Start your engines, Pinellas County. The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) is racing into National Library Week (April 19–25) with a high-energy surprise for families: Turbo Babies “Pit Stops” are now open at local libraries.

Through a new partnership with the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative, libraries across the county are transforming into learning pit stops—where families with babies ages 0–3 can pull in and pick up a free Turbo Babies “Pit Crew” bag packed with playful, brain-boosting goodies.

Each Pit Crew bag is designed to get little learners off to a great start, including:

🏁 A board book

🏁 Fun, educational toy

🏁 Age-based activities designed to rev up kids’ learning and keep their development on track

🏁 A chance to sign up to receive free birthday gifts for baby through age three

“An astonishing 80 percent of a baby’s brain is developed by age three,” said JWB Interim CEO Michael Mikurak. “That growth happens at lightning speed, making the early years a critical time to fuel development. Turbo Babies puts families in the driver’s seat, giving parents and caregivers the tools they need to boost learning through everyday moments—like reading, talking, and playing together.”

At these library “Pit Stops,” families can grab gear and discover easy ways to keep their baby’s development on track. From storytime to toddler time and pop-up playgroups, libraries offer fun opportunities to bond and learn together. As part of National Library Week and this year’s theme, Find Your Joy, this effort highlights how libraries support early learning and family connection.

“This partnership is a natural fit. In our early literacy programs, we remind parents they are their child’s first and best teacher—and these Turbo Babies bags help bring that to life,” said Mandy Morris, Librarian with St. Petersburg Library System. They’re a great takeaway, giving families simple, on-the-go ways to read, talk, and play together while supporting their baby’s brain development during those critical early years.”

Just like any great team, every child needs a strong crew. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join the Turbo Babies Pit Crew by registering at TurboBabies.com. Members receive expert tips, access to community events, and even free birthday surprises for their child through age three.

For a list of participating Pinellas County public libraries, visit TurboBabies.com/Library-Pit-Stops.  

More than 130 attendees gathered for an indoor Caregivers’ Brunch connecting kinship caregivers with resources and one another—made possible by volunteers, partners, and community support.

The South County Community Council hosted a Caregivers’ Brunch to support caregivers raising grandchildren and other relatives, offering expert guidance, helpful resources, and time to connect. The response from families and partners was overwhelmingly positive.

Highlights included a warm welcome by St. Pete’s Mayor Ken Welch; Ashli Doss of the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office as emcee; a panel with expertise from Pinellas County Schools, St. Pete Free Clinic, Bay Area Legal Services, and St. Pete Hubs; live music from the Gibbs High School Jazz Band; and a personal reflection from South County grandmother Rebecca Bray on the joys and challenges of raising her grandchild. Brunch, catered by Johnny Newsome (JNew BBQ and Catering), featured a delicious spread of eggs, grits, sausages, chicken, and waffles.

Kelly and the Community Council expressed their thanks to the exhibitors and volunteers—including JWB staff (Yaya, Joanne, Adelson, Cristen, Brianna, Marlaina, and Cristina); JWB Board Member Alicia McShea; and South County Council Member Michael Flores and his wife Eliana.

The Council planning team (Dexter McCree, Deneen Wyman, and Kerry Carlisle) deserve a warm round of applause, along with the City of St. Pete and the Lake Vista staff for their seamless support.

The event reflected the strength of our community—and the importance of showing up for kinship caregivers.

Enjoy even more photos of the day in this Facebook post.

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Parenting can be hard. Growing up can be, too.

April is Home Visiting Month, highlighting how home visitors strengthen families—supporting parent and child health and helping prevent child abuse.

Home visiting professionals work alongside families to build confidence and self-sufficiency; utilizing a variety of research-based models, they strengthen parenting skills, share early childhood development and school-readiness best practices, help children build resilience and life skills, and connect families to support.

You might’ve noticed Home Visiting Month coincides with National Child Abuse Prevention Month. That’s intentional— underscoring home visiting as a proactive, non-judgmental way to prevent crises.

Next week (April 20–24) is National Home Visiting Week. We’re proud to highlight two JWB-funded programs serving Pinellas families and celebrate the impact home visitors make every day.

“Home visiting is a powerful tool to help make our families and communities stronger and more resilient,” said JWB Interim CEO Michael Mikurak. “Our local home visitors are incredible, and we’re proud to highlight their important work through National Home Visiting Week and beyond.”

Florida Department of Health Nurse-Family Partnership Program

The Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is an evidence-based home visiting program funded by JWB to promote the well-being of first-time, low-income mothers and their children. 

