News

FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association Donates “Hope Bags” to Support Children Recovered During Multi-Agency Rescue Operation

TAMPA, FL — 11/17/25 — The FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBITCAAA) proudly supported a recent multi-agency child-recovery operation by donating specially-prepared “Hope Bags” to the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and the Florida Department of Children & Families (DCF). These bags were provided directly to children rescued during the extensive coordinated effort.

The operation—led by the U.S. Marshals Service in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement—resulted in the recovery of more than 100 missing or endangered children across several states. Many of these young victims were in urgent need of clothing, comfort items, and essential personal care products when they were found.

To help meet those immediate needs, the FBITCAAA assembled Hope Bags containing new outfits, undergarments, toiletries, hairbrushes, lotion, stuffed animals, and other age-appropriate comfort items. Each bag was designed to offer warmth, dignity, and reassurance during what is often a frightening and uncertain moment for a child transitioning into protective care.

“Our alumni were honored to support this lifesaving operation,” said Jacques Hakim, President of the FBITCAAA. “When a child is rescued, they deserve to feel safe and cared for right away. These Hope Bags provide a small but meaningful sense of comfort during a critical moment in their recovery.”

Board Member Cara Riley, who helped lead the coordination effort, added:

“We wanted every child to receive not just essentials, but something soft to hold, something warm to wear, and something that reminds them they matter. Partnering with the U.S. Marshals Service and DCF allowed us to get these items into the hands of children who needed them most.”

The donation exemplifies the FBITCAAA’s longstanding commitment to supporting public-safety initiatives, strengthening community partnerships, and assisting agencies dedicated to protecting vulnerable populations across the Tampa Bay region.

“We are grateful for the extraordinary work of the U.S. Marshals Service, DCF, and all the law enforcement professionals involved,” Hakim said. “Their dedication inspires us to continue serving wherever we can make a difference.”

The FBITCAAA remains committed to supporting victim services, community outreach, and law enforcement initiatives throughout Tampa Bay and beyond.

A Night of Joy, Unity, and Impact in Tampa

On a crisp November evening, the holiday season in Tampa began with more than twinkling lights — it began with purpose. The FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBITCAAA) joined community partners and families to “Light Up Mary Lee’s House,” marking the first-ever holiday lighting celebration at the child-advocacy and support center. What unfolded was an unforgettable night filled with heart, hope, and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together.

Transforming a Space with Meaning

With the help of the Bright Brothers East Tampa team, Mary Lee’s House was adorned with a stunning holiday light display, turning its main entrance into a radiant symbol of safety and support. The festive glow wasn’t just seasonal décor — it represented the warmth, stability, and joy that Mary Lee’s House provides year-round to children in Hillsborough County who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.

Event Highlights: Giving, Gathering, and Gratitude

FBITCAAA’s commitment to this special night was substantial. Highlights from the evening included:

• 400 holiday presents collected and donated for the children served by Mary Lee’s House and its partner organizations

• A 2-hour visit from Santa Claus, delighting children and adding festive spirit

• A $2,500 donation check presented by FBITCAAA to support Mary Lee’s House programming

• The complete holiday light installation, generously provided by Bright Brothers East Tampa

Representatives from the center’s core partner organizations attended the celebration, including the Children’s Advocacy Center, USF Child Protection Team, Healthy Start Coalition of Hillsborough County, PEDI Clinic, and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Together, these groups joined law enforcement, families, and supporters in recognizing the importance of their collective mission.

Words From Leadership

FBITCAAA Board President Jacques Hakim led the celebration and shared heartfelt remarks with attendees:

“Tonight was more than a lighting ceremony — it was a reminder of how powerful we are when we come together for the safety and well-being of our children. Mary Lee’s House represents the very best of collaboration, compassion, and commitment, and it was inspiring to see our community show up so brightly.”

Shining a Spotlight on Community Impact

The evening also garnered local media attention. Bay News 9 covered the event, helping spread awareness about the essential work happening at Mary Lee’s House and highlighting how community organizations like FBITCAAA are stepping up to support children and families in need.

Looking Ahead with Purpose

As the lights continue to shine throughout the holiday season, so too does the commitment of FBITCAAA to serve and uplift its community. Events like this underscore the Alumni Association’s mission to support public safety, promote community collaboration, and serve vulnerable populations.

Get Involved

To learn more about FBITCAAA’s work or to get involved in future initiative

Tampa, FL – Members of the FBITCAAA had the privilege of joining the Suncoast Chapter of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI for a luncheon held in Tampa. Representing the Alumni Association were Jacques Hakim, President of the Tampa Bay Chapter; Dan Sallade, Vice President; and Betsy Conley, Community Outreach Specialist for the Tampa FBI Field Office.

