2.  Home-Tech Expands Operations with New Showroom & Training Center in Sarasota/Manatee 

3.  AAHOA Recognizes Attorney Ricky Patel At Its 2012 National Convention 

4.  Are You Safe 2nd Annual Golf Tournament A Huge Success

5.  Hospital Sponsors Teams for TWO Relay for Life Events

6.  “Vote Travel Bus” Rolls In To Downtown Tampa Next Week 

7.  National PR Firm Eclectic Media Productions Signs Model & Actor

8.  Florida Partners Help Businesses Prepare for Hurricane Season 2012

9.  The Ross Realty Group, Inc. Announces Closed Transactions

10. Anexio Announces New Hire Nancy Pratt Joins as Director of Finance

11. Manatee County Florida State History Fair Team takes honors in Tallahassee

12. USFSP Florida Studies graduate wins national award

13. Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point Participates in “Reduce MRSA Study”  

14. Marcus & Millichap Facilitates Sale Of Andover Bay Townhomes For $1M In St. Petersburg, Florida

15. Fix At Four Advertising Campaign Targeting Dog and Cat Owners

16. Triangle Resolutions Expands Facility and Services

17. Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point Participates in “Healthier Hospitals Initiative” (HHI)

18. Hembree & Associates Inc. Announces Over 85,000 SF Leased Or Sold In The Last 60 Days

19. Sirata President named Tourism Person of the Year

20. Greater Brandon Chamber’s Dining Dollars Discount Cards Once Again Offer Terrific Savings!

21. PSCU Launches Innovative Mobile Bill Pay Platform

22. FREE FridayFest on the Bayfront is BACK—Celebrate Summer at the Van Wezel!

23. Riverside Park West Café

24. Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s Madonna Edwards Receives Sixth Annual Employee of the Year Award

25. Crystal Riganati Receives PHR Credential

26. Dr. Richard Hector Becomes Medical Advisor for MTI

27. More than 50 stand-up paddleboarders set for event to benefit Moffitt in ‘Paddle Against Cancer’

TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. (May 17, 2012) – Created by Stage 4 kidney cancer survivor Gene Evans to promote the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle, the second annual ‘Paddle Against Cancer’ will bring together more than 50 local stand-up paddleboarders to support Moffitt Cancer Center on Saturday, May 26.

Evans, a senior vice president at Clearwater-based USAmeriBank, was inspired to create the paddleboarding event by his desire to give back to Moffitt and offer support for other cancer survivors. The first Paddle Against Cancer raised $17,000 for Moffitt, a great success for an event that had an initial fundraising goal of $2,000.

Free and open to the public, the three-mile and the seven-mile paddle event will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 26. The paddle will be followed by a poolside celebration from noon to 4 p.m. at The Club at Treasure Island, at 400 Treasure Island Causeway in Treasure Island.

Evans was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer in May 2009, and since then has recovered from four surgeries – including one to remove a tumor on his spine and another to remove one of his kidneys.

In Stage 4 kidney cancer, the cancer spreads outside the kidneys to multiple lymph nodes or distant parts of the body, such as the bones, brain, or lungs. Statistical figures show that the five-year survival rate for Stage 4 kidney cancer is only 8 percent. Gene, however, is a three-year survivor and attributes his successful fight against cancer to his positive attitude and active lifestyle.

“My doctors always told me that the stronger I am, the better chance I have of fighting off diseases,” said Gene, 51, who played basketball at East Carolina University and then spent a number of years playing high-level beach volleyball. “I paddleboard three or four times per week now, and try to exercise every day. With all the scar tissue, it feels better to move around, and I believe my active lifestyle has helped me mentally, too.”

“Gene recovered very quickly, especially for having two surgeries six weeks apart,” said Frank Vrionis, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., a neurosurgeon at Moffitt who removed the tumor from Evans’ spine. “We pushed him to gradually return to his active lifestyle, which became a vital factor in his speedy recovery.”

The paddleboarders in the event will be making donations to Moffitt, and for others who would like to make a contribution, visit www.moffitt.org/giving and click on “Make a Donation Now.” Select “Gifts in Honor” and specify Gene Evans/Paddle Against Cancer. For more information about the event, call 727-288-7390.

About Moffitt Cancer Center:

Follow Moffitt on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MoffittCancerCenter

Follow Moffitt on Twitter: @MoffittNews

Follow Moffitt on YouTube: MoffittNews

Located in Tampa, Moffitt Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, which recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer.

With 26 years of experience and expertise gained from his work as a Fellowship Trained Cornea/External Disease Specialist at The Eye Associates, Dr. Hector has a wealth of knowledge to offer motivated students of all ages. “I have been impressed by the east campus facility and the support I received from the School Board toward making this one of the best entry level programs for students interested in pursuing a career in the optical/medical field,” he said. “There is a growing demand for well-trained optical assistants as well as optometric and ophthalmic office assistants, and I am happy to help reestablish this course to ensure that graduates acquire the essential skills that enable them to enter and succeed in the field.”

A partner of the Eye Associates since 1986, Dr. Hector also specializes in treatment of dry eyes and is the Principal Investigator for Clinical Studies. He completed his fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and served his ophthalmology internship and residency at the Letterman Army Medical Center Presidio of San Francisco, California. His Doctorate of Medicine was earned at the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University in Maywood Illnois. A staunch believer in community involvement, Dr. Hector supports local organizations with an emphasis on preventative eyecare, the treatment of low vision, and providing vision care to the underprivileged citizens of Manatee County.

The Eye Associates has six locations with nine medical Ophthalmologists covering the specialties of Cataracts, Cornea, Glaucoma, Retina, LASIK, Oculo-Plastics and Cosmetic Surgery. Five Board Certified Optometrists are on staff for routine primary eyecare, contact lenses and computer vision. A Board Certified Dermatologist and a Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist are also part of the Eye Associates team. New patients are always cordially welcomed.

-xxx- ]]> http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/16/dr-richard-hector-becomes-medical-advisor-for-mti-46187/feed/ 0 http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/16/crystal-riganati-receives-phr-credential-46185/ http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/16/crystal-riganati-receives-phr-credential-46185/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 21:42:50 +0000 Press Release http://madduxpress.com/?p=46185 Sarasota, FL – Kerkering, Barberio & Co., Certified Public Accountants – is pleased to announce that Crystal Riganati, Administration Supervisor, has earned the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) credential.  The certification, awarded by the HR Certification Institute, signifies that she possesses the theoretical knowledge and practical experience in human resource management necessary to pass a rigorous examination demonstrating mastery of the field.

“Certification as a human resource professional clearly demonstrates Crystal’s commitment to personal excellence and to the human resource profession.  We congratulate her on this accomplishment,” said Tracy O’Neill, Chief Administrative Officer.

Kerkering, Barberio & Co. is one of the largest independent certified public accounting firms in Southwest Florida and offers a wide range of services to businesses, organizations, and individuals.  The firm has been serving clients since 1972.  Kerkering, Barberio & Co. has two locations: one at 1990 Main Street, Suite 801, Sarasota, FL, and one in Lakewood Ranch at 6320 Venture Drive, Suite 203, Lakewood Ranch, FL. ]]> http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/16/crystal-riganati-receives-phr-credential-46185/feed/ 0 http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/16/regional-medical-center-bayonet-points-madonna-edwards-receives-sixth-annual-employee-of-the-year-award-46182/ http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/16/regional-medical-center-bayonet-points-madonna-edwards-receives-sixth-annual-employee-of-the-year-award-46182/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 21:41:09 +0000 Press Release http://madduxpress.com/?p=46182 Hudson, Florida (May 17, 2012) – Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point announces that Madonna Edwards of its laboratory received this year’s sixth annual Employee of the Year Award. The Employee of the Year is the employee who best exemplifies employee excellence and is selected by the Employee Advisory Group (EAG). In order to be eligible for this prestigious honor, the employee has to be a 2011 Essential Piece winner. Madonna joined Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s laboratory in 2008 and received the third quarter Essential Piece award for her efficient, friendly, courteous, respectful and pleasant attitude and disposition which she displayed while treating her patients.

This year’s nominees for the Employee of the Year award and Essential Piece quarterly winners are:

1st Qtr 2011

David Chaput

Colleen Pascalli – RN

David Kokoruz – RN

2nd Qtr 2011

Rebecca Rudicil – RN

Jason Portano

3rd Qtr 2011

Jamie Servidio

Carol Ann Bialkoski – RN

Madonna Edwards

4th Qtr 2011

Brian Rock

Shae Jungkins – RN

Jeanine Baggott – RN

The Essential Piece award is given in recognition of customer service and performance. Nominations for this award are made by peers, supervisors, and patients who recount specific acts of kindness and customer service as well as a high level of job performance. The Employee of the Year received a gift catalog to select a gift of her choice, a 2011 Employee of the Year lapel pin, a plaque and parking pass for the physician’s parking lot for one year.

Photo:  Madonna Edwards receives award from Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s CEO, Shayne George.

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet has been serving the community since 1981. We are a 290-bed acute care hospital located in Hudson, FL and home of the nationally acclaimed Heart Institute. We have more than 350 physicians, 900 employees and 500 volunteers on our integrated healthcare delivery team.

RMCBP has been approved by the Florida Department of Health, Office of Trauma, as a Provisional Level 2 Trauma Center. This designation means critically injured patients may have access to treatment in the “golden hour.” This is the first hour after a serious injury in which there is the highest likelihood that prompt medical attention will prevent death. Through an affiliation with the University of South Florida Health, RMCBP has the support of a major academic university and medical school. A Trauma Center in our community means faster treatment to improve patient outcomes and keep patients close to home and their loved ones.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

·         Recipient of the 2011 American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award.

·         Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is the only hospital in Tampa Bay area to achieve the Gold Plus standard in both heart failure and stroke.

• Recognized in 2011 as one of the nation’s top performing hospitals in quality measurements by the Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare accrediting body.
• Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
• Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers
• Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
• Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
• American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
• Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine
• MRI, CT, Ultrasound, and Nuclear Medicine Accredited – American College of Radiology
• Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
• Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
• Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is located at14000 Fivay Road
Hudson, FL. 34667. For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com. Or visit us on Facebook.

The current bait shop has been vacant for over five years and attracts loiters in its existing dilapidated condition.  Half of the building is located on state property, while the other half is situated on a parcel owned by the city – this has caused issues for people wishing to lease the property in the past.  After the CRA razes the building, the new café will be repositioned on city property near the seawall with seating overlooking Regatta Point Marina and the Palmetto Boat Ramp.

“This piece of property is one of the most scenic in the city,” said CRA Director Jeff Burton. “We want to partner with the private sector and turn it into something more; we will be looking for the right candidate to lease the building.”

