The Bayshore Patriots hosted the Fourth Annual Coalition Thanksgiving Dinner at the Tampa Convention Center. Sponsored by members of the Tampa Bay community, this event hosts members of the International Coalition and the military assigned to U.S. Central Command to a traditional Thanksgiving meal, joined by the Patriots, family and friends.

Representatives of Habitat for Humanity presented Mayor Iorio with an appreciation plaque in recognition of her continued support of the program. The non-profit, faith-based organization is committed to providing decent, affordable housing to deserving families.  Since 1987, when Habitat Hillsborough became an affiliate of this national program, over 120 homes have been built throughout our community.

America's Second Harvest of Tampa Bay held its 14th Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon fundraiser at Lykes Gaslight Park in downtown Tampa.  In observance of helping those less fortunate, a simple meal of soup and bread was served to guests for the luncheon.  Attendees also take home an "Empty Bowl" memento created by local school children. Founded in 1982 as Divine Providence Food Bank, America's Second Harvest of Tampa Bay has processed and distributed over 90 million pounds of safe and nutritious surplus food to those in need.

Stewart Middle Magnet School received a $100,000 in Hillsborough River Restoration Grant funds from the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Hillsborough County Public Schools for its "Save Our Shoreline" environmental education project.  The grant will fund a restoration project along the river behind the school.  Stewart students will help restore a section of shoreline by removing invasive plants, re-grading the shoreline to correct erosion programs, and planting native vegetation.  The project, which begins in April 2009, will utilize a linked science curriculum for learning.

Dr. Tony Lazzara, founder of the Hogar San Francisco de Asis (St. Francis of Assisi Home) located outside of Lima, Peru visited with Mayor Iorio to discuss the ongoing work of this hospital/orphanage and the Villa La Paz Foundation.  Born in Tampa, Dr. Lazzara was a neo-natal pediatrician who left his tenured position at Emory University in 1983 to provide medical care to the poor children of Peru. All Children's Hospital partners with Dr. Lazzara twice a year to provide services to the children he brings with him from Peru who require special care.

Participating in the annual Great American Teach In, Mayor Iorio spoke to the fifth grade class of Lockhart Elementary Magnet School. This annual event brings volunteers, representing a range of occupations, into the classroom to share their knowledge about careers, education and hobbies.

A graduation ceremony was held for the 28 members of the 2008 Tampa Police Department. Citizens Academy. The academy is an eight-week, hands-on training exercise that gives residents the opportunity to learn what it takes to be a police officer.  Participants were able to ride with officers on patrol, take part in tactical exercises, meet the K-9 team and see CSI Tampa in action.

Mayor Iorio spoke to members of the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce at their membership luncheon held at the historic Columbia Restaurant. Formed in 1930, the Chamber is dedicated to the protection, revitalization and economic development of Tampa's National Historic Landmark District.

Former Senator and USF President Betty Castor presented Mayor Iorio an award on behalf of USF in recognition of her work with the global business community.  The guest speaker for the special global reception was Saskia Sassena renowned globalization scholar and Professor of Sociology at Columbia University.

Mayor Iorio joined the USF History Department in welcoming Dr. Christina Greene, noted lecturer and author of "Our Separate Ways: Women and the Black Freedom Movement in Durham."  Dr. Greene was invited to speak at the USF History Department Lecture Series, an initiative focused on promoting the national and international visibility of its PhD program.

Metropolitan Ministries held its annual Holiday Tent Blessing, which signals the beginning of the 2008 holiday-giving season. For over 35 years, the organization has provided meals, shelter, outreach services and hope for a better future to those in need throughout our community. This year Metropolitan Ministries anticipates over 24,000 families and 35,000 children will seek assistance this holiday season.

The City of Tampa announced its proposed plan for a new Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's $3.92 billion NSP Plan, Tampa was awarded $13.6 million. Part of the City's plan includes utilizing this money to acquire, rehabilitate and resell foreclosed and abandoned properties within our community in an effort to stabilize neighborhoods and reduce the decline of home values in the community.