The program featured the Bay News 9 Chief Meteorologist, who delivered an engaging presentation on the past year’s active hurricane season and shared projections for the upcoming 2025 storm season. His expertise underscored the challenges Floridians face and the importance of preparedness as storm patterns grow increasingly intense.

The FBITCAAA extends its appreciation to Tom Gates, Chairman; Lisa Kerr, Vice-Chair; Ruta Hance, Treasurer; and Doug DeWolfe, Secretary of the Suncoast Chapter for their warm welcome and hospitality. Their leadership reflects the strong sense of camaraderie and commitment that continues to unite former agents and community partners alike.

Events like this luncheon highlight the shared mission of strengthening public safety, fostering collaboration, and building bridges between the Citizens Academy Alumni Association and the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI. Together, these partnerships ensure the continuation of service, knowledge sharing, and community engagement rooted in the FBI’s legacy.

The FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBITCAAA) brought holiday spirit to the height of summer with its Christmas in July toy drive, proving that the season of giving knows no calendar. This heartwarming community effort collected toys for hospitalized, abused, and neglected children across Tampa Bay, and thanks to the generosity of our community, we didn’t just meet our goal… we shattered it.

A Record-Breaking Toy Collection

With a goal of 5,000 toys, the FBITCAAA rallied friends, family, and local supporters to fill toy treasure chests used year-round in hospitals, advocacy centers, and child protection services. The result? A mountain of donated toys, surpassing expectations and ensuring thousands of moments of joy for children in need.

Where the Magic Went

The toys were hand-delivered to:

• Mary Lee’s House

• St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation

• Pasco Kids First

• Advent Health Tampa

• Tampa General Hospital

• Child Protection Services

Each delivery was met with smiles, gratitude, and the promise that these toys will brighten the days of children facing medical challenges, abuse recovery, and difficult family transitions.

Community Spirit in Action

“This drive shows the power of our Tampa Bay community,” said Jacques Hakim, FBITCAAA President. “When we come together for a shared cause, the impact is truly magical.”

Volunteers — some donning Santa hats in the July heat — helped sort, pack, and distribute the toys. For many, it was a reminder that kindness is the gift that keeps on giving.

The Impact Beyond the Holidays

The toys collected will be distributed throughout the year, ensuring that every child who enters these facilities can experience a moment of joy and comfort. From a stuffed animal to hold during a hospital stay, to games that bring laughter in times of uncertainty, each toy is a small piece of hope.

Looking Ahead

The FBITCAAA will continue its commitment to serving and strengthening the Tampa Bay community through volunteerism, partnerships, and events that support safety, healing, and unity. Stay tuned for our next community outreach — and remember, it’s always the right season to make a child smile.

The Tampa Division of the FBI recently welcomed more than 450 family members to Headquarters for its annual FBI Family Day, a tradition that strengthens bonds between Bureau personnel and their loved ones. This year’s gathering took the form of a festive barbecue, complete with delicious food, laughter, and hands-on activities.

Guests enjoyed mouthwatering barbecue favorites prepared with care, alongside refreshing smoothies courtesy of Planet Smoothie. The event also featured strong community support from Florida Firearms Academy, whose partnership helped make the day a success.

The FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBITCAAA) Board of Directors and members proudly pitched in, helping to coordinate, serve, and ensure every guest felt welcomed.

“It is always an honor to serve alongside such dedicated individuals,” said one Board Member. “Family Day is about showing our gratitude to the families who support FBI personnel every single day.”

Community Impact
By inviting families behind the scenes, Family Day offers a unique opportunity to connect loved ones with the mission of the FBI. Events like this reinforce the importance of both community partnerships and family support in sustaining the Bureau’s work.

Looking Ahead
The FBITCAAA is committed to continuing its work with the Tampa FBI and valued community partners to create events that build trust, foster understanding, and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the public.

On May 20, 2025, federal and local law enforcement agencies responded to a bomb squad incident in a North Fort Myers neighborhood. The operation lasted over 24 hours and included participation from more than 50 officers. The lead federal agency on scene was the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with support from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

FBITCAAA CIRT Activation

In support of the extended operation, the Fort Myers Chapter of the FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBITCAAA) activated its Community Incident Response Team (CIRT). The team coordinated and delivered pizza and bottled water directly to the scene. This provision supported personnel from multiple units, including bomb squads, hazardous evidence response teams, and perimeter security.

