~Annual Event Connects Veterans and Military Families with Employment Opportunities~

TAMPA, FL – CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas will host a series of Community Resource and Job Fairs for veterans and individuals affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These events will take place in both Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties as part of Florida’s annual Paychecks for Patriots and Hope Florida initiatives.

At the Veterans Resource Fair on October 30, attendees will have access to crucial career readiness resources, such as resume reviews, interview coaching, mock interview sessions, and professional headshots to help enhance their job search and presentation, ensuring a smoother transition into the civilian workforce.

In response to the recent impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton across the Tampa Bay area, the Job Fairs on November 6 and 7 will also be open to individuals whose businesses or employment have been disrupted by the storms.

The first hour of each event will be reserved for our veterans, in recognition of our commitment to the Priority of Service. Afterward, the events will open to non-veteran job seekers affected by the hurricanes.

“As a U.S. Army veteran, I’m proud to support the Paychecks for Patriots initiative, which honors the dedication of our veterans and their families by connecting them with meaningful career opportunities. These upcoming resource and job fairs are more than just hiring events—they offer crucial tools to help veterans make a smooth transition into the civilian workforce,” said Elizabeth Siplin, CEO of Empact Solutions and a CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas Board Member.

“Paychecks for Patriots is a vital initiative that truly supports the veterans in our community by opening doors to meaningful career opportunities. As part of the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County, Inc,, I’ve seen firsthand the impact these job and resource fairs can have on the lives of veterans and their families. The career readiness tools provided—whether it’s resume assistance, interview coaching, or professional headshots—help equip veterans with the confidence and resources needed to succeed in their civilian careers. With Hillsborough and Pinellas counties home to so many veterans, it’s inspiring and encouraging to see local employers ready to hire these skilled and dedicated individuals,” said Joseph Eletto, a CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas Board Member representing Veterans Council of Hillsborough County, Inc.

For questions about the Pinellas County Job Fair, contact Rebecca Kyker at [email protected] or call 727.608.2301.

For questions about the Hillsborough County Job Fair and Resource Fair, contact Maria Suarez at [email protected] or call 813.965.1223.

Paychecks for Patriots is a statewide initiative sponsored by FloridaCommerce, CareerSource Florida, Hope Florida, and the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs to connect veterans, military service members, and their families with meaningful employment opportunities. Paychecks for Patriots hiring events are taking place across all 21 CareerSource Florida local workforce boards during the month of November, with a special focus on integrating the Hope Florida initiative to provide additional support to veterans and their families. Paychecks for Patriots: Powered by Hope Florida will leverage the initiative to provide veterans and their families with resources beyond employment, such as housing, health, and family support services.

Through the Paychecks for Patriots initiative, businesses will have the opportunity to connect with skilled and trained veterans eager to join their workforce. Over the past decade, more than 8,000 veteran candidates and military family members participating in Paychecks for Patriots statewide have successfully found employment, demonstrating the initiative’s impact on enhancing the lives of those who have served our country.

Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are home to more than 160,000 veterans, according to U.S. Census data.

About CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas

Effective July 1, 2024, CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas is the designated local workforce development board serving Hillsborough County and Pinellas County. CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas is governed by a board of directors whose members are appointed by a consortium of Chief Local Elected Officials (CLEOs) from each county commission.

CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers listed may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas is the direct service provider for various workforce programs which are supported by the U.S. Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, and other agencies as part of awards totaling $39,085,000 with 96% federally funded (Updated annually, as of August 2024).