On October 1, dozens of Tampa Bay business leaders gathered for the Beaches to the Bay | Bosses for Babies Breakfast, led by the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) and the Children’s Movement of Florida, to discuss how adopting family-friendly policies and championing quality early learning are good for the bottom line – and for children. 

Bosses for Babies is a statewide program of the Children’s Movement of Florida. It’s designed to engage business leaders in boosting their workforce and contributing to community prosperity through family-focused practices.

“From the Beaches to the Bay, we gathered together in a show of force to collectively illustrate that investing in early childhood development, quality early learning, and family-friendly policies pays off,” stated JWB Interim CEO Michael G. Mikurak, who brings decades of successful business acumen to his new role. “Our efforts recruiting new members to join the Movement over the past few months have paid off.”

The Children’s Movement of Florida made this historic announcement.

“Thanks to JWB’s recruitment efforts, a record-breaking 51% of all statewide Bosses for Babies champions are now right here in Tampa Bay,” proclaimed Ric Banciella, Business Director for the Children’s Movement. “That makes Tampa Bay a leader in the state for family-friendly practices that support workforce benefits such as paid parental leave, flexible work schedules, on-site childcare, health care, and more!”  

Bosses for Babies champions in attendance included Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Kevin Hendrick, St. Petersburg College President Dr. Tonjua Williams, Evara Health CEO Elodie Dorso, Amplify Clearwater CEO Amanda Payne, PNC Bank Vice President Dianne Jacob (Retired), Florida Department of Health – Pinellas County Director Dr. Ulyee Choe, Learning Independence for Tomorrow CEO Matt Spence, and many others.

“We are thrilled so many business leaders have stepped up to ensure children thrive in their first five years,” added Children’s Movement CEO Madeleine Thakur. “Bosses for Babies is a win for business, a win for families, and a win for Florida!”

To champion families in your business and be part of a statewide movement to build a stronger, more equitable future for every child, visit: ChildrensMovementFlorida.org/Bosses-for-Babies.

JWB also announced a powerful solution to the local childcare crisis – Careonomics: The Childcare Equation. Working with Chamber partners and employers across Pinellas County, JWB will disseminate surveys; gather, analyze, and map results; and convene partners across broad sectors to determine local childcare solutions. This effort supports our business community and, most importantly, our working families who rely on quality, affordable care for their children. The goal is to make significant, actionable progress against the childcare crisis with the deployment of Careonomics, investing in families to strengthen businesses.

“While the scale and scope of this effort is significant, the resulting impact will be immeasurable,” stated Mikurak. “When families can work and know their children are safe and thriving, we all win.”

A link to the childcare survey will be shared with area chambers of commerce and businesses in the coming weeks, with access from JWB’s website at: www.jwbpinellas.org.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Businesses win by attracting and retaining top talent—boosting productivity and employee loyalty while reducing turnover.
• Families win with increased job satisfaction, greater stability for working parents, lower stress, and better work-life balance.
• Florida wins with stronger, healthier families and communities; more parents in the workforce, driving economic growth; and better early childhood outcomes for Florida’s future workforce.
• Florida will add 4.5 million children under six by the year 2030.
• 55% of unplanned absences in the workforce are due to employees’ childcare issues.
• Florida businesses spend $1.7 billion annually due to employee turnover costs.
• Loss of revenue to the State of Florida due to childcare issues is estimated at $5.4 billion.
• The annual cost of childcare is nearly double the cost of in-state college tuition in Florida.

LEAD PHOTO: Tampa Bay Bosses for Babies Champions (L-R): Faith Bornoff – Pinellas County Licensing Board; Dr. Ulyee Choe – Florida Dept. of Health in Pinellas County; Mary Jo Plews – Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas County; Maris Mowat – Healthy Start Coalition of Hillsborough County; Lisa Huff – Learning Empowered; Dr. Frederick Hicks – Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County; Matt Spence – Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT); Madeleine Thakur – Children’s Movement of Florida; Dianne Jacob, PNC Bank (Retired); Michael Mikurak – Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County; Amanda Payne, Amplify Clearwater; Katie Roder-Turner – Family Healthcare Foundation; Jean Pierre – Suncoast Center; Kristen Arrojo Gnage – Florida Council Against Sexual Violence/JWB Board Vice Chair; April Lott – Directions for Living; Jake Hornstein – Our Children Have Rights; Elodie Dorso – Evara Health; and Ric Banciella – Children’s Movement of Florida/Bosses for Babies

The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) is pleased to announce the new slate of officers, as elected by the members of its Governing Board, effective October 1, 2025. Officers serve two-year terms.

