PLUGHITZ Live Presents (Video)

The idea of being able to do what you love and use it to do good in your community is the ultimate good feeling. That is exactly what Gamers on the Edge is able to do, playing games, both video and physical, and raising money for charity while doing it.

Angel Miranda, the founder of the group, talked to us about how the group got started and how they raise money. Start with one part walkathon and add in a 24-hour marathon of gaming and you've got Gamers on the Edge.

In addition to the charity events, the group also runs game rooms at evens such as Pinellas Comic and Maker Con, MetroCon and more. To find out more about the group, checkout their website.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

One of the most interesting aspects of this event is that you never know who might be in attendance. For example, The Narrows Nature Center, a city park in Largo, Florida. Theresa Ribalcava, a bird handler at the park, came by to talk about the experiences available.

First, the park has a surprisingly large collection of raptors, including a bald eagle. In addition to normal park interactions, the birds are used as a part of a PTSD therapy program, which has helped Theresa herself. There are also nature trails, a turtle pond and even a discovery playground where kids can dig up hidden objects.

The Narrows Nature Center is open from dusk until dawn everyday.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Have you ever been such a fan of something that you wanted to talk about it with people, but you just couldn't find the right people? Sometimes the best way to deal with it is to create your own group. That is exactly what Greg Plantamura did with TARDIS Riders In Pinellas.

This group is a fan group for Dr. Who, the ultra popular British sci-fi series. Members meet monthly for themed get togethers where they can discuss the series and sometimes just spend social time with people that share their interests. It is an open group that welcomes all Dr. Who fans through their Facebook page and website.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Everyone has, at one point or another, had an idea for a t-shirt that simply doesn't exist. A mashup between Space Invaders and Star Wars, or a Pokémon GO joke, there are always ideas bouncing around. What most of us never do is take those ideas and actually produce them.

Mo Eppley from Tangible Labs speaks with us about how she and her husband took those ideas that all of us have and added them to their existing 3D printing business. In the past she has shown us NerdTags, and the t-shirts and vinyl stickers are a perfect addition to the lineup.

She also discusses her other business, FreeFab 3D, a local company that produces and sells 3D printers. The company's first sale was to Saint Petersburg College, the host of this event. Since our initial interview with the company, they have launched a new model, which is larger and can self-level.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

There are a few groups that we tend to see everywhere we go. One of those groups is FIRST Robotics Competition team 79 Krunch. This team has been around since the early days of the FIRST Robotics programs and has consistently done well both on and off the field.

Henry Sloan, a member of the team's scouting sub-team, talked with us about his team's experience in the past season's game, Stronghold. This was a very different game from what we've seen in the past, and it provided all-new challenges for older teams. He also discussed the many outreach events that the team participates in, talking with the public about robotics and FIRST.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

For any community to thrive, you need to have some people who help promote the activities. In the case of the maker community in Tampa we have the Eureka! Factory. We speak with Terri Willingham, a creative partner with the Eureka! Factory, who organizes Gulf Coast MakerCon, ROBOTICON Tampa Bay, and other local events that help promote and recognize the makers in the area.

Terri has also been involved with youth robotics for many years, helping to found a FIRST Tech Challenge team and serving as Regional Director for Central Florida. In these roles, she has continued to emphasize the maker spirit while adding educational resources as well.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

We get really excited when the everyday items that we love so much get a cool science makeover. And we were very excited to meet Erin Winick with SciChic. Erin and partner Emily Huber are students in the College of Engineering at University of Florida who have taken their love of science and technology to add a twist to their jewelry creations. They are not only awesome designers, they're also committed to getting kids excited about STEM. As a matter of fact, the idea for their company came from student outreach programs in which they participated.

SciChic makes customizable science and engineering inspired jewelry and accessories utilizing advanced technologies like 3D printing and laser cutting. They design their pieces on computer aided design software and 3D print them in everything from plastic to stainless steel or even gold. They have two main goals with their jewelry. First is to allow people to better customize their jewelry to exactly what they want in an easy way ranging from size to material to color. Secondly, they hope that by using science as an inspiration for all of their pieces, they will be helping to promote science literacy and the beauty in science.

The designs range from Atoms and Solar Systems to Computer Chips and Gaming Joysticks and are available at multiple price points. You can order from their current line or choose your own custom science jewelry now! Check out their store and send them an email at [email protected]!

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

Wayne Rasanen, President of the Tampa Bay Inventor's Council has invented a 10 digit interface device that allows any user to text or type without looking. This new gadget is called the DecaTxt! It has the full functionality of any keyboard with just 10 buttons and one hand. The DecaTxt is Bluetooth compatible with any Android, iOS, and Windows 10 device.

This invention has been in development for about 10 years and was just completed at the end of 2015. The DecaTxt is user-friendly and is helpful for all different types of people. The device's battery life lasts for up to 1 week and can charge fully in about 4 hours with a Mini USB charging cable. Order your DecaTxt now for $125.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

What's a Con without games? Luckily we didn't have to find out, thanks to Michael Fortino from Armada Games stopping by to show off a few games. Armada Games is located in Temple Terrace on 56th Street in the USF Area. They have been open for almost 10 years and have all types of games, including Miniatures, Board Games, Card Games and Role Playing Games. And let's not forget the Dice. The store also has space for gameplay with 13 tables and a maximum capacity of 90 people.

Michael, like most gamers, started playing DND in middle school and moved on to the other style games as he got older. He noted that Board Games have become really popular in the last few years with very interesting themes. You can catch Armada Games at various Cons in the area. Don't miss them at MetroCon this year where they will be featuring a 14 foot version of the Tsuro board game.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

It's always nice to see Jon Adair with Tampa Hackerspace and find out all of the new things they have in the works. Jon is one of the founding members of the group and serves as the Director of Operations. They are a nonprofit that has been open for a little over three years now, and they continue to grow. Tampa Hackerspace offers various maker events and classes as well as their monthly memberships for $50/month. Their equipment includes 3D Printers, Milling Machines, Lathes, Soldering equipment, Sewing Machines, Paper Cutters, Vinyl Cutters and more.

Since last year's MakerCon, Tampa Hackerspace has built out a new woodshop as well as a metal shop. They spent $10k on a complete build out of the woodshop and were even able to donate their old equipment to St Pete Makers. They are proud to be building up a community network where the various maker spaces interact and help each other with ideas and allocation of donations.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.