The Bank of America presented its 2008 Neighborhood Excellence Awards recognizing various organizations, local heroes and student leaders for their commitment to helping our neighborhoods. As part of this initiative, the Bank of America also awards $450,000 in grants to various community service organizations. This brings Bank of America's total charitable investments for the Tampa Bay area in 2008 to $3 million.

Business and community leaders joined Mayor Iorio and the American Planning Association (APA) for a sign unveiling ceremony to celebrate 7th Avenue being named One of America's 10 Great Streets for 2008.  This designation was given to an 11-block area between Nick Nuccio Parkway and 26th Street in Ybor City.  As part of the APA's Great Places in America Program, 7th Avenue was selected based on its history, distinctive character, and strong community involvement.

The 2008 Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Cultural Affairs Luncheon, sponsored by the St. Pete Times and the Tampa Bay Rays, was held at the Tampa Convention Center. This annual event focuses on art and culture in our community and helps illustrate how businesses can incorporate art into the workplace. Mayor Iorio presented the Mayor's Artist of the Year Award to noted author Dudley Clendenin. Local residents Hugo and Alicia Keim were also recognized by the Chamber as the 2008 Cultural Contributor of the Year.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new $1.2 million, Seminole Heights Professional Center on Taliaferro Avenue.  The 7,000 square foot office building, located in the East Tampa, will be home to the developers, Pro-Fit Development, Inc. and other professional businesses.

Mayor Iorio joined representatives of Fifth Third Bank in a groundbreaking ceremony for their new banking facility on Hillsborough Avenue in East Tampa.  This will be the first commercial bank to be built in this community in over 30 years and was made possible through a partnership developed by the Richman Group and the CDC of Tampa.  When completed, the $4 million facility will be one of 43 centers operated by Fifth Third Bank in the Tampa Bay area.

Joel Eisenberg, a student at Sickles High School, served as Junior Mayor for the day and attended several functions with Mayor Iorio.  With an interest in one day pursuing his interest in politics, Joel had the opportunity to take part in two East Tampa groundbreaking ceremonies, the Chamber's Cultural Affairs Luncheon and a sign unveiling in Ybor City.

Designed by children in the City's After School Activity Program, the new playground at Al Lopez Park opened. It features an extensive "EVOS" Play Structure, a gyroscopic play system that engages children of all ages; an accessible playshaper, a play structure for younger and/or limited ability children; and Mobius, Spacenet, and rock climbing structures. The playground also includes an element unique to Florida, Talking Tot Turf, a hopscotch and piano keyboard that emit sounds when stepped on. This is the first of its kind not only in the State of Florida, but in the Eastern United States.

Downtown Tampa's first park, Herman Massey Park, was officially rededicated following $83,700 in improvements.  The renovations, paid for with Tax Increment Financing dollars, include brick walkways, lighting fixtures, granite seating caps, new fencing and a water fountain.  Massey Park now also boasts Tampa's first rose garden, which was donated by the Tampa Rose Society.  Originally opened in 1988, Herman Massey Park is named after a former Parks Department director.

Thousands took part in the 2008 Tampa Bay Start! Heart Walk, the American Heart Association's major fund-raising event. Heart disease and stroke claim over 910,000 American lives each year.  The American Heart Association has invested millions of dollars for research, professional and public education, and advocacy to help people live stronger, longer lives.

Mayor Iorio was joined by the Tampa Downtown Partnership in unveiling downtown's new wayfinding sign program.  Over 160 new signs with reflective, colorful graphics will be placed throughout downtown, the Channel District and surrounding areas in an effort to help direct visitors to local attractions and destinations.

Mayor Iorio participated in the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce's Annual Veterans' Day Celebration at Joe Chillura Courthouse Square Park in downtown Tampa.  In her remarks, Mayor Iorio paid homage to those who have and are serving in our nation's armed forces for their role in protecting the freedoms all Americans cherish.

