⭐ Meet the org

🏡 Services + support

1. Parenting support classes, groups + workshops: Learn how to parent positively at every stage of childhood.
2. Events + playgroups: Meet and learn alongside other parents and caregivers (and their kiddos) at Layla’s House, Baby Bungalow, or Great We Grow.
3. Home visits + developmental checkups: Receive in-home support for parenting successful + healthy children as they learn and grow.
4. Just-for-dad workshops: Build and maintain healthy relationships with your child(ren) and co-parent(s).
5. Community initiatives: Participate in Champions for Children education + support through these Community Initiatives.

🍎 How to be a champion

1. Donate to support the mission (Pro tip: Consider a #GivingTuesday donation).
2. Educate yourself.
3. Sponsor a family through this year’s Holiday Tree initiative.
4. Follow Champions for Children on Instagram or Facebook to stay in the loop.

• Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gift Market | Friday, Nov. 10-Sunday, Nov. 12 | Times vary | Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US 301 N., Tampa | $10-$30 | Shop holiday gifts + decorations at this stocked-to-the-brim market.
• Quinn XCII | Friday, Nov. 10 | 5-10 p.m. | St. Pete Pier, 600 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg | $45-$76 | Jam out to the singer-songwriter on St. Pete’s waterfront as part of the “Rise Up” concert series.

• Repticon Tampa Reptiles & Exotic Animals Expo | Saturday, Nov. 11-Sunday, Nov. 12 | Times vary | Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US 301 N., Tampa | $6-$16 | Join animal lovers to see, learn about, and purchase a wide range of rare reptiles — tickets must be bought online.
• November Free Saturday | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | Free | Enjoy the monthly admission-free day as you explore the exhibits + sights at the former Tampa Bay Hotel turned museum.
• “Encanto” | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 2 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Rd., Clearwater | $30-$155 | Sing along to catchy tunes as a live band plays alongside a showing of the Disney movie.
• Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Carolina Hurricanes | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $54+ | Show your support for the Bolts as they take to the ice against the Canes.

• Christmas Under the Oaks Holiday Market | Sunday, Nov. 12 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | St. Petersburg College Clearwater Campus, 2465 Drew St., Clearwater | Free | Browse 175+ vendors at the 47th annual market where proceeds go toward scholarships, grants, and the community at large.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Tennessee Titans | Sunday, Nov. 12 | 1 p.m. | Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa | $41+ | Cheer on the Bucs at Ray Jay as they look to get back to their winning ways when the Titans come to town.

• Veterans Day (honored Sat., Nov. 11 + observed by public offices today) is a federal holiday commemorating people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Expect various closures related to the holiday, and help honor our military personnel at one of these events.

• Lawn-watering restrictions could soon be introduced to the Tampa Bay area. It comes after the driest summer in at least 26 years, according to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Officials will vote next week on whether to reduce outdoor irrigation to one day per week in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties. (Tampa Bay Times)

• An idea first proposed by a University of South Florida student in a school project will now benefit thousands of Tampa Bay area veterans. Starting today, former service members in Pinellas County can ride the bus for free. The move by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority will impact the county’s ~73,000 vets. (St. Pete Catalyst)

• Hozier is coming to Tampa. The Irish singer-songwriter will be at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre next year, on Saturday, May 11 on his “Unreal Unearth Tour.” Tickets go on sale next Friday, Nov. 17.

• A vacant brewery is up for grabs in St. Pete. The building at 1776 11th Ave. N. was the former site of The Brutalist Temple of Beer, and Flying Boat Brewing Company before that. The nearly 11,000-sqft building is listed for $2.7 million + is still set up to function as a brewery. (St Pete. Catalyst)

• Florida Black Restaurant Week starts today. It’s the fourth year of the event in the Sunshine State which celebrates various cuisines + highlights Black-owned businesses. There are 15+ Tampa Bay area restaurants taking part and it runs through next Sunday, Nov. 19.

• Here’s one for the coffee lovers. The Brothers Thomas Bespoke Café is opening next month in St. Pete’s Carillon neighborhood. Located at 176 Carillon Pkwy., the spot will also offer juices and teas, sandwiches, snacks + wraps. (St. Pete Rising)

• No. 28. That’s where Tampa recently ranked on WalletHub’s list of the “Best Sports Cities” in the US. Findings were reached using metrics related to the country’s five most popular sports — football, hockey, basketball, baseball, and soccer.

• Busch Gardens’ “Christmas Town” returns this weekend for the holiday season. The 11th annual event will bring millions of lights to the theme park, as well as displays, shows, and seasonal food + drink options. The festivities start this Saturday, Nov. 11 and run through Sunday, Jan. 7. (That’s So Tampa)

• The Tampa Bay Rowdies have a new head coach. The team has appointed Robbie Neilson to the position, who spent his entire playing career + coaching career so far in Scotland and England. Neilson said fans can expect high energy from the squad.

• It’s a Veterans’ Day to remember for one Tampa Bay area vet. Progressive Insurance gifted 68-year-old Calvin Dobie a 2021 Nissan Altima at their Riverview facility this week as part of the company’s “Keys to Progress” program. Dobie told reporters he can find a job now. (WFLA)

• ~6,000. That’s how many runners are expected to take to the streets of the Burg this weekend at the fourth annual St. Pete Run Fest. There are 5k, 10k, and half-marathon races, plus kid- and dog-friendly events. The event runs from today through Sunday, Nov. 12 + drivers should expect some disruption on the roads. (WTSP)

• See why The New York Times named Greenville, SC as one of the “52 Places to Go in 2023.” Plus, snag a free Visitor’s Guide to start planning your trip.*

• Your new first drink of the night: ZBiotics, a probiotic engineered by PhD microbiologists to break down the byproduct of alcohol. Try it to wake up feeling refreshed tomorrow.*