Displaying items by tag: tampa bay newspaper

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.

TAMPA, FL December 15, 2008 – Students from Tampa Marine Institute (TMI), a program under Associated Marine Institutes (AMI), are gearing up for their winter graduation.  The program helps troubled youth get back on the right track through experiential learning. 

The commencement ceremony is on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 2:00 pm, 1730 Maritime Blvd, Tampa, FL. 33605.  Special guest speaker, County Commissioner Kevin Beckner will address the graduating youth on taking this beginning to the next level and striving for their best.  The kids will share their experiences and personal growth with their own commencement speech.

NASHVILLE,  TN December 15, 2008 – Bo Bice, Natalie Cole, Brian McKnight, Tiffany, James Ingram, the Greater Los Angeles Cathedral Choir and Al Jarreau are all set to appear on The Spirit of Christmas, a soul music special on MyTV. This primetime Christmas musical celebration airs Tuesday December 16th at 8pm Eastern / 7pm Central. For local station information, visit

Despite Rumors 2009 AFL Season Not Suspended

Tampa FL, December 12, 2008 -  The Arena Football League Board of Directors met late Wednesday night and voted not to suspend the 2009 AFL season.

“This is a big step in the right direction for the fans, players and our league,” said Majority Owner Dr. Bob Nucci. “Additionally, we are excited about our continuing relationship with the St. Pete Times Forum.”

Tampa FL, December 14, 2008 - The Tampa Bay Lightning have reassigned left wing Radek Smolenak to Norfolk of the American Hockey League, it was announced by Executive Vice President & General Manager Brian Lawton.

Smolenak, 22, has skated in six games with the Lightning since being recalled on December 2, recording an assist and 10 penalty minutes while averaging 8:20 in ice time. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound native of Prague, Czech Republic, was drafted by the Lightning in the third round, 73rd overall, at the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Florida Panthers, December 13, 2008 -  Coach Peter DeBoer said Saturday afternoon in Vancouver he’s learned a lot recently about his Panthers, who’ve gone from basement dwellers to playoff contenders in all of two weeks.

“I’ve learned we’ve got some character people in the dressing room,” DeBoer said.

Never has that been more evident than in the Panthers’ last 10 games. Despite missing several of their most skilled players, including Cory Stillman, David Booth, Nathan Horton and Richard Zednik, the Panthers are riding high.

As they prepare for Sunday’s game against the Canucks, the Panthers are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games – have accumulated 16 of a possible 20 points in those games – and are riding a five game winning streak on the road.

TAMPA, FL. - December 9, 2008.  Tampa has played host to professional football's big game before.  But this year, football's super event will be followed by a perennial fan favorite that's sure to be exciting  when it kicks off.  And it's always in Tampa, and always in February.

It's the 105th Florida State Fair.  Opening day is Thursday, February 5 and the fun and games run through Monday, February 16, 2009.  And this year, in keeping with the feeding frenzy that a super football game date brings to the Tampa Bay area, the theme of the 2009 Florida State Fair is Touchdown, Tampa Bay.

"Football, unlike any other sport, is arguably an American way of life, especially here in Florida, a state responsible for sending phenomenal talent to playing on Saturday and Sunday.  We thought the theme would be a perfect backdrop for the Fair," said Fair marketing director Vince Caruso. "Plus, I don't know of any annual event with more fun for the whole family for about the cost of a hot dog and a drink at any pro football game," added Caruso.

NFL Jacksonville Jaguars 2009 Season Tickets No Price Increase 

Jacksonville FL, December 10, 2008 - The Jacksonville Jaguars announced today that there will be no increase in season ticket prices for the general bowl and all multi-year premium seats for the 2009 season.

“Our team is fully aware of the economic challenges that our fans are facing, and maintaining our current pricing structure is the appropriate thing to do,” said Jaguars Senior Vice President/ Business Development Tim Connolly. “The Jaguars are generally recognized for having one of the NFL’s lowest average ticket prices, and we understand how important that is to many of our fans.”