A topping-off ceremony was held for the new Tampa Museum of Art, which is currently scheduled to open in the fall of 2009, coinciding with its 30th anniversary.  Participants included museum donors, board members, Skanska Construction representatives and architect Stanley Saitowitz.  This milestone was commemorated with the signing of a structural beam by workers and guests to be installed in the new building.

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve kicked-off their 2008 Toys for Tots Drive, an annual event that helps needy children experience the joy of the holidays.  During the past 59 years, the Marines have distributed over 370 million toys to more than 173 million children during the holiday season. 

Serving as Jr. Mayor, Courtney Farrior attended several functions with Mayor Iorio including the annual kick-off for the Marine Reserve's Toys for Tots Program, the topping-off ceremony for the new Tampa Museum of Art and the Greater Tampa Chamber's annual Veteran's Day Celebration.  Courtney is 11 years old and attends St. Mary's Episcopal Day School in Tampa.

Abe Brown Ministries celebrated their 25th Annual Fundraising Banquet at the Marriott Waterside Downtown Tampa.  This year's event featured a keynote address from Nathan Whitaker, co-author of Tony Dungy's number one bestseller, "Quiet Strength."  For over 25 years, Abe Brown Ministries has been committed to helping offenders, ex-offenders, and their families achieve productive and fulfilling lives by providing such services as ministry, life-skills training, and employment services.

November 8 and 9 have been recognized as the Second Annual United Cerebral Palsy's Ride Without Limits Days.  This two-day cycling event is part of a national campaign to raise awareness and funds for United Cerebral Palsy's initiatives and programs.   United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay serves over 3,000 people in our community by helping advance the independence and productivity of those afflicted with disabling disorders.

Representatives of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, serving the southeastern area of Virginia, visited Tampa to learn more about our economic development successes.  This is the Chamber's 12th annual inter-regional visit to Tampa.  The group included government and education leaders, non-profit association executives, business and industry CEOs, and philanthropic agencies representatives. 

Tampa's citizens were given the opportunity to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of the 2008 American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays during Rays Appreciation Day at Lykes Gaslight Square Park.  In attendance were Rays' representatives including Pitching Coach Jim Hickey, Pitchers Andy Sonnanstine and Dan Wheeler, Rays President Matt Silverman, Rays Radio Broadcaster Dave Wills and various elected officials.  Citizens were also given the opportunity to submit their personal messages to the team by signing the "Go Rays - Tampa Believes" banner that hung on City Hall during the play-offs and World Series.  The signed banner was presented to the team as a memento of Tampa's pride in their outstanding season.

As part of a public safety initiative, the week of November 9-15 is proclaimed Elevator Escalator Safety Awareness Week.  Created in 1992, the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF) sponsors activities to help educate the public on safe riding habits. The EESF works with the industry on local and national levels to promote informational programs at schools and public buildings.

Mayor Iorio proclaimed November as Prematurity Awareness Month.  This awareness campaign, recognized throughout Florida, helps raise awareness about the increasing number of premature births and symbolizes hope for premature babies and their families.  Together with Tampa's Healthy Start Coalition, Tampa General Hospital, and other state and national partners, the March of Dimes and the Florida Department of Health are partnering to help find ways to fund research, programs and services to ensure every baby is given a healthy start.

Representatives from LifePath Hospice were on hand to receive a proclamation recognizing November as National Hospice & Palliative Care Month.  LifePath Hospice is marking its 25th year of providing care to patients throughout the Tampa Bay area.  Focusing specifically on the wishes of each individual patient, LifePath has assisted over 7,000 residents and their families last year with the help of more than 1,200 trained volunteers.

The rooftop terrace of Skypoint Condominiums was the site of the New Pavilion XXIII, an annual fund-raising event for the Tampa Museum of Art.  Featuring poolside cabanas, a live international DJ and other amenities, this event also included a waterfront view of the new museum scheduled to open in the summer of 2009.

 Mayor Iorio joined St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker in celebrating the American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays at Straub Park in St. Petersburg.  The City of Tampa will also be hosting a fan celebration party at Lykes Gaslight Square Park in Tampa on November 6, giving fans on both sides of the bay an opportunity to wish them success in 2009.