“The Seahorse” will have approximately 3,200 square-feet of available space for concession, indoor and outdoor dining and a retail establishment designed to sell bait and tackle. The majority of boating enthusiasts utilizing the boat ramp formerly bought their bait from the old shell station, which is now out of business.

Charlie Ugarte, an architect located in the CRA district, used a compass as inspiration for The Seahorse building design.  The structure will have a tin roof and a cupola that will allow for natural ventilation.

“You can approach this building from four directions and each one of them seemed to be equally important,” said Ugarte. “There isn’t a front or back, instead the building needed to be aesthetically pleasing from the river, pier, parking area and the Green Bridge. That is where the four compass points came in.”

Over the next few months, the city will issue a request for proposal, or RFP, through a bidding process. Interested businesses are encouraged to submit an offer on a specific commodity or service they plan to provide.

Ugarte said that while the shell of The Seahorse will be undeviating, he is open to working with a potential renter to adapt the interior plans to better suit their business.

“We recognize that the organization of the floor plan is important and understand that it will most likely evolve,” said Ugarte.

History of the Seahorse Gift Shop

Ed and Evelyn Winter opened the Seahorse Gift Shop near the Green Bridge in 1953. No one traveling over the bridge could miss the shop, which was marked with a giant statue of a seahorse to attract visitors. A sign invited those passing by to stop in for free fresh squeezed orange, papaya or coconut juice.

Specializing in converting shells to gifts, the employees designed anything from earrings to table lamps. The Seahorse work shop was distinct, as it had a pine tree growing through it. Families from all over came to view Ed Winter’s menagerie of “pets” on display, including alligators, rattlesnakes, monkeys and a macaw named Scarlett. Ed Winter baffled tourists by milking rattlesnakes in the parking lot. The Winters operated the Sea Horse Gift Shop until 1966 when it was sold to R. Daniel Harrell. Harrell owned it until 1976. When the bridge approaches were being prepared for a highway expansion of the new bridge, the building was torn down.

This summer, kick back on the Sarasota bayfront and listen to outstanding bands play a range of musical styles that will please the whole family. FridayFest opens on June 8 with Sarasota’s favorite for oldies, Yesterdayze . Not only does Yesterdayze bring a hypnotic sixties sound—they dress the part, recreating the full experience!  The band will sample tunes from The Beatles, Jimmy Hendrix, Elvis, Dionne Warwick, and more.

July 13^th it’s cowboy cutie Adrian Ray and his blue collar, in-your-face, country music band. The release of his self titled album, which has been described as “Heavy Country”, truly bridges today’s Country Music with Classic Rock, a little bit of Southern Rock and a whole lot of Soul. You will be amazed at the show he puts on! Check him out and you will see why: http://www.adrianray.com/index.php/music.

You may have met with a local dance-floor or two while The Venturas are playing.  Now it’s the Van Wezel’s turn!  August 10^th The Venturas will be doing some of their best Jazz, Latin and Blues renditions, right here on the Bayfront. When it comes to this high-energy group, be sure to wear your dancing shoes!

We know you’re on the edge of your seat but September 14^th is TBA! So, save the date and look for another fabulous group, still to come.

Bring your blankets or lawn chairs, take in the music and the sunset, and enjoy food and beverage from local vendors.  FridayFest takes place in rain or shine.  In the event of inclement weather, the Festival will move indoors to the Grand Foyer of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Bringing in food and drink from outside the Fest is prohibited; coolers and weapons of any kind are also prohibited.

Presenting sponsors are Sunset Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and MetroPCS. The Talent Sponsor is Business by the Bay. Additional sponsors are Comcast, Bright House Networks, Budweiser, Van Wezel Executive Director’s Council, ABC 7, The Observer Group, The Van Wezel Foundation, Boar’s Head, Cliff Roles, Mattison’s ,Waste Management,  InterMedia Productions,  Cameresi Designs, WSRZ 107.9 ( June & August)  WCTQ 106.5 (July) and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (September). The concert series is paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist  Development Tax Revenues.

The Van Wezel box office located at 777 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.  For more information, call 941-953-3368 or visit www.vanwezel.org.

# # #

St. Petersburg, Florida – (May 16, 2012) – Just months after providing ‘triple play’ capabilities of WAP, SMS Text and downloadable APPS for PSCU’s mobile banking solution, the company launched Mobile Bill Pay capabilities so existing PayLynx Bill Pay users can now make one-time payments, manage pending payments and view payment history using their mobile device anytime, anywhere. Apps can easily be downloaded for iPhone, Android and Blackberry users.

“Our swift deployment of Mobile Bill Pay following on the heels of Triple Play that added mobile apps demonstrates our commitment to being an industry leader in innovation—not just within the credit union industry but for the entire financial services marketplace,” said PSCU President & CEO Michael Kelly. “We will lead the development and deployment of new payments technologies that equip credit unions to satisfy and grow their membership, in part by launching ambitious outreach campaigns that bring young adults into our industry.”

Alcoa Tenn FCU ($180 million in assets/20,000 members) is the first PSCU credit union to go live with Mobile Bill Pay. The credit union is targeting younger members and recognized that mobile bill pay was a “must have” capability. “We knew adults under 30 were not going to walk through the door of our branch. We needed to reach out to them and offer the convenient mobile capabilities they expect from a financial services provider,” said Sarah Lawson, IT Specialist, Alcoa Tenn FCU.

Mobile online bill pay was first tested with Alcoa’s staff. “Our staff quickly embraced its increased flexibility and ease of use. Then we began working with PSCU’s project team to roll out the product to our members. I can’t say enough good things about how smooth this process was and what a pleasure it was to work with PSCU,” she adds.

After an initial soft rollout, the credit union plans to launch TV commercials on its mobile offering at the beginning of the summer. Credit union members can download the mobile banking app from iTunes, Android Market, or the Blackberry App Store.

About PSCU

Established in 1977, PSCU (St. Petersburg, Fla.) is the nation’s leading credit union service organization (CUSO) and serves more than 1,500 financial institutions nationwide. As a non-profit cooperative, the company is owned by more than 680 member credit unions representing 16 million credit, debit, prepaid, online bill payment, mobile and electronic banking accounts. Comprehensive 24/7/365 member support is delivered through four Contact Centers located throughout the United States that handle more than 18 million inquiries a year.

PSCU’s MōPRO initiative marries emerging technologies with proven strategies and empowers the CUSO to lead the industry in developing innovative payments solutions. This new culture of engagement, agility and energy can enhance both revenue and market share for member-owner credit unions. For more information, visit the PSCU website at www.pscu.com.

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The Nicklaus family is well-known to the local community. Gregg and three sisters, Lenne Nicklaus-Ball, Deborah Nicklaus and Valerie Hval, successfully own and operate the resort together. When the siblings’ father Harry Nicklaus Jr., and his father, first purchased the resort in 1962, it was a 46 unit motel originally named “El Sirata.” The resort just recently celebrated its 50^th Anniversary in March of this year.

With all siblings heavily involved in local politics and charities, Gregg has taken a special interest in working on promoting tourism in Pinellas County and the entire State of Florida. It is through these efforts that he was recognized as Tourism Person of the Year 2012.

About Sirata Beach Resort

Sirata Beach Resort on St. Pete Beach, Florida is located on 13 acres of privately owned beachfront, directly on the white sands & blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy one of three beachfront pools, two whirlpools, or dine in one of three great places all on one resort: Compass Grille, open for breakfast, lunch & dinner; Rum Runners Bar & Grille, directly on the beach or poolside for beachfront drinks and sandwiches; Harry’s Beach Bar, a local institution  serves a casual menu around the fire pit.  We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Lobby Lounge for a more intimate late night setting.  All this and more within a tropical island setting, where you can hear the gentle surf, the softly swaying sea oats, and see an amazing sunset in the Sunset Capital of Florida.  Sirata Beach Resort is one of St. Pete Beach’s finest casual resorts.

Imagine…It’s All Here

Massachusetts based company Harpak- ULMA Packaging. LL C has leased 2,250 SF  of flex space fromCD Development, LLP in Centre Park Commerce Center in Sarasota.   Morris Smith and Joe C. Hembree of Hembree & Associates Inc. facilitated the lease.

Custom Climate Concepts a local HVAC company has leased 2,250 SF of flex space from CD Development, LLP in Centre Park Commerce Center in Sarasota. Morris Smith and Joe C. Hembree of Hembree & Associates Inc.facilitated the multi-year lease.

Manatee Community Action Agency has leased 17,090 SF of office space from Beverly Associates,  LLP at 302 E Manatee Ave in Bradenton.   Joe C. Hembree & Ken Hoskinson Jr. of Hembree &Associates Inc. facilitated the transaction

Manatee Community Redevelopment Agency   Inc. has leased 3,854 SF of office space from Beveryly Associates,  LLP at 302 E Manatee Ave in Bradenton.   Joe C. Hembree & Ken Hoskinson Jr. of Hembree &Associates Inc. facilitated the transaction

Suncoast Community Capital Corporation has leased 2,223 SF of office space from Beverly Associates,  LLP at 302 E Manatee Ave in Bradenton.   Joe C. Hembree & Ken Hoskinson Jr. of Hembree &Associates Inc. facilitated the transaction

Dr. Cary L. Dun M.D. P.A. has leased an additional 3,500 SF in Bahia Vista Professional Center, 2750 Bahia Vista in Sarasota from Bahia Vista Associates LLLP.   Joe C. Hembree and Morris Smith of Hembree & Associates facilitated the transaction.

Freedom Holdings of Manatee LLC purchased a 15,400 SF Retail center and two out parcels at the NW corner of Toledo Blade and Price in Northport from Quality Properties Asset Management for $1,450,000.00 Charles Parker and Joe C. Hembree of Hembree & Associates Inc. facilitated the transaction.

Sarasota Interventional Radiology leased 1,000 SF of office space from Griffin Development LLC at 600 N Cattlemen in Sarasota.   Charles Parker and Joe. C Hembree of Hembree & Associates facilitated the transaction.

Allied Engineering and Testing Inc. a Fort Myers based company leased 2,500 SF of office space from Osprey Development in the Live Oak Commerce Center at 2301 Cattlemen Road in Sarasota.   Steve Ross of Hembree & Associates Inc. represented the tenant and Lori Hellstrom of Osprey Real Estate Services represented the landlord.

Kazan, Inc.  purchased 1607 Desoto Rd. in Sarasota from Stearns Bank for $665,000.   The property is a 26,000SF Retail/Industrial building with multiple tenants.  Ken Hoskinson, Jr. and Joe C. Hembree of Hembree &Associates represented the seller.

