Equity and Inclusion

The Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Pete is planning nearly half a million dollars in security upgrades as local police and the FBI continue to investigate who spray-painted a swastika and anti-Semitic message on the building.

Under rules instituted in 2015 after an outcry over tickets given to Black bicyclists, the mayor currently appoints six members, but is willing to go 5-5 with the council. However, councilors are nearing a final vote to appoint seven members and relegate the mayor to three.

Tuesday marked the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of former police officer Derek Chauvin and people across the country gathered and reflected on his memory and progress on police reform. For Black Lives Matter Tampa co-founder Donna Davis, it was a day of reflection.

Master Barber Kenneth Daniels watched the Derek Chauvin trail from inside the Power Circle Barber Shop in Tampa, reliving the pain over and over again. Behind the shop is a mural of Floyd alongside Breonna Taylor, Travyon Martin and Amaud Aubrey each death sparking calls for action.

Tampa Pride in Ybor City is not only the community’s first event and parade since the pandemic, but it’s also the first pride celebration in the country.

The first faceoff Monday night between the Lightning and Panthers was also the first of its kind. It was the first time a full line of forward players who are Black started an NHL game.

The streets that make up the Rosemary District – once known as Overtown – date back to the 1880s.

Of Florida's approximately 88,000 inmates, about 23,500 are over 50, classified as elderly. That's 27% of the system. The Southern Poverty Law Center says health care costs are driving the overall cost of caring for prisoners from $51.65 a day in 2014 to $62.16 in 2019. For inmates with medical needs, care is hard to come by.

Florida lawmakers approved a controversial elections bill that adds restrictions to the voting process and Governor Ron DeSantis said he intends to sign it into law.

Florida Republicans moved to ban transgender girls and women from playing on public school teams intended for student athletes born as girls, sending the proposal to Gov. Ron DeSantis and escalating a national culture war over transgender rights.

Days after Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida's anti-riot bill into law, which stiffens penalties for those who participate in violent protests and riots, Black Lives Matter: Tampa plans to be out, peacefully marching in the streets. 

The meeting was previously scheduled, but its timing was not lost on attendees.