CLEARWATER — Tampa Bay Thrives and Pinellas County Schools celebrated the ribbon cutting of a new student wellness room at Pinellas High Innovation in Clearwater on Feb. 25, expanding a regional model designed to support youth mental health through safe, school-based environments.
The wellness room, dubbed the Panther’s Den, transforms a traditional classroom into a calm, student-centered space where students can decompress, practice emotional regulation and participate in structured activities such as art and music wellness, mindful movement, mentoring groups and peer-supported conversations.
The space is part of Tampa Bay Thrives’ approach to strengthening student mental health by providing early intervention, skill-building and accessible support during the school day.
“Students are asking for safe spaces and supportive relationships,” said Carrie Zeisse, president and CEO of Tampa Bay Thrives. “Wellness rooms create environments where young people can reset, build skills and feel seen. Expanding this model to Pinellas County reflects what is possible when schools and communities work together to prioritize mental health.”
Youth mental health needs continue to grow statewide. Recent data show that 13.2% of Florida youth experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year, and 67% did not receive treatment. Local surveys indicate that only 31% of students report feeling a sense of belonging in their school community.
The Pinellas High Innovation wellness room builds on successful implementations at Thaddeus M. Bullard Academy at Sligh Middle Magnet, Brandon High School and King High School. Among participating students at the Sligh campus, 70% demonstrated a reduction in absenteeism and 26% showed a decrease in disciplinary referrals.
“Supporting the whole child means prioritizing mental well-being alongside academics,” said Kevin Hendrick, superintendent of Pinellas County Schools. “This wellness room strengthens our ability to help students return to class focused, supported and ready to learn.”
The Panther’s Den was made possible by funding from BayCare Health System, Power Home Remodeling, AdventHealth, Tampa General Hospital, HCA Florida Healthcare, Suncoast Credit Union, MHA PayChex and the DeBartolo Family Foundation.
“Our students face real pressures every day,” said Ryan Green, principal of Pinellas High Innovation. “This space provides a healthy way for them to reset and refocus, and it will play an important role in building a stronger, more supportive school culture.”
“Early mental health support can change the trajectory of a young person’s life,” said Gail Ryder, vice president of behavioral health at BayCare Health System. “We are proud to support initiatives that bring meaningful resources directly to students.”