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.

On Monday, December 8, 2025, the Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB) announced a groundbreaking initiative to safeguard Pinellas County children online and equip families with vital support as students approach the holiday break, a time marked by increased device usage.

 JWB is offering all Pinellas County parents, grandparents, and concerned citizens a free annual subscription to Parent Protech where they will find the latest expert tools to navigate their child’s technology safely.

Watch the press conference in its entirety here:

JWB is committed to protecting children and aiding law enforcement in their valiant efforts to stop cyberbullying, human trafficking, and online predators. To that end, we’ve contracted with Parent ProTech to offer all Pinellas County parents, grandparents, and caregivers a FREE subscription to the latest information to help keep kids safe online.

Parent ProTech experts advise parents of dangers lurking on their children’s devices and equip them with tools to navigate technology safely. Their vast online library includes videos and guides on topics like parental controls, social media, AI, and more.

Join our efforts to safeguard Pinellas County children, support families, and strengthen our community. Register today for a free virtual demonstration webinar on Monday, December 15 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Scan the QR code below or click on this link to register: https://bit.ly/ParentProTechWebinar

On Monday, December 8, 2025, the Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB) announced a groundbreaking initiative to safeguard Pinellas County children online and equip families with vital support as students approach the holiday break, a time marked by increased device usage.

JWB Interim CEO Michael Mikruak announced that starting today, JWB is offering all Pinellas County parents, grandparents, and concerned citizens a free annual subscription to Parent Protech where they will find the latest expert tools to navigate their child’s technology safely.

Parent ProTech’s vast online library includes videos and guides 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.

“When JWB was created 80 years ago, ‘stranger danger’ meant someone in a van offering candy to lure children away,” continued Mikurak. “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 Sheriff Gualtieri.

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, and is the second leading cause of death for our children and youth. This rise has occurred concurrently with increased online and social media use and has been termed a “Youth Mental Health Crisis” by the U.S. Surgeon General.

JWB has amassed a powerful alliance of legislators, law enforcement, and community leaders: a united front to decisively combat cyberbullies, human traffickers, and online predators. We urge every Pinellas County parent, grandparent, and concerned adult to take five minutes to create a free online account with Parent ProTech and begin accessing resources. Sheriff Gualtieri stated, “Together, let’s put online predators on notice!”

JWB is protecting children and investing in their futures by offering free annual subscriptions to Parent ProTech for all Pinellas County families and concerned citizens. Sign-up today at app.parentprotech.com/jwb.

The Children’s Movement of Florida is proud to welcome Michael Mikurak to Bosses for Babies!

Under his leadership as CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, Michael champions early investment in children and families—directing over $100M annually to programs that strengthen infant health, early learning, parent education, and family support.

He ensures JWB is a family-friendly workplace too, with no-cost health benefits, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and breastfeeding accommodations. Michael’s leadership reflects his belief that when we invest early in children, families and communities thrive.

Learn more about Michael and Bosses for Babies at https://www.childrensmovementflorida.org/business-engagement/bosses-for-babies/michael-mikurak

The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas (JWB) and its Pinellas Fatherhood Collaborative and Turbo Babies Campaign hosted a free car-themed family event geared towards dads and their babies on November 8.

Nearly 600 families, also known as their Turbo Babies’ Pit Crews, enjoyed free admission, food, prizes, entertainment, and more at the Collection at Palmetto in Clearwater from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Family-friendly activities were offered both indoors and outdoors, including free admission to the car museum, train rides, and the first-ever Babytona 500 Races, where babies crawled to the finish line.

The Clearwater Fire Department also hosted a special fire truck demonstration at 12 PM. 

“The magic of Turbo Babies is in the simplicity of its messaging that everyday activities help build babies’ brains,” said JWB Interim Chief Executive Officer Michael G. Mikurak. “One of our Turbo Tips is ‘Talk & Repeat,’ illustrating the importance of talking to your baby often, using a variety of words, then repeating. Pathways are paved in your baby’s brain through repetition. Be baby’s storyteller by describing what you see or do during everyday activities—like our car show and family day—to reinforce neural pathways and promote baby’s healthy development.”

This family fun day provided ample opportunities to point out new and exciting things to babies and children, including food trucks, train rides, touch-a-truck stations, and a car museum. Dads and kids of all ages also enjoyed a family dance party with local DJ Corey Thornton.

Free haircuts for dads were provided by the Central Station Barbershop & Grooming, BayCare offered health screenings for all adults, and developmental screenings for babies were provided by Help Me Grow.

Check out more adorable photos from the event on Facebook.

