Loneliness is not just a personal struggle—it is a growing public health crisis. Nearly one in five adults in the U.S. say they feel lonely every day, and the consequences of isolation are as dangerous to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.
In response, three of Tampa Bay’s leading cities are taking decisive action. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, and Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector came together to announce their joint support for Tampa Bay Connections, a new initiative led by Tampa Bay Thrives that seeks to combat loneliness, improve community unity, and enhance the overall health and vitality of the region.
“Tampa Bay Connections is more than a mental health campaign,” said Carrie Zeisse, President and CEO of Tampa Bay Thrives. “It’s an economic strategy, a disaster preparedness tool, and a community safety initiative—all rooted in human connection.”
The initiative draws inspiration from international successes like the Compassionate Frome Project in the UK and will focus on five key strategies:
- Convene stakeholders across sectors—healthcare, nonprofits, the aging community, local government, businesses, and everyday residents—to coordinate a unified effort. This includes leveraging non-traditional partners and platforms, such as barber shops, salons, social media influencers, and online gaming communities.
- Map existing resources—from volunteer opportunities to community events and third spaces, such as libraries, community centers, and parks—and identify the gaps.
- Launch an awareness campaign to raise awareness of the importance of social connection and volunteering, and educate the public that even small contributions can make a significant difference.
- Advocate for increases in targeted funding for high-impact programs and innovative new approaches.
- Develop measurement indices to track our collective progress.
Connected communities are safer, healthier, and more prosperous, according to the U.S. Surgeon General’s report on loneliness and isolation. Research indicates that cities with stronger social ties tend to have lower crime rates, faster recovery from disasters, and higher civic engagement.
“In our cities, the small moments—a neighbor checking in, a helping hand, a simple ‘hello’—are the glue that holds us together,” Zeisse said. “Tampa Bay Connections is about making those moments more frequent and meaningful.”
An Advisory Committee will be formed by representatives across multiple sectors from Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater to guide implementation and amplify community voices.
Keep scrolling to view moments from the press conference.
