TAMPA, Fla. — As Tampa Bay kicks off 2026, a handful of lucky families are starting the new year by bringing a new family member into the world.
Here’s a look at the first babies born at hospitals across Tampa Bay this New Year’s Day.
First baby born at Tampa General Hospital
Tampa General Hospital welcomed its first baby of the year at 7:28 a.m. Baby girl Merritt Elizabeth Brown was born at 8 pounds, six ounces, to parents Peyton and Jared Brown of Tampa.
First baby born at Brandon Hospital
HCA Florida Brandon Hospital welcomed its first baby of the year at 1:11 a.m. Baby boy Jack Theodore Gariepy was born to parents Kristen and Patrick Gariepy, who are both nurses at Brandon Hospital. He weighed 8 pounds and measured 21 inches long.
First baby born at SMH Venice
Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice campus welcomed its first baby of 2026 at 12:50 a.m. Baby boy Zaiden Amaris Zimmerman, known as “Zaz,” was born to parents Corey Gifford and William Zimmerman, weighing 6 pounds and measuring 19.5 inches long.
Baby Zaz is actually following in a family tradition…