News & Public Affairs

Tampa banker honored by city council for feeding the less fortunate listen

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Tags: Andre Kirwan, Tampa City Council, homeless, charity, homelessness

A Tampa banker and volunteer football coach was honored by city council this morning for his efforts to feed people without homes during the holiday season. But during a commendation ceremony at City Hall, Andre Kirwan asked that Neil Sayers, a local chiropractor and volunteer who passed away in November, also be recognized.

“He always told me, ‘Andre, we’ve got to go big or go home’ and it’s been hard for me to kind of wrap my brain around the fact that through his passing, his dream wa...

Florida's Amendment 8 could give more funding to faith-based charities; opponents worry it'll increase school vouchers listen

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Tags: Florida Education Association, AFL-CIO, Rich Templin, Amendment 8, Blaine Amendment, education, religious freedom, charity

A proposed amendment appearing on the ballot this fall would overturn the part of Florida’s Constitution that forbids public funds from going to religious organizations. A group called Citizens for Religious Freedom and Non-Discrimination is starting a coalition in support of Amendment 8. At a press conference Wednesday morning in Tampa, one of the amendment’s original authors, former state Representative Juan Zapata said it would allow faith-based charities to better provide public service...

Tampa police officers hand out 250 turkeys to needy families listen

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Tags: Tampa Police, RICH House, charity, food drives, poverty

Many residents in Tampa’s Sulphur Springs neighborhood can’t afford a traditional Holiday celebration. Wednesday morning the Tampa Police Department made sure residents there will have food on the table and gifts under the tree for Christmas.

More than 250 families were given a turkey dinner, sides and desserts to enjoy this Holiday weekend. Wednesday marked the third and final day of what organizer and Tampa police officer Debbie Boles calls the Christmas marathon. Earlier this week chil...