Equity and Inclusion

Barbara Tripp was born and raised in East Tampa, and she is proud of her modest roots, but Tampa Fire's first female leader is an accomplished public servant and veteran who brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the department.

Law enforcement agencies, residents, prosecutors, and advocates across the Tampa Bay area came together Tuesday night to discuss criminal justice reform including civil citation programs, Florida's anti-riot law, and communication between law enforcement and residents.

The country has a new federal holiday – Juneteenth, but for years, Black communities organized and celebrated events in Tampa Bay and across the U.S. Those traditions continue this weekend.

Activists tried one last time to convince Tampa City Council that it should appoint a majority of members to the Tampa Police Civilian Review Board. Instead, the council voted for a 5-5 split with the mayor, and for both to sign off on an eleventh member appointed by the NAACP.

For years, Black communities organized and celebrated Juneteenth events in Tampa Bay. Members of the Bay Area Black community told FOX 13 the recognition is a start, but some said there are other ways to make meaningful change.

The city of St. Petersburg is kicking off its Summer Workforce Training Academy, an initiative to engage and uplift a community of young minority males and females.

University of South Florida assistant men's basketball coach Tom Herrion is out of a job after an investigation substantiated comments he made that either toed the racial line – or went over it.

A nationwide tour for a new app called The Black Wall Street wrapped up with a stop in Tampa, and its founders said they hope to use the app to help build what was destroyed throughout history.

For many, the pride flag symbolizes equality, but one Lakeland man says his mobile home park won’t allow it. He says management is now warning him that if he doesn't take his flag down, he could be evicted.