Over 50 GaYbor District Coalition Members met at Streetcar Charlie's Bar & Grille for a luncheon where Mayor Iorio thanked them for their efforts in promoting Ybor City to a diverse selection of new businesses and visitors.  Formed almost one year ago, this coalition has been instrumental in helping to encourage economic growth in the Ybor City.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Gandy Improvement Project and the proposed study from the Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway Authority (THEA) for Gandy Boulevard were discussed during a meeting hosted by the City. Held at the Jan Platt Library, the meeting allowed for presentations from the FDOT, THEA, and the City of Tampa. Open to the public, this meeting offered residents an opportunity to ask questions and share their concerns.

Members of the University of South Florida student internship program met with the mayor to discuss the work they have been involved with over the summer. The students participated in projects with several different organizations including the City of Tampa, the Children's Board and the USF Collaborative for Children, Families and Communities.

Mayor Iorio spoke to members of the Kiwanis Club of Carrollwood about City initiatives and future plans that affect their neighborhood. As a chapter of Kiwanis International, this group of business professionals are committed to serving the community, particularly through projects impacting the lives of local youth.

Barbara Walter Shields, Training and Development Manager, recently announced her retirement after 33 years of service with the City of Tampa.  Barbara was instrumental in the coordination of employee training and development initiatives including external training, e-learning and tuition reimbursement.

The mayor met with participants from STEPS (Success Through Environmental Partnerships and Service) and discussed many topics including the importance of education and community service.  STEPS, a part of the Mayor's Beautification Program, is a nationally recognized public/private partnership that helps disadvantaged students in Hillsborough County succeed in high school, learn important social and job skills, and pursue college or get started in a promising career.

The Canary Island Chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce in Spain, in collaboration with the Tampa Bay Partnership, visited City Hall as part of a trade mission to promote investment opportunities.  This mission, entitled "Canary Islands: Gateway to Europe and West Africa," also included meetings with economic development representatives from the seven Tampa-Bay area counties.

Neighborhood presidents from Northeast Community, Tampa Heights, Forest Hills, Bayshore Beautiful and Swann Estates attended the mayor’s coffee.  Topics of discussion included current projects and issues as well as an update on the five neighborhoods.

Charles "Chip' Fletcher was officially sworn in as Tampa's new City Attorney. Fletcher previously served as an interim member of Tampa City Council from December 2006 through March 2007 and his work in private practice focused primarily on water, environmental and government law.

Mayor Iorio was joined by the Tampa Downtown Partnership to welcome three new retail establishments to the neighborhood.  Mayor Iorio and Jeff Darrey of Indigo Coffee,  (located on Franklin Street) served up coffee to the owners of Bamboozle Cafe, a Vietnamese fusion restaurant on Tampa Street and  TAPS Wine and Beer Merchants, an upscale bar and eatery in the SkyPoint Condominium complex on Ashley Drive.

Friends and family gathered at the Ragan Park Community Center to celebrate the recent promotions at the Tampa Police Department.  Seventeen sworn and three civilian employees were promoted.

Representatives from Tampa's Sister Cities Committee joined business and government leaders from Tampa and Barranquilla, Colombia as Mayor Pam Iorio and Mayor Alejandro Char Chaljub reaffirmed the 1966 sister cities declaration. This agreement promotes the exchange of business and trade relations and encourages further friendship between the citizens of these two cities.

Mayor Iorio spoke to the members of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) about the city's efforts in promoting affordable housing, during their monthly luncheon meeting. NAHREP is the largest minority trade group in the real estate industry and is committed to securing greater representation for Hispanic Americans on key regulatory and government issues related to real estate.

Members of the Young at Heart group presented Mayor Iorio with a hand-made bowl they designed at the Taylor Art Studio. The art studio is a city facility offering art and craft classes for children and adults including silk screening, digital mixed media, jewelry making, pottery, and much more.

Mayor Iorio discussed the importance of education and community service with 12-year old Tampa Preparatory School student Zack Schukur and 11-year old Academy of the Holy Name's student Julia Schifino.

Tampa Police Department's newest members were sworn in during a ceremony held at Ragan Community Center. The mayor and Chief Hogue presented the 12 new officers with their badges and welcomed them to the team.