2023 FLiP Jr program ends with a splash!

This summer, we continued our partnership with the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association (THJCA), bringing our Future Leaders in Planning (FLiP) Jr program to their summer camps located at the THJCA and at Town and Country Elementary School. FLiP Jr introduces elementary and middle school-aged children to planning through a series of hands-on community planning and transportation safety workshops. Over the course of the summer, these young students worked on various issues that were most pressing in their communities, helping them realize the power of their voice and the significance of planning.

Throughout the program, a range of topics were covered through engaging, interactive activities lead by Plan Hillsborough staff. From creating pop-up cities to playing safety bingo to participating in a mock planning board meeting led by Executive Director Melissa Zornitta and Planning Commission Chair Nigel Joseph, the kids we excited to identify what they liked about their communities and where they want to see improvements.

FLiP Jr culminated in an exciting fieldtrip that featured a scavenger hunt at Perry Harvey Sr. Park to discover the rich history and culture of Tampa’s African American community woven throughout the park. They also honed their public speaking skills in a special meeting with County Commissioner Gwen Myers, visited Plan Hillsborough’s office, road the TECOline Streetcar, and boarded a Pirate Water Taxi for a special tour of Port Tampa Bay (Thank you, Chris Cooley!). Rumor has it the day ended with a with the kids cooling off on the splash pad back at the park.

Plan Hillsborough’s FLiP Jr program, along with our community partner THJCA, has been recognized by the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association and the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s Future of the Region Awards with Awards of Excellence. The program enjoys generous interagency collaboration and the support of other planning partners. Our planners always takes away far more from this experience than expected.

We are very proud of FLiP Jr and the positive impact it continues to have empowering underserved youth in our community! A big shout-out to our amazing students who always impress us with their creative ideas and instinct.

We are looking forward to 2024! #inspiringfutureplanning