Division Chief James “Jim” Millican now serves as the JWB Board Chair. He was appointed to the JWB Board by former Florida Governor Rick Scott in 2017 and recently reappointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in 2025. Chief Millican has been with the Lealman Fire District for 34 years. Starting his career with Lealman in 1991, he has risen through the ranks to Division Chief/Fire Marshal. He is a State Certified Fire Officer, Instructor, Fire Safety Inspector, ASHI CPR and First Aid Instructor, and a Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Seat Instructor/ Technician. As the Fire Marshal, Division Chief Millican oversees the district’s fire prevention division and is the district’s Public Information Officer. In addition, as the Governmental Affairs Liaison, he has been instrumental in getting legislation passed that helps the district, residents, and firefighters. He is currently President of the Florida Association of Special Districts and has served on their board for nearly two decades. Chief Millican also serves on the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board, as appointed by the Pinellas County Commission. His past leadership service includes Board Chair of the Lealman and Asian Neighborhood Family Center, Chair of the Safe Kids Florida Suncoast Coalition, and a former member of JWB Mid-County Community Council.

Ms. Kristen Gnage is the new JWB Board Vice Chair. She was appointed to the JWB Board in 2023 by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who reappointed her to serve again in 2025. Ms. Gnage serves as a staff attorney on the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV) Legal Team after joining the organization in 2025. Ms. Gnage brings more than a decade of experience as a board-certified juvenile law specialist to her position. During her 13 years as an Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s Child Welfare Legal Services, she advocated for the rights of children and families in dependency, termination of parental rights, and injunction proceedings. Ms. Gnage received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Boston College and her law degree from Stetson University College of Law. Ms. Gnage is passionate about ensuring that all children, whether living with their family or in out-of-home care, have access to the early intervention, treatment, and independent living services that help children grow and thrive in our community.

The Honorable Bruce Bartlett continues to serve in the role of JWB Board Secretary. He served as Chief Assistant State Attorney for 28 years until his appointment as the State Attorney of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021. Mr. Bartlett was subsequently elected to the position of State Attorney in 2022 and re-elected in 2024. In his role as State Attorney, Mr. Bartlett serves in an ex-officio capacity on the JWB Board in his role as the State Attorney. During his career spanning four decades, Mr. Bartlett has held numerous professional memberships and received multiple awards. He has been a lecturer at Stetson University, instructor at St. Petersburg College and Pasco-Hernando Community College, and is currently on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission. He formerly served as Chair of the Florida Bar Grievance Committee (6-D), Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission (6-D), and member of the Pinellas County Police Athletic League (PAL). He received the Outstanding Professionalism in the Practice of Law Award from the St. Petersburg Bar Association (2007), Richard T. Earle Jr. Barney Masterson Inn of Court Award Demonstrating Highest Degree of Professionalism in the Practice of Law (2004), and Elk Lodge 1224 Prosecutor of the Year (1994).

The Honorable Patrice Moore, Circuit Court Judge with the Sixth Judicial Circuit, concluded her term as JWB Board Chair on September 20, 2025. She continues to serve as an ex-officio member of the JWB Board, to which she was appointed in 2014 by the Sixth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge. During her term as Board Chair, Judge Moore guided JWB to its completion of a robust five-year strategic plan, led the organization as it weathered two major back-to-back hurricanes, and oversaw annual $100 million-plus investments for programming, initiatives, and campaigns that strengthened the lives and improved the futures of hundreds of thousands of children.

The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County’s (JWB) Interim CEO Michael G. Mikurak recently announced the promotion of Rebecca Gross Tieder from Director of Public Policy to the new role of Chief Public Awareness Officer (CPAO), effective October 1. 

As Chief Public Awareness Officer at JWB, she will advocate for children and families through education, legislative action, and authentic relationship-building.

In this role, Ms. Tieder will also serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, responsible for shaping and leading JWB’s public awareness, outreach, and education strategies, increasing JWB’s visibility, building public support, and mobilizing action.

“Becca is a passionate changemaker whose career has been defined by a deep commitment to improving lives. She brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience in advocacy and public affairs,” Mikurak said at the time of the announcement. “This promotion puts her in a position to have even greater strategic impact.”

Ms. Tieder’s influence spans both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She founded two organizations recognized globally for their work in combating sexual assault, earning accolades such as a Telly Award and keynote invitations—including the prestigious “Conference on Ethics in America” at West Point. Her expertise has reached more than 500 universities and been featured on major media outlets including FOX, ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, NPR, and in publications like Self, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan.

