OTBB Day 3: Strengthening Community Roots in West Tampa

Volunteers, veterans, and neighbors came together at the MLK Recreation Complex for Day 3 of Operation Tampa Bay Blitz. With laughter, sweat, and a shared sense of purpose, teams transformed community spaces, reinforcing the true power of connection. 

“I was at yesterday’s project and saw how The Mission Continues ran the event, and I knew I had to be part of this,” said Darrel Green, a Tampa Salvation Army employee. “Let me tell you something—this isn’t just an organization, it’s family. I met folks from all over the country. Everybody was real. TMC brought me in, showed me appreciation, and I’ll keep coming back. I was looking for a family like this.” 

From painting to building, today’s impact was more than physical improvements—it was about investing in the spaces where Tampa’s future grows, plays, and thrives. 

Transformation at MLK Recreation Complex 

The MLK Recreation Complex serves as a vital hub for families in West Tampa, offering everything from after-school programs to summer camps and fitness classes. Our teams worked across the site to refresh and reimagine its indoor and outdoor spaces: 

• Refurbished outdoor bleachers, benches, and picnic tables 

• Built a GAGA pit (a new favorite!) and added painted sidewalk games for kids 

• Repainted the gym interior, bringing new energy into a well-loved space 

• Built four kid-sized benches, two worktables, and a soil viewer to support youth learning 

• Constructed a mural wall and painted a vibrant mural 

Sowing Seeds at West Tampa Grows Healthy 

Right alongside the recreation complex, another group turned their focus to nourishment and sustainability at West Tampa Grows Healthy—a community garden and education space focused on food access and connection. Volunteers: 

• Built three new compost bins and three trash bins to support sustainability practices 

• Constructed a farm table and market stand to prepare for future harvests and events 

Today’s work was a celebration of community—neighbors supporting neighbors, and veterans leading the way through service. The MLK Complex and West Tampa Grows Healthy are more than places—they’re gathering grounds for growth, wellness, and belonging. 

A huge thank you to our sponsors—ToolBank, CarMax, and The Coca-Cola Company—for helping us bring this day to life. And to our volunteers, thank you for showing up with your whole heart. Your dedication is what transforms an idea into a real impact. 

Tomorrow, we continue the momentum with Project Day 4 at Sweetwater Organic Community Farm. To read more details and to register, click here. Join us as we carry the mission forward! 

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