News Summary
The St. Petersburg Housing Authority hosted a successful Back 2 School Bash at Jordan Park, providing essential school supplies and community engagement. Families received free backpacks filled with school supplies, while local organizations and notable guests enhanced the festive atmosphere. Activities included tree climbing, live music, and face painting, bringing the community together in support of children’s education.
St. Petersburg – The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) hosted a successful back-to-school event, known as the SPHA Back 2 School Bash, on August 5, 2025, at Jordan Park. Designed to assist families residing in SPHA housing with preparations for the upcoming school year, the event provided essential school supplies and an enjoyable atmosphere for children and their families.
Throughout the day, children were given free backpacks filled with school supplies, helping to alleviate the financial burden on families as they gear up for the school year. The event drew attention not only for its practical support but also for the lively entertainment it offered, fostering connections within the community.
Notable guests at the event included NBA veteran Chucky Atkins, First Lady of the City Donna Welch, and Councilman Corey Givens Jr., enhancing the significance of the occasion through their presence.
Support from Community Organizations
The event featured a variety of local organizations that contributed donations and support. Backpacks were supplied by The HUB, Hope Villages of America, My Daughter’s Keeper of Tampa Bay, and The Sanderlin Center. Additionally, Pinellas MYcroSchool provided the essential school supplies, ensuring that children had the necessary materials for a successful academic year.
The City of St. Petersburg made the event even more inviting by sponsoring a tree climbing activity as well as delicious Italian ice treats. Humana was responsible for providing ice cream for attendees, further enhancing the festive spirit of the day.
Entertainment and Activities
The SPHA Back 2 School Bash was not only about supplies but also about fun. The event featured live music provided by DJ Dondy, who kept the atmosphere lively, while Awesome Austin’s Entertainment created balloon sculptures for the children. Face painting, enjoyed by many, was offered by Face Painting Brittni, and participants engaged in the tree climbing activity organized by Pathfinder Outdoor Education.
Community Partnerships
The SPHA expressed gratitude to various community partners for their contributions and support. Organizations such as the American Heart Association, Arts Conservatory for Teens, Bay Area Legal Services, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay, Children’s Home Network, Clothes To Kids, Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Metropolitan Ministries, SPCA Tampa Bay, and St. Petersburg College played vital roles in organizing and executing the event.
Historic Venue: Jordan Park
Taking place in Jordan Park, the SPHA Back 2 School Bash benefited from its setting in this historic housing community, which is known as St. Petersburg’s first African American housing community. Jordan Park was originally constructed between 1939 and 1941 and continues to serve a vital role in the community.
The SPHA serves over 4,000 low-income households, providing affordable housing assistance and a range of community services to help families thrive. Events like the Back 2 School Bash exemplify SPHA’s commitment to supporting families as they prepare for successful futures.
In summary, the SPHA Back 2 School Bash at Jordan Park was a remarkable event that combined practical support with community engagement, ensuring that children and families had the resources they need as they embark on a new academic year.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
St. Petersburg Housing Authority Hosts Annual Back 2 School Bash
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Additional Resources
- St. Petersburg Catalyst
- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
- Florida Politics
- Google Search: Pinellas schools superintendent
- TBN Weekly
- Google Scholar: St. Petersburg housing
- St. Petersburg Catalyst
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community events
- ABC Action News
- Google News: back-to-school events St. Petersburg
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