Pinellas Nurse Family Partnership serves mothers experiencing socioeconomic challenges and risk factors for poor key health outcomes; priority is given to first-time mothers. Home visits are used to educate, counsel, and guide the first-time mother: NFP nurses provide pregnancy and parenting education, breastfeeding support, referrals to community resources, and promote family enrichment beginning in pregnancy through the child’s second birthday. Goals for the program include improving pregnancy outcomes, child health and development, supporting early identification of developmental delays, and family economic self-sufficiency.

The program is available to residents of Pinellas County beginning in pregnancy prior to 28 weeks’ gestation through the child’s second birthday. Visits are made every two to four weeks.

Julie Goodrich, an RN with NFP, was recognized as one of JWB’s 2023-2024 KidsFirst Cooperman Bogue Award Winners (above). Following in her mother’s footsteps, Julie supports first-time moms through their pregnancies and until their children turn two. When her clients graduate from the program, they have direction in their lives and the tools to successfully raise healthy children and build strong families. What matters to Julie is connecting so that, long after she’s gone, her families are able to nurture and advocate for their children.

Truancy Intervention Prevention Services (TIPS)

Bethel Community Foundation’s mission centers on strengthening families emotionally, physically, and spiritually through services that yield both immediate and lasting benefits for the community. BCF’s philosophy stems from a prevention-based model, teaching families replacement behaviors that foster positive change both within the household and as individuals.

Their TIPS program serves youth ages 8-17 who face school-related challenges, including habitual truancy and other unmanageable behaviors. Through personalized case management and support services, including home visits, TIPS helps families navigate these challenges with dignity and respect.

Key TIPS offerings include:

• Life skills training to boost youth resilience
• Mental health, anger management, and substance abuse counseling
• Weekly youth mentoring
• Bi-weekly parent coaching/support
• A summer Youth Enrichment Summit (YES) focused on mental wellness and school readiness
• These intervention services have proven to be paramount in increasing graduation rates and civic engagement.

By equipping youth and families with tools to succeed, BCF’s TIPS program aims to reshape futures and restore promise across Pinellas County.

Family Center on Deafness (FCD)

Deafness can impact home life and personal relationships. FCD is a nonprofit providing services specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) residents of Pinellas County. They offer specialized services and staff trained in American Sign Language and experienced working with the D/HH population. FCD’s programs and services are geared toward empowering D/HH individuals and their parents/guardians/households; they work with the entire family.

Programming includes parent and infant activities (birth – 5); after-school, full-day, and summer camp programming for elementary, middle, and high school students; and enrichment and leadership programming. Additional after-school support for school-age youth is provided through individual tutoring, group tutoring, literacy activities, and sign language instruction. These programs are designed to positively impact youth participants’ self-esteem and strengthen their learning capabilities. 

Outside of FCD’s home visitation services, parents are also engaged not only through educational and recreational activities but also parent networking events.

While the center provides literacy classes, counseling, home visits, resources, and more for the whole family to fully support its clients, FCD is also an essential hub for connection and community building for D/HH Pinellas families and children.

Learn more about JWB’s work and partnerships around the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect every day.

JWB staff and Community Council members showed up in blue    Not just to wear the right color on Wear Blue Day, but to stand for something bigger and show that we believe that when we, as a community, invest in Pinellas families early and often, our community’s children grow up safe, supported, and full of possibility.

We work with partners across Pinellas County every day to put kids first.

Still, Wear Blue Day serves as a meaningful reminder of our shared responsibility to create safe, supportive, and nurturing environments for our kids.

The blue pinwheel, the national symbol of child abuse prevention, represents the healthy and secure childhoods all children deserve; JWB staff planted a pinwheel garden in front of our office as a reminder that we all play a role when it comes to the healthy development of our children.

We welcome every Pinellas resident to join JWB in showing your commitment to prevention by standing with Pinellas County children and families—today and every day. When families are supported, communities thrive—and possibilities are endless!

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The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The proclamation, which was read aloud and presented to JWB Board Chair Division Chief Jim Millican (pictured above, center) and Interim CEO Mike Mikurak (right) by Commissioner and JWB Board Member Chris Latvala (left) during the April 6 Board meeting, spotlights JWB’s investments and partnerships in prevention and early intervention that promote economic stability, reduce the likelihood of abuse and neglect, and ensure our County’s children have the foundation for lifelong well-being.

