Public-speaking coaching
Practice expressing ideas clearly, listening well, and showing up with confidence.
Tampa’s next generation belongs in the room
Bright minds should have a front-row seat.
Future of Florida is a civic-leadership initiative that opens real pathways for Tampa-area high school and college students to learn, contribute, and discover what public service can look like.
Ages 14–22 · In-person, remote, and flexible participation
60students invited in the inaugural round
9leadership milestones in the passport
1city made stronger by their ideas
Not a classroom simulation
Learn the city by helping shape it.
Students move through a flexible civic journey built around real conversations, thoughtful observation, public-policy exploration, and age-appropriate opportunities to participate alongside the campaign.
The work itself happens in Buzz, our campaign workspace. This portal is where students understand the journey, prepare for what comes next, track confirmed progress, and build a portfolio they can carry forward.
City Hall exposure
Observe local government, meet public servants, and see how decisions move from conversation to action.
Policy exploration
Ask better questions, study Tampa’s challenges, and develop a student policy mini-brief.
Mentorship
Set personal goals with an assigned mentor who confirms meaningful progress along the way.
Campaign experience
Join age-appropriate events and community experiences in person, remotely, or through both paths.
Recognition that travels
Receive a professional headshot, shareable certificate, and signed recommendation letter upon completion.
Why it exists
“The last thing a forward-moving city should do is limit the scope of opportunity available to its young people.”
— Alan Henderson
The initiative is built on a simple belief: young people are not merely waiting to inherit Tampa. They already notice what adults miss, ask questions institutions avoid, and carry ideas worth taking seriously.
Future of Florida opens the door early—without asking students to already know the language, the people, or the path into public life.
A path with room to grow
Three ways to step into the work.
In person
Join selected meetings, civic observations, public events, and community experiences across Tampa.
Remote
Complete approved remote observations, coaching, policy exploration, and reflections from wherever you are.
Both
Build a flexible schedule around school, work, family, and the opportunities that fit you best.
Rolling invitations
Your perspective may be exactly what Tampa needs next.
The inaugural invitations have begun, and additional requests will be reviewed on a rolling basis through the election.
Request your invitation