South Tampa, FL August 2026

Celebrating Our Children

This issue holds a special place in my heart. Children are more than just the future—they are the heartbeat of our communities today. Their laughter, their curiosity, and their potential shape the world in ways we can’t fully measure.

As parents and caregivers, we put so much effort into nurturing their growth, teaching them, and investing in their futures. But let’s not forget that children also shape us—they bring joy, laughter, and meaning to our everyday lives.

But we also cannot overlook the powerful role pets play in our families. They offer unconditional love and teach us valuable lessons in empathy, responsibility, and companionship. The bond between kids and their pets can be transformative, fostering deep emotional connections that last a lifetime.

Early in 2025, our family welcomed Leo, our Vizsla puppy, into our home. Watching my son Jace grow alongside him has been a beautiful reminder of just how powerful the bond between children and pets can be. Through caring for Leo, Jace is learning responsibility, patience, and compassion, while Leo offers the kind of unconditional love only a pet can give. It’s a relationship that is shaping them both in ways that will last far beyond these puppy years.

At the core of both children and pets is a simple truth—they need us. Our care and attention shape who they become, and in turn, they shape us. This issue is dedicated to celebrating the kids and pets who fill our homes with joy and love.

I hope this month’s issue inspires you to pour a little extra love into the children and pets in your life. They are the ones who remind us of the simple joys and the importance of unconditional love.

Here’s to our future, our little ones, and the pets who make everything better. Cheers!

BETHANY NORMAN, PUBLISHER @SOUTHTAMPACITYLIFESTYLE

August 2026

PUBLISHER

Bethany Norman | Bethany.Norman@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

JoAnn Chang | joann.chang@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Matt Norman | matt.norman@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bethany Norman, JoAnn Chang

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ana Laura Acosta Photography, Wild Artistry Photography, JoAnn Chang, Madi’s Movement, All Photos Considered Photography, Suncoast Academy, Hannah Hughes

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Liz Nixon

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Proverbs 3:5-6

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ARTICLE BY BETHANY NORMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUNCOAST ACADEMY

PLAYING AROUND

SCHOOL READINESS IS IMPORTANT - BUT HOW YOU GET THERE IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT

Walk into Suncoast Academy on any given day and you’ll find children building towers, creating imaginary worlds, exploring new ideas, and making discoveries that, at first glance, may look like simple play. But beneath the laughter and activity, something much bigger is happening. Children are learning how to think critically, solve problems, communicate with others, and build confidence in their own abilities.

For nearly 50 years, Suncoast Academy has helped children build the confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills needed for success in school through an approach centered on education play and discovery.

Since opening its doors in 1977, the South Tampa school has become a trusted part of the community, serving generations of local families. For owner and CEO Chris Rivenbark, that legacy is deeply personal. She began working at Suncoast Academy in 1978, shortly after the birth of her son, Jason. Today, her son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have all attended the school. “At the heart of our longevity is family,” said Chris. “Many former students stay in touch,

stop by to visit, or return with children of their own. Those lifelong relationships are a testament to the trust we’ve built with South Tampa families over the decades.” That sense of family extends far beyond the school’s ownership. Children are known by name, families are welcomed as partners, and many staff members have remained part of the Suncoast Academy community for years, creating a level of consistency and connection that is increasingly rare.

While much has changed in early childhood education over the last five decades, Suncoast Academy has remained committed to a simple but powerful philosophy: children learn best when they are actively engaged, curious, and having fun. The school has continued to enhance its curriculum, invest in teacher development, and build partnerships that support literacy, social-emotional growth, and overall school readiness. As an Apple Accredited school, Suncoast Academy thoughtfully incorporates technology into the classroom while maintaining a strong emphasis on hands-on learning. Partnerships with Early Literacy Matters and the University of South Florida’s behavioral support program

“WHILE ACADEMIC READINESS IS IMPORTANT, SOME OF THE MOST MEANINGFUL GROWTH HAPPENS WHEN A CHILD DEVELOPS CONFIDENCE, EMPATHY, RESILIENCE, AND A WILLINGNESS TO TRY SOMETHING NEW.”

provide additional resources while supporting the school’s longstanding approach to child development.

