LARGO, Fla. — A year and a half ago, Janet Burrows decided it was time to begin the search for new ownership for a business extremely dear to her heart: We Rock the Spectrum Clearwater. 

Burrows owned the inclusive gym for eight years. She poured her love, compassion and strength as a mother into a place where all children could feel safe and accepted.

Her daughter, Eden, is on the autism spectrum. This business fit her family perfectly, from Eden to her younger son, Fischer, and her husband. But Eden is now in high school, and Fischer is in middle school. Burrow knew back in the beginning of 2021, it was time to find the next family to take on the business. 

“It is crazy to see them this age playing on this equipment that they played on for eight years. Yep. They grew up so fast,” said Burrows, looking at her two kids, who are some of the oldest at the gym now. 

But finding a family like hers to take over — one that understood the importance of a space where kids of all abilities were welcome — would not be easy. 

While Burrows searched, over in Tampa, the Simpson family was looking for their next business and adventure in life. 

Stephanie and Rhett have three kids. Their youngest, Thomas, is on the autism spectrum, too. 

Destiny was at work. 

“The whole point of this place is where kids of all abilities can be together. And so, I think, that is why this place felt like the perfect calling for us,” said Stephanie. 

The pair was put in contact by We Rock the Spectrum corporate, and quickly after, the deal was done. 

The Simpsons now own it. 

“It is happy. When I wake up each morning, I know that ‘We Rock’ is better. It is better than it’s ever been,” said Burrows. 

“This is the best thing we have done,” said Stephanie. “We can actually work together, and not only are we helping the community, but we are working with our kids.”

We Rock the Spectrum Clearwater will have its grand re-opening later this fall. The business is currently open, and ready for anyone with kids to come out and play.