/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/EYQSN6GLS4I6TFE6IBWI6S7HAY.jpg "Tampa Bay area residents can receive or donate school supplies at several back-to-school events across the area in the coming days.")
BACK TO SCHOOL 2020 | Click to scroll down for more
Back to School Party: Ages 5 to 17 can celebrate the new school year with games, contests and prizes. Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 5. Daisy Douglas Park, 601 Ninth Ave. N, Safety Harbor. (727) 724-1545.
Back 2 School Health Clinics: The Back-2-School Coalition of Hillsborough County presents the 2020 Back 2 School Health Clinics to serve students entering kindergarten through high school grades who need a school physical, immunization, and/or shot record update for school enrollment. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, registration is required at Back2schoolhealthclinic.org. Only one parent or guardian is allowed to escort children. Masks are required. Services are free. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 8. Middleton High School, 4801 N 22nd St., Tampa. (813) 276-5671; Also taking place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 15 at The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, 1002 E Palm Ave., Tampa. (813) 276-5671.
Makers Market and Back to School: Shop for second-hand and vintage items at this indoor market with live art demonstrations and a reuse materials makers space. Free. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 8. Creative Junk Therapy, 10236 Fisher Ave., Tampa. (813) 324-9777.
Back to School Blast: Kids get free backpacks full of school supplies and books at this Back to School event with vendors, displays and a charity food truck rally. Free. Noon-6 p.m. Aug. 8. Tampa Premium Outlets, 2398 Grand Cypress Drive, Lutz. (813) 909-8716.
Operation Backpack Spring Hill: While supplies last, families in Hernando and West Pasco counties can pick up backpacks loaded with school supplies. Limit one backpack per child and two per family. Additional children per family receive a drawstring bag loaded with school supplies. Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 8. Towne Square Mall, 3021 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. (352) 848-4404.
Free Backpacks: Students in grades K through 12 can pick up free backpacks, books and school supplies at all Clearwater Public Library branches while supplies last during operating hours through Aug. 9. Free. Clearwater Main Library, 100 N Osceola Ave, Clearwater. (727) 562-4970. Also taking place at Clearwater Beach Library, Clearwater East Community Library, Countryside Library and North Greenwood Library. Hours vary by location. Visit myclearwaterlibrary.com to check operating hours.
Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive: Westfield Countryside will be accepting school supplies during its month-long drive at a colorful display area inside the center. People can bring their donations inside the shopping center to the Stuff the Bus display area. Free. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through Aug. 15. Westfield Countryside Mall, 27001 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater. (727) 796-1079.
Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive: School supply donations are especially important in Hillsborough County this year as the community continues in its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Supplies donated as part of the Stuff the Bus initiative ensure that all students have the tools they need to succeed in the 2020-21 school year. Free. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through Aug. 15. Westfield Brandon, 303 Brandon Town Center, Brandon. (813) 661-6255.
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Explore all your optionsBack to School Physicals and Backpack Brigade: Students receive a complete physical, required screenings and a backpack full of school supplies. Free. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 17, 19, 21 and 24. Premier Community HealthCare, Zephyrhills Family Health Center, 37920 Medical Arts Court, Zephyrhills. (352) 518-2000.
More back-to-school coverage
WHAT TO EXPECT: Back to school in Tampa Bay: Big plans, many unknowns
VIRTUAL CHALLENGE: Many kids will be learning remotely again. What we learned last spring.
NEW CONCERNS: Tampa Bay parents ‘make the best of a bad situation’ as school year nears
FREE ADVICE: Nine tips for starting school during a pandemic
SAVING MONEY: Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday starts Friday. Here’s what’s covered.
BY THE NUMBERS: Tampa Bay school districts at a glance for 2020-21
CLOSE QUARTERS: Masks will be vital on school buses, where distancing is difficult
STAYING SAFE: Eluding the virus while at school: a Q&A with health experts
STRESS REDUCTION: Talk openly to your kids about school and the pandemic, experts say
STUDENT VOICES: Online or on-campus? What Tampa Bay kids are saying about school and the virus.
HOT ITEM: Face masks are on everyone’s back-to-school supplies list
EATING RIGHT: Need ideas for healthy school lunches? A nutrition expert weighs in.
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