Tampa Bay Community Network Unplugged

On the Grid: Brothers in Arms, Family in Strength: The Vila Family Story

In this powerful episode of On the Grid, host EJ Moreno explores the remarkable legacy of the Vila Brothers family from West Tampa, Florida. In Part One, EJ sits down with Denio and Tony Vila, two of the seven Vila brothers who all served in the United States military across multiple branches and conflicts. Their story spans decades—from World War II in the Pacific Theater through later service in the Army and Navy—reflecting a rare and deeply rooted family commitment to service, sacrifice, and duty. In Part Two, EJ is joined by Martha and Nancy Vila, who share the family’s story from a different perspective. Their conversation brings forward the lived experience of those who supported, waited, and carried the emotional weight of a family defined by military service. Together, their reflections add depth, context, and humanity to a legacy that continues to be honored in Tampa, including through the Vila Brothers Park. This episode is a portrait of a family shaped not only by service, but by resilience, love, and generational impact.

TBCN Unplugged - The Bill Sefekar Experience

On this episode of TBCN Unplugged, host John Casimiro sits down with one of TBCN’s most unique personalities, Bill Sefekar. A devoted John Denver superfan, musician, storyteller, and podcaster, Bill shares the passions and experiences that continue to inspire his creative journey. The conversation explores The Bill Sefekar Experience, dolphins on Tampa Bay, music, friendship, family legacy, and Bill’s positive outlook on life. Bill also discusses his books, including American Dreamer: A Look Into the Life Of My Father Joe Baby and his upcoming release, It Worked for Me. Quirky, heartfelt, funny, and completely original, this episode offers a glimpse into the life of a man who continues to follow his passions and do things his own way. #TBCNUnplugged #JohnCasimiro #BillSefekar #JohnDenver #Podcast #Music #Storytelling #AmericanDreamer #ItWorkedForMe #TBCN

Shift Happens: Building Community Innovation, Terri Willingham Interview #tbcn #fcdi #community

On the premiere of Shift Happens, host Antonia McCutcheon sits down with Terri Willingham, Executive Director of the Foundation for Community Driven Innovation (FCDI), to explore how real change begins at the community level. Terri shares her journey as a leader, writer, and advocate for hands-on learning, as well as her work building collaborative spaces where innovation grows from the ground up. From makerspaces to mentorship, her work focuses on empowering individuals to live and learn in meaningful, creative, and socially impactful ways. A recipient of the Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Award, Terri brings a wealth of experience across education, technology, and community development. Offering insight into what it takes to turn ideas into action. Shift Happens is a series about those pivotal moments: personal, cultural, and technological. Where change is already in motion. Through conversations with innovators, creators, and community leaders, the show explores how small shifts can lead to lasting impact. Produced by TBCN at University Mall in Tampa, Florida.

Tyler Martinolich Executive Director of Film Tampa Bay and Film Commissioner for Hillsborough County.

In this episode of TBCN Unplugged, host John Casimiro sits down with Tyler Martinolich, Executive Director of Film Tampa Bay and Film Commissioner for Hillsborough County. Tyler shares what it really means to serve as a liaison between local communities and film and television productions, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how projects come to life in the Tampa Bay area. He breaks down the role of film commissions across Florida and compares them to programs nationwide, giving valuable insight into how regions compete to attract productions. The conversation highlights the many advantages of filming in Tampa Bay—from diverse locations to strong community support—and why marketing a region effectively is key to growing a thriving film industry. As both a leader in the local film industry and a passionate advocate for filmmakers, Tyler continues to help shape Tampa Bay into a destination for creative storytelling. Explore the podcast

Protecting Tampa Bay’s Waters: Jessica Lewis of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program: On the Grid

On this episode of On the Grid, host EJ Moreno sits down with Jessica Lewis of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program to talk about the critical work being done to protect and restore Tampa Bay’s waterways. Jessica shares insights into environmental stewardship, water quality, community partnerships, and how science, policy, and public engagement come together to safeguard one of our region’s most important natural resources. This conversation highlights why estuary protection matters not just for the environment, but for the health, economy, and future of the Tampa Bay community.