East Meats West, LLC has leased a 5,000 SF water front restaurant  in Osprey at 576Blackurn Pt. Rd.   Ken Hoskinson,Jr. and John Caragiulo of Hembree & Associates represented the landlord while Ron Flynn of Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT represented the tenant.

Medical Resource Association leased 5,000 SF of office space at 1549 State St. in Sarasota from Bob Windom.   Ken Hoskinson, Jr. of Hembree & Associates, Inc.represented the landlord. ]]> http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/16/hembree-associates-inc-announces-over-85000-sf-leased-or-sold-in-the-last-60-days-46167/feed/ 0 http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/16/regional-medical-center-bayonet-point-participates-in-healthier-hospitals-initiative-hhi-46165/ http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/16/regional-medical-center-bayonet-point-participates-in-healthier-hospitals-initiative-hhi-46165/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 20:52:48 +0000 Press Release http://madduxpress.com/?p=46165 Hudson, Florida (May 17, 2012) – Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point announces that it is one of 500 leading hospitals across the country that have joined Healthier Hospitals Initiative (HHI), a partnership coordinated by Practice Greenhealth, Healthcare Without Harm (HCWH), and the Center for Health Design. The goal is to reduce waste and conserve energy among other challenges and thus improve the health of people in the communities in which our hospitals serve.

HCA the Healthcare Company is one HHI’s sponsoring health systems. The new campaign urges the nation’s hospitals to commit to a three-year initiative to improve the health and safety of patients, staff and communities by using the initiatives newly used free step-by-step guides to implement the HHI challenges:

·         Engage in leadership on environmental health and sustainability

·         Serve healthier foods and beverages

·         Reduce energy use

·         Reduce waste and recycle

·         Use safer chemicals

·         Produce environmentally preferable products

During the next three years HHI will gather data and metrics from participating hospitals to demonstrate the impacts that these strides are having on the health and safety of patients, workers, and communities, as well as on reducing healthcare expenditures.

HCA is one of the seven founding sponsoring systems of HHI and it is designed to help hospitals adopt more sustainable practices – like conserving energy and reducing waste – all aimed at improving the health of patients, staff and the broader community. HCA sponsored HHI as part of its efforts to guide healthcare into more sustainable operations.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has appointed a sustainability coordinator with overall responsibility for implementing sustainability initiatives in its facility. HCA has implemented one of the first system-wide integrated waste management programs in healthcare, designed to both decrease costs and increase recycling. It has also implemented the first integrated pest management specifications in healthcare and led the effort to create uniform environmental questions for purchasing of certain devices. At this writing, HCA has achieved energy reductions of $12 million through recommissioning.

For more information about Healthier Hospitals Initiative go to www.HealthierHospitals.org.

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet has been serving the community since 1981. We are a 290-bed acute care hospital located in Hudson, FL and home of the nationally acclaimed Heart Institute. We have more than 350 physicians, 900 employees and 500 volunteers on our integrated healthcare delivery team.

RMCBP has been approved by the Florida Department of Health, Office of Trauma, as a Provisional Level 2 Trauma Center. This designation means critically injured patients may have access to treatment in the “golden hour.” This is the first hour after a serious injury in which there is the highest likelihood that prompt medical attention will prevent death. Through an affiliation with the University of South Florida Health, RMCBP has the support of a major academic university and medical school. A Trauma Center in our community means faster treatment to improve patient outcomes and keep patients close to home and their loved ones.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

·         Recipient of the 2011 American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award.

·         Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is the only hospital in Tampa Bay area to achieve the Gold Plus standard in both heart failure and stroke.

• Recognized in 2011 as one of the nation’s top performing hospitals in quality measurements by the Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare accrediting body.
• Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
• Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers
• Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
• Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
• American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
• Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine
• MRI, CT, Ultrasound, and Nuclear Medicine Accredited – American College of Radiology
• Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
• Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
• Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is located at14000 Fivay Road
Hudson, FL. 34667. For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com. Or visit us on Facebook.

One of the first tenets of the No Kill movement is the need to try and control over pet population through spaying and neutering. The fact of the matter is, though, 80 percent of pet owners actually do spay and/or neuter their pets. So, why do we continue to have an over abundance of kittens and puppies in shelters? Best Friends says there is still a lot of confusion as to when animals should be spayed or neutered. Female cats and dogs can actually start having litters as young as four months old.

Thanks to the help of TM Advertising and MRM in Salt Lake City, Best Friends has a series of cool, creative television spots, appropriately titled, Fix at Four. The campaign was created on a bare-bones budget, and the PSAs will be available for use online, posters, screensavers and TV.

The funny spots feature dogs and cats as they face the daunting task of parenting much too soon – but with a quirky twist. For example, one of the Fix at Four spots, Afternoon Stroll has a plot that makes it appear as if a harried father is trying to keep a bunch of “interested” local boys from being too interested in his young daughter.

TM’s chief creative officer, Bill Oakely said, “Given the fact there was very little money in the budget, there was a tremendous number of resources, artists, editors, musicians and actors helping with this. Lots of expensive talent gave up their time and effort for these spots.”

Among the stars of the PSAs are Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet, Oscar-winning actress Linda Hunt and musician Paula Cole.

While all of the spots are lighthearted, like “Afraid of That,” the statistics are all too real and still anything but. Half of all pets born in the United States are accidents, leading to so many being killed in shelters each year. Thanks to counties like Manatee, Broward, and Duval, their communities are embracing the No Kill movement. Other communities, like Hillsborough, Citrus and Palm Beach counties are assessing how to proceed. Wouldn’t it be amazing if Florida became the first No Kill state in America?

ST. PETERSBURG, FL,

Casey Babb, a CCIM and senior multifamily specialist, and Luis Baez, multifamily specialist in Marcus & Millichap’s Tampa office, had the exclusive listing to market the property on behalf of the seller, a partnership.  The buyer, a limited liability company, was secured and represented by Babb and Baez.

Andover Bay Townhomes is located at 7450 39th Place North.  This is a partially completed, 45-lot townhome subdivision.  The developed townhome units consist of five two-bedroom/two-and-a-half bath units at 980 square feet and 13 three-bedroom/two-and-a-half bath units at 1,400 square feet.  The ready-to-build lots will yield seven additional two-bedroom/two-and-a-half baths and 20 three bedroom/two-and-a-half bath townhomes.

“Andover Bay presented serious challenges due to construction defects that were uncovered during due diligence” comments Babb.  “At the final price however, it was a win-win situation for both the buyer and the seller.  The buyer plans to rehab the existing units, build out the vacant lots and hold the property as a rental until the ‘for-sale’ housing market improves” adds Babb.

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With more than 1,000 investment professionals in offices nationwide, Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services is the largest firm specializing in commercial real estate investment services in the nation. Marcus & Millichap closed 5,085 transactions in 2011, the highest of any commercial real estate brokerage firm. Founded in 1971, the firm has perfected a powerful system for marketing properties that combines product specialization, local market expertise, the industry’s most comprehensive research, state-of-the-art technology and relationships with the largest pool of qualified investors nationally.

www.MarcusMillichap.com

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point was one of 52 hospitals in 72 intensive care units in 16 states enrolled in the study. The reduce MRSA study was a collaborative effort between the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, the Center for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, an agency of healthcare research and quality, the National Center of Emergency and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases of the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). These three agencies are in collaboration with HCA the Healthcare Company in conducting this study.

Recently Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point was awarded a certificate of appreciation in recognition and appreciation for its tremendous dedication to the creation of the scientific evidence to guide efforts to eliminate MRSA infections in the critical care environment.

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet has been serving the community since 1981. We are a 290-bed acute care hospital located in Hudson, FL and home of the nationally acclaimed Heart Institute. We have more than 350 physicians, 900 employees and 500 volunteers on our integrated healthcare delivery team.

RMCBP has been approved by the Florida Department of Health, Office of Trauma, as a Provisional Level 2 Trauma Center. This designation means critically injured patients may have access to treatment in the “golden hour.” This is the first hour after a serious injury in which there is the highest likelihood that prompt medical attention will prevent death. Through an affiliation with the University of South Florida Health, RMCBP has the support of a major academic university and medical school. A Trauma Center in our community means faster treatment to improve patient outcomes and keep patients close to home and their loved ones.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

·         Recipient of the 2011 American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award.

·         Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is the only hospital in Tampa Bay area to achieve the Gold Plus standard in both heart failure and stroke.

• Recognized in 2011 as one of the nation’s top performing hospitals in quality measurements by the Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare accrediting body.
• Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
• Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers
• Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
• Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
• American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
• Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine
• MRI, CT, Ultrasound, and Nuclear Medicine Accredited – American College of Radiology
• Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
• Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
• Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is located at14000 Fivay Road
Hudson, FL. 34667. For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com. Or visit us on Facebook.

Cynthia Mott, who earned her Master’s in Florida Studies in December, will be presented with the Gov. LeRoy Collins Award May 24 during the Florida Historical Society Annual Meeting & Symposium Awards Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Tampa. It is the third consecutive year the award has gone to a USF St. Petersburg Florida Studies Program student.

Mott was honored for her thesis on the Hanson Family Archives of Fort Myers, a privately owned family collection of historical artifacts held by the Woody Hanson family.   The archives include thousands of high-quality, black and white photographs taken from 1895 to 1945, covering every facet of regional growth, from waterways to architecture to national parks to birds to people. At least half the photos are of Native Americans in their natural environment, and only a small fraction has ever been publicly seen.

“The photos and the archival materials are a cultural treasure of immense importance,’’ Mott said. “They offer a stunning array of scholarly research opportunities.’’

Mott said she hopes her research will encourage other scholars to mine archives for hidden treasures still lying within.

“Cynthia’s study of the Stanley Hanson archives just might be one of modern Florida’s great treasure hunts,” said Gary Mormino, the Frank E. Duckwall Professor of History in the Florida Studies Program, who nominated Mott’s paper.  “The Hanson sons and daughters led exemplary lives, generously helping Seminoles in a time of need, all the while and recording native folkways for future generations.”

The Florida Historical Society inaugurated the Collins prize in 1991 to honor Collins, who endowed the award. Previous winners include former Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, a USF graduate, (2000) and James A. Schnur, a USF graduate and special collections librarian at the Nelson Pointer Memorial Library, who won in 1991 and 1992. Jason Memmer won in 2010 and 2011.

Here’s a Q&A with Cynthia Mott:

Why did you pick the Hanson Family Archive as your thesis?

A mutual friend introduced me to the collection’s owner, Woody Hanson. I was a graduate student in the Florida Studies Program at the time, with a focus on the history of Southwest Florida. Mr. Hanson, his amazing collection, and my research desires clicked. He generously made the materials available for me to study, which I did by going in to his office nearly every weekday for six months.