“We thank the Pinellas County Commissioners—the Hon. Dave Eggers, Hon. Chris Latvala, Hon. Rene Flowers, Hon. Vince Nowicki, Hon. Kathleen Peters, Hon. Chris Scherer, and Hon. Brian Scott—for their recognition that effective child abuse prevention is achieved through quality programming, strong partnerships, innovation, advocacy, and collaboration to build resilient and supportive communities,” said JWB Interim CEO of the proclamation and presentation.

JWB believes prevention is possible and that every child deserves to grow and thrive in a safe, supportive environment. We also know that early childhood experiences lay the foundation for lifelong success, and families who receive the support they need are better equipped to provide safe, healthy, and nurturing homes. Last year alone, JWB invested $126.4 million last year to improve the lives of 83,622 Pinellas County children and their families, with 99 percent of families receiving home visiting and mental health services remaining free from abuse and neglect one year after program completion.

Throughout April, pinwheels, the national symbol of child abuse prevention, will be displayed at locations across Pinellas County—including at the JWB offices. The pinwheel represents the bright future all children deserve.

On April 10, JWB staff invite all community members to join us in participating in Wear Blue Day by wearing blue to show their support for child abuse prevention. Wearing blue is a simple and visible way to raise awareness and show that our community stands for the safety and well-being of every child.

JWB and our partners offer resources and support for families throughout the year. For more information about child abuse prevention programs and services, visit our Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect page.

Today the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) celebrated a milestone for inclusion, officially receiving its Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) during a community event in Clearwater.

The designation means JWB staff have completed specialized training to better understand and support autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals—helping ensure the children and families they serve feel welcomed and understood.

“As an organization dedicated to the health and safety of children in Pinellas County, we were excited to partner with IBCCES to earn our Certified Autism Center™ credential,” said Michael Mikurak, interim CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board. “This training gives our team the tools to better connect with children who are autistic or have sensory sensitivities, while also deepening our understanding of the unique needs of their families and caregivers. It inspires us to create experiences where every child feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.”

The recognition comes just as Autism Acceptance Month begins April 1. JWB is now the second organization in Clearwater to earn the CAC designation. To receive certification, at least 80 percent of staff must complete specialized autism and sensory training. JWB went above that standard, with 94 percent of staff fulfilling the training requirements.

“By becoming a Certified Autism Center™, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County is taking a powerful step toward ensuring that every child and family they serve feels understood, supported, and included,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “This certification reflects JWB’s dedication to building a community where neurodiversity is recognized and embraced. The impact will extend far beyond individual programs and strengthen the entire community by creating more accessible, compassionate services for the families who rely on them.”

To support inclusivity efforts, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County is featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. This app provides individuals with a variety of disabilities real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations. By connecting users to accessible locations worldwide, the app helps ensure seamless, enjoyable experiences for everyone.

JWB already supports a range of programs that embrace neurodiverse children across Pinellas County. Through partnerships with organizations such as Learning Empowered, Suncoast Center, PARC, R’Club, and The Children’s Home Network, JWB funds early childhood services, specialized learning programs, and caregiver support—ensuring families have access to resources that foster growth, inclusion, and long-term success.

The certificate was presented at Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT), a Clearwater nonprofit and school that empowers students with neurodiversity through academics, life skills, and career training. As the first organization in the city to earn the CAC designation, LiFT served as a fitting backdrop for the celebration, highlighting a growing local commitment to creating environments where neurodiverse individuals can learn, thrive, and succeed.

“Having people who understand how you learn really makes a difference,” said John Oureilidis, a senior at LiFT who plans to study Educational Development at St. Petersburg College after graduation. “Seeing JWB take this step shows they care about students like me and want to help us succeed.”

“LiFT is proud to partner with JWB and IBCCES to create a more inclusive community,” said Matt Spence, LiFT Executive Director. “When organizations come together to recognize and meet the needs of neurodiverse children, it sends a powerful message: every child belongs, and every family matters. With JWB achieving CAC status, more children in our community will have those life-changing experiences every day.”

JWB’s certification also complements a community-led effort to explore the possibility of Clearwater becoming an Autism Certified City™. If pursued, the designation would include specialized staff training to help ensure that families with autistic or sensory-sensitive children feel supported across schools, healthcare providers, attractions, and community spaces.

Enjoy a few photos from the event here, and stay tuned to our social media as we share more posts throughout the month as we celebrate Autism Awareness Month. Like and follow @JWBPinellas on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

On this Safer Internet Day (Feb. 10), the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) reminds all parents, grandparents, and caregivers that today’s children are immersed in a digital world where devices drive their learning, play, and social lives, fundamentally reshaping their reality and drastically shifting how they experience childhood. However, this environment also presents significant challenges and evolving dangers.

