Displaying items by tag: Tampa Bay Informer The Good News Newspaper

TAMPA, FL. - December 19, 2008.  We all know that this time of year brings much joy and excitement, but it can be a bit hectic too.  For a relaxing end to the holiday season, "Discover the Past" at Cracker Country and take a tranquil stroll back in time on Saturday, January 3, 2009 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Florida in 1898 at our "Discover the Past" event.  Relive rural Florida history through a variety of hands-on experiences including spinning and weaving, butter making, toys and games, and corn shuck doll making.  You can also learn about the art of making cane syrup and help make a rope along with much more.  Admission is $6, children ages six to 12 years old and senior citizens enter for $5, and kids five and under are admitted free.

Venice, Florida  December 22, 2008  – The Downtown Venice Craft Festival celebrates its 2nd anniversary on January 24 – 25, 2009, as Main Avenue in downtown Venice is transformed into an outdoor craft art showcase complete with 150 crafters with affordable original works available for sale. Admission is free and open to the public.

In order to ensure a superior event with quality affordable original crafts, all of the local and national crafters have been hand-selected from hundreds of applicants by American Craft Endeavors, producers of the top outdoor craft festivals in the country.

Whether you are a craft enthusiast or looking for that unique one-of-a-kind gift item, there is something for everyone. From folk art, pottery, handmade jewelry and paintings, to personalized gifts, handmade clothing, scented soaps and body products, a full spectrum of craft art mediums will be on display and for sale with prices ranging from as little as $3 to $3,000.

The Luxury Apartment Community Sets a New Standard for Quality Living in Tampa

Tampa FL  December 11, 2008 - With the opening last month of The Vintage Lofts in the historic district of West Tampa better known as Hyde Park North, a new standard has officially been set. Developed by the Zaremba Group, The Vintage Lofts host six fabulous buildings, four stories each with 249, class-A apartment homes. The community is now the area's premier destination for luxury living. With two beautifully furnished models now open and luxurious apartment homes ready for immediate occupancy, it provides residents a highly convenient, upscale lifestyle less than one mile from downtown Tampa.

"This is a community truly like no other," comments Barbara Favreau, Property Manager at The Vintage Lofts. "Everything about it is outstanding…from the beautifully designed models to the lavish landscaping to the amazing location. It's already becoming a very popular community in the short time we have been open."

Hillel School of Tampa Event to Feature Veteran Talk Show Host Larry King Larry King selected as guest speaker to raise money for the school and its effort to save a life in Tampa.

Tampa, FL December 19, 2008 -  Saving a Heart a Day is the goal of The Larry King Cardiac Foundation so Larry King, the well-known talk show host and founder of the Foundation, has agreed to be the guest speaker at an elegant brunch in Tampa to complete a year long fundraising effort that benefits the Hillel School of Tampa and its goal to help save a life in Tampa,  the school announced today.  

"Hillel School of Tampa is proud to bring Larry King to Tampa for this once-in-a-lifetime event," says Lynn Chernin, co-chair of the event called "From the Heart with Larry King" set for February 22nd.  "This is an event not just for Hillel School of Tampa parents and friends.  It's for anyone in the community who wants to hear Larry King in person and help the school as well as it's effort to help others.

Florida Strawberry Festival Tickets Make Perfect Holiday Gifts - Florida Strawberry Festival Tickets Click & Print Tickets Online – No Lines, No Waiting – Great Family Entertainment Value

Plant City, FL  Dec. 19, 2008 – Who wants to deal with the crowds in the malls this late in the holiday season? The 2009 Florida Strawberry Festival makes it easy to give the perfect gift that's the perfect fit for any family: wholesome family entertainment that fits their budget.

 Starting with advanced discount gate admission, ticket to the Feb. 26 – March 8, Florida Strawberry Festival are just $8 for adults, $4 for children six to 12, and admission is free for children five and under when accompanied by an adult.  Plus, there are 22 top-name concerts in 11 days, with reserved seat tickets starting at just $10 each.

Consumers can go to http://www.flstrawberryfestival.com/ to click and print their gate and concert tickets right now, and wrap them up for the holidays.

Aqualea and Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa celebrate topping out with local dignitaries

Luxury resort and condominiums to be centerpiece of Clearwater’s Beach Walk project

Clearwater, FL. ­  December 18, 2008 – Today, city officials, developers and Hyatt executives gathered to celebrate the rise of Clearwater’s newest full-scale resort, Aqualea and Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. The “topping out” provided a dramatic preview of the luxury resort condominium hotel being touted as the centerpiece of the city’s highly acclaimed Beach Walk revitalization project.

“Clearwater Beach is positioned to become one of the country’s most attractive vacation destinations, and we are extremely proud to be part of its renaissance,” said Neil Rauenhorst, President and CEO of NJR Development Co. LLC, and developer of the project. “Aqualea and Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa will bring an elevated level of luxury and grandeur to the area that will be virtually unsurpassed on Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches.”

TAMPA BAY TO HOST U.S. BUSINESS HALL OF FAME 2009 Laureates announced – Outback Steakhouse and Publix Super Markets Founders to be honored

Tampa, FL December 18, 2008. – Junior Achievement today announced four laureates who will be inducted into the U.S. Business Hall of Fame on March 5, 2009, at a black-tie gala at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel. The 2009 laureates were selected by a committee comprised of JA Worldwide directors and previous inductees of the U.S. Business Hall of Fame. Criteria for induction include business excellence, courageous thinking and actions, vision and innovation, inspiring leadership, and philanthropy.

FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF MORTGAGE BROKERS OFFERS CONSUMERS TIPS TO AVOID ABUSIVE LENDING PRACTICES

Tallahassee, FL – December 17, 2008 – Deciding to purchase a home is one of the most significant decisions that a consumer will ever make.  It is crucial that the consumer work with a licensed mortgage broker, loan originator or other mortgage professional during the home buying process. While most mortgage industry professionals are honest and ethical, it is still important for consumers to be aware of the following tips as they prepare to enter the largest financial transaction of their lives.   By becoming knowledgeable about the mortgage process, they can protect their financial investment and find a loan that will best serve their needs.

The Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers (FAMB) offers the following tips to avoid abusive lending practices during the home buying process:

NEW PORT RICHEY FL,  December 17, 2008  – There was an early Santa Claus sighting at Gulfside Regional Hospice during its annual Mending Hearts holiday party for children who have lost a loved one on Dec. 15 at the hospice’s main office in New Port Richey.

Forty-seven children attended the party. The children filled out a wish list and then their names were placed on a tree and selected by Gulfside staff and friends of the hospice, who bought the gifts. Local businesses including WDUV 105.5 FM, Macy’s at Gulfview Square Mall, Taylor Freezer and Ultimate Vending also provided gifts for the children. The Mike Alstott Family Foundation also gave $5,000 worth of toys, which filled over-sized stockings that each child took home with them to open later.

Engle Homes Raises $12,799 for Moffitt Cancer Center & Breast Cancer Research The effects went far beyond the campaign.

Jacksonville, FL.—On Thursday, November 13th, Rocky Morris, director of marketing for Engle Homes Florida, presented Kathy Werner, director of special events and marketing for Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, a check for $12,799. Why? For 11 days in October, in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, Engle Homes of Florida promoted "Engle Cares," a charitable campaign that lasted from October 20-31.