To learn more about the Turbo Babies campaign, visit TurboBabies.com.

On Friday, October 24, 600 community leaders and child advocates gathered at the St. Pete Coliseum to celebrate JWB’s Annual KidsFirst Awards Luncheon with a theme of “For the Love of Kids.”

Each year, JWB gathers community leaders, elected officials and more to celebrate incredible humans who provide life-changing services to kids: in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods; young adults with promising futures who overcame obstacles; and DOZENS of deserving nominees vying for a leadership award, named for two legendary leaders and long-standing members of the JWB Board.

• Nearly 30 Pinellas leaders were nominated for the Dillinger-McCabe “Putting Children First” Leadership Award. The top recipient was named in a surprise presentation at the penultimate moment of the program. G. Scott Goyer (below), retired CEO of YMCA of the Suncoast, was recognized for fundamentally changing how our community protects and supports children. His leadership with the Suncoast YMCA spanned more than two decades and has forever changed countless lives: 
  • He didn’t just implement programs but built systems with lasting impact and value, and was involved on numerous local, state, and national task forces to address drowning prevention, achievement gaps, and child sexual abuse prevention.
  • Appalled by the rise in sexual crimes against children, Goyer fought to bring a national model to Pinellas County for child sexual abuse prevention. He also secured funding to implement prevention programs within schools and to train other nonprofit leaders on the model, thereby expanding capacity countywide and protecting the lives of countless children!
  • One of his largest impacts was tackling drownings of children head-on, ensuring children of underserved communities–who faced the highest drowning risks–had access to free water safety and swim lessons – not only with the YMCA but advocated for other organizations and funders to follow suit. He was instrumental in launching a regional “Be Water Smart from the Start” drowning prevention campaign, in partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays.
  • Although now retired, Goyer’s impact and lasting change live on in the infrastructure that was built, policies that were influenced, and other leaders that were mentored and developed to ensure children’s lives continue to be strengthened and their futures full of limitless possibilities.

• In addition, the event honored four KidsFirst Cooperman-Bogue awardees, “boots on the ground” social service professionals working tirelessly to improve the lives of children and their families.
  • Pilar Bradley (pictured below, second from left) is the Family Services Manager for Preserve Vision Florida. However, her title falls short of capturing the heart, hustle, and humanity she brings to her work. For more than 13 years, she has made it her mission to ensure that children in need of eye care screenings, exams, and glasses receive them. Reminding us that children need good eyesight to learn, she truly exemplifies her organization’s mission to give every child a vision of their own bright future!
  • Johanny Crisostomo (below, far left) has been an infant/toddler educator for nearly two decades; she honed her skills and poured her heart into creating an environment where little ones can grow, thrive, and build the foundation for lifelong learning. She excels at using play and structured activities based on age-appropriate curricula to foster social, emotional, and cognitive development. Her team at R’Club Child Care lovingly refers to her as the “Toddler Whisperer” for her ability to connect, motivate, and teach young students!
  • For U.S. Air Force veteran Paul Kleeman (below, second from right), what began as a short-term volunteer opportunity with the City of Clearwater’s out-of-school time program, has become a passion project. Since 2019, he has professionally tutored more than 400 students from the Clearwater area. But the magic lies in his ability to earn trust and build authentic relationships–and his greatest reward happens when he walks into the building each day after school. “Mr. Paul, Mr. Paul,” his students enthusiastically shout. “Work with ME!” 
  • Gabriella Moran (below, far right) is more than a trained behavior analyst for Directions for Living’s First Five program: She’s also a coach, counselor, and problem-solver for children, parents, and educators. She works one-on-one and in small groups with children who have experienced trauma, helping these little ones build emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and the confidence to stay in their classrooms to learn and succeed. Families consistently refer to her supportive and skilled work as life-changing!

• Three promising young people were also recognized as H. Browning Spence Education Awardees. These students, who have aged out of foster care or are experiencing homelessness, received scholarships to help further their education and transition to adulthood:
  • Jasmia Evans—nominated by Starting Right, Now—is a 20-year-old freshman at Eastern Florida State College, where she’s pursuing a social work or mental health degree. Her mantra is “things happen for a reason” –even tough things. (pictured below, second from left, with Mrs. Spence on the left and Matt Spence on the right)
  • Sayuri Vargas Hernandez (not pictured) was also nominated by Starting Right, Now. The 21-year-old senior at St. Leo University has big dreams for a future in business management and has acclimated to college life well–she even serves as a Student Ambassador, giving tours of the school to prospective students and families.
  • Gabriel Green (pictured below, second from right) was nominated by Family Support Services and Suncoast Voices for Children; 20-year-old Gabe is planning to attend Pinellas Technical College this December to study automotive mechanics. He plans to scale up his existing mobile car detailing business into a custom car service center. Gabe regularly shares his story so others who may struggle know that a person’s past does not define or dictate one’s future.

