Back-to-school time in Tampa Bay brings supply drives, haircuts, vaccines

It may seem early, but the back-to-school buzz is in the air since Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas public schools all open their doors Aug. 11.

Florida’s back-to-school tax holiday runs Aug. 1-31 this year with sales tax withheld on learning aids and jigsaw puzzles ($30 or less), most school supplies ($50 or less), clothing, footwear and accessories ($100 or less), and computers and related accessories ($1,500 or less, for non-commercial use).

Here are some supply drives and back-to-school events coming up in the Tampa Bay area.

Free books: The Juvenile Welfare Board’s Summer Book Bus program is rolling through the area offering two free books to any kid who comes on board. From Tarpon Springs to south St. Petersburg, the JWB Book Bus will give away more than 10,000 brand-new books to 5,000 children in just 12 days. See jwbpinellas.org for the bus schedule.

Read the article as originally published at https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/2025/07/22/back-to-school-supply-drive-pinellas-hillsborough/