JWB’s Turbo Babies Racetrack Read Along Events Attract Hundreds of Families with Little Ones on National Read-a-Book Day

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.”

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.