Tampa Republic

Tampa is set to surprise local children with new bicycles as part of the sixth annual Caroling with Castor event. Organized in partnership with onbikes and powered by Microlumen, this initiative is also supported by Tampa General Hospital. A total of 120 bicycles and helmets will be delivered to pre-selected children from Parks and Recreation programs.

The event begins Friday afternoon at the Temple Crest Community Center, marking the first of three scheduled stops. Mayor Jane Castor, along with members of onbikes, Tampa Police officers, and other community leaders, will deliver the bikes while riding a Gasparilla float. Each child will receive a helmet before being called individually by Mayor Castor to collect their new bicycle. Organizers ensure that each bike is suited for the child's age.

The schedule for Friday, December 20, 2024, includes staging at 2:00 P.M. at 8413 N 37th St, followed by deliveries at various locations: Temple Crest Community Center at 3:00 P.M., Rowlett Activity Center at 3:45 P.M., and George Bartholomew Center at 4:30 P.M., concluding around 5:00 P.M.

Since its formation in 2011, onbikes has provided thousands of bicycles to at-risk children in Tampa.