FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association

Paint the Town Blue is happening this week, and you can be part of it right from home.

Landmarks across Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Tallahassee are already lighting up blue for Police Week, including bridges, fountains, City Hall, the Riverwalk, and the State Capitol. Now we are encouraging families, neighborhoods, and businesses to join in and help turn Florida blue in support of law enforcement and the communities they serve.

If your home has exterior lighting, porch lights, landscape lights, or smart lights, switch them to blue this week and stand with us. Every light adds to the message.

Take a photo, share it, and tag us so we can highlight your participation and show how far this effort reaches.

This week, let’s Paint the Town Blue together.

Paint the Town Blue

From May 10–16, 2026, we’re asking our community to light up their homes, businesses, and buildings in blue for a week of visibility, gratitude, and unity.

Across Tampa Bay and Orlando, iconic locations like the Tampa Riverwalk, River Tower, Platt Street Bridge, and many others will be illuminated in blue—creating a powerful, unified visual in recognition of those who serve.

This week also coincides with National Police Week, a time to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers across the country.

By participating, you help expand that impact across the region and strengthen the connection between law enforcement and the community.

Learn more: FBITCAAA.org

We are proud to announce that the FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association has been recognized as a 2026 Gold Star Chapter by the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association.

This prestigious designation reflects our continued commitment to strong leadership, meaningful community engagement, and our partnership with the FBI Tampa Field Office. It is an honor that represents the dedication and impact of our Board of Directors and members.

We are especially proud to share that this marks our third consecutive year receiving this distinction.

Thank you to our members, partners, and community for your ongoing support as we continue our mission to promote a safer, more informed community through education, outreach, and service.

The Tampa FBITCAAA is honored to receive the Jerry Fogel Advocacy Award, the highest recognition presented by the FBINCAAA and awarded to just one chapter nationwide. This honor reflects our commitment to community engagement, education, and public safety, and we are grateful to everyone who helped make this achievement possible. Read more here: https://fbitcaaa.org/news/13612183

FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association Donates “Hope Bags” to Support Children Recovered During Multi-Agency Rescue Operation

TAMPA, FL — November 19, 2025 The FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBITCAAA) proudly supported a recent multi-agency child-recovery operation by donating specially-prepared “Hope Bags” to the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and the Florida Department of Children & Families (DCF). These bags were provided directly to children rescued during the extensive coordinated effort.

The operation—led by the U.S. Marshals Service in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement—resulted in the recovery of more than 100 missing or endangered children across several states. Many of these young victims were in urgent need of clothing, comfort items, and essential personal care products when they were found.

To help meet those immediate needs, the FBITCAAA assembled Hope Bags containing new outfits, undergarments, toiletries, hairbrushes, lotion, stuffed animals, and other age-appropriate comfort items. Each bag was designed to offer warmth, dignity, and reassurance during what is often a frightening and uncertain moment for a child transitioning into protective care.

“Our alumni were honored to support this lifesaving operation,” said Jacques Hakim, President of the FBITCAAA. “When a child is rescued, they deserve to feel safe and cared for right away. These Hope Bags provide a small but meaningful sense of comfort during a critical moment in their recovery.”

Board Member Cara Riley, who helped lead the coordination effort, added:
“We wanted every child to receive not just essentials, but something soft to hold, something warm to wear, and something that reminds them they matter. Partnering with the U.S. Marshals Service and DCF allowed us to get these items into the hands of children who needed them most.”

The donation exemplifies the FBITCAAA’s longstanding commitment to supporting public-safety initiatives, strengthening community partnerships, and assisting agencies dedicated to protecting vulnerable populations across the Tampa Bay region.

“We are grateful for the extraordinary work of the U.S. Marshals Service, DCF, and all the law enforcement professionals involved,” Hakim said. “Their dedication inspires us to continue serving wherever we can make a difference.”

The FBITCAAA remains committed to supporting victim services, community outreach, and law enforcement initiatives throughout Tampa Bay and beyond.

FBI Tampa Citizen's Academy Alumni Association (FBITCAAA) Helps “Light Up Mary Lee’s House” With a Night of Hope, Community, and Holiday Magic
Last night, the holiday season officially kicked off in the most meaningful way as Mary Lee’s House celebrated its very first Light Up Mary Lee’s House celebration — and it was a night overflowing with heart.
As families, community leaders, and supporters gathered in front of the main entrance, Mary Lee’s House transformed into a glowing beacon of hope. The beautiful holiday light display, installed by the Bright Brothers East Tampa team, wasn’t just festive décor — it was a symbol of the warmth, security, and joy the organization provides to children in Hillsborough County who have experienced abuse or neglect.
A Celebration With Impact
FBITCAAA secured 400 presents for the kids, 2-hour Santa appearance, the holiday light installation from Bright Brothers East Tampa including a generous $2,500 big check presented to Mary Lee’s House during the event. These gifts directly support the collaborative work of the child-advocacy partners housed within the center.
Throughout the evening, representatives from several partner organizations were on-site to celebrate the impact of this united effort, including:
Mary Lee’s House
Children’s Advocacy Center
USF Child Protection Team
Healthy Start Coalition of Hillsborough County
PEDI Clinic
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
FBITCAAA
Community members, families, law enforcement, and child-advocacy leaders filled the space with warmth and connection as the holiday lights sparkled across the property.
A Message From Leadership
FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association Board President Jacques Hakim, who led the event, shared his deep appreciation for the community spirit on display:
“Tonight was more than a lighting ceremony — it was a reminder of how powerful we are when we come together for the safety and well-being of our children. Mary Lee’s House represents the very best of collaboration, compassion, and commitment, and it was inspiring to see our community show up so brightly.”
Media Spotlight on a Night That Matters
The event also caught the attention of Bay News 9, who was onsite to capture the celebration and help share the story with the broader Tampa Bay community. Their coverage helped amplify the importance of the work being done at Mary Lee’s House.
A Partnership Rooted in Community
FBITCAAA was honored to bring holiday magic to an organization that brings comfort and healing to so many. Lighting up Mary Lee’s House is more than a festive moment — it’s a reminder that when a community shows up for its children, everyone shines a little brighter.

FBITCAAA Honors Gold Star Families at Pasco County Breakfast

On Friday, the FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBITCAAA) proudly joined Chapter President Jacques Hakim at the annual Gold Star Breakfast in Pasco County — a moving tribute dedicated to honoring the families of our nation’s fallen military heroes.

The event brought together Gold Star parents, families, and loved ones, alongside representatives from law enforcement, members of Congress, and community leaders from across the region. Together, attendees paid solemn tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom and to the families who continue to embody courage, resilience, and patriotism.

“The strength of Gold Star families reminds us that courage extends far beyond the battlefield,” said Jacques Hakim, President of the FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association. “It lives in the everyday moments, in the quiet remembrance, and in the unwavering love for those who served.”

The FBITCAAA remains committed to supporting initiatives that honor military families and strengthen community partnerships throughout the Tampa Bay area. Under Jacques Hakim’s leadership, the community is committed to champion the Gold Star Monuments Initiative in Pasco County — ensuring that the legacy of our fallen heroes endures for generations to come.

Together, we honor the fallen, embrace the families, and stand united in gratitude. 🇺🇸