What did you find? 

The Hanson Archives offered new surprises daily. Personal correspondence continually shed new light on the people preserved in facts and photos. But truly, no two days spent in this mass of accumulated history were the same. It was and is a historian’s dream, particularly if you love Southwest Florida the way I do.

What drew you to Florida studies?

My first Florida ancestors arrived in Central and Southwest Florida in the1830s and my people have been here ever since. I have a deep and abiding love of this region, with generations of ancestors who staked claims and shed blood to survive. So, my draw to Florida Studies springs from a deep well of cherished and honored personal history.

What was that experience like?

Working through this program, studying under the likes of Drs. Gary Mormino and Ray Arsenault, was one of the best growth experiences of my life. Not only did they guide me in learning more about Florida than I ever dreamed, they worked hand-in-hand with me in my Hanson Archives research. They truly enabled me to accomplish goals I never would have without their guidance and help. I went around the South I adore on a bus learning painful civil rights history lessons from Ray Arsenault, studied and debated Florida politics with former Tampa Bay Times columnist Howard Troxler, waded through the Green Swamp with Program Director Chris Meindl, and was continuously mentored by Gary Mormino. USF St. Petersburg Florida Studies students and faculty truly became family and made my time in the program inspiring and literally life-changing.

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I returned to college after many years absent from the classroom after career, family, marriages, the whole deal. It was scary tackling a graduate program at age 47, but I really had nothing to fear. The Florida Studies Program was the perfect place. I was born in Fort Myers, raised in LaBelle, and have always lived in Southwest Florida.  My previous career was as a tomato broker, a family-agri-business job. My family is in Florida agriculture, tomatoes mostly, but we also have a ranch in Arcadia. I am currently a freelance writer and regular contributor to Florida Weekly – local stories about local characters and history. And when I grow up I want to write fulltime about Florida history and Florida culture — particularly indigenous, old-Florida history, Florida Crackers, and Southwest Florida Native Americans.

What’s next?

I have recently completed the manuscript for a biography of W. Stanley Hanson, the main character around whom the Hanson Archives revolve. He was a great friend to and advocate for South Florida Native Americans during the early 1900s — a time of turbulent change for Florida. Hanson was known simply as the “White Medicine Man,” a fascinating Floridian. University Press of Florida is working with me to get the book into publication, which hopefully will happen in 2013.

To read Mott’s award-winning research, go to:  http://tinyurl.com/86oou64

Forty two students from Manatee County area schools competed at Florida State History Fair in Tallahassee April 29th – May 1st .  The three day fair drew 1041 students from 32 counties in the Sunshine State. More than two hundred judges evaluated some 592 entries in five categories: papers, documentaries, exhibit boards, web sites and performance. Many Manatee County team projects merited excellent and superior ratings and some advanced to the final rounds.

2011-2012 Manatee County State History Fair Team:

SENIOR DIVISION: Amy Alvarez, Kelsey Armstrong, Mitch Arnold, Colin Beightol, Madison Bouchard, Kirstin Clark, Maddie Ehsani, Vinny Franco, Caitlin Hermanson, Tyler Hickman, Katie Kelly, Alexandra Lewis, Zach Matthews, Gabby Morford, Graham Myers, Andie Tradler, from Lakewood Ranch High School; Emily Brannon Akers and Charles Anderson Bigby, from Manatee School for the Arts; Raven Brianna Chapman, from The Chapman Academy.

JUNIOR DIVISION: Konrad Strazlkowski of Center Montessori School; Kaitlin Christian Folsom, Chloe Gingerich, Hannah Michell Reynolds, and Breanna Thomas of Haile Middle School; Emily Blackwell, Gerson Casco, Andrew Dietz, Massimo Ottey, Pankti Parikh, Niraj Pathak, Alison Stewart, Margaret Stewart and Josiah Thayer of Johnson Middle School; Kerina Adamson, Maggie Eschmann, Hannah Figueras, Madison Frost, Liberty Grimond, Athena Kavis, Mati Limbach, Alysa Ness, and Olivia Yaryura of Nolan Middle School.

The fair is part of a nationwide contest designed to encourage a new generation of history lovers. Revolution, Reaction and Reform in History was the 2011-2012 National History Day theme. After researching newspapers, diaries, letters, photographs, government records and oral history interviews, students present a topic suggested by the theme. Earlier this year, 1249 Manatee County students in grades 6 – 12 entered the competition held at their school.  Each school then screened these entries according to guidelines provided through the National History Day criteria. Some 367 entries advanced to the county level for another round of judging by community volunteers guided by Manatee Village Historical Park staff. Those with the highest scores in each category became Manatee County’s representation at the Florida State History Fair. Team members had several months to groom projects or add research material using primary sources such as personal interviews with historical figures.

All students who participated gained a unique educational experience. National History Day, the Florida History Fair parent organization, recently released findings of researchers who studied four school districts in the nation. They concluded that NHD students outperform their non-NHD peers on state standardized tests not only in social studies but also on reading, science and math. As participants, NHD students often become better writers and critical thinkers, as well as gaining practice in 21st century skills.

Special Awards:

The American Colonial Heritage Award –  Sponsored by the The Florida Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, Inc. went to Kaitlin Folsom from Haile Middle School for an Individual documentary in the Junior division titled: The American Revolution: Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge.

American History Innovation Award – Sponsored In memory of Norman Schroeder award went to a Senior Group Exhibit Board Team from Lakewood Ranch High School comprised of Amy Alvarez, Gabby Morford, Mitch Arnold and Tyler Hickman from Lakewood Ranch High school, for their project titled Barcodes: Scanning the World.

Manatee County team members who made the final round of judging

 at Florida History Fair:

Emily Akers from Manatee School for the Arts (Senior Individual Documentary) – The Beatles Influence on the Music Industry

Kaitlin Folsom from Haile Middle School (Junior Individual Documentary) – The American Revolution: Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge

Amy Alvarez, Gabby Morford, Mitch Arnold, and Tyler Hickman from Lakewood Ranch High School (Senior Group Exhibit Board) – Barcodes: Scanning the World

Raven Chapman from The Chapman Academy (Senior Individual Exhibit Board) – Rachel Carson’s Role in the Environmental Movement

Manatee County Historical Commission has produced and coordinated Manatee County’s competition for National History Day program for twenty-eight years. It is sponsored by the County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Department of Historical Resources under the direction of County Comptroller, R. B. “Chips” Shore. Some one hundred local businesses, associations and individuals also support the effort with donations for awards and expenses at the local level, as well as scholarship funds to help offset the cost for students traveling to Tallahassee to represent Manatee County. Platinum Sponsors: Conquistador Historical Foundation, and Manatee County Historical Society, Manatee County Historical Commission; Gold Sponsors: United Daughters of the Confederacy, Judah P. Benjamin Chapter; Bronze Sponsors: Mark and Marianne Barnebey, Bright House Networks, Bill and Barbara King, Manatee County Bar Association, The Lt. Col. Sam Carter and Norma Carter Family, Palmetto Historical Commission, Larry and Edie Bustle, and The Manatee Players.

Teachers and parents encourage participation and hundreds of community volunteers serve as judges locally and at state levels. Manatee Players theater professionals offer in-kind assistance by coaching students in the performance category as well as lending props and costumes for their presentation to the judges.

For more information about the Florida History Fair or for details concerning the 2012-2013 National History Day competition theme: Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events, please contact:  County Coordinator Melissa Porter, Manatee Village Historical Park, 1404 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton, Florida, 34208. Contact’s e-mail & phone #:  melissa.porter@manateeclerk.com; (941) 741-4075.

About the Clerk’s Office

The Clerk of the Circuit Court was established as a public trustee by the Florida Constitution in 1838. The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the Clerk of Courts, the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, Auditor, Recorder, and Custodian of all County Funds. In Manatee County, the Clerk’s office also administers a child support enforcement program, violence protection advocacy program and Teen Court program.  Located at 1115 Manatee Avenue West in Downtown Bradenton, the Courthouse is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Please be sure to visit our web site at www.manateeclerk.com.

### ]]> http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/16/manatee-county-florida-state-history-fair-team-takes-honors-in-tallahassee-46148/feed/ 0 http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/16/anexio-announces-new-hire-nancy-pratt-joins-as-director-of-finance-46146/ http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/16/anexio-announces-new-hire-nancy-pratt-joins-as-director-of-finance-46146/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 20:32:39 +0000 Press Release http://madduxpress.com/?p=46146 May 16, 2012, Sarasota, Fl – Anexio is excited to announce that Nancy Pratt, CPA has joined the company as Director of Finance. Nancy now plays a strategic role in Anexio’s top-level financial management, reporting and accounting.

Prior to working for Anexio, Nancy worked as the CFO for Bruce Williams Homes. Additionally, she brings over twenty years of financial management and executive accounting experience to the Anexio team.

For more information, visit www.anexio.com

  FSBDC State Office: The Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDCN) is pleased to partner with the Florida Division of Emergency Management to help businesses prepare for and understand what a disaster could mean for their business. Critical information will be provided through the partner-assisted training sessions. Hurricane Season 2012 officially begins June 1 and, although forecasters are predicting an average to below-average season, business owners are strongly urged to prepare for the worst.

“The Florida Division of Emergency Management is excited about partnering with the Florida Small Business Development Center to assist small businesses throughout the state with completing a business continuity plan,” said Director of Florida Division of Emergency Management, Bryan W. Koon. “As the lifeblood of Florida’s communities, it is imperative for small businesses to reopen as quickly as possible following a disaster and advance preparation is the best method for recovery.”

Bulletproof Your Business: Neutralize Your Competition with a Business Continuity Plan and SMART Insurance is being presented in four major Florida cities. The seminars are designed to help business owners understand the importance of business continuity planning and the necessity of developing one for their business, and that planning is supported by smart insurance practices. The seminar presenters include Florida SBDC professional consultants who are Certified Business Continuity Professionals and the Florida state representative from the Insurance Information Institute. The FSBDCN’s Mobile Business Assistance Center will be onsite for tours in each location.

• Orlando – Monday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. details
• Miami – Wednesday, May 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. details
• Tampa – Friday, June 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. details
• Jacksonville – Friday, June 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. details

“The Florida SBDC Network is committed to ensuring Florida small businesses are prepared for all aspects of business,” said Jerry Cartwright, State Director of the FSBDCN. “Business continuity must be an important component for every business. In short, we want to ensure they stay open for business in the event of a disaster.”