That philosophy comes to life in the classrooms every day. Whether children are building with blocks, engaging in dramatic play, creating art, or exploring the world around them, they are developing skills that extend far beyond the activity itself. Through imaginative play and hands-on experiences, children learn how

to communicate, collaborate, express emotions, think independently, and solve problems. When children are encouraged to ask questions, experiment, and create, they develop critical thinking skills while building confidence and resilience. What may look like simple play often becomes the foundation for lifelong learning.

For the team at Suncoast Academy, some of the most meaningful moments have little to do with report cards or milestones. They happen when a shy child finds their voice, when a hesitant learner develops confidence, or when a child discovers they are capable of solving a problem on their own. “While academic readiness is important, some of the most meaningful growth happens when a child develops confidence, empathy, resilience, and a willingness to try something new,” said Chris. Those qualities are difficult to measure, but they often become the strongest predictors of future success.

Perhaps that’s why so many families continue to return generation after generation. They know their children will leave with more than academic preparation. They will leave with a strong sense of self, a willingness to explore, and the tools to navigate whatever comes next. “We want every child to feel known, loved, and valued,” said Chris.

Nearly five decades later, that commitment continues to shape the experience of every child who walks through the doors, creating a place where learning, relationships, and childhood itself are equally valued.

SUNCOAST ACADEMY

Since 1977, Suncoast Academy has served South Tampa families through a play-based approach to early childhood education that emphasizes curiosity, creativity, and school readiness. Familyowned and operated under the leadership of owner and CEO Chris Rivenbark, the school creates an environment where children feel known, loved, and valued. An Apple Accredited school, Suncoast Academy partners with Early Literacy Matters and the University of South Florida’s behavioral support program to support literacy and social-emotional development. Generations of families have trusted Suncoast Academy to help children thrive.

South Tampa suncoastacademy.com 813-837-0411

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Capturing Time

In the early days of parenthood, the days can feel long, but it all too quickly seems to pick up speed. You go from having a newborn to a toddler. The next thing you know they’re starting school, and before you can blink, it’s high school graduation day. We only get 18 years of childhood with our kids, and it’s all too easy for the memories of those days to fade unless you take action to capture those moments to reflect on for years to come.

That’s where investing in a professional photographer can make an enormous difference. “You won’t get back that time. You’ve got to be conscious that is your moment. The next year is going to be totally different,” shared Ana Laura Acosta, owner of Ana Laura Acosta Photography. Ana knows this far too well. As a mother herself, she sees her family change and grow and feels the need to capture those memories.

That’s a big reason Ana became a photographer. After years in a high-profile corporate role in Mexico City, she knew couldn’t be the mother she wanted to be at the pace she was working. She fell back on her love of art and the training she had in photography in her youth, completed a degree in art photography, and refocused her career. Seventeen years later, she’s helped countless families capture memories to last a lifetime. “What I love most is to see a family through time. Where they were pregnant, then they grow up. I like to see that transition. It’s amazing,” said Acosta.

For Ana, the best way to preserve your family’s growth is not through stiff, posed portraits, but by capturing genuine moments. “I love the connections. I love to see kids playing. How everyone interacts with each other, because it’s the greatest love. If you get a pet into that equation, it’s even better,” shared Acosta. She also believes getting

ARTICLE BY JOANN CHANG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANA LAURA ACOSTA PHOTOGRAPHY

out of the studio and into nature makes all the difference. “I love natural light. It’s never the same. Sometimes it’s golden, sometimes it’s blue, sometimes it’s brownish. That’s why I do most of my work outdoors,” added Acosta.

Ana recommends scheduling photo shoots at least annually, capturing important milestones like birthdays and graduations. She suggests seeking out friends and associates for local photographer recommendations when starting your search, paying close attention to reviews, then narrowing down based on the style that best fits your family. “Photography is an art. You may love Picasso more than you love Matisse. Both are great artists. So, you have to be sure that the style fits,” explained Acosta. To do that, you should review their body of work, not just one or two sessions, to be sure you see a consistency in the style you’re looking for.

