Mind My Skin: A Powerful New Event Addressing Mental Health and Skin Conditions Comes to Florida
Beautifully Unblemished Vitiligo Support Group is proud to present Mind My Skin, a transformative event designed to bring awareness to the often-overlooked mental health impact of living with visible skin conditions.
Centered around the theme, “Beyond Appearance: The Power Within,” this event will create a safe and empowering space for individuals living with vitiligo and other skin conditions to share their experiences, build confidence, and access valuable mental health resources.
Founded by Tonja Johnson, a respected patient advocate, speaker, and leader in the vitiligo community, Beautifully Unblemished has been at the forefront of fostering community, inclusion, and empowerment. Having lived with vitiligo for over a decade, Johnson understands firsthand the emotional challenges that can come with changes in appearance, identity, and self-confidence.
“Mind My Skin is more than an event—it’s a movement to remind individuals that they are more than what is seen on the surface,” said Johnson. “We are creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and supported in their journey toward healing and self-acceptance.”
The event will feature engaging panel discussions, mental health conversations, peer support opportunities, and access to resources aimed at improving emotional well-being.
At a time when conversations around mental health are more important than ever, Mind My Skin seeks to bridge the gap between physical conditions and emotional wellness—encouraging open dialogue and reducing stigma.
This initiative aligns with a growing national conversation about the intersection of health, identity, and self-image, and serves as a model for how community-driven programs can create lasting impact.
Event Details:
Event Name: Mind My Skin
Theme: Beyond Appearance: The Power Within
Hosted By: Beautifully Unblemished Vitiligo Support Group
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Location: Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center
302 S. Maryland Avenue, Plant City
Time: 10:00 – 4:00 p.m.
STUDENT ARRESTED FOR BRINGING A FIREARM TO SCHOOL
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Plant City High School student for bringing a firearm onto campus.
On April 21, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., an HCSO School Resource Deputy learned that Isai Luciano Jijon Blas, 18, was possibly in possession of a firearm on campus.
The Deputy and school administration conducted a search of the 12th-grade student’s backpack and discovered a loaded handgun.
Isai Luciano Jijon Blas was arrested and is facing the following charges:
•Possession Of A Weapon On School Property
•Carrying Concealed Firearm
“Bringing a firearm onto a school campus is reckless, dangerous, and completely unacceptable. In just the past few days, we have arrested multiple students for making the same poor and dangerous decision,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This is not a mistake; it is a crime. We will not tolerate weapons on our campuses, and anyone who chooses to bring one will be arrested and held accountable.”
This remains an active investigation.
FOUR STUDENTS ARRESTED AFTER FIREARMS FOUND ON CAMPUS
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested four Plant City High School students following an incident involving firearms on campus.
On April 17, 2026, at 1:40 p.m., multiple students engaged in a physical altercation. School administrators de-escalated the situation and separated the Subject one, 14, and Subject two, 14, gave their backpacks to Subject three, 15, and Subject four, 14, who attempted to hide them on campus.
HCSO’s school resource deputy and school administrators were able to find both backpacks, and a search inside revealed two firearms. One of those firearms was loaded.
Subject one, 14, is charged with:
• Possession of a Firearm on School Property
• Minor in Possession of a Firearm
• Disrupting School Campus or Function
Subject two, 14, is charged with:
• Possession of a Firearm on School Property
• Minor in Possession of a Firearm
• Disrupting School Campus or Function
Subject three, 15, is charged with:
• Tampering With Physical Evidence
• Possession of a Firearm on School Property
• Minor in Possession of a Firearm
Subject four, 14, is charged with:
• Tampering With Physical Evidence
• Possession of a Firearm on School Property
• Minor in Possession of a Firearm
“Bringing firearms onto a school campus is a serious and dangerous decision that puts students and staff at risk. Thankfully, this situation was contained before anyone was hurt,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We have zero tolerance for weapons on our campuses, and we will take quick action to hold those responsible accountable.”
