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 comes 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 is a city that embodies service and dedication.
As we prepare for Operation Tampa Bay Blitz, we’re excited to build on this foundation of resilience and unity. The event will bring 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. Join us as we work alongside this incredible community to create positive change and inspire others to serve.
The service projects will take place Friday, June 20 – Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
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. Watch this exhilarating movement unfold as local partners and volunteers create positive change and inspire others to serve as well.
Volunteers of America Florida – James Cole Village
Project Day: Friday, June 20, 2025
Day one of Operation Tampa Bay Blitz will take 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. This campus, named after Tampa Native & Army Veteran Mr. James Cole, provides safe and affordable housing while offering essential services such as case management, life skills training, and employment assistance. The James Cole Village is committed to empowering residents by providing the resources and support they need to build brighter futures.
Together with our partners, we are spending 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: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Day two of Operation Tampa Bay Blitz will take 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. The site includes: 1-acre plot houses with 34 grow beds (10 of which are dedicated to Veteran volunteers), 3 sheds, a water catchment patio with solar panels, a greenhouse with aquaponics, a chicken coop, bee hives and a 10-stall compost station. All of these elements play a part in the exploration of what it means for our bodies, communities and planet to be healthy.
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. Children’s Services prepare children at a very young age for the next stages of development, which may include on-site therapies as needed. These critical services educate parents on how to navigate the complex education and healthcare system for children with disabilities.
Together with our partners, we are spending 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: Sunday, June 22, 2025
Day three of Operation Tampa Bay Blitz will take place at MLK Recreation Complex. MLK is a vibrant community hub offering a variety of programs and amenities for residents of all ages. The facility features a computer lab, gymnasium, and pool, providing opportunities for learning, fitness, and fun. Families can take advantage of the after-school program, summer camp, and Stay and Play activities, ensuring kids have a safe and engaging environment throughout the year. The MLK Recreation Complex is dedicated to fostering community connections and promoting active lifestyles for Tampa residents.
We will also be supporting 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. The garden aims to provide fresh produce, foster community engagement, and offer educational opportunities for gardeners of all levels.
Together with our partners, we are spending 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: 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. They are located on 6 acres of suburban property along Sweetwater Creek in Tampa’s Town ‘n’ Country neighborhood, in Hillsborough County, Florida. At Sweetwater, community members come together to grow and enjoy fresh organic food, acquire sustainable living skills, support local agriculture, enjoy nature, make new friends and be a part of the community.
Together with our partners, we are spending the day:
- Expanding garden productivity by adding more growing beds
- Improving and creating more spaces for educational programming
- Enhancing pathways through the garden
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If you would like to support our future missions, including our next mass deployment, please consider making a donation. We will make sure to put it to use!
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Past Mass Deployments
Want to read about previous mass deployments and what kind of projects they entailed so you can better prepare? Head on over to our main mass deployment page where we showcase the impact of mass deployment over the years.
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