NEW THIS YEAR: A key feature of this year’s event was a teaser video and onsite demonstration station previewing JWB’s dynamic Kids Data Center, an easy-to-use interactive tool that offers limitless opportunities (below). The Kids Data Center paints a picture of a child’s overall well-being by examining education, health, social, and economic factors. But this tool is more than just data; it’s a guide to understanding a community’s strengths and areas for growth. The Data Center helps families, businesses, and communities make informed decisions, visualize the potential for transformation at the neighborhood level, and guide community improvements and investments—making it a powerful tool for collaboration, empowerment, and change.

The nation’s first independent board enacted to guard the rights and needs of children—with nearly 80 years of putting children first—JWB’s investments last year strengthened the lives of 77,00 children and families through 98 quality programs with 51 Pinellas County nonprofits. JWB and its partners believe that investing in their futures makes sense–dollar and cents in terms of return on investments down the road and common sense because helping children reach their full potential is not just worthy: it’s essential.

Normally members of St. Petersburg Fire Rescue (SPFR) save lives by serving as first responders to emergency calls, but recently the SPFR administrative team volunteered their time to pack bags filled with items designed to save babies’ lives during sleep.

It only takes one time for a baby to sleep in an unsafe place or position to be deadly. Babies need to be protected from suffocation every time they are laid down to sleep.

It’s all part of Sleep Baby Safely, a campaign created by the Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB) that has cut infant sleep-related deaths in half since it launched in 2018. The goal is to ensure all babies can celebrate their first birthdays.

The Sleep Baby Safely campaign features consistent messaging, data-based facts and tips, and coordinated materials used by all Pinellas County birthing hospitals, doctors’ offices, parent educators, and first responders, such as St. Petersburg Fire Rescue. Learn more at www.SleepBabySafely.com.

JWB and our partners launched Sleep Baby Safely when data revealed that, on average, a healthy baby was dying every month in Pinellas County. Over a 10-year period, Pinellas lost more than 100 babies from suffocation due to unsafe sleep practices – that number represents six empty kindergarten classrooms!

While progress is being made, parents and caregivers must continuously be reminded about the importance of practicing safe sleep for babies, every night and every nap. These messages and the SPFR’s volunteer efforts are especially timely, as October is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month.

“Suffocation from unsafe sleep is the No. 1 cause of preventable child death, not just in Pinellas County but across Florida and the U.S.,” stated St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Chief Keith Watts, who is part of the campaign. “Our men and women are usually the first to arrive on the scene. It’s a tragedy that’s 100% preventable, and we’re committed to doing whatever we can to educate and prevent these needless deaths.”

Each year in Pinellas County’s four birthing hospitals, more than 7,000 parents of newborns receive face-to-face education and Welcome Baby Bags filled with life-saving items, including a Sleep Me This Side Up onesie, Alone-Back-Crib sleep sack, and more. The bags are packed by volunteers, like St. Pete Fire Rescue first responders, and filled with items to keep babies safe during sleep in their first year of life.

In 2023, the Florida Department of Health secured funding to expand the locally born Sleep Baby Safely Campaign to eight new counties; today, 19 Florida counties use the Sleep Baby Safely campaign messages and materials.

There are a million ways to raise babies, but only one way to lay them down to sleep safely. JWB urges all parents and caregivers to practice these SAFE SLEEP TIPS to protect babies from suffocation every night and every nap:

• Follow Safe Sleep ABCs: Alone, Back, Crib. Always put babies to sleep alone on their back in an empty crib, bassinet, or Pack ‘n’ Play. Remove all items from crib, such as blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and bumper pads. Use only a firm mattress and tightly fitting sheet. Use a one-piece sleeper or sleep sack to keep baby warm.
• Share a Room, Not a Bed. Bring crib into parent’s room for baby’s first year; room-sharing keeps baby close without the risks. Never put baby to sleep on soft surfaces like adult beds, couches, futons, recliners, or air mattresses.
• Stay Alert While Feeding. Set an alarm and always return baby to crib after feeding. Breastfeed if possible; it’s best for baby’s protection. Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around baby and avoid misuse of alcohol or drugs.

Learn more and take the safe sleep pledge at www.SleepBabySafely.com.

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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