Cyberbullies, human traffickers, and online predators can enter homes 24/7 through a child’s phone, computer, or gaming device. Left unchecked, it’s as risky as leaving a child’s bedroom window open or your front door unlocked.

“There’s a growing gap between what parents know about technology and how their children actually use it,” stated Michael Mikurak, Interim CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB). “Studies tell us that kids average 8 to 11 hours on their devices each day, and online crimes against children are up as well. That’s why JWB launched a groundbreaking initiative to safeguard children online and equip families with vital support.”

As we mark Safer Internet Day—and in a historic first for the nation—JWB is leading the way by removing all barriers and providing free Parent ProTech subscriptions to every Pinellas County household, ensuring universal access to critical online safety resources.

Parent ProTech’s vast online library includes expert-backed guides, videos, conversation starters, and safety recommendations on topics like parental controls, social media, AI, and more. Plus, their experts tirelessly scan the digital horizon, delivering timely and dynamic videos that move as fast as technology does—all to help parents make the internet safer for their kids.

Research consistently shows a strong link between cyberbullying, online harassment, and youth suicide; that’s why JWB added Parent ProTech to our Children’s Mental Health Initiative to help protect children, reduce stigmas, and instill a sense of well-being and belonging.

“JWB has invested Pinellas County tax dollars to protect kids online and help pave a safer path through the internet for the next generation,” continued Mikurak. “If we can prevent even one child from being cyberbullied, trapped by screen addiction, or targeted by online predators, we’ve succeeded!”

Pinellas County Residents, access your free Parent ProTech subscription on Safer Internet Day and start using expert-led video guides and resources today!

Sign up at app.parentprotech.com/jwb

“Stranger Danger” Has Moved Online

• 500,000 predators are active online daily.
• 800,000 sex offenders are known and registered in the U.S. – 1,800 in Pinellas County alone.
• 1,000 counts of child pornography were investigated by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office last year.
• A child’s first exposure to pornography online starts as young as 5!
• Children average 8 to 11 hours on devices daily—even higher during school breaks. Yet, studies show that spending just three (3) hours online doubles their risk of depression and anxiety.
• The U.S. has seen a significant increase in youth suicide, with rates among children aged 10 to 14 increasing by 95% between 2000 and 2018—making suicide the second leading cause of death for youth. This spike has occurred concurrently with increased online and social media use and has been declared a “Youth Mental Health Crisis” by the U.S. Surgeon General.

JWB Board Members, leadership, and staff have spent the last week celebrating the good news that two local legal legends, formidable leaders on the JWB Board, and tireless champions for our community’s children will be forever memorialized: We commend and thank the Pinellas County Commissioners for their vote on January 20 to rename the Bayside Bridge to the Dillinger McCabe Bayside Bridge!

The idea originated with Commissioner Chris Latvala, also a JWB Board Member, who sought Kay Dillinger’s permission to pursue the name change after her husband died in 2024. “She was immediately on board,” reported the Tampa Bay Times, in a meaningful piece announcing the change. 

JWB Interim CEO Mike Mikurak penned a letter of support stating that JWB was “honored to offer our full and enthusiastic support for the proposed renaming….”    

“As JWB approaches our 80th anniversary,” he wrote, “we can think of no more fitting tribute than renaming the Bayside Bridge in honor of two men who gave so much of themselves to ensure every child has the opportunity to fulfill their potential and achieve meaningful and purposeful lives.”

The letter continued: “These two men were fierce champions for children and deeply respected, longstanding members of the JWB Board, where they served together for over two decades. 

Bernie McCabe, a pillar of the JWB Board, served as the longtime Finance Committee Chair. A legendary figure in the legal community, Bernie’s guiding principle in every decision was simple yet powerful: “Is it good for the kids?” That question consistently informed his thoughtful, principled leadership.

Bob Dillinger was equally tireless in his advocacy, especially for underserved families. His passion for fighting childhood hunger and addressing basic needs defined his public service and helped countless children avoid deeper-end services through early intervention and support.

Together, Bob and Bernie were formidable forces on the Board. While they didn’t always see eye to eye, they found common ground when it came to putting children first. Their shared vision and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on our organization and our community.”

To honor their long-standing service, in 2021, JWB created the Dillinger-McCabe Putting Children First Leadership Award to be presented annually to a well-established leader and champion for Pinellas County children and families. 

