wingfield packs a variety of different snacks for the students walking to school in the morning, such as a drink, a snack mix, a granola bar, danish and gummies.
The church is currently accepting donations. You can donate by Cash App to $agape5112 or visit the church, which is located at 5112 N 34th St. in Tampa.
Selmon Expressway expansion project
Original reporting by Catarina Tapias Queiroz
A major expansion project on the Selmon Expressway is set to begin this May.
The $326 million project will span about 4.5 miles, adding one new lane in each direction, from west of Himes Ave. to east of Florida Ave.
The project includes upgrades to 26 bridges, new noise walls and improvements to underpasses and pedestrian areas.
The project is funded through toll revenue and is expected to be completed by 2030.
The plan also calls for a major upgrade to the Hillsborough River Bridge, turning it into a unique entryway in downtown Tampa.
For more information, visit southselmoncapacity.com.
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Anchor: Sofia Celia Avellaneda
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