Tampa Republic

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s commitment to social justice, the Tampa Parks and Recreation Department is set to participate in a community-wide Day of Service. The event, organized by Learn and Serve Tampa Inc., a Youth Service America National Days of Service Lead Agency and AmeriCorps MLK Day Champion, aims to bring together community partners, local youth, veterans, and businesses for an environmental clean-up and awareness event.

Taking place on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 8:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., the event will be held at McKay Bay Nature Park in Tampa, Florida. Up to 300 volunteers are expected to participate in a beautification project and informational event, followed by a celebratory cookout. The City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department, The Mission Continues, and Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful have collaborated with Learn and Serve Tampa Inc. to organize this meaningful initiative.

The Tampa Parks and Recreation Department will be joined by various organizations and institutions that share a common goal of environmental consciousness and justice. The Florida Aquarium, the Jane Goodall Institute's Tampa Basecamp for Roots & Shoots, the Tampa AmeriCorps Green Team, the Travis Manion Legacy Project, and Students ReBuild hosted by DeSoto Elementary will all be present at the event to provide important environmental tips, activities, and ideas.

"We are excited to be part of this Day of Service and contribute to our community's well-being," said a representative from the Tampa Parks and Recreation Department. "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy of social justice resonates with our department's mission, and we are honored to pay tribute to him through this event."

The event has garnered support from local businesses as well. Workscapes and United Rental have sponsored the event, further demonstrating the community's commitment to coming together and making a positive impact.

Volunteers who wish to participate are required to pre-register and complete all waivers online before the event. Registration can be done at www.LearnAndServeTampa.org.

For more information, interested individuals can contact the Tampa Parks and Recreation Department at (813) 274-8211 or visit their office at 306 East Jackson Street, Tampa, Florida 33602.

As the Tampa Parks and Recreation Department joins the MLK Day of Service, the community can look forward to a day filled with meaningful work, environmental awareness, and a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s lasting legacy.