‘Dad Skool’ Providing Support — And Some Fun — For Local Fathers

The Dad Skool group enjoyed a “Dads Not Working Happy Hour” at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Sept. 15. 

Jason Centeno saw a problem impacting local fathers. Under the relentless grind of work and parenting, he saw many fathers who let their mental and physical health slip, while others simply lost the time to build meaningful friendships. As a retired firefighter originally from Philadelphia and a father of six himself, Jason knew these challenges all too well. 

“Fathers work, fathers provide,” he said at the Dad Skool’s Sept. 4 get-together at the Grand Oak Clubhouse in Jason’s Live Oak Preserve neighborhood off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. “They put themselves last. They have a lot of energy, but they don’t have a lot of renewal of that energy. Dads will pull up to their houses after work and sit in their cars and wait before they go in to collect themselves because they know they’re about to go into their second jobs.” 

Jason started wondering, “What is there for dads? How do they get their batteries recharged?” 

This inspired him a few years ago to begin reaching out to his neighboring dads in Live Oak Preserve, pitching the idea of doing a big street party in his cul-de-sac the day before Father’s Day. He put up water slides and had some party games so dads could blow off steam. This started a tradition in the neighborhood that eventually materialized into a larger Father’s Day event this year — with more than 300 people attending. 

After the success of those events, Jason realized that dads needed more than just an annual party — they needed a dedicated community that would allow them to connect and share stories, swap advice and access real resources. 

Jason says that this idea had already been smoldering in his mind, but the real spark came when his friend Michael Paskas called him up one day to attend a preview screening of the movie “Nobody 2.” Michael had already been running similar gatherings with dads in other parts of the Tampa Bay area and wanted to bounce ideas off of Jason about how they could formalize a “Dad Community” that they both believed the area desperately needed. 

Jason Centeno, the New Tampa resident who founded the “Dad Skool” group, explains Hugh the crash dummy’s role to the group at the Sept. 4 Dads Next Door Club meeting at Live Oak Preserve. 

This first “bro date,” as Jason describes it, served as the catalyst to launch “Dad Skool” in April 2026. The organization that started from just a handful of guys in the Live Oak neighborhood now boasts a membership of nearly 120 dads from New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, and has hosted a number of events, including their “Dad Next Door Club” monthly meetups, a movie night for dads and their families and a Labor Day BBQ. 

“I’m gonna treat this like the (2003) movie ‘Old School’ (starring Will Ferrell, Luke Wilson and Vince Vaughn),” Jason says. “That movie was kinda the inspiration for all this. I’m just going to try to do all that for dads. I look at it like, what would it look like if we had a ‘fraternity’ of fatherhood?” 

And, like any college fraternity, Jason says that while from the outside, it may look like it’s just a bunch of guys having fun and partying, he says Dad Skool is really much more than that. 

“I say it’s a party in the front, business in the back,” Jason says, adding that he views it as a critical way for dads to meet up with other dads who are dealing with the same stressors — work, finances, marriage and kids — to give them all an outlet to vent and get advice from other dads. 

This reporter had the opportunity to attend the Sept. 4 “Dad Next Door Club” event at Live Oak Preserve. 

Guys started to trickle in with their beverage of choice while Jason was stacking up pizzas on a counter. Comedian Dave Chappelle was on the TV and a poker table was set up. In a corner, sitting in a chair, was a crash test dummy named Hugh with the words “You Here” on his chest. 

“[Hugh] is the stand-in for every person who doesn’t show up to one of our events,” Jason explained. “If you missed it, it could have been you. So, Hugh is sitting there, taking these drinks in your honor.” 

As the room filled up, Jason got everyone around to ask the roughly 15 dads in attendance about their “wins” this week. One dad announced a new business he had just started. Another joked that he won $300 in Las Vegas. Another announced he was being deployed the next day, prompting a round of applause and support for his safe return home. 

Jason then gave the floor to Miguel DeLeon, the founder of the Dads Figure It Out Foundation (which we reported about last issue), to talk about his Game Day Experience program that seeks to help families facing financial or other life challenges experience a sporting event. 

Jason even congratulated me about being a new dad myself to a five-month-old. The “party in the front, business in the back” moniker was on full display as these dads joked around, highlighted their successes and gave each other actual advice regarding issues many of them are facing. 

“This is very simple,” said Jay Colley, Jason’s neighbor and one of the earliest supporters of Dad Skool. “It’s a community for dads, in a world where there aren’t enough (supportive) communities for us.” 

Jason believes that his mission to connect dads can be expanded and replicated throughout Tampa Bay. He says he’s not interested in getting any credit — he just wants to put the focus on his fellow dads and help them connect and build relationships in their respective parenting journeys. 

