Hurricane Irma was no match for the generosity shown in our community

We have to say, our community does adversity pretty well. Did you see Debbie Wolfe's terrific story in The Gabber about Gulfport during Hurricane Irma? In the photo above, that's council member Christine Brown holding her cat Marble. She's with her friend Shelly Vail with whom she volunteered before and after the hurricane. They're hunkered down in Christine's safe room in her house during the storm. Read Debbie's story about what happened behind the scenes: people helping people.  That's what our community is all about.

You've gotta read this terrific story about community, college, and family. Read now.

There are just so many things to love about this story by Dexter McCree we spotted in The Weekly Challenger. First, there's community, which we're all about (but you knew that.) Then, there's Eckerd College, one of our favorites (but you knew that, too.)  Then there's family. Nothing is more important and we advocate for strong families all the time (but you knew that, too.) Then there's basketball, and competition, and family bonding. So it should be any surprise that we're recommending you read this terrific story. (You knew that was coming, didn't you?)

When you hear comments like this, you know why Stetson Law is so special

So this video from Stetson came to our attention the other day and it reminded us what a special resource this school is in our community. When you hear the comments of the graduates about their alma mater and their insights into the profession they've chosen and the impact it has on the community, you realize we are fortunate indeed.

Inspiring videos from students at Stetson: "I came to law school to help people"

What an amazing community we live in! We have some fine institutions of higher learning turning out graduates who are certain to become citizens dedicated to serving others. We couldn't help but be moved by two recent videos posted by Stetson University College of Law. The words of the students really  tell the story. “I first came to law school because I wanted to give back to the community, and I chose Stetson in particular because I grew up in the area and I knew this was a place where I could really sink in my roots and grow," says Stetson Law student Haley Coet. “I think it’s important to be a voice for the people who are voiceless and who don’t have opportunity to be heard by our legal system.”  Here's more from Stetson Law student Carolina Suazo. “I came to law school to help people. I’m one of those quintessential people who really want to use my own life in a way of service.” Watch the videos and tell us what you think.

Battle of the DJs event shows a healthy connection between police and citizens

One of the hallmarks of a good community is one in which the citizens and the police have a healthy relationship. So it was gratifying to see the community come together in the second annual Battle of the DJs event recently at Campbell Park Recreation Center. Theresa "Momma Tee" Lassiter organized the event, which was sponsored Successes Unlimited, the St. Petersburg, Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Duke Energy and several unnamed donors. There
is a great article about it along with several photos in The Weekly Challenger. A nice crowd turned out, and the police officers, as well as Police Chief Anthony Holloway, were part of the festivities. We say bravo! This sort of thing should continue.

They're making our community better and better one homeless family after another

It's always amazing and gratifying to see the work people do in our community to help others have a better life. We were particularly drawn to Allen Buchanan's article in The Weekly Challenger about the work of an organization called Florida Dream Center. This particular article centered on homeless families who are being able to move into home. Have a save and secure shelter for your family is so very important, especially when there are children involved. Florida Dream Center brought together various organizations and businesses in throughout Pinellas County to make some amazing thing happen. Read the article. Helping homeless people isn't the only thing Florida Dream Center does. They're feeding the hungry, rehabilitating the afflicted, ministering to those in prisons and jails, aiding human trafficking survivors, and more. Follow the link to the website.