HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS LAUNCHES FREE SUMMER MEAL PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to once again offer free meals to children and teens throughout the summer, ensuring students have access to nutritious food while school is out of session.
The district’s Summer Feeding Program began at HOST sites on June 1, with additional locations opening as summer programs begin on June 8. In total, meals will be available at more than 150 sites across Hillsborough County.
All meals are free and available to any child 18 years and younger, regardless of enrollment status. No registration is required.
For Weekday On-Site Meals:
• Children must be present to receive meals
• Meals must be consumed on-site during scheduled mealtimes
Community members should check in at the school’s front office before proceeding to the cafeteria. Visit summerbreakspot.org and enter your address to find a nearby meal site and serving time.
For Weekly 7-Day Meals Pick-Up:
In addition to on-site meals, HCPS will offer a weekly meal box option at the South County Career Center from June 3 to July 22. Families picking up meal boxes at this location do not need to bring children, and meals do not need to be consumed on-site, making it a convenient grab-and-go option.
• Pick up at the South County Career Center located at 2810 John Sherman Way, Ruskin
• Pick up is on Wednesdays between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m..
• Families will receive seven days of breakfast and lunch meals plus a gallon of milk.
Two Arrested After Grappler Deployed
A traffic stop attempt in Plant City quickly escalated when the driver refused to stop for deputies. On May 28, at approximately 6:00 p.m., HCSO attempted to conduct a traffic stop near the intersection of Short Rd and Pless Rd. During the incident, the driver intentionally turned toward the deputy’s vehicle, forcing the deputy to brake to avoid a collision. The driver continued fleeing through the area, disregarding traffic signals.
As deputies followed the vehicle, a backpack containing narcotics and a firearm was thrown from the passenger side window and immediately recovered by deputies. Near Quail Meadow Rd and Anacapa Ln, a Grappler Immobilization Device was deployed, safely bringing the vehicle to a stop. The driver, Katheryne Tellez, 33, and the passenger, Charles Grace, 40, were arrested on multiple felony charges.
Tellez was accused of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, driving with a revoked license, reckless driving, felon in possession of a firearm, and fleeing and attempting to elude.
Grace was accused of two counts of tampering with physical evidence, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, armed trafficking in amphetamine, felon in possession of ammunition, four counts of armed possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Hillsborough County to Host Community Expo to Prepare Residents for 2026 Hurricane Season
Two years ago, hurricanes severely impacted Hillsborough County residents.
Hillsborough County wants its residents to be ready for the 2026 hurricane season, which started June 1 and ends Nov. 30. Hillsborough County hosts and invites residents to the Disaster and Recovery Community Expo from 9:00 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 13, at Feeding Tampa Bay, 3624 Causeway Blvd., Tampa.
The expo is a free event, featuring more than 40 local agencies and designed to assist residents in learning how to best prepare for hurricane season and navigate post-storm recovery.
County departments and community partners will provide an interactive learning experience suitable for all ages.
Residents will see firsthand the essential vehicles, tools, and apparatus that Hillsborough County Fire Rescue uses to assist during storm and disaster recovery, and tools and technology used by county departments to get the county storm and disaster-ready. There will be giveaways of essential hurricane and disaster kits, dehumidifiers, five-gallon potable water containers, portable Pack ‘N Plays, outdoor work boots, and more.
The expo also will offer an opportunity for residents to have one-on-one conversations with Office of Emergency Management staff and representatives from a number of county departments.
There will be two breakout sessions – scheduled for 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – where residents will get expert advice on new flood insurance updates, revised FEMA rules, and learn about rapid storm intensification. There will also be opportunities to learn how to apply for the county’s Rebuilding for Tomorrow federal funding for housing recovery.
The expo will offer an opportunity for residents to learn the best steps for hurricane preparedness, safety, and recovery.
Expo highlights include:
• Up-close views of county emergency vehicles, technology, and disaster response equipment
• Guidance on what to include in a hurricane preparedness kit
• Opportunities to connect with community partners
• One-on-one conversations with the Office of Emergency Management and other County departments
• Demonstrations on how to properly use sandbags
• Informative breakout sessions on El Niño, rapid storm intensification, and new flood insurance updates
• Hurricane supplies giveaways, including essential hurricane and disaster tools, equipment, and gear
• Step-by-step information on applying for the county’s Rebuilding for Tomorrow federal funding for housing recovery
• Engaging and learning experiences for children and adults through touch-a-truck tours
Stay hurricane and disaster ready at HCFL.gov/StaySafe.