As a principal responder in the state’s Emergency Support Function (ESF) 18—Business & Industry, the FSBDCN is a key economic development organization that supports disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation through its Business Continuity and Risk Management Center (BCRM) program. Initiated in 2006 as part of a congressionally-directed program funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the focus of the BCRM is to ensure that Florida businesses have the education, training, and assistance needed to minimize losses and increase survivability when affected by a disaster. FSBDC certified consultants statewide are available to help business owners develop a business continuity, emergency preparedness, and recovery plan at no cost.

For over 35 years, the Florida SBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state.  To learn more about the Florida SBDC Network or to find a SBDC near you, visit www.FloridaSBDC.org or call 1.866.737.7232.

The Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network of 39 centers, is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, hosted by the University of West Florida and accredited through the national Association of SBDCs. ]]> http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/16/florida-partners-help-businesses-prepare-for-hurricane-season-2012-46142/feed/ 0 http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/16/national-pr-firm-eclectic-media-productions-signs-model-actor-46140/ http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/16/national-pr-firm-eclectic-media-productions-signs-model-actor-46140/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 20:26:57 +0000 Press Release http://madduxpress.com/?p=46140 (Tampa, FL) – National PR Firm Eclectic Media Productions signs Pro Model and Actor Justin Kelley to their roster of talented experts and professionals. He’s been in over 20 films, shows and TV pilots in his career.

Kelley has modeled professionally since the age of 4. He was featured in the TV drama “Magic City”.

As an Actor, Kelley has worked with some prestigious networks.   He worked with HBO on a pilot called the “Black Guy and the Jew”. He’s screen writing his own show called “No TIME!?” The show is about time and technology is erased from the existence of earth.

Future endeavors have him in an Independent film called “Untold”. Kelley has earned his SAG eligibility on the show called “Changing the Dream”. It was based on pro athletes that help the children’s learning system in the United States.

“It’s a privilege to work with someone like Justin Kelley who is a talented actor and model. With his capabilities, the stars the limit for this young man and we look forward to helping him get there” says Shannon Rose, President of Eclectic Media Productions.

Eclectic Media Productions works with some of the best talent in the world to achieve their goals and make them a household name.

For more information about Justin Kelley visit his website at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=564687764

For more information on Eclectic Media Productions visit: http://mediaproductions.tv

When:            Monday, May 21, 2012 from 9a.m. to 10a.m.

Where:           Tampa Convention Center in downtown Tampa (in the circle drive).

Parking:        Parking is available at the Tampa Convention Center parking garage, across Channelside Drive from the Convention Center.

Details:          The U.S. Travel Association launched the national bus tour in Washington, D.C. on March 21, and the “Vote Travel Bus” will be in Tampa next Monday, May 21 for the last stop on its tour!

It will roll in to the Tampa Convention Center from 9-10a.m. and industry supporters, elected officials and community members will gather at the “Vote Travel Bus”, which will be located in the circle drive at the Convention Center.

From frontline personnel to executives and everyone between, Tampa Bay & Company is requesting that industry supporters and community representatives come out to be a part of this national movement to show the value of the Travel Industry. We also ask that you come dressed to represent what you do for the tourism industry (chef, server, security officer, downtown guide, etc.).

“Vote Travel Beads” will be given away to the first 50 people who arrive, and handheld signs will be provided for photos to show the world why travel is important to our economy!

Attendees will also have the opportunity to WIN a family 4-pack of tickets to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.  Just post a photo of you in front of the “Vote Travel Bus” on the Visit Tampa Bay Facebook Page (www.Facebook.com/VisitTampaBay).  Photos posted before midnight on Monday, May 21 have a chance to win.

Spring Hill, Florida (May 15, 2012) – Oak Hill Hospital announces that it sponsored the teams for TWO Relay for Life events in support of the American Cancer Society. On March 30 and 31 Oak Hill Hospital sponsored a Relay for Life team at Nature Coast Technical High School’s event. Over $3,000 was raised.

On April 20-21 Oak Hill Hospital’s team was formed to participate in the first annual Weeki Wachee Relay for Life. The Oak Hill Hospital team at Weeki Wachee Relay for Life was comprised mostly of Oak Hill Hospital volunteers and members of the H2U Partner’s Club™. In fact, Oak Hill Hospital’s Director of Volunteer and Senior Services, Stephanie Sutton, was asked to chair the event. Nearly $1,000 was raised by the Oak Hill Hospital team.

Photo:  Members of the Oak Hill Hospital team at Weeki Wachee HS Relay – Left to right – Mary Jo Paige, Gretchen Logan, Stephanie Sutton ( Director of Volunteer and Senior Services and event chair, Karen Miles, and Doreene Uzuanis.

About Oak Hill Hospital:

Oak Hill Hospital has been serving the Nature Coast since 1984. It is the largest medical facility in Hernando and Citrus County (234 acute care beds), is one of the area’s largest private employers, and offers Hernando County’s only comprehensive cardiovascular program, including open heart surgery.

Approximately 300 physicians, 950 associates, and over 350 volunteers comprise Oak Hill Hospital’s healthcare delivery team.

Oak Hill has achieved distinction as the:

·         First and only open heart surgery hospital in Hernando County.

·         First Chest Pain Center with PCI (heart catheterization) in Hernando County accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers.

·         First and Only advanced level primary stroke center in Hernando County to be fully accredited by the Joint Commission.

·         First comprehensive Women’s Imaging Center in Hernando County and the first imaging center offering digital mammography with computer aided detection.

·         First hospital in the area to be recognized as an accredited cancer institute by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS).

·         First hospital in the region to achieve Heart Failure accreditation with the Society of Chest Pain Centers. And now…

·         First hospital in the region to offer a comprehensive Orthopaedic & Spine Institute.

·         Only Emergency Care Center in Florida, and one of only 20 nationwide, honored by the Emergency Nurses Association for its first-ever Lantern Award exemplifying exceptional and innovative performance in the core areas of leadership, practice, education, advocacy, and research.

·         Only hospital in Hernando and Citrus Counties that is recognized as one of the nation’s top performers on four key quality measures – heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, and surgical care – by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.

It is located at 11375 Cortez Boulevard, Spring Hill, 1.9 miles east of US 19 on State Road 50. For more information about this release, please contact Richard W. Linkul, Director of Marketing, at 352-597-6383 or Richard.Linkul@hcahealthcare.com. In Citrus call 352-628-6441.

For more information about Oak Hill Hospital, visit our website at OakHillHospital.com.

Tampa, Fla. – ARE YOU SAFE hosted their second annual charity golf tournament at Cheval Country Club on Friday May, 4th and surpassed their first year numbers by thousands of dollars.

“We had an impressive increase in participating golfers from 78 in our first tournament to 104 this year,” explains Cory Baird, Are You Safe Golf Committee Member. “Our goal is 120 golfers next year.”

Hole sponsors, a putting contest, silent auction and raffle were all incorporated into the tournament to help raise funds for domestic violence awareness. Major sponsors include Advanced Diagnostic Group as a Graphite Level Sponsor. And Steel Level Sponsors were Danahy & Murray, P.A., Premier Miller, Tampa Bay Imaging, Bank of Tampa, Adams & Reese and Highlands MRI.

“Plans are already underway for next year’s tournament,” said Michelle O’Brien, Are You Safe Executive Director. “Mark your calendar for May 3, 2013. Our tournament is always the first Friday in May.”

One unique educational opportunity that the organizers of the tournament did is provide domestic violence awareness statistics on each hole sign. “The DV numbers are staggering,” shares Natalie Baird, Are You Safe Past-President. “But education is key.”

Are You Safe is a Tampa area charity comprised of volunteers who provide legal and social services to victims of domestic violence and promote awareness and education within our community.  Visit R-U-Safe.org for more information.

Founded in 1989, AAHOA is one of the most powerful and fastest-growing organizations in the hospitality industry with over 10,000 members owning more than 20,000 hotels and $128 billion in property value. AAHOA promotes and protects the interests of its members by inspiring excellence through programs and initiatives in advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community involvement. Farrell & Patel is a Platinum Founding Member of AAHOA.

“I am very proud to accept this award on behalf of our law firm, as it represents the honor and privilege my associates have in serving AAHOA members,” said Patel. “We would also like to congratulate Henant Patel on his successful chairmanship and look forward to working closely with Alkesh Patel, the current chairman,” he added.

About Farrell & Patel
Farrell & Patel, Attorneys at Law, (www.farrellpatel.com) with offices in Miami, Houston, Tampa and New Orleans, is expe­rienced at representing individuals and businesses in all facets of litigation. The firm is committed to serving the legal needs of clients across the United States. Core practice areas include civil litigation, business disputes, complex franchise litigation, mass tort, real estate, economic damage claims, intellectual property, bankruptcy, tax matters and immigration. They strive to provide clients with the best legal representation available and have the resources, infrastructure and connections to take on the most challenging cases.

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The showroom features live kitchens from Thermador, KitchenAid and Whirlpool as well as home appliances from Bosch, Samsung, LG, Maytag, and offers customer demonstrations of the latest product innovations. A state-of-the-art training center continues the company’s commitment to ongoing technician and apprentice training programs with simulated air conditioning and duct systems, and home and kitchen appliances. The company gives aspiring technicians an opportunity to gain real-world experience with the company.

“We are proud to provide the Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota and Bradenton communities with high quality service as well as an interactive appliance showroom,” stated Steve Marino, president of Home-Tech. “We aren’t a big box store. What you can expect from us is a thorough appliance showroom experience with highly trained appliance specialists who can assist you in finding the right appliance for your home.”

Home-Tech also offers an online appliance showroom: www.home-tech.us, where visitors can also shop online.

About Home-Tech
Home-Tech has been an industry leader and trendsetter in the fields of home-service agreements, air conditioning, and major appliance sales and service for three decades. Founded in 1981 by Steve Marino, who continues as president and chairman of the board, Home-Tech is privately held and employee-owned. Home-Tech employs 135 people in Southwest Florida and provides services in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Manatee and Sarasota counties. Home-Tech has two office and showroom locations. The North Office is located at 5205 Lena Road in Bradenton and the South Office is located at 6400 Techster Boulevard in Fort Myers. For more information, visit www.Home-Tech.com or call 239-433-3344.

Marni Frank – Owner of Community Refreshments Inc., LLC, Launch Their New Website to showcase coffee service and full line of breakroom supplies.