“I’m just putting together people with other people,” he says. “Similar to P.T. Barnum, I’m just the ringmaster and these guys are the show.” He adds that he hopes as this program grows, it can expand to reach more dads and provide additional resources, such as financial support to help uplift men who are homeless. 

If you’re a dad interested in learning more about Dad Skool, visit DadSkool.org or find the group on Instagram or Facebook @dadsoftampaskool. 

Luis Viera Column — Thank You For Ten Wonderful Years As Your City Councilman!

By Luis Viera 

District 7, Tampa City Council 

Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera (Photo by Charmaine George)

I always love to update my constituents on what is happening in the City of Tampa, especially in New Tampa’s District 7. 

Saying Goodbye To District 7 

Speaking of my district, I only have a few more weeks as your Tampa City Councilman. 

I began this journey in Nov. 2016 and it will end at midnight on November 2. The October 22 City Council meeting will be my last. After that, I will no longer be your Councilman. 

Words can not express my heartfelt gratitude for the welcome and the many life experiences I have gotten from District 7. 

I think of so many meaningful moments — not those on camera or on a stage, but little things. I think of the New Tampa immigrant families who are part of the American Dream – families from India, Syria, Venezuela, etc. Every time I meet one, I ask them about their journey to America and it touches me. 

I think of the pain every time I talked to a North Tampa family that got flooded after Hurricane Milton in 2024, and the little caustic details of their stories. 

I think of my first Town Hall in Tampa Palms, where I met my now good friends Tracy and Steve Falkowitz. I think of getting to know New Tampa residents like Auschwitz survivor Nat Ross, decorated combat World War II veteran and Buffalo Soldier Roy Caldwood and General Remo Butler — the first Black officer in the Special Forces to become Brigadier General. 

Perhaps the biggest part of public office is sharing from your heart and seeing people that society does not see, but that you see because of your own experience. For me, that always has been people with disabilities. No experience better defined my life growing up because of my brother Juan. I grew up going to Special Olympics and special education ministry meetings and to special needs dances where people danced to Village People songs. I also grew up seeing parents working harder than anyone should have to and feeling that they and their kids were not seen. Working in this space has meant a lot. 

So, I write to say thank you, District 7, from my heart. I also have some final updates for the people of New Tampa, where I live. 

K-Bar Ranch 

Last year, I secured about $750,000 in the City of Tampa’s budget to design the nearly-60- acre K-Bar Ranch park. This year, I secured in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) about $8 million for construction of this park, which should begin construction in 2028. 

There will be community input to help with the design of the park. Your first opportunity to share your opinions about the facilities you feel should be included in this park will be held on Thursday, October 15, during a community meeting. As of the writing of this column, we do not have a location yet for that meeting, but one will be provided soon (and I’m sure the Neighborhood News will post online about it as soon as the location and the time of that meeting are announced). Feel free to email me at luis.viera@tampagov.net for questions. 

North of Cross Creek Blvd., there are no city parks. This investment — part of almost $20 million in 33647 parks funding I helped secure since 2016 — remedies this for you. 

Remaining New Tampa Priorities 

There are things I am still working on in my final weeks on City Council that I still want. I am working on getting the funds necessary to repave the rest of Tampa Palms Blvd. in our budget. I also am working with the Rays for inclusion of funds for a New Tampa Police substation presence in the “Community Benefits & Legacy Plan” between the team, Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa. And, frustration over Morris Bridge Rd. (a county road) is something I, like you, feel and experience, although I don’t know how or when this roadway will be improved. 

Improved emergency and fire rescue times for K-Bar Ranch remains my biggest frustration. Yes, I have secured three new City of Tampa Fire Rescue Dept. (TFR) stations for New and North Tampa since I assumed office. 

But, I still want a fire station dedicated for K-Bar Ranch. Unfortunately, we currently do not have the necessary buy-in for this from downtown. But, within 45 days or so, the “cut through” from Morris Bridge Rd. into K-Bar Ranch should be opening, which will significantly reduce K-Bar and Easton Park response times from TFR Station No. 22 on Cross Creek Blvd. near Morris Bridge Rd. This is a good step for now — but a station located in K-Bar is still needed — and hopefully, inevitable. 

District 7 2027 City Council Race 

New Tampa is the Alaska of Tampa. When you represent this area on City Council, you have to fight harder, bang the podium a little harder and talk a little louder. And, New Tampa still needs a fighter. We have good people who have filed to run for this office who are already working hard — putting in the hard work. 

Although my fellow City Council members will choose someone to fill my seat for the four+ months between when I leave office in November and the City of Tampa’s Municipal Election in March of 2027, when you will help elect a replacement for me, I hope you will choose the candidate you believe is sincere and will work hard for you. Pick someone who has been putting in the hard work to earn your trust — not only the trust of other politicians. 