A dynamic speaker and educator, Ms. Tieder has inspired more than 2 million people through lectures, TEDx Youth talks, and her role in the documentary “You Are the One.” She has also advised senior White House officials and brought her wit and insight to the nationally syndicated politainment podcast “Dishonorable Mention.”

Ms. Tieder brings unwavering optimism and creative spirit to this new role, seeing challenges as opportunities and thriving on bringing diverse perspectives together to build stronger, more connected communities.

JWB in an independent special taxing district that has been committed to making children a priority for 80 years. The organization invests in programs, services, and initiatives so children are ready to learn, succeed, and thrive in homes, schools, and neighborhoods that are healthy and safe.

On September 25, JWB leadership and staff brought together nearly 50 members representing 20 organizations for the Pinellas Preventable Child Deaths Planning Team.

Leaders reviewed new data and the FY2026 strategic plan, engaging in a dynamic dialogue focused on consistent education, coordinated materials, and strong community partnerships aimed at preventing the leading causes of death for young children: infant sleep-related suffocation, drowning, and abusive head trauma.  

Participating organizations included:

• BayCare Kids
• CASA Pinellas
• Clearwater Police Department
• Department of Children and Families;
• Drug Free America Foundation
• FDOH-CHPM
• Healthy Families–Pinellas DOH
• Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas
• John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
• Mace Anthony Williamson Foundation
• Palm Harbor Community Services Agency
• Palm Harbor Fire Rescue
• Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
• Pinellas Department of Health
• Pinellas DOH–WIC & Nutrition
• Pinellas Nurse Family Partnership
• Safe Kids Pinellas–Suncoast Safe Kids
• St. Pete Fire Rescue
• Suncoast Center
• Sunstar
• Treasure Island Fire Rescue
• United Way Suncoast

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During the September JWB Board Meeting, Chief Operating Officer Karen Boggess recognized and celebrated JWB’s fourth and final KidsFirst Award Winner of 2025: Johanny Crisostomo.     
 
Johanny is an Infant/Toddler Teacher at R’Club Early Learning Academy. For 17 years, she has poured her heart into creating an environment where little ones can grow, thrive, and build the foundation for lifelong learning.  
 
Johanny’s journey is inspiring. She started with just a high school diploma and a love for children. Over the years, while raising her own family, she earned her CDA credential, her associate degree with honors, and, most recently, her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education leadership—Summa Cum Laude! All while working full-time and mentoring others.  
 
She excels at creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for the children; using play and structured activities based on age-appropriate curricula, Johanny fosters their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Her team lovingly refers to her as the “Toddler Whisperer!”      
 
She was announced as a KidsFirst awardee at a surprise presentation in August among her peers at R’Club Lemon Street. We’re proud to call Johanny a KidsFirst Award winner, alongside Paul Kleeman, Gabriella Moran, and Pilar Bradley. We are excited to celebrate each of them at the 2025 KidsFirst Awards Luncheon in October, where we’ll also announce our Dillinger-McCabe “Putting Children First” Leadership Award winner. 

Earlier this week, JWB Interim CEO Michael G. Mikurak had the opportunity to thank our Pinellas Legislative Delegation for the work they do to ensure a strong and vibrant future for our county’s children.

He offered JWB’s subject matter experts on issues such as early childhood development, quality early learning, children’s mental health, and fatherhood.

Plus, he invited delegation members to join him as a Bosses for Babies champion during a breakfast at JWB on October 1–and, to kick off JWB’s 80th Anniversary, he extended an invitation to our annual KidsFirst Awards Luncheon on October 24.

Community Engagement Manager Yaridis Garcia with the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) was recognized as Largo’s 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree at the City Commission Meeting on September 17.  

After opening the meeting with an official proclamation of Hispanic Heritage Month in Largo running September 15 to October 15, Mayor Woody Brown (pictured above. right) invited Largo’s Community Engagement Administrator Julianne Perez, who is also Chair of JWB’s Mid-County Community Council, to introduce Ms. Garcia (above, left) and the reason she was being honored during Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Ms. Perez remarked on Garcia’s impactful work and contributions throughout Pinellas County and in Largo in particular: “We recognize your leadership at JWB and with local partners, which brings great value to community members…. We know that you have also been a tremendous advocate and community connector for Spanish-speaking and Hispanic/Latino families, expanding access to critical information and resources for those communities. We see your dedication to supporting a healthy, happy, and safe community for everyone and we greatly appreciate all you do!”

