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04/14/2025

SPHA IN THE NEWS - SPHA Partners with City of St. Petersburg on Youth Basketball Tournament

Video report by Susan El Khoury, ABC Action News Reporter

Article by Nick Fokianos, SPHA Director of Communications

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) partnered with the City of St. Petersburg to launch a youth basketball program. The Rising Stars Midnight Basketball Showcase empowers local youth through sports, teamwork, and mentorship. The tournament was held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Thomas "Jet" Jackson Recreation Center.

SPHA IN THE NEWS:

 

Group of kids running on basketball court.

The mission of the Rising Stars Midnight Basketball Showcase is to empower young athletes through the game of basketball, fostering character, leadership, and a vision for the future. The program aims to develop not only skilled players but also strong individuals who demonstrate integrity, teamwork, and perseverance-both on and off the court. Through mentorship, training, and a commitment to excellence, the program strives to prepare young athletes to become confident, purpose-driven leaders in their communities.

 

President and CEO of SPHA, Michael Lundy talking at basketball court.

President and CEO of SPHA, Michael Lundy, expressed his enthusiasm for the program: "If it had not been for sports, I wouldn't be the person that I am today," said Lundy. "Sports was the vehicle that helped me to stay disciplined and to focus on my studies."

 

T-shirt with Basketball Tournament logo.

 

SPHA extends its thanks to the following sponsors and partners who helped make the tournament a success:

  • S.T.O.R.Y. 727 - Provided coaching and mentoring support, and generously donated water and sports drinks for practices.
  • City of St. Petersburg (Lisa Wheeler-Bowman, Carl R. Lavender, Jr., Robert Lovelace, and Rev. Kenneth F. Irby) - Sponsored the DJ, motivational speaking support, cost of the gym rental, and half of the game day t-shirt order.
  • City of St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation (Sean Morrison) - Assisted with the rental of the location and secured referees.
  • Lewis Williams Education Foundation (Brandon Williams) - Sponsored the remaining half of the game day t-shirt order.
  • Customs by K (Katie Williams) - Designed and produced the game day t-shirts.
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay - Supplied game day volunteers and supported youth through skill-building sessions.
  • St. Petersburg College (Dr. Keron Jean-Baptiste and Antonio Seay) - Provided coaching, mentoring, and valuable guidance for our youth.
  • Domino's Pizza - Donated pizzas for practices, which helped keep our players fueled and energized!

 

Group of kids on basketball court.

 

SPHA is the leading affordable housing provider in the city of St. Petersburg, serving more than 4,000 low-income households. SPHA's mission is to provide safe, sanitary, accessible, decent, and affordable housing to eligible citizens of the city of St. Petersburg, while enhancing and promoting resident self-sufficiency.

 

ABOUT THE ST. PETERSBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY (SPHA):

An independent quasi-governmental entity and a political subdivision of the State of Florida, operating under Chapter 421 Florida Statutes, SPHA is the local administrative agency for housing assistance programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). SPHA offers a variety of programs and services that provide affordable rental housing to low-income families, seniors, veterans, and the disabled in the greater St. Petersburg region. For more information, visit www.stpeteha.org.