Health and Wellness Expo at YMCA

If you're a YMCA member, or interested in health and wellness, mark your calendars.

The South Tampa Chamber of Commerce is hosting a health and wellness fair at the South Tampa Y from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14. About 60 exhibitors are expected. The event also serves as a ribbon-cutting for the South Tampa Y's new parking lot.

"We are very excited to expand and upgrade our facility and programs in the South Tampa community and look forward to serving more members and impacting more local lives," said Lalita Llerena, communications director for the YMCA.

Here's more about the event:

Patch: Why is this YMCA location important to the South Tampa community?

Llerena: The South Tampa community is welcome to check out the newly-expanded parking area featuring nearly 60 new spaces, a new boardwalk and picnic area. Funded in partnership by the City of Tampa and Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, this is the first phase in the South Tampa Y’s effort to grow with the community, providing a safe place for families to spend quality time, get healthier and connect with others in ways that will last a lifetime.

Patch: What happens at the event?

Llerena: During the event, the public can also enjoy cake, a tour of the Y and immediately following the ribbon-cutting, the public is invited to the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s free Health & Wellness Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the South Tampa Y. Chamber members and guests in the Health and Wellness industry will showcase their services, products and knowledge and educate the community on the benefits of healthy living. You can receive free health screenings, lectures, education, information & giveaways.

Patch:  Was there a Y there before, or was this one built from the ground up?

Llerena:  Since mid-May, crews have been renovating and expanding the South Tampa Y parking lot along South Himes Avenue. Under a joint use agreement, the YMCA leases the land from the City of Tampa to offer our programs and services to the community. In exchange, we maintain the parking area for city residents to use while visiting the city park, basketball courts, Little League and Y.

Phase three of the expansion project includes renovating the entire facility, which is more than 30 years old. Upgrading the building and equipment will provide us more opportunities to fulfill our community’s needs, like helping people fight chronic disease, reach their full potential and develop meaningful relationships. There is no timeline set in stone for phases 2 and 3 since it all depends on our fundraising efforts.

Do you plan to go to the event? Tell us in the comments.