In her response, Ms. Garcia expressed deep appreciation to the City Commissioners for this honor and spoke in her usual heartfelt way about how her heritage inspires and informs the work she does in the community. 

Each year, JWB invests more than $6.5 million in seven Neighborhood Family Centers to provide comprehensive, core family-support services and programs. Each site uniquely serves its diverse citizens, including families of Hispanic heritage, and promotes the necessary protective factors that foster child well-being and strengthen families.

JWB is immensely proud of Ms. Garcia for her contributions to our work and applauds her leadership throughout the County; Interim CEO Michael G. Mikurak (second from right below) and COO Karen Boggess (right) joined Ms. Garcia and her husband (to her immediate left) as well Largo staff and JWB Community Members to witness the recognition ceremony. We wholeheartedly agree with Largo City Commission’s recognition of her dedication and example as they celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Pinellas County Commissioner and JWB Board Member Chris Latvala and wife Bianca (center) came out to support the Clearwater East Community Library Racetrack Read-Along event, as joined by Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector and Univision’s Hazely Lopez (left) and JWB staff (right/front).

In celebration of National Read a Book Day on Saturday, September 6, the Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB) and its Turbo Babies early childhood campaign hosted Racetrack Read-Along events at four Pinellas County public libraries. Nearly 700 families with babies packed the libraries for free story time, entertainment, and Turbo Babies’ giveaways.

Pinellas County Commissioner and JWB Board Member Chris Latvala and wife Bianca offered their support to families with little ones at the Clearwater East Community Library event. Additional VIPs supported events across the county, including Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector, Largo Mayor Woody Brown, Pinellas School Board Member Eileen Long, JWB Board Members Kristen Gnage and Alicia McShea, Anji Corley of 101.5 The Vibe, Hazely Lopez of Univision, and JWB Interim CEO Michael Mikurak.

“An astonishing 80 percent of a baby’s brain is developed by age three,” stated JWB Interim CEO Michael Mikurak who attended the St. Pete Library event. “Turbo Babies promotes the power of play and gives parents practical tips, tools, and everyday activities to help supercharge their babies’ learning and keep them on track. Book sharing and reading aloud, for example, help reinforce neural pathways and promote baby’s healthy development.”

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The events took place at Palm Harbor, Clearwater East Community, Largo Public, and West St. Petersburg Community libraries. To learn more about Turbo Babies and future events, visit www.TurboBabies.com.

During Baby Safety Month and National Childhood Injury Prevention Week (Sept. 1-7), and the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) has facts and tips to share with parents and caregivers of young children.

Download our one-page tip sheet here.

Since 2010, hundreds of young children in Pinellas County have died needlessly from causes that are 100% preventable. This includes the top three leading causes: suffocation due to infant unsafe sleep, drowning, and inflicted head trauma.

JWB and our partners are working tirelessly to prevent these needless deaths because one preventable death of a child is one too many.

INFANT SLEEP SAFETY

Suffocation due to infant unsafe sleep practices is the No. 1 cause of preventable deaths for children. On average in Pinellas County, a baby dies from this cause every single month. We know more today than we used to. We know that sleeping babies alone on their backs in an empty crib, bassinet, or Pack ‘n’ Play with a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheet is safest. Two-thirds of all sleep-related deaths for babies happen in adult beds, mostly from co-sleeping. Another flashpoint is parents or caregivers who fall asleep while feeding baby and accidentally suffocate them.  

INFANT SAFE SAFETY TIPS:

• Practice Safe Sleep ABCs: Always sleep baby alone on their back in an empty crib, bassinet, or Pack n’ Play with only a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheet
• Share A Room, Not A Bed: Bring baby’s crib, bassinet, or Pack ‘n’ Play into parents’ room for the first year.
• Stay Alert While Feeding: Sit upright, keep both feet on the floor, and set an alarm while feeding baby.

WATER SAFETY

Drowning is the No. 2 cause of preventable deaths for children and, for tots and preschoolers ages 1 to 4, it is the LEADING cause. In addition, submersion injuries or “near drownings” leave children with long-term consequences and lifetime challenges. Drowning is silent and can happen in just 20 seconds, which is why constant adult supervision is the No. 1 preventive measure. Most children who drown were last seen inside the home which is why barriers inside and outside are also critically important.

