Twelve more local veterans will receive a gift of a new home from the "Building for America's Bravest" initiative, Tampa Mayor Buckhorn announced Wednesday.
These homes' features meet the special needs of the severely injured veterans and have lower built-in cabinetry, iPad-controlled heating and cooling systems, elevators, intercoms and automated doors among other special adaptations.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation started "Building for America's Bravest" initiative to provide housing to the injured military personnel to ensure their independence in everyday life.
"Our heroes need your help and support. We welcome your donations, contributions and sponsorship to make these "Smart homes" a reality for the most deserving among us," said Frank Siller, Chairman of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Every house costs about $500,00 to build. The foundations raise money by organizing Lt. Dan Band benefit concerts and accepting donations from the communities.
The first veteran to receive the Smart Home in 2013 is USMC Sgt. Michael Nicholson of Tampa, a triple amputee. The Lt. Dan Band concert to sponsor his new home will be on May 10th at Curtis Hixon Park, in downtown Tampa.
"The partnershiop between the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation is dedicate to honoring and helping those severely injured veterans who have paid a huge price for volunteering to fight in our wars since 9/11," said actor Gary Sinise.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:00 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:00:44 GMT
It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million.
It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million.
Monday, May 20 2013 12:54 PM EDT2013-05-20 16:54:08 GMT
A member of MacDill Air Force's medical operations squadron died in a traffic accident, officials from the base said in a statement Monday. Staff Sgt. Cheryl Westbrook was driving in the center lane on
A member of MacDill Air Force's medical operations squadron died in a traffic accident, officials from the base said in a statement Monday.
Monday, May 20 2013 12:40 PM EDT2013-05-20 16:40:22 GMT
Police identified the man who robbed an off-duty Polk County Sheriff's deputy, and got a warrant for his arrest. They consider him armed and dangerous. Winter Haven police officers said, Damarius Antwun
Police identified the man who robbed an off-duty Polk County Sheriff's deputy, and got a warrant for his arrest. They consider him armed and dangerous. Winter Haven police officers said, Damarius Antwun
Monday, May 20 2013 12:37 PM EDT2013-05-20 16:37:39 GMT
Today, Governor Rick Scott signed the 2013-2014 Florida Families First Budget. Below is Governor Scott's letter to Secretary Detzner, followed by links to budget highlights.
Today, Governor Rick Scott signed the 2013-2014 Florida Families First Budget. Below is Governor Scott's letter to Secretary Detzner, followed by links to budget highlights.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:36 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:36:31 GMT
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:00 AM EDT2013-05-17 09:00:46 GMT
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:00 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:00:27 GMT
They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:25:15 GMT
Only two of 13 small SUVs are getting passing grades in front-end crash tests done by an insurance industry group. Popular models such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Jeep Wrangler received only "marginal"
Only two of 13 small SUVs are getting passing grades in front-end crash tests done by an insurance industry group. Popular models such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Jeep Wrangler received only "marginal"
Monday, May 20 2013 3:00 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:00:44 GMT
It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million.
It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million.
Friday, May 17 2013 4:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:58:08 GMT
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:51 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:51:13 GMT
A bartender at a pub in Indian Rocks Beach got stabbed on Sunday evening after refusing to serve a customer who was already intoxicated, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies told us.
A bartender at a pub in Indian Rocks Beach got stabbed on Sunday evening after refusing to serve a customer who was already intoxicated, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies told us.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:44 AM EDT2013-05-20 09:44:01 GMT
Zack Walker is an 8th grader at Lakeland Montessori He's among the students who plant, tend and watch closely over a small garden outside the Red Door Wine Market in Lakeland.
Zack Walker is an 8th grader at Lakeland Montessori He's among the students who plant, tend and watch closely over a small garden outside the Red Door Wine Market in Lakeland.
Wednesday, May 1 2013 6:01 AM EDT2013-05-01 10:01:55 GMT
More and more people are using social media to vent their gripes about bad customer service. Twitter and Facebook are becoming popular forums for consumers who want their voices heard.
More and more people are using social media to vent their gripes about bad customer service. Twitter and Facebook are becoming popular forums for consumers who want their voices heard.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:19 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:19:43 GMT
Hank Earl Carr
15 years ago the lives of Tampa Police detectives Randy Bell and Rick Childers, Florida Highway trooper James Crooks and 4-year-old Joey Bennett were cut short.
15 years ago the lives of Tampa Police detectives Randy Bell and Rick Childers, Florida Highway trooper James Crooks and 4-year-old Joey Bennett were cut short.
Saturday, May 18 2013 5:22 PM EDT2013-05-18 21:22:04 GMT
Dr. Reed, Dr. Pilon-Thomas and Dr. Sarnaik of Moffitt Cancer Center receive a check for $150,000 from Rob Shapiro and Jim Sirignano with Swim Across America - Tampa Bay.
Approximately 250 swimmers took to the water at Pier 60 Saturday in Clearwater Beach, in an effort to raise money for Moffitt Cancer Center Swimmers came from all over Tampa Bay.
Approximately 250 swimmers took to the water at Pier 60 Saturday in Clearwater Beach, in an effort to raise money for Moffitt Cancer Center Swimmers came from all over Tampa Bay.
Gary Sinise at the announcement Wednesday
