City of Tampa celebrates Black culture
Original reporting by Jayden Fernandez
The city of Tampa is celebrating Black culture throughout the bay.
Tampa’s Soulwalk is a trail that spans nearly 46 miles and 25 neighborhoods. It has almost 100 stops including art installations, historic landmarks, museums and cemeteries.
Visitors can explore the trail by foot, bike or car and an interactive app is currently in development to give details about the history and significance of each stop along the way.
The trail is designed to highlight the rich history of Tampa’s Black community and diverse creative background.
“It’s important because it is a very different type of cultural initiative, it is really a cultural heritage trail,” said Robin Nigh, director of arts and cultural affairs.
The project is a collaborative effort between the city, local historians and community partners, all working to celebrate culture while preserving Tampa’s past.
“I mean thats what Soulwalk is to me, It’s just about love of community,” Nigh said.
Hillsborough County welcomes new class of firefighters
Original reporting by Hannah Lau
The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue is celebrating 33 new firefighters to its department with a graduation and pinning ceremony.
Class 2025-02 is made up of an unique bunch.
From nine legacy members to a former college football quarterback and even a champion four-wheeler driver.
Class lead and legacy firefighter Dean Mangione said today means a lot to him.
“Today I had a lot of emotions going through me today. Being able to have my father’s helmet here with me today, as I received my badge uh just meant the world to me,” Mangione said.
In addition to becoming firefighters, this class has also graduated from the fire academy and is EMT certified.
Training Chief Kenneth Forward said these past five weeks have been rewarding not only for the recruits but for himself too.
“It’s amazing. It’s amazing. I had the opportunity to lead our fire academy under my division. And to interact with them when they’re first coming into the academy, and then to see them now start their careers in the fire service which I’ve loved for many many years,” Forward said.
Credits:
Anchor: Cameron Churilla
Produced: Kieran Konopka
Floor Director: Jayden Fernandez
CG: Emma Brockman
Tech Director: Jada Knobloch
Web: Noah Vinsky
Social Media Repoter: Gio Robinson-Santiago
Audio: Eric Charpentier
Graduate Assistant: Grace Ficara
Faculty Advisor: Stephanie Anderson