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WHY TAMPA?
Tampa is a city defined by resilience, community, and service, making it the perfect location for our 9th Annual Mass Deployment, Operation Tampa Bay Blitz. Known for its ability to bounce back stronger after severe weather-related disasters, Tampa’s strength came from its deep ties to the military and veteran communities. With over 120,000 veterans in the Greater Tampa Bay Area and MacDill Air Force Base housing more than 12,000 active-duty personnel, Tampa embodied service and dedication.
As we prepared for Operation Tampa Bay Blitz, we were excited to build on this foundation of resilience and unity. The event brought together veterans, local partners, and volunteers for a week of electrifying service, working hand-in-hand to create lasting change in this vibrant community. Since 2016, our Mass Deployments have reached major cities across the US, deploying veterans to drive sustainable impact. We came together to work alongside this incredible community to create positive change and inspired others to serve alongside us.
OPERATION TAMPA BAY BLITZ SPONSORS
OPERATION TAMPA BAY BLITZ PROJECT DAYS
We carefully select locations that are in need of a boost, where our resources and efforts can create sustainable change in the long term. Along with making a difference in the community – our Mass Deployments serve as an opportunity to inspire future leaders and encourage more veterans to take on new roles of service. Check out the full recaps below to see how this exhilarating movement unfolded as local partners and volunteers created positive change and inspired others to serve as well.
Volunteers of America Florida – James Cole Village
Project Day 1: Friday, June 20, 2025
Day one of Operation Tampa Bay Blitz took place at The Volunteers of America Florida – James Cole Village. VOAF is a supportive housing community in Tampa, FL, dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve stability and independence.
Together with our partners, we spent the day:
- Beautifying the campus outdoor area
- Brightening indoor gathering and recreation areas by repainting walls
- Adding additional seating options for guests and residents
The Sustainable Living Project & Sunrise Children’s Services
Project Day 2: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Day two of Operation Tampa Bay Blitz took place at The Sustainable Living Project and Sunrise Children’s Services.
SLP is best described as an urban farm and education center where people can be immersed in the world of sustainability. They implement innovative and traditional technologies that help reduce our impact on the environment.
Sunrise is one of the largest, private 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations in the country dedicated to serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Together with our partners, we are spent the day:
- Repairing and replacing damaged garden beds at SLP
- Brightening indoor classrooms by repainting walls at SCS
- Adding additional seating options for staff and students at both locations
Tampa Parks & Recreation: MLK Recreation Complex & West Tampa Grows Healthy Garden
Project Day 3: Sunday, June 22, 2025
Day three of Operation Tampa Bay Blitz took place at MLK Recreation Complex. MLK is a vibrant community hub offering a variety of programs and amenities for residents of all ages.
We also supported West Tampa Grows Healthy. They are a community initiative focused on cultivating a vibrant, sustainable garden that embodies the heart and spirit of West Tampa.
Together with our partners, we spent the day:
- Beautifying the campus outdoor area
- Brightening indoor gathering and recreation areas by repainting walls
- Increasing garden productivity by adding more beds
Sweetwater Organic Community Farm
Project Day 4: Monday, June 23, 2025
Day four of Operation Tampa Bay Blitz will take place at Sweetwater Organic Community Farm. They were established in 1995 as a nonprofit community-supported urban organic farm and environmental education center in Tampa, Florida.
Together with our partners, we spent the day:
- Expanding garden productivity by adding more growing beds
- Improving and creating more spaces for educational programming
- Enhancing pathways through the garden
#OperationTampaBayBlitz Highlights
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