TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay 28 joined the community in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the Youth Latin America Festival in historic Centennial Park on Sunday, where dozens gathered to honor Latino culture.
WATCH: Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated at Youth Latin America Festival in Tampa
The event featured traditional dance performances, vibrant artwork, and, of course, plenty of food and drinks.
17-year-old Emily Natera, crowned Miss Latina Tampa, shared that being Latino in Tampa means having a big family and strong community ties.
"I'm also surrounded by so many amazing people that teach me amazing things every single day, and that just make me appreciate life and everything I have," said Natera.
Tampa Bay 28 will continue to highlight Hispanic Heritage Month throughout the coming weeks, showcasing the contributions and achievements of people across the Tampa Bay area.

Largo family loses home in morning fire, forced to start over
Mother and her nonverbal son with autism 20 escape safely as the home is condemned; community steps in to help with housing and recovery.