TAMPA, Fla. — Spirit Mike is working against food security issues in his East Tampa neighborhood by producing his own food.

“All this started just a few months ago,” said Mike. “But what really took this to the next level is the story I did with Atlanta Black Star.”

After being featured as a community gardener on the site, Mike was able to crowdsource thousands of dollars to purchase an aqua phonic system which will help him produce even more on his 0.3 acres of land.

“I raised a little over $3,000 dollars; I’m almost to my goal but this is huge for New World Growers.”

Mike told Spectrum Bay News 9 that he started his garden of over 50 fruits, herbs, and vegetables with his first stimulus check.

“Buying bug screen TVs with your stimulus check don’t make sense to me. Protect yourself and your family and grow your own food.”

Among Mike’s produce you will also find a selfmade chicken coop with several chickens producing eggs.

“These are my babies,” said Mike. “I have 9 now but I want 15.”

Mike said he is now working with a Land of Delight in Plant City to purchase an aqua phonic system and learn how to use it.

We will continue to follow Mike and his progress.