TAMPA, FL, May 2011 —The Web Decorators, a leader in website design and Internet marketing, is proud to announce the launch of the new Community Refreshments website.  Community Refreshments turned to The Web Decorators for a complete re-branding of their company image and complete re-design of their website. Their newly renovated website not only boasts a fresh new logo and feel; but also interactive features including customer highlights, The Daily Blend blog and online catalog.
The Web Decorators outline the new website’s top features to be:

• The clean, modern aesthetic that better represents the current and future direction of the company.
• A user-friendly and interactive experience that showcases the company’s services effectively and creatively to clients (both existing and prospective)

Community Refreshments brings years of experience into the Tampa Bay’s coffee market from its successful predecessor company from New York City.  Community Refreshments is a locally-owned coffee service company that continues to see growth. They attribute much of their success to their dedication to their customers, outstanding management and staff and impeccable customer care. Their newly designed website will enhance the customer experience even more by providing convenient access to essential information.

About The Web Decorators
The Web Decorators is a modern, interactive agency founded in 2005 and based in Tampa, Florida. The Web Decorators creates online strategies that result in increased sales opportunities through content marketing, social media marketing and search engine optimization.

By combining powerful inbound marketing tactics with website design and development, The Web Decorators are able to provide clients with full-service marketing solutions designed to attract qualified prospects to and convert them into sales-ready leads.

2.  Common Language Heads into Summer with Revamped Online Presence  

3.  ShoutOUT® Enterprises, Inc. Nominated For 2012 Small Business Influencer Awards

4.  Offsite Technology Solutions Honored For Historic Building Restoration By Hillsborough County 

5.  SBEP and TBEP Offering Cash Prizes for Photos of King Tides June 3-5

6.  Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point Names Annual Volunteers of the Year

7.  Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Luncheon

8.  Unfavorable land conditions halt plans to build Palmetto ball fields

9.  The Sarasota Concert Association’s 2013 Great Performers Series January-March 2013

10. Marauders Host Dunedin and Lakeland May 17-24

11. Banquet Celebrates 2012 Leadership Brandon Graduates

12. Titanic – A Voyage In Art Exhibit Runs May 15 Through July 15 At The Armed Forces History Museum

13. Home Instead Senior Care® Expands Staff 

14. Hermann Trappman to Unveil New Painting at De Soto National Memorial 

15. Backyard Getaway Participates In Online Auction To Benefit Majical Miniature Animal Sanctuary

16. Charity Luncheon Fashion Show Tickets Available

17. Bessolo Design Group Announces New Contracts 

18. Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point Names Annual Volunteers of the Year

19. Florida Cancer Affiliates Reminds the Community to Protect Themselves to Reduce Risk of Skin Cancer

20. Firstmark Credit Union Works With PSCU’s Advisors Plus® Team to Build Outstandings by 5% in Just Ten Weeks

21. Fikes Truck Line Implements TRANSFLO Express®

22. Michael W. Higgins, DO Attends All Day Seminar on “A Balanced Approach to Advanced Knee Arthroplasty

23. Cypress Youth Sports Complex Grand Opening

24. Hardin Construction Company’s Anniversary Celebration Will Benefit Feeding America Tampa Bay

25. Straz Center President Judith Lisi Bestowed The Distinguished Lifetime Service Award by The Broadway League

26. VSI Tampa Flames v Ft. Lauderdale Schulz Academy Flames capture first win in team history

27. Ocean Advocate Sylvia Earle to Address 540 Eckerd College Graduates at Annual Commencement

28. Royal Caribbean International to deploy Brilliance of the Seas in Tampa

29. Hill Ward Henderson Named to Top 75 Work Places in Tampa Bay   

30. New College of Florida Celebrates Student Scholars at Daylong Event May 24 and Commencement May 25

31. Lacrosse, Blood Drive Events At Premier Sports Campus To Bring Focus To Joey Powers Leukemia Project

32. Marcus & Millichap Facilitates Sale Of Lincoln Place Apartments For $2.147 Million In Tampa, Florida 

33. Christina L. Adkins Joins the Law Firm of Porges, Hamlin, Knowles & Hawk, P.A.

34. VSI Tampa Flames v Central SC Cobras Flames Women pick up first point of season

35. Mosaic Honors Contractors at Fifth Annual Safety Recognition Luncheon

36. PHCC Foundation Welcomes New Board Members 

37. Marauders Sponsor Local Little League Tournament

38. Manatee County Summer Adult 5-on-5 Flag Football League 

39. Chamber’s 2012 Biz Ed 101 Seminar Series Continues May 31! 

40. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Presents The Summer Cooking Series

41. John Neal Homes Announces New Division

42. International property management expert opens Tampa campus of The Landlord Academy 

43. Sun Hydraulics adds third manufacturing facility in Manatee County 

BRADENTON, Fla. – Sun Hydraulics Corp. (NASDAQ: SNHY) has started construction on a 78,000-square-foot manufacturing facility adjacent to its existing operations in South Manatee County, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president of the Manatee Economic Development Corp. The expansion – Sun’s third manufacturing facility in the Manatee-Sarasota region – could lead to 361 new jobs over the next five years, potentially bringing Sun’s total employment in the region to over 1,000.

In 2011, Sun Hydraulics completed construction on improvements to utilities to serve the existing building at 701 Tallevast Road and the new building at 803 Tallevast. Combined capital investment for the utilities project and the new manufacturing facility is estimated at $19 million. Also in 2011, Sun renovated its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Sarasota County at a cost of approximately $1.5 million.

“We have begun site work for a third factory in the local Manatee-Sarasota area and expect capital spending of approximately $6 million in 2012 related to the building,” stated Allen Carlson, Sun’s CEO and president. “We look forward to the additional capacity being completed in mid-2013.”

Sun Hydraulics designs and manufactures high performance screw-in hydraulic cartridge valves and manifolds which are used to control force, speed and motion as integral components in fluid power systems. Sun’s products allow machine designers to develop innovative and efficient control systems for all types of capital goods. Sun’s customers are located across the globe. The company has approximately 900 total employees around the world, approximately 700 of which are located in Manatee-Sarasota.

“By adding a third facility in the Manatee-Sarasota area, Sun Hydraulics proves the viability of our region as a location for specialty manufacturers with a global reach,” Hillstrom said. The MEDC collaborated with Manatee County Government for economic development incentives and the rapid response permitting program.

Sun qualified for a total of $396,420 in performance-based incentives from Manatee County Government, as well as an estimated $76,580 in transportation impact fee incentives. The incentives are based on the company’s adding 361 jobs over five years at an average annual salary that is 15 percent higher than the county average.

“Sun Hydraulics has been an excellent corporate citizen and employer in Manatee County for many years, and this latest expansion signals the company’s ongoing commitment to this region,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “The Manatee Board of County Commissioners is dedicated to accelerating the pace of job growth in the community. Performance-based incentives and a business-friendly approach are essential to this effort.” A list of Manatee County’s economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.

About the MEDC

The Manatee Economic Development Corp. works to attract new high-impact businesses and assist in the retention and growth of targeted existing businesses in Manatee County.  Information: www.ManateeEDC.com.

TAMPA, FL – The cost to rent is rising 5.6 percent nationally every year, according to Trulia Rent Monitor. Smart investors are taking advantage of this upswing, and becoming landlords. But, only after they’ve learned how to invest and manage from nationally-renowned expert Bryan Chavis.

A bay-area native, Chavis turned his experience as a property manager for apartment complexes into The Landlord Academy, a full-service campus located at 11010 North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, which provides classes for individuals just starting out in the property management industry all the way up to licensed real estate professionals.

“Our experience equals your education,” said Chavis. “In this down economy our nation will once again depend on the entrepreneur to help lead us to a stable recovery. I’m excited to be a part of a rapidly growing property management industry. I’m even more excited to have created a business that services and fuels this ever growing industry that’s creating business owners.”

Built on the foundation of his The Landlording 101 Operations Manual, Chavis is the official trainer for all Keller Williams and Century 21 for property management, traveling the country providing in-person sessions. The new Tampa campus of his academy includes his patented S.M.A.R.T. Technology software training, which is cloud-based property management software that allows landlords and property managers to manage multiple rental properties, for multiple owners, anywhere, anytime. Former USF and NBA star Chucky Atkins co-owns Smart Technology.

“When Bryan came to me about creating a property management software company as an extension of his already successful brand, I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this quickly growing business,” Atkins said.

Chavis’ first book, Buy It, Rent It, Profit!: Make Money as a Landlord in ANY Real Estate Market (Simon & Shuster, 2009), shows you how to spot investment-worthy property for as little as $10,000, manage tenants, negotiations, and even includes a tool kit any landlord can use whether your property is a single-unit apartment or entire rental building.

We invite you to see for yourself how the new Landlord Academy campus (www.landlordacademy.com) and Smart Technology software can help individuals build wealth at our open house:

Date: May 17th
Time: 9am-5pm
Address: 11010 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618
Details: Campus tours, demonstration of the Smart Technology software, interview availability with Bryan Chavis

Chavis was named one of the top 40 up-and-coming entrepreneurs under the age of 40 by the Gulf Coast Business Review. Maddux Business Report and Black Entrepreneur Magazines profiled Chavis as a landlording expert. He is the first outside vendor to introduce property management training and services to the fastest growing real estate companies in the nation. A co-founder of the Winky Wright The Landlord Academy Celebrity Charity Golf Tournament, he and Wright have raised more than $14,000 for Academy Prep and $1,000 for The First Tee of St. Petersburg.

Media contact: Ricki Lynn Gajewski, (727) 278-9378 lynn@landlording101.com

“After the market contracted, the ‘on your lot’ building industry all but vanished,” said John Neal, President of John Neal Homes.   “Now is the perfect time to fill this market niche with buyers ready and willing to enter back into this market, and we offer something like no one else.”

John Neal Homes has already commenced construction on several privately owned lots in Bradenton, Venice, Parrish, on Siesta Key and in Freeport (Bahamas).

Phil Chmieleski has joined the John Neal Homes team as the offsite market executive to lead this new venture. “I want to help people achieve their dreams and make beautiful homes,” Chmieleski said.

Since 1999 Chmieleski has been instrumental in developing and setting the standards for high end luxury home construction in Southwest Florida. He has been a developer, a builder, and has written articles and lectured on the topic throughout the region.  He first entered the construction industry in 1977, and then subsequently pursued a successful career in management in the financial services industry. Prior to moving to Sarasota in 1999 Phil was Senior Vice President and manager of the Chicago office for UBS Financial Services (then PaineWebber).

As an offsite market executive, Chmieleski says “my office is where the customer is,” and he plans on working with the realtor community to make this new division a huge success.  “When you take the reputation and stability of this company and add that to the resources and wherewithal we have to capitalize on this specialized market, you have a winning combination,” said Chmieleski.   Together he and John Neal along with their engineering and building team, plus PureStyle design and Waterscapes, the fifth largest pool company in the state, form the most experienced custom builder team in the area. “We are a completely integrated company,” said Neal.

