Somehow, we’re already three weeks into the new year. Yep, no lie. And there’s already a lot of news to dig into, from a juvenile curfew to a recycling arts contest. Let’s dive in:
Juvenile curfew
Next week, Tampa City Council members will sit for a final reading + vote of the proposed citywide juvenile curfew ordinance. If the ordinance passes, kids under the age of 16 will not be allowed out from 11 p.m.-5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12:01 a.m.-6 a.m. on weekends, legal holidays, or “during school hours if they have been suspended or expelled from school,” barring some exceptions. The penalty: A written warning for the first offense, and the second occurrence will merit a $50 fine. Read up on the potential rule before the Thursday, Jan. 25 meeting.
City board openings
Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to get more involved with your city? Here’s your chance — St. Pete is looking to fill multiple vacancies on city boards. The offerings include two spots on the Health Facilities Authority, seven vacancies on the Consolidated Plan Application Review Committee, and two seats on the Advisory Commission on Aging. Check out the descriptions, duties, and apply.
Arts contest
Calling all budding Picassos. The City of Tampa’s Department of Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management is now accepting entries for the 2024 3Rs Art & Poetry Contest. Kids in grades 3 to 12 are encouraged to create poetry and art inspired by the adage, “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Best of all, the winning art will be displayed on recycling collection vehicles — so you can see your masterpiece cruise by every week — and the winning poem will be shown off at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. Check out the contest’s rules + submit your child’s work by Friday, Feb. 2.