Newsletter
Did You Know
2025–2026 Legislative Outlook This year’s session produced dozens of bills touching on behavioral health, criminal justice, and general health/education. While important strides were made, many bills impacting the overdose crisis continue to be situated in...
Our Stories – Into the Light
Spotlight: Senator Darryl RousonThis month, Into the Light focuses on the intersection of recovery and legislation, as well as the leaders who bridge those worlds. Senator Darryl Rouson has been a driving force in advancing policies that expand access to treatment,...
As We Grow
WELCOME, STEPHEN PASQUALE!We are excited to welcome Stephen Pasquale to Live Tampa Bay. Stephen joins us with a strong background in nonprofit service, community engagement, and substance use recovery. He most recently served as the Mental Health & Substance...
Letter from the CEO
As we welcome October, I’m reminded of how much policy shapes the realities of recovery. The close of Florida’s 2025 legislative session brought meaningful progress, including new investments in crisis services, expanded oversight, and stronger pathways for...
Letter from the CEO
As we celebrate National Recovery Month, I'm reminded of the extraordinary power that emerges when business leaders, elected officials, nonprofit executives, and community advocates unite behind a shared mission. This month's theme—Recovery is REAL (Restoring Every...
As We Grow
WELCOME, ALLYSEN KERR! We are thrilled to announce and warmly welcome Allysen Kerr as the new Communications and Marketing Director of Live Tampa Bay. Allysen brings with her a remarkable blend of creativity, strategy, and entrepreneurial spirit. An award-winning...
Our Stories
As the Clinical Education Manager at Advent Health Wesley Chapel, Ashley shares how her workplace became more than just a job—it was a source of strength, support, and transformation on her path to recovery. This story serves as a power of example for both...
Did You Know
September is National Recovery Month—a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and hope of individuals and families on their recovery journeys. It is also a time to recognize the importance of supporting employees and communities affected by mental health and...
Upcoming Events
SAVE THE DATE: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025 Live Tampa Bay is hosting the 4th Annual Behavioral Health & Public Safety Summit, bringing together law enforcement, fire rescue, and problem-solving courts to strengthen cross-sector collaboration in addressing...
Our Stories
It is important to share stories of recovery so that we can reduce stigma and spread a message of hope that recovery is possible, at any age. This month we hear from Josh, a young man who experienced drug use and the trauma of losing his mother at a young age. Josh...
Did You Know
BACK TO SCHOOL: What Parents and Educators Should Know About Substance Use and Mental HealthThis month, we are featuring a guest Blog by Emily Parsons, MA - Assistant Director of Health Promotion at the University of Tampa. Some students are anticipating what is...
As We Grow
Live Tampa Bay is looking for a dynamic individual to join our team and liase in Hernando & Citrus Counties. The Community Liaison will support the organization’s outreach efforts in these counties by fostering collaboration and communication with a variety of...
Community Voices
A Parent's Perspective As I begin the countdown to the first day of school, there are so many things I need to do. I am composing what seems to be a never-ending checklist of Open Houses, schedule change approvals, orthodontist appointments, sports physicals, hair...
Letter from the CEO
The data in this month's newsletter reveals a sobering truth: adults 60 and older in Tampa Bay are now more likely to die from an overdose than those under 30. While overall overdose deaths have decreased, senior fatalities have climbed 24% over three years. This...
As We Grow
Supporting Seniors Throughout the RegionWe are forming a new cross-sector committee to support those 60 and older. Get Involved: If your organization or agency serves our older population or is interested in ways to improve outcomes in older adults in the Tampa...