WORDS: Shannon Evans
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
Who says the most exciting plays happen on the field? Tampa Bay Buccaneer #95 C.J. Brewer traded the playbook for a storybook as he promoted literacy at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.
On September 10th, downtown Bradenton’s Bishop Museum buzzed with excitement as the Bucs defensive lineman stepped into the spotlight, reading Mary the Manatee by Suzanne Tate to an eager group of second and third graders from Myakka City Elementary. The event, organized by Mosaic, a long-time partner of the museum and supported by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC), was a day dedicated to the magic of reading while celebrating the power of community partnerships.
In a world where it’s hard to get kids to sit still, enter Brewer—who had an instant wow factor with the students. His presence commanded the attention of over 100 kids, who sat quietly, wide-eyed, as Brewer brought the tale of Mary the Manatee to life. Brewer’s connection to education runs deep in his family, and he understands firsthand how impactful experiences outside the classroom are to a child’s development.
“It means a lot to be here, to put a smile on these kids’ faces,” Brewer shared. “It’s important to me to get out into the community, and it’s a blessing to be able to give back.”
All Fun and Games
For the Myakka City Elementary students, the day was full of firsts. Not only were they getting a fun day away from the classroom, but they were also thrilled by the rare opportunity to meet a professional football player up close. “Myakka’s pretty far from most events, so our students don’t get to do many things like this,” explained teacher Ashley Davis. “This is an opportunity they’d never have otherwise—to meet a Bucs player. And they have been SO excited all morning about coming here.”
After Brewer finished the book, the fun continued. The kids threw footballs through an inflatable target, challenged Brewer to games of cornhole, and tried on real football gear, including a jersey, helmet, and pads. Two Buccaneers cheerleaders joined in, patiently signing autographs and posing for photos with the kids. Then, it was time to meet some true local celebrities—Klondike, Morado, and Wicket—the museum’s resident manatees, part of their rehabilitation exhibit.
The students learned how these gentle sea creatures had been separated from their mothers, much like the baby manatee in the story. They discovered interesting facts, too, like how manatees hold their breath between three to five minutes while active but can close their nostrils to take 20-minute naps underwater. And don’t forget Question Time! Little hands shot up as students peppered the staff with questions about how they care for and rehabilitate the manatees.
To cool off after all the outdoor fun, the students were treated to dairy-free ice cream from the Carousel’s Icery truck—a refreshing end to a day filled with learning and laughter.
Better Together
This event highlights the long-standing relationship between the Bishop Museum and Mosaic, a partnership that has been instrumental in shaping the museum into what it is today.
“It’s wonderful to be a part of the Bishop family,” said Jackie Barron, Public Affairs and Media Strategy Manager at Mosaic. “And they’re a part of ours as well. One of my favorite aspects of this job is connecting different entities to create something unique and impactful. Partnering with the museum, the Bucs, and the Early Learning Coalition to focus on literacy is a perfect example of that. There’s something special about a professional athlete reading a story to young children. I’m sure this experience will stick with these kids for a long time.”
One notable Mosaic contribution is the museum’s beloved Mosaic Backyard Universe. Created in 2019, this indoor playground is fully ADA-compliant, designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration. With its life-sized oak tree and treehouse, to-scale solar system, freshwater turtle pond, Science Shed, and Cardboard Rocket, ‘Southwest Florida’s coolest backyard’ was the perfect place for Brewer’s storytelling, connecting the themes of literacy, nature, and discovery.
“We do a lot of literacy work here at the museum,” said Andrew Sandall, the museum’s CEO. “When Mosaic approached us with this idea and said they wanted to involve the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, we were thrilled. It’s always exciting when we can fill the space with kids, and having a notable figure like C.J. Brewer adds that extra layer of magic to the day. This is what we love—combining fun and education in a way that resonates with kids.”
A Love of Reading
The Early Learning Coalition added its own special touch to the event, giving every student a free book to take home. The kids got a break from the heat in the ELC’s Dream Machine bus, a nature-inspired mobile classroom, where they got to choose from a variety of fun, informative titles like National Geographic Kids’ Cats vs. Dogs, Our Solar System by Arthur John L’Hommedieu, and Polar Bears by Mark Newman.
“Getting books into the hands of young readers, especially through such an engaging event, is one of the most effective ways to encourage a lifelong love of learning,” said Colleen Hartnett, Community Educational Initiatives Coordinator. “Today, we’re not just promoting literacy; we’re building community connections and fostering a love for stories.”
As the day wrapped up, students left with books tucked under their arms, memories of an unforgettable day, and the biggest smiles—exactly what C.J. Brewer had hoped for. The collaboration between Mosaic, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, the Buccaneers, and the ELC exemplifies how community partnerships can come together to inspire the next generation. From the thrill of meeting a pro athlete to the joy of discovering a love for reading, it was a day that truly scored big for everyone involved.
