Office Closure Update: Our offices will be closed Friday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

Category: Media Coverage

For Immediate Release:
For additional information please contact Tory Davis, Director of Communications & Community Relations at 813-635-5264

New Driver Education Rules For Teen Drivers In Hillsborough County

Tampa, FL — July 11, 2025

By Staff Report – July 11, 2025

Teen drivers in Hillsborough County — and across Florida — will be subject to a new driver education requirement aimed at enhancing road safety for young motorists.

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is notifying parents and teens that a new state law mandates a six-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course for all first-time drivers ages 15-17. This new requirement replaces the long-standing four-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course.

Signed into law earlier this year by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the new education standard went into effect on July 1 and will be implemented statewide by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), with the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office acting as the local agent.

To help families adjust to the change, a transition period will be in place from now through Thursday, July 31. During this time, teens may still complete either the four-hour TLSAE course or the new sixhour DETS course to apply for a learner’s permit.

Teens ages 14-17 who complete the TLSAE course by July 31 will be ‘grandfathered in’ and allowed to use that certificate for up to one year. However, if they do not obtain their learner’s permit within that time, they will be required to complete the DETS course before proceeding.

Beginning on Friday, August 1, only the six-hour DETS course will be accepted for all new applicants under 18. The four-hour TLSAE course will remain valid only for those who completed it before July 31 or for applicants age 18 or older.

Certain groups are exempt from the new requirement, including: teens who already have a Florida learner’s permit issued before August 1, out-of-state teen drivers transferring to Florida with a valid license and all applicants age 18 or older.

Course and Application Requirements The new DETS course must meet standards established by the Florida Department of Education under Traffic Safety Classroom 1900300. Providers will be approved through an FLHSMV application process. A list of authorized course providers is available on the FLHSMV website: www.flhsmv.gov.

All applicants must also provide Real ID-compliant identification, proof of address and parental consent when applying for a learner’s permit or driver’s license.

“We want to ensure our community is well informed about these upcoming changes,” said Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan. “As we implement these state guidelines, our offices remain committed to providing excellent service to all families navigating the licensing process.”

To learn more, visit the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s website: www.hillstaxfl.gov/drivers-license-id.

Read the full article here.

For Immediate Release:
For additional information please contact Tory Davis, Director of Communications & Community Relations at 813-635-5264

Tax Office events to mark Safety Month

Tampa, FL — June 16, 2025

TAMPA — The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office has kicked off Safety Month 2025 events that will offer free vision and hearing screenings.

This marks the third year of collaboration with Lions World Vision Institute and Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation to bring essential health services directly to the community.

The screenings will be held at Tax Collector offices around the county at the following times:

• June 12 – North Tampa Office, 3011 University Center Drive, Suite 150, Tampa

• June 13 – East Tampa Office, 2814 E Hillsborough Ave., Tampa

• June 20 – Southshore Office, 406 30th St., Ruskin

• June 26 – Drew Park Office, 4100 W Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Tampa

• June 27 – Plant City Office, 1834 Jim Redman Parkway, Plant City

Walk-ins for vision screenings are welcome, although appointments are encouraged. Vision screening appointments can be scheduled online by visiting https://tinyurl.com/24jeu3ky

Hearing screenings will be available on a walk-in basis.

Other organizations providing resources will be:

Read the article here.

For Immediate Release:
For additional information please contact Tory Davis, Director of Communications & Community Relations at 813-635-5264

Pocketalk Builds First Comprehensive Haitian Creole Language Library for Translation Devices

Tampa, FL — June 5, 2025

Pocketalk Builds First Comprehensive Haitian Creole Language Library for Translation Devices

Pocketalk Builds First Comprehensive Haitian Creole Language Library for Translation Devices

PR Newswire

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 5, 2025

Driven by nationwide customer demand, creating an accurate Haitian Creole language model has been Pocketalk’s top priority and is only available on Pocketalk devices

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pocketalk, the global leader in translation solutions, announced the company’s first-ever proprietary language model by adding Haitian Creole to Pocketalk’s translation solutions suite. The advancement marks a significant milestone, as Haitian Creole is widely considered a “living language,” which can present unique challenges for translation services. With this language model, Pocketalk addresses a growing demand for instant and accurate conversation to support Haitian immigrants in the United States.

