“A Salute to Spectrum Bay News 9’s Everyday Heroes” is our way of saying thank you to everyone who donates their time, their talent, their gifts, and their all, giving back to our neighbors in need.
This past year, we featured heroes from across our viewing area, demonstrating why the Tampa Bay area is such a great place to live and to serve. At Spectrum Bay News 9, we’re proud to honor YOU and share YOUR stories.
Every Monday on Spectrum Bay News 9, we highlight a hero who is making a difference in our local community. A Salute to Everyday Heroes honors all of our 2025 nominees and celebrates seven special heroes in seven distinct categories. These heroes showcase what a true Everyday Hero is… someone who goes above and beyond. They don’t do it for the recognition. They do it because it’s the right thing to do.
Congratulations to all of our 2025 Everyday Heroes winners and nominees.
2025 Public Service Hero of the Year
A retired Winter Haven police officer is still serving her community after 30 years on the force. Carol Bradley is a beloved figure for thousands of former students and their parents. Read her story →
2025 Education Hero of the Year
A Bay area man has turned his love of kayaking and fishing into a nonprofit. Mario Cruz loves to pass along his passion for the open water to young people.
Cruz said he grew up fishing with his father in Puerto Rico and then in the Bay area when his family moved to Safety Harbor. Read his story →
2025 Health Advocate Hero of the Year
A Tampa neonatal intensive care unit nurse creates a special bond with many of the tiny babies she cares for and their parents, too.
It’s a bond that often continues for Angie Santiago after the babies leave St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital. Read her story →
2025 Volunteer Hero of the Year
Polk County’s Toys for Tots director is spending up to 70 hours a week this time of the year to make sure many kids in need have a great Christmas.
Angela Davis took over the volunteer position several years ago after former director David Waller passed away. Read her story →
2025 Young Hero of the Year
A Hillsborough County high school student saw a need at her school and decided to do something about it.
Junior Sophie Farnan got a huge response from the community for her project called Sophie’s Closet. Read her story →
2025 Viewers’ Choice of the Year
A Pasco County couple has adopted five children over the past three years. Jolene and Aaron Slavik adopted the children after taking in dozens of foster children.
The first child the couple adopted was a boy who they had taken in as a foster child.
The adoption was finalized in 2022. That boy is now 14-years-old. Then, they adopted three young siblings in 2023. Finally, they adopted a little girl in 2024. Read their story →
2025 Hero of the Year
A Bay Area businessman has a special heart for the homeless and the needy. Hennry Idleburgh Jr. and some of his friends feed the needy and homeless in downtown Tampa each Sunday.
Idleburgh and his ministry called The Overcomers of Tampa Bay set up tents for shade and tables and chairs for their events. Read his story →