Scope of Support

The logistical assistance ensured that law enforcement officers had access to basic sustena

nce during the prolonged field operation. The CIRT response focused solely on supporting responders' immediate needs with food and water.

Coordination and Participation

This effort demonstrated effective coordination between community volunteers and law enforcement agencies. While the nature of the threat and operational specifics were not disclosed in full detail, the unified response underscored the collaborative framework in place for addressing public safety threats.

Continued Involvement

FBITCAAA continues to offer logistical and community support during active law enforcement operations when requested. Individuals interested in participating in future CIRT efforts are encouraged to contact the organization through official channels.

Link to Story: Click Here

From May 11th to 17th, 2025, communities across Florida's west-central region are coming together to observe National Police Week through a heartfelt initiative titled "Paint the Town Blue" (PTTB). This movement not only honors the commitment and sacrifices of law enforcement officers but also unites neighborhoods in a visible show of gratitude and solidarity.

Supported by proclamations from the City of Orlando (May 1, 2025) and Pasco County (May 6, 2025), the event aims to create a sea of blue throughout homes, government buildings, and local landmarks.

Event Highlights: Lighting the Region Blue

Many prominent locations throughout the Area of Responsibility (AOR) will be illuminated in blue light to commemorate the bravery of those who serve and those we have lost. Notable highlights include:

New Port Richey

• Main Street Bridge will shine in blue throughout the week.

• Blue lighting at key civic locations: New Port Richey Police Department and City Hall.

City of Tampa

• Cutis Hixon Park Palm Trees & Louver Fountain

• City Center at Hanna

• Old City Hall

• Tampa Riverwalk

• Sulphur Springs Water Tower

Regional Landmark

• The iconic Skyway Bridge will also be bathed in blue as a beacon of remembrance and support.

Community Involvement: Simple Ways to Participate

The PTTB campaign calls on residents to participate with three easy steps:

1. Light It Blue – Decorate homes or workplaces with blue lighting and encourage employees to wear blue throughout the week.

2. Lend a Light – A limited number of blue lightbulbs are available upon request to help spread the message.

3. Yard Sign Support – Limited-edition PTTB yard signs can be displayed to visually express support for law enforcement at all levels—state, local, and federal.

Interested individuals can contact the organizers to request bulbs or signs.

Impact and Community Voice

“Every blue light tells a story,” shared one local supporter. “It says ‘thank you’ to the officers who protect us every day and ensures those who gave their lives are never forgotten.”

The initiative fosters awareness and appreciation while building stronger bonds between law enforcement and the communities they serve. With participation from residents, city officials, and public safety partners, this event shines a literal and symbolic light on unity and remembrance.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Mission

As National Police Week draws to a close, FBITCAAA encourages the community to continue supporting local law enforcement through acts of kindness, advocacy, and civic engagement. The PTTB campaign exemplifies how a small gesture—like flipping a switch to blue—can brighten the legacy of service and sacrifice.

To learn more about future events or to get involved, please visit FBITCAAA.org.

See Koda's PTTB YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/YjwdwfF1V00

Tampa, FL – The FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBITCAAA) is proud to announce an exciting new collaboration with the Former Agents Association of the Tampa Bay Area (Suncoast Chapter). This partnership, initiated at the request of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the Tampa Field Office and Community Outreach Specialist Betsy Conley, marks a significant step forward in strengthening connections between active and former FBI personnel to better serve and engage the community.

A United Effort for Greater Impact

During a recent meeting at the Tampa Field Office, members of the FBITCAAA Board of Directors had the privilege of engaging with the leadership of the FBI Former Agents Association, including Chairman Vincent Jones, Tom Gates, and Doug DeWolfe. Together, they outlined a framework for collaboration based on three core pillars:

1. Enhanced Outreach & Community Engagement
   This initiative seeks to deepen connections between the FBI, former agents, and the FBITCAAA, creating stronger ties with the communities served. By expanding outreach efforts, both organizations will work together to promote public safety awareness and strengthen relationships with local leaders and citizens.
   
   
2. Supporting Retired Agents in Transition
   Recognizing the value of experienced FBI professionals, this collaboration will introduce retiring agents to community leaders and organizations to help facilitate career transitions. By connecting these distinguished professionals with opportunities in the private sector, they will continue to make impactful contributions beyond their service with the Bureau.
   