To date, no existing Haitian Creole language library met Pocketalk’s translation and security standards nor had the ability to perform voice-to-text and text-to-voice translations. Pocketalk is uniquely positioned to build this language model thanks to its industry-leading engineers and the guidance of Haitian Creole language expert, Kerby Magophy. Pocketalk and Magophy partnered to build the model, taking into consideration the complexities and nuances of the language.

“Reality has painted a critical need for a Haitian Creole translation solution that meets the caliber of expertise for which Pocketalk has gained global recognition. Mounting requests of customers in government agencies and Fortune 500 companies made our decision to build this database easy,” said Joe Miller, General Manager – US, UK, and Europe, Pocketalk. “We dedicated significant time and care to ensure this project was done right because providing accurate, culturally sensitive translation is crucial to welcoming everyone to the conversation. It was a privilege to be at the forefront of this groundbreaking initiative that sets a new standard for translation solutions worldwide.”

The United States has seen nearly 1 million Haitian immigrants arrive in states including Florida, Massachusetts, Ohio and New York.  An accountable language translation system is now critical to support the economy, agencies, and communities that rely on immediate and secure communication solutions. Pocketalk’s decision to build this language database in-house reflects its long-term commitment to innovate translation technology that allows users to access vital resources, navigate their environments more effectively, and build safer, more inclusive communities.

“It was a pleasure to help Pocketalk create this language model. With this new tool, the Haitian community will have further support in America,” said Kerby Magophy, who was instrumental in the development of this model. “This will give our people more resources to participate fully in daily life. These devices will also help bridge the communication gap that has long separated Haitian Creole speakers from vital services. Haitian Creole is a nuanced, deeply contextual language, and it’s often misunderstood or oversimplified in translation. That’s why it means so much to see it handled with care. This model is more than technology—it’s a step toward inclusion for our people.”

The first Haitian Creole language model with an audio output provides conversational translations backed by above-industry-standard safety and security measures that meet the specific needs of Haitian Creole speakers. This pioneering effort demonstrates Pocketalk’s commitment to growing the diverse range of languages with reliable, secure, and instant translations through cutting-edge technology that makes a real impact in local communities.

Here’s what key Pocketalk partners have to say about this achievement:

  • “The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office serves over one million residents annually, with approximately 30% speaking a language other than English at home—including Spanish, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Farsi, and Ukrainian speakers. Pocketalk’s real-time translation has been transformative, eliminating language barriers and the need for repeat visits to the office that previously created bottlenecks. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, especially from our growing Haitian Creole-speaking community, who are excited to finally access services that were previously difficult due to communication gaps.” – Nancy C. Millan, Hillsborough County’s Tax Collector.
  • “Equipping our public safety personnel with real-time translation technology isn’t just a tool—it’s a lifeline. When seconds count, the ability for first responders to communicate instantly with individuals who speak other languages can save lives, build trust, and ensure no voice goes unheard.” – Cherise Giordani Gause, Chief of Police for the North Miami Police Department
  • “In my time as Police Chief serving the South Florida community, I saw firsthand the need to communicate with the Haitian Creole speaking community. I would like to applaud the work at Pocketalk with the recent launch of a full Haitian Creole language on their innovative product which provides immediate, accurate and secure translations. This new service will be an important tool with our law enforcement community to improve communication with all languages present in the community.” – Donald W. De Lucca, Former Chief of Police Miami Beach, Golden Beach, City of Doral and Former President of IACP.
  • “As a former superintendent and lifelong educator, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that arise when authentic communication isn’t possible. With Pocketalk removing language barriers, I’ve watched educators connect, collaborate, and communicate more effectively than ever before. Two-way communication is essential in every classroom, and now the Haitian Creole community—long underrepresented and underserved—can truly be part of the conversation. I believe this will leave an indelible mark on the lives of every student and every family.” – Tom Burton, Former Superintendent Princeton City Schools, Ohio

Pocketalk welcomes individuals and organizations to join the language revolution and contribute to a world where everyone is welcome to the conversation. To find more information or purchase Pocketalk, visit Pocketalk.com.