A little bit of preparation before your photo shoot can reap rewards. “Talk with the kids and husband. Ask them for some time as a gift,” explained Acosta. Ensuring everyone is on board can make for a smooth experience. Ana also recommends choosing clothes for both appearance and comfort. Above all, relax and enjoy the moment. “Kids are cute, even if they are not following instructions. But if your face is angry, that’s what will ruin the pictures. That’s what I cannot fix. When you’re living your life, you feel everything is chaos. When you take a step back and you see what’s going on, everything is beautiful. They feel the chaos. I just see the love and the smiles,” Acosta added.

CONTINUED >

“Photography is an art. You may love Picasso more than you love Matisse. Both are great artists. So, you have to be sure that the style fits.”

“When you’re living your life, you feel everything is chaos. When you take a step back and you see what’s going on, everything is beautiful. They feel the chaos. I just see the love and the smiles.”

In the end, family photos aren’t about perfection. They’re about honoring the fleeting, ordinary moments that quietly define a life together. As Ana reminds us, you only get one chance to capture each season as it is right now. The truth is, family life rarely feels picture-perfect. It’s noisy, messy, and a little bit wild. But Ana sees what most parents can’t in the moment—the beauty tucked inside the chaos, the love swirling at the center of the storm. And those are moments worth capturing forever.

To learn more about Ana Laura Photography or book a session visit www.analauraacosta.com.

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ARTICLE BY BETHANY NORMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY

BY MADI’S MOVEMENT/ ALL PHOTOS CONSIDERED PHOTOGRAPHY

MOVING Forward

Madi’s Movement guides young adults aging out of foster care

No child chooses foster care.

Yet every year, hundreds of young people in Tampa Bay find themselves navigating a system they never asked to enter, carrying trauma they didn’t create and facing a future filled with uncertainty. While the statistics surrounding foster care are sobering, the story of Madi’s Movement begins not with numbers, but with one young woman who believed every child deserved the opportunity to be seen, supported, and given a chance to succeed.

As a student at Alonso High School, Madi developed friendships with several teens living in a nearby group home. Through those relationships, she became aware that life wasn’t always fair. Some of her classmates had families cheering them on from the sidelines, while others were trying to navigate each day without stability and support. “Madi understood that we don’t get to choose who we’re born to or where we’re born,” said her mother, Effie. “She recognized that these kids didn’t have the same opportunities she did.” Those conversations stayed with Madi. Long before she had a plan, she had a heart for advocacy and a desire to create change.

In March 2021, Madi passed away at just nineteen. For Effie, the months that followed were filled with unimaginable grief. Amid so much uncertainty, one truth became clear: she wanted her daughter’s legacy to endure. Reflecting on their many conversations and the volunteer work they had shared, she returned to Madi’s journals. One entry felt like a message for the future: “I don’t have it all together, but I have a plan to change the world.” For Effie, those words became both a comfort and a calling.

What eventually became Madi’s Movement wasn’t created overnight. Before launching programs or offering services, Effie spent nearly eighteen months listening. Drawing on her background in banking and nonprofit leadership, she met with organizations already serving foster youth to better understand the existing landscape and identify unmet needs. She then invited young adults who had aged out of foster care to share their experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future.

Rather than assuming what support they needed, she asked them directly.

What Effie didn’t realize at the time was that while she was conducting research, she was also building trust. Many of those same young adults are still involved with Madi’s Movement today because someone consistently showed up, listened, and cared. Every child entering foster care has experienced trauma, and many carry those experiences long after they leave care. “If you don’t have food, who cares about financial literacy?” Effie said. “You can’t build the tools in your tool belt until you’re stable.”

That’s why Madi’s Movement focuses on creating stability first, helping young adults access resources, mentorship, and support systems that allow them to move forward with confidence. At the center of everything they do is the belief that transformation doesn’t happen in isolation. Through the organization’s advocate program, participants build relationships with mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and community.

“We need people,” Effie said. “We need community. We need the right people around us who believe in us.”

That belief comes to life through the stories of the young adults Madi’s Movement serves. One of those stories belongs to

“I don’t have it all together, but I have a plan to change the world.”

Kaitlynn, who spent fifteen years in foster care and moved fifty-five times before aging out of the system. Like many young adults leaving care, she entered adulthood without the support system most people rely on to navigate life’s challenges.

Through mentorship and support, she began building a future she once struggled to imagine. Today, she is a college graduate, entrepreneur, and role model for others navigating similar circumstances.