They are a custom builder with the buying power of a production builder, due to the large volume of materials purchased across all of the Neal Communities companies.

John Neal Homes quickly became the largest custom home builder in Manatee County after opening in 2011 and currently owns half of the lot inventory in Lakewood Ranch’s Country Club East community.    With hundreds of floorplans to choose from and customize, buyers will benefit from being able to browse through the 44 models that Neal Communities currently has in Sarasota and Manatee counties. “While our models may not represent exactly what they want, buyers are visual, and this is their opportunity to see the details and have the incredible advantage of walking through a model to tweak it and make it their own,” said Neal.

After designing the plan, customers will then have access to the PureStyle design studio, owned and operated by Charlene Neal.  With all of the resources in one place, John Neal plans to “change the face of custom building.”

While traditional ‘on your lot’ custom building can take 6 months or longer for floorplans to be designed and very long build times, Neal’s new division will do it more efficiently and effectively. “We will be more of a true customer experience. We’ll guide them through the process.  Every detail is taken care of,” said Chmieleski.

Chmieleski will work with customers from the beginning and stay with the project until the end. “Building in a planned development is easy; you can do it all in a long weekend. We will take some of that process and insert it into the custom building process- to make it simple, giving buyers the peace of mind that they have an established team working for them,” he said.

To start building your home on your lot, contact Phil Chmieleski at 941-373-5063 or email phil@johnnealhomesinc.com.

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Established in 2011, John Neal Homes strives for excellence in every home, working tirelessly with one simple goal, to build homes that celebrate our state, our history and our homeowners. As a long-time Florida resident and member of the community, John Neal focuses on simple values, conservation, responsibility, comfort, style and forward-thinking design. John Neal Homes is a custom builder that designs homes in planned communities as well as on your lot. For more information go to www.homesbyjohnneal.com

Cooking classes run from 12- 2 p.m. and include lunch and wine.

Experience chopping, sautéing and saucing in the kitchen with Chef Charlie and Chef Nils.

$25.00 each or $125.00 for a series of six classes

                                                     Reservations are extremely limited so book now              

June 16^th

Early Summer Dishes

Panzanella Salad

Fresh Cut Garlic Parmesan Bread tossed with Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Shaved Parmesan, Basil,

Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Finished w/ Balsamic Reduction

Oven Roasted Stuffed Zucchini

w/ Goat Cheese, Crispy Prosciutto, and Fried Sage

Assorted Biscotti

July 14^th

Lazy Summer Days

Seafood Ceviche

w/ Shrimp, Scallop, and Whitefish topped w/ Crispy Yucca Root

Grilled Hangar Steak

w/ Chimichurri Sauce, Steak Frites, and Grilled Asparagus

Lemon Curd

w/ Mixed Wild Berries and Pistachio Tuille

August  11^th

Quick & Classy Dishes

Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast

Simple boneless chicken breast stuffed with brie and fresh herbs

Mediterranean Cous Cous Salad

Chocolate Pots Du Crème

Upcoming Dates Will Feature:

Quick & Classy Dishes – September 9^th*

Braising 101 – October 19^th*

Fall Back Into Comfort – November 17^th*

Holiday Feasts – December 8^th*

*Full menus to be determined

For More Information on Cooking Classes and upcoming wine dinners and wine tastings call Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at 941-358-9463 (WINE)

2001 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL ~ www.flemingssteakhouse.com

During this educational seminar, attendees will explore how to increase team success by developing the emotional intelligence competencies critical to effective interaction by learning:

• What is a winning team?
• Gaining a better understanding of yourself and others
• Improving communication skills
• Trust and respect
• Valuing differences of others
• Dealing with conflict in constructive versus destructive ways
• Next steps: what you can do to optimize individual and team performance and become a winning team

Registration for the Biz Ed seminar is $18 for Chamber members, $12 for Elite members and $30 for prospective Chamber members. For more information about this event or to register visit The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce’s web site: www.brandonchamber.com or contact Laura Cook at (813) 689-1221, ext. 8846, or lcook@brandonchamber.com; or Crystal Colegrove at (813) 689-1221, ext. 8824, or ccolegrove@brandonchamber.com. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing special accommodations to participate should contact Laura Cook no later than 48 hours prior to the luncheon.

The Brandon Chamber monthly offers numerous opportunities for networking and educational advances for our 1,300+ members! For more information about upcoming events, call (813) 689-1221 or visit the Chamber’s website: www.brandonchamber.com.

Teams are required to provide jerseys, triple threat flag belts and a football.  Team Entry Fee of $325 and Official Team Roster are due upon registering.  Team rosters may include up to ten players.  Registration will be held from May 21 – 27, 2012 at the G.T. Bray Park Recreation Center located at 5502 33^rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton, FL 34209.  For more information, please contact Ashley D’Arpino at 941-742-5923 ext. 6062.

  ]]> http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/manatee-county-summer-adult-5-on-5-flag-football-league-46104/feed/ 0 http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/marauders-sponsor-local-little-league-tournament-46102/ http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/marauders-sponsor-local-little-league-tournament-46102/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 22:59:45 +0000 Press Release http://madduxpress.com/?p=46102 Little League District 26 County Cup Presented by the Bradenton Marauders is Underway

Bradenton, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders are proud to announce their sponsorship of the Little League District 26 County Cup. The annual competition began yesterday and will continue through June 6^th.

The Little League District 26 County Cup field is comprised of teams from the Lakewood Ranch Little League, the Braden River Little League, the Buffalo Creek Little League, the North River American Little League, and the Manatee West Little League. This is the first year the event has had a presenting sponsor.

“We are proud as an organization to sponsor the County Cup,” Bradenton Marauders General Manager Trevor Gooby said. “Supporting our local Little Leagues allows us to have a positive and wide-reaching impact on the youth of Manatee County. That we can have that kind of positive impact through the game of baseball is extra special for us.”

“The Marauders have done so much for Little Leagues locally,” County Cup organizer Beth Van Vranken said. “The cost of running a Little League keeps going up with umpire costs and light costs, and the Marauders support has really helped make the County Cup possible this year.”

There are 64 teams participating in the County Cup among three divisions. The three divisions are for Minors, Majors and Juniors. The Minors and Majors tournaments are being played at the Lakewood Ranch Little League and Manatee West Little League fields. The Juniors Division is playing at the Braden River Little League fields. Each field used for the event will have the Marauders logo on display.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, visit BradentonMarauders.com, call 941-747-3031 or email MaraudersInfo@Pirates.com.

  ]]> http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/marauders-sponsor-local-little-league-tournament-46102/feed/ 0 http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/phcc-foundation-welcomes-new-board-members-2-46100/ http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/phcc-foundation-welcomes-new-board-members-2-46100/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 22:57:52 +0000 Press Release http://madduxpress.com/?p=46100 The Pasco-Hernando Community College Foundation named Gus Guadagnino, of Brooksville, as chair of the Foundation Board of Directors at its January quarterly meeting. Frank Rygiel, of Wesley Chapel, was named vice chair. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board from Pasco and Hernando counties.

The following people also were recently elected to three-year terms on the board of directors: James Adcock, regional manager for TECO Energy; Michele Baker, chief assistant county administrator for Pasco County, of Hudson; Gregory G. Gay, esquire, Nature Coast Law Offices, of New Port Richey; Philip Minden, chief executive officer for Pasco Regional Medical Center, of Dade City; and George “Skip” Miller, senior vice president for SunTrust Bank, of Land O’Lakes.

For additional information on PHCC Foundation board members contact Arla Altman, executive director of the PHCC Foundation, at 727-816-3410.

Pasco-Hernando Community College (PHCC) serves the educational needs and interests of our community. As a comprehensive, multi-campus educational institution, PHCC provides an accessible, diverse teaching and learning environment rich with opportunities for students to attain academic success and cultural growth in a global society.

(Lithia, FL, May 15, 2012) – Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC recently honored 107 local contractors with exemplary safety records at its fifth annual Contractor Safety Recognition Luncheon.  The contractors were recognized for achieving excellence in safety through demonstrated safety leadership and performance.  To be eligible for recognition, contractors were required to have worked more than 2,000 hours last year at Mosaic facilities.

“Those contractors who demonstrate the highest standards of safety performance are recognized during this very special event,” said Mike Neal, Director-Heath, Safety & Security-Phosphates & Distribution/International. “By hosting this annual Contractor Safety Luncheon, we’re showing our contractors as well as our employees how much we appreciate their commitment to Mosaic’s ongoing goal of relentlessly pursuing an injury-free workplace.”

Contractors who represented the highest standards of safety performance were recognized at three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Companies receiving a Gold designation:

Companies receiving a Silver designation:

Companies receiving Bronze designation:

The Mosaic Contractor Safety Recognition Luncheon is an annual event at which Mosaic recognizes contractors who exemplify the company’s commitment to safety and the relentless pursuit of an injury free workplace.

Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC is the world’s leading producer of phosphate crop nutrients. American farmers rely on Florida phosphate for approximately 50% of their annual phosphate crop nutrition requirements. Phosphate is a natural product for which there is no man-made substitute, making phosphate reserves of strategic importance to critical sectors of the state and national economy, including farming, manufacturing, shipping, trucking and rail. Mosaic employs more than 3,000 Central Florida residents, and tens of thousands of Floridians work in other jobs dependent upon the industry. The company utilizes state-of-the-art environmental technologies to recycle over 95% of its water and return land that it uses to its natural beauty, or into parks, playgrounds and community amenities. For more information, go to www.mosaicfla.com.

The match was evenly contested for the first 15 minutes as each team was trying to establish its rhythm.  The Flames scored the first goal of the evening in the 17^th minute on a great effort by Markysha Boyce, but the Cobras were able to equalize the game before halftime with a goal from Debbie Smith in the 30^th minute.  Each team was looking to take the lead before halftime, but neither of them was successful and the two teams went into halftime tied at one a piece.

In the second half the Flames and the Cobras come out strong and each team was looking to take the lead. 22 minutes into the second half the Cobras were able to convert one of their chances into a goal, scored by Cally Morril.  After the goal, the Flames were looking to tie the game, while the Cobras were trying to increase their lead.  It looked like the Cobras were going to walk away with a 2-1 victory and pick up 3 points on the road, but in the 89^th minute Cassie Barbaresi hit a shot from outside the 18 yard box that was saved by the goalkeeper, the rebound came back to her feet where she was able to put away the 2^nd chance for the game tying goal.

