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Community News

Clearwater Dolphins - Leave a Map-Trail
Although fans are sad to see the Clearwater Beach Dolphin…
Clearwater Beach - Dolphin Pod Sighting at Pier 60...
You can see them too if you hurry – through…
Stingray Season Has Started Early
Stingray season has started early this year. Three people were…
  • Business News

    How to Spot Drywood Termites
    Spring is here and so are the termites...  Yes, spring brings lots of flowers, warm days, beautiful sunsets on the…
    in General
    Small Business Owners: Avoid the Spam Box by Choosing the Right Email Address
    Choosing the right email address as a small business owner is a vital step in setting up the communication lines…
    in General
    Our Bustling Real Estate Market
    The word is finally out—this is THE time to be buying real estate! Prices are low, interest rates are low,…
    in General
    Tampa Area Business Expo Lean, Green and Mean Business to be Held March 23rd
    Tuesday, March 23rd, Plan B Expo will hold Lean, Green and Mean Business at the Conmy Center at Our Lady…
    in Dunedin
    Federal Housing Authority Makes Changes in Home Loan Program
    The FHA has typically been a good avenue for first-time home buyers, allowing buyers that have less than perfect credit,…
    in General
  • Arts and Entertainment

    CHALKIN' IT UP – Winter Garden Florida
    CHALKIN' IT UP Calling Artists of all ages! You are invited to participate in "Chalkin' It Up" at the 12th annual SPRING FEVER IN THE GARDEN Festival this coming April…
    Read more...
    Chalk Walk Art Festival – Hyde Park Village, Tampa
    CHALK WALK ART FESTIVAL March 15 - 17, 2013 Hyde Park Village - 742 South Village Circle, Tampa Take a Walk and see some ART. Hyde Park Village is the…
    Clearwatedr Miracle
    Read more...
    OKeefes St. Patrick's Day
    EXCITING 3-DAY 2013 LINE UP! Friday, March 15, 2013 – Irish Spring Break Pre-Party OUTSIDE TENT OPENS AT 5 P.M.! 5:00pm IRISH BUSKERS 8:00pm BAGPIPERS 9:00pm FUNK BAND “BLACK HONKEYS”…
    Read more...
  • Government

    Senator Mike Fasano to Testify at Citizens Rate Hearing Today
    State Senator Mike Fasano will testify at the Office Insurance Regulation’s rate hearing today in opposition to Citizens Property Insurance Corporation’s application for a premium increase. Senator Fasano, long a…
    RNC 2012 - The Convention Without Walls
    Don’t miss history in the making in Tampa at the Republican National Convention 2012. On August 27-30, 2,286 delegates and 2,125 alternate delegates from all 50 states, the District of…
    RNC 2012 - The Convention Without Walls
    Don’t miss history in the making in Tampa at the  2012. On August 27-30, 2,286 delegates and 2,125 alternate delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five…
    Republican National Convention – Tampa impact projected at $173 Million
    The Tampa Bay Times Forum is gearing up for the 2012 Republican National Convention from August 27-30, 2012. It will host 2,286 delegates and 2,123 alternate delegates from all 50…
  • The new location of Intuition Salon and Spa - Photo by RGP MediaIntuition Salon & Spa, a downtown Clearwater fixture for over eight years, has expanded again despite a tough economy. On October 16th, Clearwater City Councilman John Doran was on hand to help cut the ribbon on Intuition’s new location at 432A Cleveland Street (entrance on Ft. Harrison). The space is over three times the size of the former location on Laura Street, featuring twice the facilities to service clients with everything from hair styling and mani-pedi’s to spa treatments. Intuition specializes in natural and organic products and services, and owner Dawn Shannon thinks this, plus excellent customer service, contributes to her continuing success and growth.

    Plastic Handcuffs - One Man's Alternative to BankrupcyCredit card debt is a problem for many people, but one man’s negative experience with it has inspired him to help others.

    Peter Repak, president and founder of Clear Financial – a debt settlement company – emigrated from Hungary with his wife. In order to establish credit when he arrived in America, as is required in modern times, Repak got a credit card. He paid his bills on time, never missing a payment, but found himself in hot water when his wife became ill. She required two very expensive surgeries, and was unable to get health insurance due to a pre-existing condition. Under such financial strain, Repak called his credit card company, to ask if it would be alright to miss a single payment. The company said yes, assuring him there would be no penalties. However, Repak soon discovered the company had raised his interest rate from 6% to 29%. He was financially ruined.

    Business ExpoAfter the success of the Women Mean Business expo, Plan B Expo will be putting on their next expo, Diversity Means Business on November 3rd from 4 to 8 pm at The Conmy Center in Dunedin, Florida.

    Diversity Means Business will be a “fun networking expo with something for everyone,” says event coordinator Lil Barcaski. The expected attendance is well over 500, since their last expo had nearly 700 people in attendance.

    The Lobster Pot - Photo by Simaen SkolfeldOn September 15th, the Harborview Center in Downtown Clearwater played host to the Taste of Clearwater. This annual event provides attendees with the opportunity to sample food from more than fifty restaurants and five beverage providers in the Clearwater area. Samples and tastings were free with the purchase of the $20 admission ticket. An estimated 1,000 people attended the event this year. There was “a variety of dishes from American cuisine to more exotic fare – from hamburgers and spicy wings to sashimi and Thai food,” said Sherri Callahan of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The goal [of the event] is to bring the community together for food and fun.”

    (*First is defined as not having owned a home in the last three years.)

    Get $8,000 to Buy Your First HouseThe government is offering a one-time credit of $8,000, (or 10 % of the purchase price, whichever is the lesser amount ) of your first home. For example, if you buy a home for $76,000, then you would qualify for a credit of $7,600. But if you pay more than $80,000 for your new home, then you would qualify for an $8,000 credit.

    How do you take advantage of this incredible offer? You must purchase a home that will be your main home before December 1, 2009. You will even qualify if you bought your first home after April 8, 2008. Then you have some options as to how you get your money from the government.

    The fastest way that I know of is to do a Rapid Amended Return to your 2008 tax return. However, I heard a rumor that I’m tracking down that would allow you to get your money before you purchase a home. So far I haven’t confirmed that, but if I get that confirmation, I will write an update in my next column.

    The other way to obtain the credit is to simply fill out a Form 5405 that you submit with your 2009 taxes.

    Personally, I think amending your 2008 tax return might be the best way to go. You would get a check in the mail -- as long as you don’t owe the IRS any money, that is!

    We’re running out of time to get your new home before December 1, 2009 and a tax credit from the government! So act fast and call me today!

    Pam Ryan Anderson
    Real Estate Broker, Ryan Realty
    (727) 442-2822

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