Another success story is Quay, who spent much of her childhood experiencing homelessness and foster care while being separated from her siblings. Although she dreamed of attending Florida State University, fear nearly prevented her from taking that step. More than academics, she feared being alone and becoming homeless again.

Like many young adults aging out of foster care, Quay wasn’t lacking potential, she was lacking a roadmap. Navigating college applications, financial aid, housing, and enrollment can be overwhelming for any student. For someone without a consistent support system, those barriers can feel impossible. Madi’s Movement stepped in to help her navigate the process, connect her with resources on campus, and build the confidence to pursue her dream. They helped ensure she had the tools and support needed to thrive once she arrived.

Today, Quay is graduating from Florida State University and has already been accepted into a master’s program. Her goal is to become an attorney and advocate for others.

Time and again, Effie sees transformation happen not because someone was handed a solution, but because someone walked alongside them long enough for them to discover their own potential. That commitment to relationships remains at the heart of everything Madi’s Movement does.

The need remains significant. Nearly six hundred teens age out of foster care in the Tampa Bay area yearly, many face barriers to housing, transportation, education, and employment. Yet despite those challenges, Effie remains hopeful

“If you don’t have food, who cares about financial literacy? You can’t build the tools in your tool belt until you’re stable.”

because she has witnessed firsthand what happens when a community chooses to invest in young people.

For her, the work has never been about saving anyone. It’s about creating pathways, opening doors, and helping young adults see possibilities they may never have imagined for themselves. It’s about showing up consistently, listening without judgement, and reminding them that their past does not determine their future.

Perhaps that’s the most remarkable part of Madi’s legacy. What began as a young woman’s compassion for her classmates has grown into a movement that is changing lives throughout Tampa Bay.

Because sometimes changing the world doesn’t begin with a grand plan. Sometimes it begins by noticing someone who feels unseen, believing in someone who doubts themselves, and refusing to let them walk alone.

It’s a legacy Madi imagined—and one that’s changing lives throughout Tampa Bay.

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Farm Fresh

The Shaggy Cow Lounge engages kids with an “udderly” fantastic farm animal experience

We are creatures of habit. Thriving on routine, it’s easy to settle into one as a family. For our children, it’s school, homework, maybe a sport or other extracurricular activity, then bed and back at it again the next day. While routines can be beneficial, we forget that we also lose something in that routine. Rewards often become screen time. Rarely do we set aside time to get out in nature –and spending time interacting with animals on a farm is nearly unheard of in today’s urban environment. But carving out time to get out of your routine and having a farm experience with your family can reap dividends.

One of the most noticeable benefits of spending time with animals is how it lowers stress levels. Between school commitments and social pressure, stress levels are high for children. Research has shown that interacting with animals can help lower stress levels by reducing cortisol and increasing oxytocin, often referred to as the body’s ‘bonding hormone’. Animals are also a great way to help connect our kids to the natural world while also building emotional strength. Research published by the American Psychological Association and other organizations suggests that regular interaction

ARTICLE BY JOANN CHANG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILD ARTISTRY PHOTOGRAPHY/JOANN CHANG

with animals may help children develop empathy, emotional awareness, and social skills. Taking on tasks like grooming and feeding animals also builds confidence and teaches responsibility. It’s also a lot of fun – and a great way for families to create memories together.

That’s where experiences like The Cowabunga Camp make an impact. They offer opportunities to engage with animals in a farm setting, providing an educational experience in a fun way. “It brings a lot of confidence because our animals are very friendly. It brings them off iPads and computers and educates them. A farmer told me he was trucking a bunch of sheep across the US, and this family peeked in. They’re like, ‘Look at all the pigs’, and they were all sheep,” explained Hannah Davis, owner of The Cowabunga Camp, highlighting the knowledge lost as our society has become more urban.

The Cowabunga Camp was established as an opportunity to provide a more interactive farm experience after years of hosting farm photo shoots. “I’ve been doing photography for 10 years now. As much as I loved it, I wanted to give more of an experience for families, instead of just coming for a 30-minute photo shoot. They can bring their own cameras,” shared Davis. Hannah worked with her farm partners across the nation to bring The Cowabunga Camp to life.