As we well know and the Times reported, “Kay Dillinger maintains a close friendship with McCabe’s wife, Denise, who stood alongside her Tuesday morning for the announcement of the bridge’s renaming. The most touching moment was when the commissioners handed them a miniature version of the road sign that will appear on the bridge, said Denise McCabe.” 

And their husbands’ legacies live on through their continued involvement with our Legacy Board and the award named in their husbands’ honor. We will be reminded of them again as we review the candidates for this recognition that arrive when JWB calls for nominations later this summer–and any time we drive across the Dillinger McCabe Bayside Bridge.

As Mr. Mikurak stated in JWB’s letter of support: “Their legacy is not only worthy of remembrance – it is worthy of a lasting, visible symbol that speaks to generations to come about the power of putting children first!”

The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) announces a groundbreaking initiative to safeguard children online and equip families with vital support. JWB is making it possible for all Pinellas County parents, grandparents, and concerned citizens to receive a free annual subscription to Parent ProTech, a powerful education platform featuring the latest tools to navigate their child’s technology safely.

Parent ProTech’s vast online library includes expert-backed guides, videos, conversation starters, and safety recommendations on topics like parental controls, social media, AI, and more. Plus, their experts keep pace with developing digital trends, alerting families to new emerging dangers on their child’s devices – all in ways that are easy-to-understand, digest, and use.

“There’s a growing gap between what parents know about technology and how their children actually use it,” stated Michael Mikurak, JWB Interim CEO. “When JWB was created 80 years ago, ‘stranger danger’ meant someone in a van offering candy to lure children away. Today, cyberbullies, human traffickers, and online predators can enter homes 24/7 through a child’s phone, computer, or gaming system, putting them in imminent danger.”

“It’s like leaving your child’s bedroom window open or your doors unlocked,” added Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, a staunch proponent and committed partner with JWB’s new initiative.

Studies tell us that kids average 8 to 11 hours on their devices each day, and these numbers spike when children aren’t in school. Online crimes against children are up as well.

Parent ProTech is part of JWB’s Children’s Mental Health Initiative aimed at protecting children, reducing stigmas, and instilling a sense of well-being and belonging. Research consistently shows a strong link between cyberbullying, online harassment, and youth suicide. The U.S. has seen a significant increase in youth suicide, with rates among children aged 10 to 14 increasing by 95% between 2000 and 2018—making suicide the second leading cause of death for youth. This spike has occurred concurrently with increased online and social media use and has been declared a “Youth Mental Health Crisis” by the U.S. Surgeon General.

“JWB has invested Pinellas County tax dollars to protect kids online and help pave a safer path for the next generation,” continued Mikurak. “Plus, we’ve amassed a powerful alliance of legislators, law enforcement, and community leaders: a united front to decisively combat cyberbullies, human traffickers, and online predators.”

JWB is protecting children and supporting families by offering free annual subscriptions to Parent ProTech, and urges all Pinellas County parents, grandparents, and concerned citizens to sign up and share this link: app.parentprotech.com/jwb

“If we can prevent even one child from being cyberbullied, trapped by screen addiction, or targeted by online predators, we’ve succeeded!”

JWB is extremely grateful for the widespread support of our U.S. Legislators as we join forces with partners across Pinellas County to give parents access to Parent ProTech tools and resources to help keep their kids safe online. We’re very proud to share the legislators’ own words here.

Senator Ashley Moody shared in a letter, “We must continue to promote safety, strengthen families, and ensure that every child…has the chance to grow up free from exploitation and fear.” Read the Senator’s letter here.

Senator Rick Scott said he is “[grateful] to the Juvenile Welfare Board for your dedication to protecting children from online safety threats and…providing free resources and tools to help keep kids safe online.” Read the Senator’s letter here.

Representative Gus Bilirakis shared a video outlining his commitment to federal legislation aimed at holding platforms accountable and building safer digital spaces for youth. Watch the Representative’s video here.

Representative Kathy Castor wrote: “I applaud…the Juvenile Welfare Board’s commitment to protecting children online…your efforts will safeguard children, support families, and strengthen our community.” Read the Representative’s letter here.

Representative Anna Paulina Luna‘s video message applauds JWB’s leadership and our partnership with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement in stopping online predators. Watch the Representative’s video here.

Pinellas County families can access Parent ProTech tools and resources thanks to free subscriptions courtesy of JWB at app.parentprotech.com/jwb.