Pinellas children's board turns 80
The agency now spends over $128 million annually to serve 83,000 children and families across the county.
By Gabriela Flores ·
Pinellas County’s Juvenile Welfare Board celebrated its 80th anniversary on Friday, Oct. 23. The agency, established by voters in 1946, now directs more than $128 million in annual funding toward children's services. That money supports more than 83,000 children and families in the county.
Approximately 600 community leaders, elected officials, and supporters attended the sold-out KidsFirst Awards Luncheon. The gathering marked the milestone for what the agency identifies as the nation’s first independent special taxing district devoted to children's welfare.
The history of the board dates back to 1944. Juvenile court Judge Lincoln Bogue approached local leaders to find better options for vulnerable children. Attorney Leonard Cooperman drafted the legislation that created an independent agency with its own taxing authority. The Florida Legislature approved the measure in 1945. Pinellas voters ratified the plan on Nov. 5, 1946.
In its early years, the agency funded three organizations serving about 1,500 children. Today, property tax revenue supports services for early childhood development, school readiness, student success, health, and family stability. A governing board makes the decisions on how to distribute these public resources.
Interim CEO Karen Boggess addressed the crowd in a prepared statement. She noted that the decision made 80 years ago continues to shape the community. Boggess said children deserve the opportunity to thrive and that investing in their futures benefits everyone.
Keli Mondello, co-founder and board chair of LiFT in Clearwater, received the Dillinger-McCabe Leadership Award. The organization serves people with neurodiversity and different learning needs. Mondello has worked in the field for more than three decades. Her work includes advocacy for early literacy policies and service as a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children. Mondello stated that it is the community's responsibility to be a voice for children who cannot choose their circumstances.
The award honors Bernie McCabe, a former state attorney, and Bob Dillinger, a former public defender. Both men served two decades on the JWB board. Kay Dillinger said her late husband reviewed the nominations for this year's award shortly before he died. She said he submitted his rankings even in his weakened state and was particularly impressed by Mondello's work.
The board also posthumously honored former state Sen. Jack Latvala. His legislative work helped bring the state attorney and public defender onto the agency's board. His son, Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala, accepted the award on his behalf.
Four frontline professionals received the KidsFirst Cooperman-Bogue Award, each accompanied by $1,000. Gena Calish was recognized for working with families to improve parenting skills and prevent abuse. Melissa Mapes, a teacher at Gingerbread Preschool for 29 years, was honored for her work in early childhood education. Christine Powell, a foster grandparent with Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, received recognition for helping kindergarten students at Maximo Elementary School develop reading skills. Deputy Anthony Borbonio was honored for his community policing work in High Point, where he connects families with neighborhood resources.
Two students, Tatiana Mansfield and Savannah Starcher, received H. Browning Spence Education Scholarships. The scholarships support their academic and career goals.
Source: St. Pete Catalyst