WATER SAFETY TIPS:

• Constant Adult Supervision: Inside and outside of the home, the No. 1 preventative measure is constant adult supervision. Designate an adult Water Watcher to keep eyes on children in and around the water. Supervise children during bathtime,
• Barriers Inside the Home: Install door locks and alarms, and keep water sources out of reach from young children (buckets, pet bowls, etc.). Remember to also secure pet doors, as small children can crawl through these as well.
• Barriers Outside the Home: Install pool safety fences, ensure locks on gates to backyard pools, and consider pool alarms. Keep furniture away from pool fences, and keep pool toys out of pool as these attract curious little ones.

STRESS SAFETY TIPS:

Inflicted head trauma (also known as Shaken Baby Syndrome) is the third leading cause of preventable child death of young children. Caregivers who are stressed, exhausted, frustrated, or ill equipped to care for baby may not realize how fragile babies are. Shaking, squeezing, or throwing a baby on a bed or other surface can cause severe or fatal injuries – even one time. These injuries include bleeding on the brain, massive brain swelling, and bleeding inside the eye which may lead to deafness, blindness, brain damage, paralysis, or death.  Crying is normal for babies, but it is also the No. 1 trigger for these abusive behaviors.  Parents also need to select responsible adults when leaving babies in the care of others and know their own stress limitations.

STRESS SAFETY TIPS:

• Know Baby’s Caregiver: Know who the person is that cares for your child and ask yourself a series of questions about their temperament, judgement, and expectations of your child. Allow only responsible adults to care for children and use only licensed childcare centers or homes.
• Cope with Baby’s Crying: Understand crying is normal, it’s how babies communicate, and it’s not harmful to baby (but shaking a baby is!). Learn ways to soothe baby: swaddle, rock, cuddle, sing, or take baby for walk.
• Cope with Your Stress: Understand your own stress limitations as baby’s caregiver and find ways to cope. Put baby down in a safe environment, then walk away. Listen to music or phone a friend. Check in on baby periodically to ensure safety. Create a safety plan that includes others you can call when you need a break.

Learn more at JWBPinellas.org/prevent-needless-deaths

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month is observed every August. It is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role eye health plays in a child’s overall well-being and development, particularly in relation to learning and vision-related issues. 

Here’s why it’s important:

• Impact on Learning: Undiagnosed or misdiagnosed vision problems can significantly affect a child’s ability to learn, with some issues being mistaken for other conditions like ADHD. 
• Early Detection: School eye screenings may not catch all vision problems, highlighting the need for comprehensive eye exams. 
• Overall Well-being: Eye health is crucial for a child’s development and overall well-being. 

Recognizing the importance of children’s vision health, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) invested $222,000 with Preserve Vision Florida’s “Seeing Our Bright Future” program in 2024 to provide vision screenings and follow-up to more than 4,200 children ranging in age from birth to 18. The program works in partnership with public and private schools, as well as with community organizations to bring Preserve Vision Florida (PVF) screening and treatment services to children throughout Pinellas County.

A child’s vision health is critical for classroom learning success, social skill development, and a sense of security, and both teachers and parents report positive changes in child school engagement after students receive screening and services through PVF.

While the vast majority of children screened can be assisted with a simple eye exam and glasses, with their highly sensitive digital screening equipment, PVF can identify critical eye issues that can endanger a child’s sight for life: These screenings can actually mean the difference between a sighted life or blindness.

And leading the charge at PVF is Pilar Bradley, the Family Services Manager for Preserve Vision Florida.

Pilar exemplifies the PVF mission to give every child a vision of their own bright future. Her title barely begins to capture the heart, hustle, and humanity she brings to her work.

• Children as young as one year can be identified with cataracts, retinal issues, and serious eye conditions that require expert diagnosis and treatment.
• For more than 13 years, Pilar has made it her mission to ensure that every child who needs eye care receives it.
• She has built and refined a process so effective that 90% of children referred for follow-up care actually receive it, compared to the national average of just 30%.
• She reaches out personally, educates parents, coordinates appointments, and removes every barrier that might stand between a child and a clear view of the world.
• One child Pilar has been helping for several years was born prematurely and developed cataracts; Pilar helped the family become enrolled with a pediatric ophthalmologist who will follow the case until the child is old enough to have surgery. When the child required special lenses that cost $500 and potentially had to be replaced every six months, Pilar solicitated the aid of a foundation, physicians, and hospitals to provide new glasses as needed.

For more than 30 years, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County has used the annual KidsFirst Cooperman-Bogue Awards to recognize outstanding local professionals who provide direct services and work tirelessly to put children first.

For her unwavering dedication to giving each Pinellas child a clear vision of their future, Pilar Bradley is certainly worthy of one of our four 2025 KidsFirst awards!