OTBB Day 1: Volunteers Return to James Cole Village to Build Community and Connection 

Tucked within central Tampa, Volunteers of America of Florida – James Cole Village (VOAF) stands as more than just a housing complex—it’s a place of renewal and resilience. The campus provides supportive housing alongside services that help individuals and families regain stability, independence, and a sense of belonging. 

Today, as Operation Tampa Bay Blitz kicked off, nearly 200 veterans and volunteers returned to this community—one many remember from a major revitalization project in 2024, thanks to the support of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. We are proud to be back and build on that momentum, deepening our commitment to Tampa through continued service and collaboration. 

Honoring Service with Recognition 

This morning’s opening ceremony set a powerful tone for the week ahead. We were honored to receive two formal proclamations recognizing The Mission Continues for our work in the Greater Tampa Bay area—one from the City of Tampa, delivered by Tim Heberlein from Council Chairman Alan Clendenin’s office, and one from the Office of U.S. Senator Rick Scott, presented by Luis Laracuente. A commemorative plaque was also awarded to our team, a meaningful tribute to the power of veteran-led service in shaping stronger, more connected communities. 

A Day of Impact: Transformation in Action 

Volunteers wasted no time getting to work—rolling up sleeves, grabbing paintbrushes and tools, and bringing new life to the campus. From outdoor enhancements to artistic expression, every task was approached with care, pride, and unity. 

Some of today’s accomplishments included: 

• Painting two vibrant murals designed by veterans, with input from residents and staff 

• Constructing and painting two new picnic tables for community gatherings 

• Sanding porch floors and removing worn carpeting to refresh shared spaces 

• Building a double arbor bench for seating near the children’s play area 

• Spreading 20 cubic yards of mulch throughout landscaped areas 

• Installing new fencing along the property lines for safety and privacy 

• Refreshing storage spaces to improve access and functionality 

• Painting the foundation of the community center and both trash enclosures 

• Repairing and resetting the welcome sign, damaged during the last hurricane 

• Modifying an outdoor pergola with a new roof and added shade 

• Building planter boxes to introduce vines for natural shade and greenery 

• Hosting a paver painting activity where everyone could decorate a stone with their own unique design—bringing color and personality to the walkways 

Gratitude for Our Sponsors 

We’re incredibly thankful for the generous support of our sponsors who helped make today possible. Special thanks to ToolBank, CarMax, and our official beverage sponsor, The Coca-Cola Company, for supporting our teams as we kicked off this unforgettable week of impact. 

We’re just getting started, and the energy is high as we head into Day 2 of Operation Tampa Bay Blitz. 

Stay tuned for more updates—and if you are in the local Tampa area and would like to join us, here are the event details to register!

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