Southwest restarts nonstop route to LA

Southwest Airlines’ nonstop service between Tampa International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport has returned.

The service relaunched on Jan. 11, and the route will be available from Southwest five times a week before going daily on March 5.

The airline is now the third carrier offering nonstop flights from TPA to LAX.

Initiative focuses on county’s urban forests

Florida’s Arbor Day marks the kickoff of Tree Quest, an educational initiative at 13 of the county parks encouraging residents to become acquainted with Hillsborough’s Urban Forests. Tree Quest began on Florida Arbor Day on Jan. 16 and runs through Feb 4.

For additional information, contact UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-744-5519.

Registration opens for TPA’s 5K on the Runway

Registration for Tampa International Airport’s popular 5K on the Runway opened at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 15. With only 2,000 spots available, this unique race is expected to sell out quickly.

Returning for its 12th year on Saturday, April 11, the 5K course takes runners alongside active aircraft taking off and landing on TPA’s Runway 10-28.

Last year’s race sold out in about 13 hours. The entry fee is $60.

Registration includes a commemorative T-shirt, finisher’s medal, post-race breakfast provided by Waypointe TPA’s restaurants, and a chance to win raffle prizes, including airline tickets and other exciting giveaways. Proceeds benefit United Way Suncoast, supporting programs that strengthen the Tampa Bay community.

Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are also available.

To register or learn more, visit tampaairport.com/5K.

Critically endangered calf born at ZooTampa

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is celebrating the birth of a critically endangered Eastern bongo calf, marking the zoo’s first animal birth of the year. The female calf was born on Jan. 9, weighed 38 pounds at birth and stands about 2 feet tall. Both mother and calf are healthy and bonding well.

The calf’s mother, four-year-old Binti, was born at ZooTampa in May 2021 and the father, 6-year-old Marvin, arrived from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in 2023. They were paired as part of the Eastern Bongo Species Survival Plan (SSP), a collaborative effort among Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited institutions aims to protect and sustain imperiled species. This birth marks the fourth Eastern bongo calf born at ZooTampa since 2021.

The zoo’s Eastern bongo herd now includes eight individuals: males Marvin and Mac, and females Blitzen, Lottie, Binti, Millie, Mira, and the new calf.

Bongos are the largest species of forest-dwelling antelope, recognized for their glossy chestnut coats, large ears, vertical white stripes, and long, spiraled horns. They typically weigh between 525 and 880 pounds. With fewer than 100 Eastern bongos remaining in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching, each birth is a significant step toward the species’ conservation.

BofA grants $400K to local nonprofits

TAMPA – Bank of America has named Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay and Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay as its Neighborhood Builders® for their work building career pathways for children, teens, and young adults across Tampa Bay.

Both nonprofits are each awarded a $200,000 grant over two years, as well as comprehensive leadership training for the organization’s executive director and an emerging leader, and access to a national network of nonprofit peers.

“Our local nonprofits are crucial to addressing local challenges in Tampa Bay,” said Michael Esposito, president, Bank of America Tampa Bay. “Through flexible funding and comprehensive leadership training, the Neighborhood Builders program helps nonprofits address critical needs and promote economic opportunity for the individuals and families in our communities.”

Since the program’s inception, 43 nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders in Tampa Bay, with the bank investing more than $10 million in philanthropic capital into these nonprofits.

Commissioners seek applicants for boards, committees

Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking residents to serve on several county citizen advisory boards and committees. Residents interested in seeking appointment must reside in and be registered voters in Hillsborough County. These are voluntary positions and members serve without compensation. Applicants may apply to more than one board but may only serve on one board at a time unless specifically approved by the BOCC.

Citizens interested in being considered for appointment must submit a complete an Application/Questionnaire and a Standards of Conduct Form. This can be submitted using the Online application and Standards of Conduct Form.

A step by step video guide is available at Digital Application Video Guide.

All forms must be signed and dated, and all questions must be answered in entirety to be eligible. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For specific information regarding the boards and committees, please visit the Boards, Committees, and Councils webpage to learn more.

Applications are due by close of business Jan. 30.

Open seats are available on the following boards and committees:

• Building Board of Adjustment, Appeals & Examiners

• Code Enforcement Special Magistrate

• County Internal Audit Committee

• Health Council of West Central Florida, Inc.

• Historic Resources Review Board

• Human Relations Board

• Land Use Appeals Board

• Mechanical Board of Adjustments, Appeals & Examiners

• Plumbing & Gas Board of Adjustment, Appeals & Examiners

• Tourist Development Council

DeSantis names Bunch as HC trustee

TAMPA – Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of Stephen Bunch to the Hillsborough College District Board of Trustees.

Bunch takes the seat of Nancy Watkins, who was recently appointed to the board of trustees of the University of South Florida.

Bunch is an office partner-in-charge in the Southeast region at Sorren and a shareholder at Sorren CPAs, P.C. He currently serves as a member of the University of Florida’s Fisher School of Accounting Advisory Board and the Synovus Bank of Florida Advisory Board, as well as previously serving as a member of the University of Florida Alumni Association Board.

This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.