Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions
135 results for "tampa spartans"
Rob Higgins, who spent two decades bringing major sporting events to Tampa Bay, received $100,000 to support five local organizations. The Tampa Bay Lightning's Community Hero program has now donated over $35 million to Tampa Bay nonprofits since 2011.
The University of Tampa Spartans just became the first Division II baseball team ever to win three consecutive national championships. Their 8-4 victory over West Chester on Saturday caps an incredible dynasty that's rewriting the record books.
Four everyday heroes just received $50,000 each from the Tampa Bay Lightning to support local nonprofits making a difference. Since 2011, the program has now granted over $35 million to 721 organizations across the Tampa Bay area.
Five everyday heroes just received $300,000 in grants to support causes transforming Tampa Bay. The Lightning Foundation honored them in February, bringing its 15-year giving total to $35.57 million.
Savanna Thompson helps nearly 30,000 people yearly through Echo of Brandon's resource center in Thonotosassa. The Tampa Bay Lightning just handed her a $50,000 grant to keep the mission going strong.
Lacey Boldman's drowning prevention program at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA taught over 13,000 children water safety last year. The Tampa Bay Lightning honored her work with a $50,000 grant to keep kids safe around water.
After volunteering for over 20 years at The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Tim Traud received a $50,000 grant from the Tampa Bay Lightning to continue helping trauma survivors. The award came during the team's "Hockey Talks" night dedicated to breaking mental health stigma.
Volunteers cleaned headstones, placed flags, and spoke names aloud at Tampa's oldest cemetery, keeping memories alive since 1850. Community members joined forces to preserve history while honoring those who served.
Victor Dimaren turned a Super Bowl halftime performance into a genuine engagement moment when Bad Bunny handed him a ring to propose to his girlfriend Emma Eldridge. The Tampa breakdancer's real-life proposal reached 136 million viewers worldwide during one of entertainment's biggest stages.
A friendship between two Tampa women through Best Buddies just earned them a $50,000 grant to help others find the same connection. The Tampa Bay Lightning honored Dana Brown and Sarah Rodenberry for showing what true inclusion looks like.
George and Virginia Schultz have spent two decades volunteering at Tampa International Airport's Travelers Aid desk, helping thousands of passengers facing unexpected challenges. The retired teachers were honored this week for their extraordinary dedication to making travel easier for people in crisis.
A quick-thinking Tampa resident didn't wait for firefighters when he spotted flames on a second-story balcony. He climbed up and put out the fire himself, potentially saving lives and preventing major property damage.
Tampa is bringing back one of America's most generous e-bike incentive programs, offering up to $3,000 vouchers to help residents trade cars for pedal power. For very low-income families struggling with transportation costs, it could mean a nearly free path to getting around town.
Two Tampa teenagers who rescued their neighbor from a burning house are being celebrated as community heroes in the 2026 Children's Gasparilla Parade. Their quick thinking turned what could have been a tragedy into a story of courage and compassion.
Karen McGinnis Vaughn once hid her addiction in shame, walking the streets homeless. Now she's celebrating 11 years of sobriety and helping patients at North Tampa Behavioral Health Center find their own path to recovery.
The Tampa Bay Lightning honored eight community champions with $50,000 grants each this spring, bringing their total community giving to over $36 million since 2011. Among the heroes: a wrongfully convicted man now helping others, a Paralympic gold medalist, and an NFL star giving back.
Two Tampa Bay high school flag football teams brought home state championship trophies, continuing a decade-long legacy of excellence. Robinson claimed its 10th consecutive title while Lennard upset the top seed for an emotional victory.
Hockey players, military veterans, and volunteers teamed up to haul six tons of oyster shells and install 40 concrete buoys to protect Tampa Bay's living shoreline. Each new oyster can filter two gallons of water per hour, making this a win for both the environment and the community.
A veteran-led Tampa rescue team just returned home after saving more than 400 people from violence in the Middle East, including 30 stranded church members. Grey Bull Rescue moved so fast they had buses and security at a threatened hotel within 24 hours of first contact.
A major business solutions center is opening in the Tampa Bay area, creating 180 new career opportunities for local residents. Philip Morris International is investing in Florida's growing workforce with this strategic expansion.
Showing 20 of 135