There are several experiences offered at The Cowabunga Camp, but one of the most popular is The Shaggy Cow Lounge experience. It goes beyond the typical petting zoo, bringing both animals and people together in a cool boho lounge atmosphere. Tickets offer an hour in the lounge with a cup of feed to offer to the many animals wandering the space. “We have a shaggy style station, which has boho hats and ponchos that everyone can wear for photos. It’s a time where you can really engage and hang out with animals,” said Davis. While the animals are the star of the show, the CONTINUED >

photos capturing the experience are top-notch. “We have little selfie stations. Our staff is trained to get as many selfies of you as possible,” Davis added.

The lounge atmosphere and extra enhancements really set it apart from a typical farm experience. “Everything is set up to get the cutest pictures sitting on the chairs and with the umbrellas, and everything is really thought out,” shared Davis. Those at the lounge may get a surprise visit from an alpaca in a tuxedo making a pizza delivery or a passing goat dressed as a cowboy. “It’s just a little bit different because we cater more to helping people get as many cute pictures as possible.”

Those who want to enhance their experience can upgrade to a larger feed bucket with extra snacks for your new fluffy friends or

“I wanted to give more of an experience for families. “

even brushes and bows to interact with the animals in other ways. If an hour isn’t enough time to explore, you could also book a VIP cabana, offering your own private space and the entire afternoon to spend with the animals. Soon, several locations will also offer overnight camping opportunities. “We are having a ton more overnight stay opportunities popping up around the US. In Mayo, Florida, we will have a new crazy retro experience, a lot of vintage campers to stay in with chickens walking around,” offered Davis.

In a world of packed schedules, screens, and theme-park lines, setting aside an hour to slow down with shaggy cows and sun-drenched pastures may be exactly the reset families need. At The Shaggy Cow Lounge, kids trade iPads for bottle feeds and boho hats, parents trade to-do lists for belly laughs and selfies, and everyone walks away with a story that feels bigger than a typical Saturday. “I want them to feel like they went out of the country, feel like they went somewhere and did something unique,” said Davis. For many Tampa Bay families, that might just be the kind of core memory worth planning around.

The Shaggy Cow Lounge

Get Down at The Shaggy Cow Lounge

The Shaggy Cow Lounge offers animal engagement in a retro-cool lounge environment. Learn more and book your tickets and add-on experiences at https://thecowabungacamp.com/

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Inspired by a vision of connection and creativity, The Spiral Staircase is a serene and joyful gathering place for women. Founded by Christina McCue Hoek, it was thoughtfully designed as a retreat from the demands of daily life, inviting guests to engage in enriching workshops, heartfelt events, and moments of reflection. More than a venue, it is a living community built on friendship, inspiration, and celebration. For more information visit

TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE

Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.

Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.

Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK

JANIE

“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”

Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.

After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”

The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.

FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.

Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

AUGUST 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

Summer Sizzler

Gadsden Park, South Tampa | 7:00 AM

Kick off the month with a family-friendly morning race series featuring running events and a kids' dash, all wrapped up before the summer heat arrives. Visit for more information and registration details.

YMCA Pickleball

South Tampa Family YMCA, 4411 S Himes Ave | 9:00 AM

Participate in or cheer on players during the 1st Annual YMCA Pickleball Tournament. Proceeds benefit the YMCA's drowning prevention initiatampaymca.org for more information and registration details.

Back 2 School Bash

Westshore Plaza | 10:00 AM

Families can enjoy activities, community resources, school readiness support, and opportunities to receive backpacks and supplies before the new school year begins. Visit Eventbrite for more information and

Hyde Park Village

Celebrate Tampa's hometown holiday with local shopping, family activities, community engagement, and special experiences throughout Hyde Park Village. Visit hydeparkvillage.com for more information and event details.

AUGUST 15TH

August Sip & Shop

Honeybee Home - 2124 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Suite 200 | 10:00 AM

Join Honeybee Home for its monthly Sip & Shop featuring Peach Sangria, a spe cial storewide sale, and a birthday cele bration honoring Queen Bee Robin.

AUGUST 15H & 16TH

FitFest Tampa Bay

Florida State Fairgrounds

A weekend dedicated to health, well ness, fitness, and family fun featuring workouts, vendors, educational ses sions, and community engagement op portunities. Visit fitfestevents.com more information and ticket details.