August has been a busy month in Sulphur Springs as work continues to move from planning into action. The team has been out across the neighborhood connecting with residents and businesses, sharing resources, following up on needs, and creating more ways for people to stay connected through Sulphur Springs Stewards.

A major focus this month has been making sure residents and businesses know what resources are available, how to access them, and where to go when they need additional support. Need help finding or navigating a resource? Whether you are a resident or business owner, email info@sulphurspringsstewards.com and the team can help point you in the right direction.

Residents Engaged

Through community events, pop-ups, food distributions, back-to-school activities, and door-to-door canvassing, the team has connected with more than 710 residents. These conversations are helping connect neighbors with food, housing, utility and health resources; City services; upcoming events; and opportunities to stay involved in Sulphur Springs.

The team is also distributing the new Sulphur Springs Community Resource Guide, which brings local resources together in one place and makes it easier to find support when you need it. If you have a suggested edit, please let us know here.

View the digital Resource Guide

Para verlo en Español

Stay Connected + Get Involved

Sulphur Springs Stewards is creating more ways for residents, businesses, youth, neighborhood leaders, and partners to stay connected and participate in neighborhood priorities. Become a Sulphur Springs Steward by filling out the interest form.
We are also looking for additional residents interested in joining the paid resident canvassing team. Email info@sulphurspringsstewards.com to learn more.

Stay in touch through the Sulphur Springs Stewards WhatsApp:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BKo1wnAaLqGDEoegXU7X1Q

Local Businesses Reached

The team has also connected with more than 140 Sulphur Springs businesses, helping owners learn about available resources and providing one-on-one follow-up when needed.

As part of this work, there are two dedicated opportunities helping bring additional investment and hands-on support directly to Sulphur Springs businesses:

Small Business Development Center

SBDC representatives are available for drop-ins Monday–Wednesday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM at the United Way Resource Center, or businesses can request a free consultation for online or in person at https://sbdctampabay.com/. Sulphur Springs business owners can receive free one-on-one assistance with business planning, marketing, finances, access to capital, growth, and other business needs.

This September, SBDC is also bringing three free evening workshops directly to Sulphur Springs covering how to start a business, business financing, and building a strong business plan.

Workshops will be held September 8, 15, and 22 from 5:30–6:30 PM at the United Way Neighborhood Resource Center. Find these workshops and other upcoming neighborhood events on the Sulphur Springs Community Calendar.

WeatherWise Small Business Grant Program

The City of Tampa’s WeatherWise program provides eligible small businesses with an opportunity to invest in improvements that can better protect their properties and operations from severe weather.

Learn more about the grant here.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Sulphur Springs K-8

With summer wrapping up and school back in session, we wanted to kick off our first Neighborhood Spotlight by celebrating some exciting progress at Sulphur Springs K-8 Community School! The school has steadily increased student performance over the past three years and recently celebrated a 99-point improvement — placing it among the Top 5 K-8 schools for improvement.

This year’s gains included:

• 14% increase in Science
• 16% increase in Math
• 100% Algebra 1
• Chronic absenteeism reduced for the second year in a row
• Approximately 90% average daily attendance

And they are not stopping there — school leadership has its sights set on an A this year!

We’re excited to keep highlighting the people, schools, businesses, and organizations helping Sulphur Springs move forward.

Upcoming in Sulphur Springs

There is plenty more happening around the neighborhood! See upcoming community events, meetings, resource opportunities, and activities on the Sulphur Springs Community Calendar.

Keep an eye out for the Sulphur Springs Stewards team around the neighborhood — and if you see us, come say hello!