Thanks as always, New Tampa. 

Ybor City Street Renamed In Honor Of New Tampa’s Morris Lopez’s Grandfather

TPD Officer Morris Lopez 

Longtime New Tampa resident Morris Lopez III has spent 40 years building a career in public service, currently as a Division Chief with the Hillsborough County Fire Department. 

While that service alone is noteworthy and admirable, the legacy of Morris’ grandfather Morris — who “walked the beat” as a Tampa Police Officer in Ybor City in the 1940s after serving in the Navy in World War II — is part of why Morris III chose to serve as well. 

Unfortunately, Morris I’s service with TPD lasted only about two years, as he was shot and killed shielding and saving the life of a newspaper boy in 1949 during a drive-by shooting at 7th Ave. and 16th St. Eyewitnesses said that Ofc. Lopez was already falling to the ground when he pushed the paperboy out of the path of the gunfire. Long before the days of DNA evidence, the case remains unsolved and no suspects were ever identified, as the car sped away following the shooting. 

(L.-r.) Cherish, Rodney, Stephanie, Stevie, Robbie & Morris Lopez 

On Sept. 28, 77 years after that tragedy, Morris III and most of his family — including his wife Yvette, their daughter Courtney, Morris’ brothers Robbie and Rodney and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins — were all on hand at a ceremony honoring Morris I with a sign renaming the corner of Centennial Park (along 19th St. and E. 8th Ave.) in Ybor City after the fallen hero: “Office Morris Lopez Av.” 

Dist. 7 Tampa City Councilman & New Tampa resident Luis Viera, who pushed the city to honor Ofc. Lopez, said that Morris I was deserving of such an honor “and should be remembered as one of Tampa’s great heroes.” 

Viera then introduced Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who had a long career as a TPD Officer, including serving as TPD’s Chief. Mayor Castor said, “All of us, as first responders, take an oath to protect and serve…and law enforcement officers and firefighters across the country sacrifice their lives in the line of duty every single day. 

Mayor Jane Castor 

“And, as a community…we can never forget the impact those first responders, including Officer Lopez, had on their communities and on their families and friends.” 

She also thanked Viera for making sure that there is “a permanent reminder of Ofc. Lopez’s sacrifice, so that people who drive by that sign can ask, ‘Who was Officer Morris Lopez and what did he do?’ And we should all be able to answer that question with pride.” 

Viera’s fellow City Councilman Guido Maniscalco said, “Today, we know that the name Morris Lopez will not be forgotten. I’m so glad we were able to do this small token of appreciation for the [Lopez] family, so that his name will live on.” 

Next up was Cindy Roberts, whose husband, TPD Cpl. Mike Roberts, gave his all for the city back in 2009. Viera said, “Cindy does a lot of good work with an organization called ‘Concerns of Police Survivors,’ that advocates for surviving family members of officers that gave all in the line of duty.” 

Cindy Roberts

“I have the solemn honor of walking with the families of all of our lost officers as they go through their grief journey,” Roberts said. “But today, as we reveal this road dedication for Officer Morris Lopez, we assure that his sacrifice is met with an unending remembrance and community support.” 

Then, Chief Morris Lopez III said that although he never met his grandfather, “I heard the stories about him and the pride his name carried, and that made me want to [serve]…and I have served this community for 40 years. 

“A street sign can not repay [our] loss. Nothing can. But, a city can say that a life of service mattered. He gave his life for this city and today, the city gives something back. For our family, seeing his name here in Ybor City, it connects our children and our grandchildren to the man whose life helped shape theirs. It tells them that courage, duty and service can travel across generations. 

“I hope that everyone who passes this street remembers more than a name. Remember the men and women who put on a uniform and accept responsibility for people they may never know. And remember the families they leave behind.” — GN; all photos provided by Morris Lopez & Luis Viera 

Tampa’s Charter Review Committee Has Something Monumental For New Tampa

Guest Editorial by ALAN COHN 

Every 8–12 years, the Tampa City Council and Mayor form a Charter Review Advisory Commission to review and update the city’s governing charter — the document that defines how our city government operates. 

District 7 City Councilman Luis Viera appointed me to represent New Tampa on that commission. 

His only instruction to me was simple: Use your best judgment and do a good job. 

I took that responsibility seriously. 

And I’m proud to say we did something monumental. 

We made Tampa’s city government more accountable, more transparent and more responsive to the people it serves. 

People have every right to question government. In fact, they should. 

That’s why I helped champion the creation of Tampa’s first-ever Inspector General. 

