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.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Announce Season Ticket Payment Plans for Playoff Games
Tampa FL, November 26,2008 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced today they will be offering a new credit card payment plan for season ticket holders to purchase their tickets for potential home playoff games. In past seasons, it was necessary to pay for both potential home playoff games in advance. This year, season ticket holders will not be charged for the second game until the Buccaneers are guaranteed to host the NFC Championship.
"We have the best fans in the NFL and we knew this was the right thing to do after consideration of current economic conditions," said Jason Layton, Director of Ticketing and Sales.
RB SMITH NAMED NFC SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Tampa FL, December 4, 2008 - The National Football League today announced that Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Clifton Smith was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November. During the month of November, Smith had 11 punt returns for 199 yards (18.1 avg.) and one touchdown. He also registered 16 kickoff returns for 498 yards (31.1 avg.) and one touchdown. Smith’s punt return average of 18.1 yards this season ranks first in the NFL and his 31.1 yard kickoff return average ranks second in the NFL. He is also the only player in the NFL to have a kickoff return for a touchdown and a punt return for a touchdown this season.
BUCCANEERS & PATRIOTS TO PLAY IN LONDON IN 2009
Tampa FL, December 1, 2008 - The NFL’s International Series of regular-season games will return to the United Kingdom in 2009 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the New England Patriots, the NFL announced today. The game will be played on Sunday, October 25 at Wembley Stadium in London with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS.