Mayor Iorio welcomed six new students to the book discussion group for the upcoming season of  "Mayor's Book Talk".  The students are fifth grade readers from Rampello Downtown Partnership School. "Mayor's Book Talk" can be viewed on City of Tampa Television, Sundays at 3:30 p.m., Mondays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m.

The Tampa Bay Rays  held a "Party in the Park" pep rally at Lykes Gaslight Square Park.  Fans came out to show their support for the American League East Champions, and were treated to free hot dogs, Cracker Jacks, and Smokey Bones barbecue.  Sponsored by the Tampa Bay Rays, the rally included the Rays Team and the Rays Street Team, free Mohawk haircuts, and an interactive zone with hitting and pitching machines.

The 2008 Hispanic Man and Woman of the Year awards were presented to City Councilman Charlie Miranda and Ms. Bella Canasi during the 21st Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc. Annual Gala.  These awards are given annually to individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to enriching the lives of others and in promoting and preserving Tampa's Hispanic culture through civic and community service.

Residents had the opportunity to "Catch the Rays on the Riverwalk" on a giant screen in Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park.  The free, family-friendly, community event allowed attendees to enjoy the outdoors and the Tampa Riverwalk while watching the Tampa Bay Rays take on the Detroit Tigers.  Fans brought their picnic baskets and blankets and settled in to enjoy the festivities, which included giveaways, taking a turn at the Rays batting cage and meeting Raymond, the team's mascot.

Mayor Iorio presented four awards for excellence in service to persons with disabilities during the annual Mayor's Alliance for Persons with Disabilities Awards Luncheon.  The keynote address was given by Master Sergeant Rich Robertson, who mentors wounded warriors and directs a special military training program for injured soldiers who wish to continue active military service despite their disabilities.  The Mayor's Alliance for Persons with Disabilities is an advisory and advocacy group that strives to increase opportunities and the quality of life for persons in Tampa who are disabled.

Mayor Iorio welcomed attendees to the American Society of Civil Engineers West Coast Branch Environmental and Water Conservation Seminar.  The one-day seminar is for professionals involved in stormwater management, environmental sciences, watershed management, roadway drainage design, GIS and related fields.

The players, coaches and managers of the Citrus Park Little League Baseball and the Citrus Park Big League Softball teams were congratulated on their winning seasons and subsequent World Series appearances.  The Citrus Park Little League team finished their season as state and southeast regional champions and competed in the 2008 Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, PA, finishing fourth in the United States.  The Citrus Park Big League Softball team won the state and south regional championships and competed in the 2008 Big League Softball World Series in Kalamazoo, MI, also finishing fourth in the country.

Mayor Iorio spoke to the members of the Carrollwood Area Women's Club about current city issues including the 2009 budget and the City's continued commitment to arts and culture.  This club is highly supportive of the arts and is also actively involved in many city events.

Mayor Pam Iorio and Chief Steve Hogue welcomed 14 new officers to the Tampa Police Department.  Family members and friends also attended the ceremony, which was held at the Ragan Park Community Center.

Members of the Palma Ceia-Tampa Bay-Interbay Junior League Softball Team were congratulated on winning the South Region Championship.  The team also represented our area in the Junior Softball Little League World Series in Kirkland, Washington.  They finished the series in fifth place, competing against teams from the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.

Mayor Iorio joined DeBartolo Development and Athletes in Action in welcoming the mayors from throughout the Tampa Bay area.  The meeting included a presentation highlighting the vision for the 2009 Super Bowl Breakfast, which will be held in Tampa.

Mayor Iorio spoke to members of the Florida Gulfcoast Commercial Association of Realtors (FGCAR) at their annual membership meeting about current city issues including mass transit and local commercial development projects.  FGCAR, the largest commercial association of realtors in the area, offers its members networking and educational opportunities, and advocates for its members both in Tallahassee and Washington.

The Beck Group celebrated its move into the Tampa Heights community with an "On the Porch" luncheon for employees and neighbors.  Beck's new Florida Division headquarters is located on Highland Avenue.  Founded in 1912, The Beck Group also has locations in Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix and Los Angeles.

With the month of September being proclaimed United Way Month, the City of Tampa officially kicked off its 2008 United Way Campaign urging employees to "Live United" by supporting this organization's efforts.  The United Way currently partners with over 70 community service organizations throughout the Tampa Bay area.  City employees have been strong supporters over the years and successfully reached over 100% of its fund raising goal in 2007.

The Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and a coalition of leading companies and organizations have designated September as Life Insurance Awareness Month.  Statistics show that 44% of households in the United States lack adequate life insurance protection.  This recognition helps to raise awareness of the importance of ensuring the future financial security of family members and to encourage consumers to become more informed about their insurance needs.

David Dillon with the Fleet Maintenance Division was congratulated by Mayor Iorio on his recent retirement following 31 years of service to the City of Tampa.  Dillon was recognized for the numerous commendations he received from the various departments he worked with through the years and for the pride he always took in his work.

A moment of silence commemorated the events of September 11, 2001 at Tampa Fire Rescue Headquarters with similar events being held simultaneously at other stations throughout the city.  Attending the ceremony was Tampa Fire Lieutenant Roger Picard and his retired search and rescue canine Jessie.  Roger and Jessie personally helped search for survivors in the days following the attack.  Flags were also flown at half mast on all government buildings in honor of Remembrance Day as proclaimed by Governor Charlie Crist.

Mayor Iorio attended THAN's (Tampa Homeowner's, an Association of Neighborhoods) monthly meeting at the Kate Jackson Community Center. Over 40 neighborhood presidents and representatives attended the meeting to discuss specific goals and issues on behalf of their neighborhood associations.

Representatives of Moffitt Cancer Center and the Florida Prostate Cancer Network were presented with a proclamation recognizing September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Tampa.  This also kicks off the "Sneakers at Work" program, a national awareness and fund-raising campaign, that helps to enhance research funding and education programs to address the disease and the importance of early detection.

Tampa Fire Rescue held a ceremony at Ragan Community Center to recognize the 47 individuals promoted since the beginning of the year.  Fire captains, fire inspectors and communications technicians were congratulated on their promotions.  Over 200 friends and family members joined Mayor Iorio and Chief Jones to celebrate their successes.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in conjunction with the Moffitt Cancer Center were presented with a proclamation recognizing September as Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma Awareness Month.  Afflicting over 890,000 Americans each year, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is dedicated to finding cures for these diseases and offers support to those affected.  They also work closely with Moffitt Cancer Center to promote the development of numerous lifesaving and life-prolonging treatments.  This year, Clark Elementary School raised the most money of all schools in Hillsborough County for their Pennies for Patients Program.