ABOUT POCKETALK
Pocketalk is the leading provider of innovative, secure, and cost-effective translation solutions designed to solve language-related challenges across a wide range of industries, including education, healthcare, law enforcement and public safety.

Pocketalk’s handheld devices enable real-time, accurate translations in over 92+ languages. Ventana is the centralized administrative panel that provides translation insights and device management capabilities. With Pocketalk, organizations can rely on secure, integrated solutions in compliance with the highest security standards, including third-party certifications for HIPAA and GDPR.

Pocketalk is committed to improving communication and fostering inclusivity by providing solutions that are secure, efficient, and scalable—helping organizations make critical decisions, enhance operational efficiency, and better serve diverse populations. Pocketalk is trusted by organizations across the globe such as the Nevada Highway Patrol, The Red Cross and NYC Public Schools.  For more information, visit www.pocketalk.com.

Read the full article here.

For Immediate Release:
For additional information please contact Tory Davis, Director of Communications & Community Relations at 813-635-5264

Plant City Observer News Briefs 05.22.25

Tampa, FL — May 22, 2025

News May 22, 2025

By Observer Staff

J.S. ROBINSON STUDENT WINS ART CONTEST

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office announced another successful year of the Kids Tag Art Program during the Hillsborough County School Board recognition meeting on May 13. The program raised $37,778.66 this year alone, providing each of the 65 participating elementary schools with more than $580 for their art programs.

During the School Board meeting, the Tax Collector’s team recognized this year’s top three 5th Grade Student Artists. One of them is 11-year-old Declan Cunningham, a student at Plant City’s J.S. Robinson Elementary School. Declan is the son of Daniel and Alison Cunningham, and he has an older brother named Kody.

Declan entered his art in September 2024. “I wanted to see how good my art skills are, and I wanted to see if I could win or not—and for fun,” he said. Declan draws on his own at home. “I like the colors, and you can draw whatever you want. It is creative.”

The Tax Collectors office asked the student artists to create using a Florida theme, “So, I just put all of Florida stuff together,” Declan said. “I remember the St. Augustine lighthouse. I wanted to include that. And oranges—that is Florida’s main fruit. Alligators are all around Florida. The Buccaneers’ pirate ship is in Tampa. That’s a rocket ship right there. And the beach—Florida is known for their beaches, too.”

“The Kids Tag Art Program continues to be one of our most impactful community initiatives,” Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan, said. “We’re thrilled to see the program grow year after year, fostering creativity in our youngest residents while providing much-needed funding for art education. These students are our future, and investing in their creative development today will pay dividends for our community tomorrow.”

Community members can still support the program by purchasing student artwork through the online Kids Tag Art store at www.hillstaxfl.gov/shop, with proceeds continuing to benefit school art programs.

Read the original article here.

For Immediate Release:
For additional information please contact Tory Davis, Director of Communications & Community Relations at 813-635-5264

Understanding Tourism Development Tax And How It Affects The Local Community

Tampa, FL — May 7, 2025

By Libby Hopkins – May 7, 2025

The Tourist Development Tax (TDT) is a 6 percent tax on the total rental amount collected from any person or other party who rents, leases or lets for consideration living quarters or accommodation in hotels, apartment hotels, motels, resort motels, apartments, apartment motels, rooming houses, tourist or trailer camps, vessels or condominiums for a period of six months or less.

The Florida House of Representatives is considering legislation (HB 7033 and HB 1221) that would eliminate the use of the TDT for tourism promotion and tourism marketing, undermining an industry that drives the economy of Hillsborough County and the state.

“The Tourism Development Tax is exactly how it sounds; it’s a tax that visitors pay that then funds marketing initiatives to better support and promote the tourism industry here in Hillsborough County and the state of Florida as a whole,” said Jerilyn Rumbarger, president of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce. “This tax is often referred to as the ‘bed tax,’ and a common saying for it is ‘heads in beds, feet in seats, etc.,’ which ultimately refers to hotel occupancy and visitor numbers. Florida counties are responsible for imposing the tax and it can range anywhere from 1 percent to 6 percent and is guided by a Tourist Development Council (TDC) that makes recommendations to the county commission.”