   
3. Preserving the Legacy of the FBIA key project under this partnership is the History of the FBI in the Tampa Field Office and Beyond initiative. Through interviews, storytelling, and shared experiences, this effort will document and celebrate the dedication and achievements of FBI personnel, ensuring their contributions to protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution are honored for generations to come.

A Partnership for the Future

This collaboration represents a historic milestone for both organizations, reinforcing their shared commitment to public service, education, and the preservation of FBI history. Through combined efforts, the FBITCAAA and the Former Agents Association will honor the past, engage the present, and build a strong foundation for the future.

The FBITCAAA is excited about this meaningful partnership and looks forward to working closely with the Former Agents Association to create lasting benefits for its members and the broader community.

The FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBITCAAA) is proud to expand its annual Christmas in July Initiative by welcoming AdventHealth of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties as a new partner. This collaboration reflects FBITCAAA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the mission of the FBI and making a positive impact in the community by bringing joy to children undergoing medical procedures.

Expanding Our Reach to More Children in Need

With the addition of AdventHealth, FBITCAAA strengthens its network of healthcare partnerships, which already includes Tampa General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Pasco Kids First, Mary Lee’s House, Sarasota Child Protection Agency, and others. By working together with these organizations, FBITCAAA ensures that more children in difficult medical situations experience moments of happiness and relief through the Christmas in July initiative.

Bringing Smiles, Hope, and Comfort

The Christmas in July Initiative is a heartwarming effort designed to brighten the spirits of children receiving medical care. Through this program, FBITCAAA and its partners provide toys, games, and other thoughtful gifts to young patients, reminding them that they are not alone. These simple but meaningful gestures help alleviate some of the emotional challenges children and their families face during medical treatments.

"Our mission is to foster hope and comfort throughout our community, and through partnerships like this, we can reach even more children in need," said an FBITCAAA representative. "We are grateful to Advent Health for joining us in this important effort to bring joy to young patients."

Looking Ahead: A Stronger Community Together

This growing collaboration underscores FBITCAAA’s dedication to community service, public safety, and humanitarian outreach. By uniting with leading healthcare providers, law enforcement, and child advocacy groups, the organization continues to strengthen its impact across the Tampa Bay area and beyond.

As we approach this year’s Christmas in July Initiative, we invite the community to get involved through donations, volunteer opportunities, and outreach efforts. Together, we can ensure that every child facing medical challenges receives a reason to smile.

For more information on how to support FBITCAAA’s initiatives or to become a partner, please visit our website or contact us directly.

Together, we are making a difference—one child, one smile at a time.

The Gasparilla Children's Parade brought joy and excitement to Tampa Bay as families gathered along Bayshore Boulevard to celebrate one of the city's most cherished traditions. Since 1947, this spectacular event has captivated audiences with its dazzling parade floats, enthusiastic krewes, energetic marching bands, and talented dance groups.

This year, nearly 100 participants from the FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBITCAAA) and the Tampa FBI Field Office proudly joined the parade, adding to the community spirit and enthusiasm. One of the event’s biggest highlights was the beloved Koda the Fluff, the crowd-favorite pup, sporting stylish sunglasses while cruising down the parade route in her red convertible "Fur-rrari."

A Celebration for All Ages

Stretching along the 1.5-mile parade route from Bay to Bay Boulevard to Edison Avenue, families lined the streets, cheering on the beautifully decorated floats and lively performers. The Gasparilla Children's Parade is known for providing a family-friendly environment filled with interactive activities, costumed characters, and plenty of pirate-themed fun.

Members of the FBITCAAA and Tampa FBI Field Office engaged with the community, reinforcing their commitment to public safety, civic engagement, and positive outreach. The group walked alongside the FBI vehicles, waving to attendees and handing out beads to delighted children.

Community Engagement and Impact

The Gasparilla Children's Parade serves as an opportunity for local organizations to connect with the community and inspire future generations. The FBITCAAA’s participation showcased the importance of fostering relationships between law enforcement and the public, building trust, and encouraging civic involvement from an early age.

"Being part of such a beloved community tradition is an incredible way to connect with families and show that we are here not just to serve but to celebrate alongside them," said an FBITCAAA representative.

Looking Ahead

As another successful Gasparilla Children's Parade comes to a close, excitement is already building for next year's festivities. The FBITCAAA remains dedicated to engaging with the community through events that promote unity, safety, and education.

For those interested in future opportunities to participate or support the FBITCAAA’s mission, stay connected through upcoming events and initiatives that continue to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the Tampa Bay community.

Until next year, Tampa – Yo Ho Ho and see you at the next Gasparilla adventure!