Clearwater, FL (January 2009)   "SMOKIN   OUT” BBQ Grill & Bar, 401 S. Ft. Harrison (former Harrison’s location), had their Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce on the 23rd of January and continued their grand opening celebration through Saturday with live entertainment.

Serving smoked fish, chicken, pork, ribs, wings, sandwiches and mouth-watering Black Angus burgers, “Smokin’ Out” also offers a children’s menu, event catering and take-out.

Photo by Ian Phoenix

Clearwater, FL (January 2009) - It was a chilly Sunday morning, just as dawn was starting to break and the runners were out bright and early in their hopes of being the first to complete the fourth annual Clearwater Half-a-Thon and third annual Five Mile Races, but the un-Floridian like temperature didn’t stop a flock of racers from warming up in preparation to cross the Clearwater Memorial Bridge.

Just as the sun poked its sleepy head over the bay, the runners lined up at the starting line at Coachman Park, stretching, jogging lightly in the parking lot or doing the “cold weather dance” as they waited in anticipation for the race to start.

“It’s going to be a good run across the bridge,” said Mike Newton, a participant. For him, the race is an enjoyable way to get his exercise. “This is fun. It’s a good way to start the New Year off.”

Jason Witten Named the Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP. Witten Honored With $25,000 Donation To The S.C.O.R.E. Foundation For His Commitment To Fighting Domestic Violence

Tampa FL (January 28, 2009)  –  The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer and ‘official home improvement sponsor’ of the National Football League, today announced Jason Witten as The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP for the 2008 season. The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP is a national program that recognizes players who are making a positive impact in their local communities through charitable programs and contributions.

Witten was chosen for the award through an online consumer voting contest, which received more than 250,000 votes nationwide. He was one of 17 NFL players honored through the program this year and one of eight program finalists. Warrick Dunn was honored as The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP for the 2007 season.

Witten and the seven Neighborhood MVP finalists rolled up their sleeves today and worked alongside community and The Home Depot associate volunteers to build a state-of-the-art KaBOOM! playground for kids in East Tampa in just one day. In a break in the action, the players were recognized for their good works and Witten was announced the program MVP. A $25,000 donation was presented to Witten’s foundation.

HUNTSVILLE, AL (January 27, 2009) -- Twenty student teams selected by NASA from colleges and universities around the country are spending the winter building sophisticated rockets they will launch high over Alabama during NASA's 2008-2009 University Student Launch Initiative in April.

The annual rocketry challenge will be held April 18 at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL. Student teams will bring their rockets to the NASA center, where professional engineers will conduct formal design reviews of the vehicles before the students take part in a final, all-day launch.

The initiative, managed by Marshall's Academic Affairs Office, is designed to inspire young people to pursue careers in fields critical to NASA's mission: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

DADE CITY, FL (January 16, 2009) – Gulfside Regional Hospice’s Thrift Shoppe in Dade City, located at 37925 Sky Ridge Cir., has been selected for the 2008 Best of Dade City Award in the Thrift Shops category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

 The USLBA Best of Local Business Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe achieve exceptional marketing success in their local community and business community. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Clearwater FL, (January 20) -  The Citizens Commission on Human Rights of Florida is hosting the “Fight for Kids” Award ceremony on Feb. 21, 2009.  The event will recognize parents, throughout Florida, who have gotten very active in educating others about the truth behind behavioral and learning “disorders”.  These parents have first-hand experience with their children having been diagnosed and labeled by psychiatry and what effect that had on their lives.

DONATION OF DELL PRINTERS TO BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH GIFTS IN KIND INTERNATIONAL - Thousands of Nonprofits Throughout North America to Benefit

Pasco County, January 14, 2009 - Dell Inc. and Gifts In Kind International, the world leader in product philanthropy, today announced a new donation program providing refurbished Dell All-In-One printers to eligible nonprofits throughout the United States and Canada. Through its network of 450 Gifts In Kind® programs, Gifts In Kind International will distribute the printers as they become available from Dell.

The donation will provide assistance to educational programs for children from kindergarten to the 12th grade, adult literacy efforts, job training, programs for the physically disabled and financially disadvantaged as well as other vital community services. The eligibility requirement for nonprofits is a current 501 (c)(3) status. Programs administered in Title 1 schools are also eligible.

Tampa, FL (January 15, 2009)  – The Glazer Family Foundation is donating $150,000 to the NFL Youth Education Towns (YETs) of Tampa Bay.  The donation will help fund the recently completed Glazer Family Football Field at Mort Park. 

 “The Glazer Family Foundation is proud to continue its support of youth development throughout Tampa Bay,” said Bryan Glazer, Executive Vice President of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “Enhancing the local educational and recreational facilities is essential to the growth of Bay area youth. This field is another way to help promote the importance of physical fitness and healthy living and will serve as a valuable resource to the local community.” 

There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new field at a 4 p.m. along with a press conference on Jan. 29 at Mort Park, featuring NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. 

Kumquat Festival Returns to Downtown Dade City The 12th Annual Festival Celebrates Florida's Tiniest Citrus Fruit

DADE CITY, FL January 15, 2009  –This tiny little fruit is as fun to eat as it is to say. And at the 12th Annual Kumquat Festival in Dade City on Saturday, Jan. 31, you can learn how. (Here's a hint: Don't peel it, eat the whole thing.)

The self-proclaimed kumquat capital of the world is located in St. Joseph just outside of Dade City. Since 1998, locals have celebrated the kumquat on the last Saturday in January. 

The festival draws quite a crowd. Last year, more than 35,000 attended the event, which features unique kumquat recipes and tasty samples. In a contest before the festival, talented cooks mix kumquats into meat and vegetables dishes as well as salads and desserts.