The TDT supports marketing campaigns that attract visitors from all over the world, funds the maintenance of county beaches and parks and contributes to local efforts like Tourist Information Centers, which the Plant City Chamber of Commerce is hub for in Eastern Hillsborough County.

“At the state level, the TDT contributes to Florida’s robust tourism industry which we saw as an industry leader during and coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Rumbarger said. “By investing in tourism-related projects and marketing, the TDT directly supports jobs, generates tax revenues that are not at the expense of residents and supports businesses across various industries. Eliminating the TDT would have a negative impact on both local communities and the state of Florida’s economy.”

The community should keep a close watch on what will happen with the TDT.

“At this point in time, I think the best option for community impact would be to stay informed,” Rumbarger said. “Understand the importance of the TDT and the potential impacts of proposed legislative changes. Stay engaged with your local and state representatives to express your support on maintaining the TDT and its current allocations. Lastly, promote local tourism; attend events and attractions that highlight the value of tourism in our communities.”

If you would like to learn more about the Tourism Development Tax, you can visit the Hillsborough County tax collector’s website at www.hillstaxfl.gov/other-services/tourist-development/.

Read the full article here.

For Immediate Release:
For additional information please contact Tory Davis, Director of Communications & Community Relations at 813-635-5264

Get Caught Reading in Spanish – Nancy C. Millan (Video)

Tampa, FL — May 6, 2025

May 06, 2025, 10:51 am

Encontrar inspiracin a travs de la msica y la literatura! La Recaudadora de Impuestos del Condado de Hillsborough, Nancy C. Millan, est emocionada de unirse a #hillsboroughreads. Ella est leyendo “Tito Puente, Mambo King/Tito Puente, Rey del Mambo” y anima a todos a leer!…

Watch video here.

For Immediate Release:
For additional information please contact Tory Davis, Director of Communications & Community Relations at 813-635-5264

Young Artists Turn License Plates Into Masterpieces At Kids Tag Art Awards

Tampa, FL —

By Staff Report – May 6, 2025
Apollo Beach K-8 School teacher Lashonda Braun.

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office (HCTC) celebrated the artistic talents of fifth grade students across the county at the annual Kids Tag Art Awards Ceremony on April 16 at Jefferson High School. The event recognized outstanding young artists while raising critical funds to support art education in Hillsborough County schools.

The 2024-25 program saw participation from a record-breaking 65 schools, with over 3,100 student artists submitting original designs for specialty license plates. This represents significant growth for the program, which is now in its fourth year and has raised over $104,000 for Hillsborough County school art programs since its inception.

“These young artists continue to amaze us with their creativity and talent,” said Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan. “The Kids Tag Art program not only showcases their artistic abilities but also provides essential funding for art teachers to purchase much needed art supplies for the classroom. We’re incredibly proud to see the program grow each year, benefiting more students and schools while highlighting the importance of arts in education.”

The ceremony recognized top artists from each participating school, with special recognitions including:

  • The Tax Collector’s Choice Award, given to a talented student from Bevis Elementary: Kennedy Braun.
  • The Title Sponsor’s Choice Award (Suncoast Credit Union), given to a creative artist from Collins K-8 School: Kendall Klein.
  • The TECO Powerful Art Award, given to an innovative designer from Robinson Elementary.
  • The Best Teacher Artwork Award, given to an artistic educator from Apollo Beach K-8 School: Lashonda Braun.
Kennedy Braun from Bevis Elementary School.
Kendall Klein from Collins Elementary School.

School board Chair Jessica Vaughn, who served as a judge for this year’s program, addressed the audience and congratulated the young artists on their achievements. Representatives from Suncoast Credit Union and TECO also attended to present their respective sponsor awards, and the Florida Aquarium awarded each school’s winner with four tickets to the Florida Aquarium.

