USF St. Petersburg aims to integrate seamlessly into the fabric of the Tampa Bay region,
enhancing opportunities for students, businesses and the public. This community roundup
series highlights the ways that USF faculty, staff, students and administration are
active in the community. If you’d like to engage with USF St. Petersburg, or are a
campus staff, faculty or student interested in engaging with the community, please
contact Kelci Lancsarics.
OCEAN OF SUPPORT RAISES FUNDS FOR COLLEGE OF MARINE SCIENCE
More than 370 people came together on May 15 at the Maritime Defense and Technology
Hub to support the USF College of Marine Science, raising significant funds for recovery
efforts from the fire at the Marine Science Lab that occurred earlier in the month.
Since the incident, nearly $500,000 has been raised for the marine science operating
fund. Hosted by the St. Petersburg Innovation District and City Councilmember Gina
Driscoll, the event was attended by some of the firefighters who battled the blaze.
Current elected officials were also in attendance, including Representative Lindsay
Cross and City Councilmember Brandi Gabbard, as well as former elected officials Ed
Montanari, Darden Rice, Leslie Curran and Charlie Crist. The “Ocean of Support” theme
was evident with local organizations and businesses participating such as the Downtown
Partnership, the Alyssa Marie Gallery, ZuluPainter, Ocean Road Band, 3 Daughters Brewing
and Paciugo Gelato & Cafe.
FAMILY STUDY CENTER SPRINGS INTO SUMMER WITH COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY
USF St. Petersburg’s Family Study Center welcomed local families to its Spring Into Summer Family Block Party on April 25,
bringing together fun, connection and valuable resources to support the transition
from school into summer. Generous support from the Juvenile Welfare Board, Foundation
for a Healthy St. Petersburg, Thrive by Five, USF and United Way Suncoast helped make
the event possible, alongside a wide network of community partners dedicated to family
well-being. The day featured a vibrant mix of activities and services for all ages.
Families explored interactive experiences like a mobile aquarium, bounce houses, pony
visits, music, arts and crafts and live entertainment.
A dedicated early childhood zone highlighted resources from Thrive by Five, the United
Way, the Juvenile Welfare Board’s “Turbo Babies,” WEDU PBS, the Early Learning Coalition,
R-Club, HIPPY, Lutheran Head Start, Pinellas County Schools, the Florida Department
of Health and USF’s Infant-Family Center. Additional vendors appealed to children
of all ages as well as older adolescents and adults.
Dozens of more visitors joined along 3rd Street South for attractions like the City
of St. Petersburg’s Bookmobile. Within the Family Study Center, guests participated
in story-time, sing-alongs and creative play. Memorable moments included a read-along
with community leaders and a lively kids’ soccer match with the Rowdies.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE EXPLORES MICROBES IMPACT ON GLOBAL HEALTH
The St. Petersburg World Affairs Council (SPWAC), in partnership with the USF-Global Virus Network, hosted “Microbes Without Borders” on May 11, at the University Student Center. This
half-day international conference brought together leading scientists, medical professionals
and policymakers to explore the profound impact microbes have on global health and
society. The event opened with a keynote address from world-renowned biomedical researcher
Dr. Robert Gallo, director of the USF Health Virology Center, whose groundbreaking
work pioneered research on the role of viruses in human cancers and in 1984, co-discovered
that HIV causes AIDS.
The program featured two expert panels examining critical issues — from the far-reaching
threats and economic consequences of pandemics to emerging research on microbiomes
and their role in cancer, infectious disease and overall health. Attendees gained
insight into how global collaboration drives advances in prevention, treatment and
public health response.
15th ANNUAL CHAMPIONS FOR ACT BREAKFAST HIGHLIGHTS ARTS FOR TEENS
USF St. Petersburg sponsored and hosted the Arts Conservatory for Teens 15th Annual Champions for ACT Breakfast on May 7th. It was a lively morning filled
with red carpet moments, inspiring student performances and artwork, uplifting remarks,
scholarship presentations, delicious food and a live auction supporting ACT’s mission.
Each week, ACT serves more than 1,500 students across 28 program locations throughout
Pinellas County and Hillsborough County. They offer classes and programs focusing
on theater, music dance, visual arts, music production, game coding, fashion design
and more.