Posts by Jeremy Rex
Students with disabilities embrace work opportunities at The Florida Aquarium
Excerpt from Spectrum News: October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. It is a time to recognize the positive impact people with disabilities have on the American workforce. At The Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa, there are all kinds of jobs, from scuba-diving tank cleaners to animal experts. There are even people in place to welcome guests. “Hello,…
Read MorePepin Academies Named 2025 Yass Prize Contender for Innovation in Learning for Students with Disabilities
The Tampa Bay schools are among just 23 organizations nationwide competing for $1 million award Pepin Academies, a network of public charter schools dedicated to serving students with learning disabilities, has been named a 2025 Yass Prize Contender—one of only 23 education organizations nationwide recognized for their innovative and transformational approach to learning. Often called…
Read MoreProtecting Those Who Protect Us: St. Pete Police Officers Receive Mental Health Challenge Coins
As Officer Suicides Climb, Graduates Take Steps to Save Lives and Change the Future of Policing On World Mental Health Day, a new kind of badge of honor was handed out to St. Petersburg Police officers at this morning’s briefing—custom challenge coins designed to break the stigma and spark conversations about mental health in law…
Read MoreHundreds Celebrate the Community and First Responders at the 3rd Annual Family Fun Day
Hillsborough County’s firefighters and deputies spent Saturday giving back to the community they serve at the 3rd Annual Family Fun Day at Raymond James Stadium. Children climbed aboard fire trucks, explored sheriff’s vehicles, and watched the bomb squad robot in action, while first responders mingled with families, answering questions and sharing stories. Organized by Hillsborough…
Read MoreTampa’s Next Generation of Leaders
Excerpt from Tampa Magazine: As a child, Tina Pepin wanted to be part of her family’s legacy and business. Her grandfather founded Pepin Distributing, and her father purchased the business in 1981 — but they did far more than distribute beer. “My grandfather would give money to at-risk populations, and when my father took over, it…
Read MoreFormer Senate President Tom Lee Inducted into the Florida Housing Hall of Fame
The Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) proudly announces the induction of Tom Lee into the prestigious Florida Housing Hall of Fame, honoring his decades of leadership, vision, and service to the home building industry and the people of Florida. The Florida Housing Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose dedication and accomplishments have made a lasting…
Read MoreTina Pepin Awarded the Champion of Opportunity Award by The Able Trust
The Able Trust awarded the Champion of Opportunity Award to Tina Pepin, Executive Director of the Pepin Family Foundation. The award, presented during a celebration luncheon at Saddlebrook Resort, recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, compassion, and commitment to expanding opportunities for young people with disabilities. At the heart of this recognition is High School High…
Read MoreStudents with Disabilities Build Life Skills in an Unexpected Place: The Public Defender’s Office
Young Adults with Learning Disabilities Are Back to School at this Unique Training Ground in Downtown Tampa Among the legal files, busy attorneys, and bustling court preparations at the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, there’s something else happening—something you wouldn’t expect. On the first floor of the downtown Tampa government building, students with learning disabilities…
Read MoreProtecting Those Who Protect Us: Officers Graduate from Groundbreaking Mental Health Program
As Officer Suicides Climb, Graduates Take Steps to Save Lives and Change the Future of Policing More police officers die by suicide than in the line of duty. Behind the badge, many carry invisible wounds—and far too often, they suffer in silence. But a growing movement in Tampa Bay is changing that. Tonight, law enforcement…
Read MoreInspiring the Next Generation of Nurses to Help Ease the Sustained Shortage
Local High School Students Scrub In for Real-World Experience Through USF & Pepin Family Foundation While many teens spent the start of summer break relaxing, 50 local students suited up in scrubs to explore one of the most in-demand and purpose-driven careers in the country: nursing. These rising sophomores and juniors from Hillsborough, Pasco, and…
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