Category: News
‘Equity Amid Crisis’ day two: The way forward
Time is ticking. That was a key takeaway from the second day of a virtual workshop centered around equity, inclusion and diversity hosted by Inclusivity LLC. The conference looked at systemic issues, such as health disparities that became more noticeable amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and racial injustice that rose to the forefront after the killing […]
George Floyd protests: How you can support Tampa Bay’s black community from home
You’ve read articles and watched videos of protests erupting across the country after the death of George Floyd. Maybe you’ve been out on the streets marching for days. Maybe you’re staying inside due to the coronavirus pandemic. “If you are hashtagging on social media, you need to also go out and do something as well […]
UNITE Pinellas on tracking COVID-19 in the black community
The “Equity Now” broadcast on WTMP reviews events through a lens of racial and health equity. Hosted by Carl Lavender, chief equity officer at Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg (FHSP), the program features conversations with local health experts, civic and political leaders, community activists, and stakeholders. On May 30, Lavender was joined by Dr. […]
During COVID-19, St. Pete Timebank offers new ways to consider community economies
COVID-19 has triggered a breakdown of the U.S. and world economy within three months. In rebuilding our economy, individuals, communities, and groups might want to consider developing alternate ways to receive and offer goods and services. The idea of communities and individuals sharing and swapping services and goods without using money is indeed as old […]
A rent and eviction crisis is looming next week
On June 2, the moratorium on evictions issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis expires, and a rent crisis that could impact thousands of local families is at hand. Like many states, Florida is on the cusp of a significant housing crisis that has been radically worsened by the pandemic COVID-19. For many, rent for both April, May and June will soon be past due. Local legal aid organizations (Gulfcoast Legal Services and Bay Area Legal Services) are gearing up for a rush of evictions even as the economy is restarting.
‘Equity Now’ on WTMP highlights recovery in St. Pete’s post-COVID-19 economy
The “Equity Now” radio show on WTMP brings St. Petersburg and Pinellas County community members and activists, political and nonprofit leaders, and social service and health experts together to review current events through a lens of racial and health equity. The program is hosted by Carl Lavender, chief equity officer at Foundation for a Healthy […]
With schools closed, community steps up to feed hungry kids
On Monday morning, at the height of the torrential storm surging through Tampa Bay, three Pinellas County School buses pulled into the parking garage of the Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg. Read More at 83 Degrees
Stressed out during COVID-19? Local mental health experts offer help
Recent data on the impact of COVID-19 on black and brown communities reveals a perfect storm of distressing information. From the health impact to economic data, reports show that the virus is wreaking havoc in African American and Latinx communities – and taking a toll on the emotional health of many of us. The good […]
Grow Smarter Pivots Foundation Funding to Address Small Business and St. Petersburg Residents
Grow Smarter St. Petersburg, an equitable economic development initiative based at the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and primarily funded by the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, will be redirecting an estimated $151,741 of awarded funds towards COVID-19 relief efforts in the community.
Across the South, Here’s How Local Funders Have Mobilized to Respond to COVID-19
Compared to elsewhere in the country, some southern states and jurisdictions were slower to issue shelter-in-place orders and resistant to closing local businesses as COVID-19 emerged as a threat last month. Now, there are growing moves across the region to loosen restrictions, with Georgia’s governor allowing many businesses to reopen this week—a move that’s been […]