This year, the program expanded its product offerings to include mouse pads, keychains and ceramic mugs featuring the students’ artwork, in addition to the metal license plates. Families, educators and community members can purchase student-designed license plates and other products online at www.hillstaxfl.gov. All proceeds from sales go directly back to school art programs to purchase classroom art supplies, with participating schools receiving an average of $800 each.

The Kids Tag Art program is made possible through partnerships with the Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough County Public Schools, along with the generous support of sponsors, including:

  • The title sponsor — Suncoast Credit Union.
  • TECO.
  • Derrick Brooks Charities.
  • Florida West Coast Credit Union.
  • Tampa Museum of Art.
  • Glazer Children’s Museum.
  • Keith Fakhoury.
  • Adele S. Bernett Memorial Fund.
  • The Florida Aquarium.

For more information about the Kids Tag Art program or to purchase products, visit www.hillstaxfl.gov/shop.

Read the full article here.

For Immediate Release:
For additional information please contact Tory Davis, Director of Communications & Community Relations at 813-635-5264

Hillsborough Tax Collector’s Office lands Sterling Award for ‘superior management’

Tampa, FL — May 2, 2025

Peter Schorsch
May 2, 2025

via Florida Politics — The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office has earned the prestigious 2025 Governor’s Sterling Award. The award is Florida’s highest recognition for organizations that demonstrate superior management, stellar results and a strong commitment to continuous improvement using rigorous quality standards. It’s the third time the Hillsborough Tax Collector’s Office has received the honor, after first winning it in 2008. At that time, the office was the first in the state and the first government agency in Hillsborough County to earn the award. The Tax Collector’s Office won the Sterling Sustained Excellence Award in 2011.

See the write up here.

For Immediate Release:
For additional information please contact Tory Davis, Director of Communications & Community Relations at 813-635-5264

Hillsborough Tax Collector’s Office lands Sterling Award for ‘superior management’

Tampa, FL — May 1, 2025

Staff Reports
May 1, 2025
‘Our team has transformed the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office into a role model for government organizations.’

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office has earned the prestigious 2025 Governor’s Sterling Award.

The award is Florida’s highest recognition for organizations that demonstrate superior management, stellar results and a strong commitment to continuous improvement using rigorous quality standards.

It’s the third time the Hillsborough Tax Collector’s Office has received the honor, after first winning it in 2008. At that time, the Office was the first in the state and the first government agency in Hillsborough County to earn the award. The Tax Collector’s Office won the Sterling Sustained Excellence Award in 2011.

As part of the award, the Sterling Council announced that the Hillsborough Tax Collector’s Office is one of just three organizations honored this year for superior management approaches and quality outcomes. 

An award ceremony will be held May 30 in Orlando.

“This is a tremendous honor for our entire organization,” Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan said.

“Sterling’s criteria for performance excellence has been an invaluable roadmap for the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Journey to Amazing. It has helped us align our efforts with our mission, vision, and core values, focusing on meeting our customers’ needs, supporting our team, and driving consistent results through effective processes.”

Since taking the helm in January 2021, Millan has focused on improving the agency’s customer experience, including through expanding essential service accessibility, driving innovation and promoting an inclusive workplace culture that helps deliver quality service with care to all customers.

Millan has also launched paperless mobile ticketing and a user-friendly online platform to schedule appointments to improve convenience and quality of service.

She also shifted the office from a strict appointment-based model created during the COVID pandemic, to a service model focused on meeting demand for walk-in service and allowing more customers to be served. Her Office has increased the number of driving tests administered by 43%, an accomplishment Millan attributes to improved services.

The Office adopted the Sterling Management System in 2004, leading to streamlined business processes and positive results.

Millan further created and implemented the Journey to Amazing roadmap, making it part of the culture and core values of the agency. The Office maintains a 94% customer satisfaction rating and 4.7 Google Review score.

“As we celebrate receiving the 2025 Governor’s Sterling Award, I’m reminded that excellence is a journey, not a destination,” Millan said.

“Our team has transformed the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office into a role model for government organizations in Hillsborough County and across Florida, focusing on customer service, accessibility, and innovation. This recognition, 17 years after our first Sterling Award, demonstrates our commitment to high-performance operations that truly focus on our customers.”

Full article here.