Families across the Tampa Bay area have plenty of chances to stock up on free school supplies before the 2026-2027 school year kicks off, with events running from late July through early August in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Polk counties.
Hillsborough County is hosting some of the larger gatherings. On August 1, the Hillsborough County Public Schools Back to School Fair at Citrus Park Town Center Mall will hand out free book bags to the first 1,000 children who arrive. A week later, the Bullard Family Foundation's Annual Back-to-School Bash at Raymond James Stadium adds free medical, dental, and eye exams — including glasses — to the usual backpack and supply giveaway.
Pinellas County families can head to Al Lang Stadium on August 1, where the Tampa Bay Rowdies are hosting a school supply drive in partnership with the Hillsborough Education Foundation and the Pinellas Education Foundation. Across the bay in Pasco County, Kia of Wesley Chapel will give filled backpacks to the first 250 kids who show up on August 8, while the Gentlemen's Quarters Back to School Bash in Pasco on August 9 is throwing in complimentary haircuts for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Hernando County's schedule includes a consignment sale at the Hernando County Fairgrounds from July 31 through August 2, where families can find gently used back-to-school gear at reduced prices, alongside separate free-supply events at Terlep Chiropractic and Hernando Park. Meanwhile, Citrus County is seeing three separate back-to-school bashes on August 1 alone, with events at the First United Methodist Church of Homosassa, the Florida National Guard Armory (hosted by Langley Health Services), and American Legion Post 237 in Beverly Hills.
Most giveaways operate on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies run out, so arriving early is a good idea. The full county-by-county event list was compiled and published by Spectrum News/BayNews9.