The Inspector General (IG) will have the independence to investigate allegations of (governmental) corruption and wrongdoing without political interference or favor. The IG will be selected by a distinguished panel that includes the State Attorney, Public Defender, Chief Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit, Mayor, City Council and others. 

Why does that matter? 

Because while the City Council has the authority to investigate allegations of wrongdoing, it has no dedicated budget to conduct those investigations. And, when elected officials investigate elected officials, there can always be questions about political motivation. 

The Inspector General changes that. 

It puts an independent watchdog inside Tampa’s system of government whose job it is to follow the facts and protect the public interest. 

Only a handful of cities in Florida — including Doral and Jacksonville — have an Inspector General. Tampa is about to join them. 

Alan Cohn (front left) sits on Tampa’s Charter Review Advisory Commission, which is helping the city update its charter & creating an independent Inspector General position. (Photo provided by Alan Cohn) 

But, we didn’t stop there. 

We also delivered a major win for the residents of New Tampa. 

For years, Councilman Viera has fought to secure funding for parks, playgrounds, infrastructure and other projects our community needs. 

But, getting funding approved doesn’t necessarily mean a project gets built. 

Too often, residents are left wondering: What happened to that project? When will it be completed? Why is it delayed? 

That’s changing. 

We’ve created a new transparency system requiring the city to provide an annual progress report on major capital improvement projects — including their current status, delays or problems and anticipated completion dates. 

If taxpayers are funding it, they deserve to know what’s happening with it. 

That’s what good government looks like. 

We made other important changes as well, and I look forward to sharing more about them soon. 

The final changes to the city charter have now been approved and sent to the City Council and Mayor. They will ultimately go before Tampa voters next spring. 

I’m especially grateful to Councilman Viera for choosing me, trusting me and giving me the opportunity to fight for the people of New Tampa. 

He asked me to use my best judgment and do a good job. 

And I think we did. 

And, this is exactly the kind of government I believe Tampa deserves: independent, transparent, accountable, and always working for the people. 

Alan Cohn is New Tampa’s appointed representative on Tampa’s Charter Review Advisory Commission and a candidate for Tampa City Council, District 7 

Love Cajun Cooking? Want To Help A Great Cause? Attend ‘A Taste of N’Awlins’ Today!”

(Above) Dr./Chef Elliot Cazes will again be in the kitchen cooking up an amazing New Orleans-style feast at the “A Taste of N’Awlins” fund raiser to benefit Faces of Courage on Sunday, August 23, at the Arbor Green clubhouse.

Speaking of great chefs, while my longtime friend Elliot Cazes, M.D., may not be a chef in a restaurant (at least not yet), he certainly could be — at least in one editor’s humble opinion. 

After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, Elliot (a noted local OB/GYN doctor and lecturer) and I hosted a benefit to raise money to send to the victims of that brutal Category 3 (by the time it hit Louisiana) storm. 

I had so much fun watching Elliot create his famous chicken & andouille sausage gumbo and other N’Awlins cuisine items that I told him then, “You know you could do this for a living.” 

Fast forward 21 years. “Chef Elliot” is still working as a doctor, but he and his wife Pam also have been helping a wonderful organization called the “Faces of Courage Foundation,” a New Tampa-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting cancer patients and survivors. 

According to FacesofCourage.org, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by New Tampa resident Peggie D. Sherry in Jan. 2004, “provides day outings, educational workshops and medically supervised overnight camps for women, children and families touched by all types of cancer and blood disorders — all at no cost.” The organization’s motto is “No one faces cancer alone.” 

Chef Elliot shares a laugh with student volunteer Caroline Perry at a previous event.

This year’s Women’s Cancer Camp, a weekend retreat sponsored by Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik’s Vinik Family Foundation, will be held Sept. 18-20, at Rotary’s Camp Florida in Brandon. But, Elliot, who has been cooking for this incredible organization’s camps for 20 years, says that, following the passing of another major sponsor, more money is needed for this year’s camps. 

To that end, he and Pam are hosting “A Taste of N’Awlins” dining event on Sunday, August 23, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., at the Arbor Greene Community Center (18000 Arbor Greene Dr.). 

“We’ll be serving my chicken and andouille gumbo (yum!), red beans & rice (double yum!) and assorted po-boy sandwiches (triple yum!),” Elliot says. “You can eat it there in the clubhouse or take it to go.” 

Please note that, the food will be cash-only — for only $20 per meal — although additional donations will be accepted in cash or by check. “It’ll be good food for a great cause and a great community,” Elliot says. “We hope to see you there on the 23rd!” 

For more info, visit FacesofCourage.org or see the ad below, but reservations are not necessary or being accepted for this event. Everyone is invited — you do not have to be an Arbor Greene resident to attend!