The Flames next game is on the road to the Atlanta Silverbacks on Friday May 25 at 7:00pm. They return home for home games vs. the Charlotte Eagles on June 6th and June  7th.  Kick-off for both games is set for 7:00pm.  For more information and to order tickets visit www.vsi-flames.com

Bradenton, FL (May 15, 2012)

Adkins obtained her law degree from the College of Law at the University of Kentucky in 2005 and is a member of The Florida Bar, Manatee County Bar Association and Sarasota County Bar Association. She serves on the board of the Manatee Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers, and the Manatee County Young Lawyers Division. Her primary areas of practice with the Firm are family law, condominium and homeowner association law, collections, and business transactions and litigation.

For more than 40 years, Porges, Hamlin, Knowles & Hawk, P.A., has been a leader in Florida’s gulf coast legal community providing expertise in a broad range of specialty areas to business, institutional and individual clients. With attorneys serving Florida’s Suncoast, the Firm principals are focused on achieving the best possible results for clients while providing unparalleled personalized service. For more information about Porges, Hamlin, Knowles & Hawk, P.A., visit www.phkhlaw.com or call 941-748-3770.

TAMPA, FL,

Casey Babb, a CCIM and senior multifamily specialist and Luis Baez, multifamily specialist in Marcus & Millichap’s Tampa office, had the exclusive listing to market the property on behalf of the seller, a partnership.  The buyer, a private investor, was secured and represented by Michael Donaldson, a senior multifamily specialist in the firm’s Tampa office.

Lincoln Place Apartments is located at 5702 North Lincoln Avenue.  This is a well-maintained, Class B, garden apartment community built in 1984.  The community sits on 2.10 acres and features mature landscaping and a secured entrance gate.

“Lincoln Place was sold at 98 percent of the asking price by a long-term, private owner/operator to an Arkansas-based private investor.  Our dynamic platform, combined with internal agent collaboration, was instrumental in sourcing the right buyer and achieving a sales price that exceeded the seller’s expectations” comments Babb.

#     #     #

With more than 1,000 investment professionals in offices nationwide, Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services is the largest firm specializing in commercial real estate investment services in the nation. Marcus & Millichap closed 5,085 transactions in 2011, the highest of any commercial real estate brokerage firm. Founded in 1971, the firm has perfected a powerful system for marketing properties that combines product specialization, local market expertise, the industry’s most comprehensive research, state-of-the-art technology and relationships with the largest pool of qualified investors nationally.

www.MarcusMillichap.com

The Joey Powers “Stick-in-Bash” will begin at 10 a.m.; participants will “throw their sticks in” with their age groups and the luck of the draw will determine the teams. Cost is $20 per person, and age divisions represented will include U9, U11, U13 and U15. There will also be a “high school plus” category for alumni, college and older players. Players must be registered U.S. Lacrosse members and are asked to wear reversible pennies (jerseys). The games are being touted as a great chance to play with players from different teams and to meet lacrosse players from all over. After the games, everyone is encouraged to join the party at Ed’s Tavern on Main Street Lakewood Ranch. Ten percent of the sales from the after-party will be donated to the Joey Powers Leukemia Project.

Suncoast Communities Blood Bank will also hold a Joey Powers Leukemia Project blood drive at Premier Sports Campus during the tournament, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All donors will receive a T-shirt; please bring a photo I.D.

The Joey Powers Leukemia Project’s mission is to support families affected by pediatric leukemia by providing financial, educational and emotional support; to raise awareness about pediatric leukemia, and to make a difference in the lives of others.

Joey Powers loved competition. In seventh grade, he went to his first practice for the Lakewood Ranch Lightning, and quickly developed a passion for lacrosse that lasted until the day he passed away.

Joey was officially diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on June 24, 2010, at the age of 16. During one stay at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, a nurse told him he was eligible for “Make A Wish.” Joey thought about it and decided what he wanted to do with his wish. “I want to have a party,” he said, “a party to raise money for all the families on the seventh floor at All Children’s Hospital, who are going through what we are going through.” He died Nov. 20, 2010, just one day before his 17^th birthday. He never got to make his “wish” come true.

The Joey Powers Leukemia Project, headquartered in Bradenton, is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 2010. Molly and Shane Atwood established the Joey Powers Leukemia Project in honor of their nephew, Joey. It’s their mission to make Joey’s wish come true.

For more information, visit www.joeypowersleukemiaproject.org or email www.joeypowersmemoriallacrossetournament.com.

###

The Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch is a multi-purpose facility that is home to 22 full-sized, mixed-use fields for soccer, lacrosse and other amateur sports, and features Celebration grass and underground irrigation. In 2011, the economic impact to the region totaled more than $30 million from events and tournaments at the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.  With more than 30 events already scheduled for 2012, the economic impact is projected to be more than $70 million this year. The complex is used for amateur and professional top-flight and world-class sporting tournaments, events, camps and clinics and is located in Lakewood Ranch – the 8,500-acre, award-winning master-planned community in Sarasota and Manatee counties on the West Coast of Florida.  www.lakewoodranch.com.

[New Scholars] New College
Thursday, May 24, 2012
10 am – 4 pm
Sudakoff Center, 5845 Gen.Dougher Place
Free and open to the public
Call 941-487-4888 for more information
ncf.edu/new-scholars

46^th Annual Commencement
Friday, May 25, 2102
7 pm
New College Bayfront behind College Hall
351 College Drive

Sarasota, Fla. – May 15, 2012 –  As the 2011-2012 academic year draws to a close, New College of Florida will celebrate the achievements of its students at an expanded, daylong event showcasing student academic work on Thursday, May 24, followed by the College’s 46^th Annual Commencement on Friday, May 25, at 7 pm on the campus bayfront behind College Hall.

On May 24, the newly-named “[New Scholars] New College” event will feature student research and thesis work completed by New College students from all class levels during the past 12 months. An expansion of the college’s annual Thesis Showcase, the revamped event is free and open to the public and runs from 10 am to 4 pm in the Harry Sudakoff Conference Center, 5845 Gen. Dougher Place on the College’s Pei (East) Campus.

The speaker for this year’s commencement ceremony on May 25 is President Gordon E. “Mike” Michalson, who will retire as New College’s president on July 1, 2012. Approximately 190 students are expected to receive Bachelor of Arts degrees from the state’s honors college for the liberal arts and sciences at a ceremony under the tent on the New College bayfront, beginning at 7 pm.

“With fond remembrances of Dr. Michalson’s eloquence, from the first orientation speech to commencements past to personal conversations, students will appreciate his speech during the capstone of their time at New College, which will also mark the culmination of his presidency,” said Dana Ziegler, vice president of public affairs for the New College Student Alliance (NCSA). Michalson has served as president of New College since July 2001 when the college gained independence as the honors college of the State of Florida.

[New Scholars] New College begins at 10 am on May 24 with opening remarks by New College President Mike Michalson and Provost Stephen Miles.  Student presentations will begin at 10:20 am, and each student will have 15 minutes to present his or her work and answer questions.  At noon, there will be a keynote address shared by New College alumnus Jonathan Smiga and graduating senior Johannah Birney titled “New College of Florida: [Coffee] Grounds for Success; How a Liberal Arts Education Can Transform Business.”

A humanities major who graduated in 1980, Smiga is now CEO of Barnie’s CoffeeKitchen. Smiga took over as CEO of Barnie’s in 2010. Since that time, he has focused on giving the company a more modern feel. He is also a managing member focusing on sales and marketing for Dept. C Wines, a producer of Burgundian-styled Pinot Noir from select family vineyards in California. In addition, Smiga is managing partner of Natural Growth Ventures, a venture fund dedicated to the natural products industries.

An environmental studies major with an interest in sociology, Florida native Johanna Birney grew up in the restaurant business.  She considers herself a “social entrepreneur” and researches food as a leverage point from which to influence society. An avid yoga practitioner, she was vice president of the NCSA Council for Green Affairs in 2011. After graduating, she will assume the helm of the Four Winds Café, an on-campus dining establishment that is open to the entire community, using the principles of her senior thesis to reinvigorate the café, which first opened in 1996 as an outgrowth of a student tutorial.

Proving that the connections between alumni and current students are enduring, Smiga is donating restaurant equipment to the Four Winds Café as it transforms itself under Birney’s guidance.

The keynote address will be followed by a poster session from 12:30 – 1:20 pm.  Students will be on hand throughout the day to discuss and explain their projects. There will also be a panel discussion on the Occupy Wall Street movement by sociology students, introduced by sociology professor Sarah Hernandez, an expert in labor relations.

A detailed schedule and more information about the presentations are available at ncf.edu/new-scholars.

“This is a terrific opportunity to explore all things ‘New College’ and to learn about the innovative, cutting-edge work being done by students at Florida’s honors college for the liberal arts and sciences,” stated Jeanne Viviani, director of research programs and services at New College, who is coordinating the event. Viviani said she is especially enthused about the keynote concept that emphasizes the endless entrepreneurial opportunities open to liberal arts graduates.

“We are highly regarded not only because we are a student-centered institution with a focus on liberal education, providing both academic breadth and depth, but because our students move from the abstract to the practical seamlessly,” said Viviani.  “Many Fortune 500 CEOs and senior corporate managers have liberal arts degrees, and New College provided the foundation for many such business leaders over its 50-plus year history and continues to do so today.”

            The program, Top Work Places 2012 in Tampa Bay was created by the Tampa Bay Times and WorkplaceDynamics. In the Tampa Bay region, 75 leading employers were nominated by their employees. To be considered for participation, companies or government entities had to employ at least 50 workers in Florida and be at least a year old.

“We are honored to have been selected for this award, particularly as the judges were our very own employees,” explained R. James “Jim” Robbins, Managing Shareholder.   “We are proud to give readers an inside look into our corporate family and to hear the stories directly from our employees.”

For a complete list of the 2012 Top Work Places in Tampa Bay, go to www.tampabay.com/topworkplaces2012.

Hill Ward Henderson was founded in 1986 and makes its home in downtown Tampa.  The firm is comprised of 90 attorneys and has a wealth of local, regional and national clients.  Hill Ward Henderson received the highest number of “Top Tier Practice Rankings” for a Tampa firm by U.S. News & World Report in its 2011 National Law Firm Survey.  For additional information, please visit the firm’s website at www.hwhlaw.com.

In May 2013, before Brilliance of the Seas is deployed to Tampa, she will enter dry dock to undergo a major revitalization as part of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Advantage program, and re-emerge almost as if she were a new ship.  This will involve introducing the highest guest-rated features from its award-winning Oasis Class of ships, to include a greater variety of new onboard dining and entertainment options, revitalized staterooms, and many other amenities including pervasive Wi-Fi, digital way-finding systems and an outdoor LED video wall.          Vacationers can choose four- and five-night Western Caribbean itineraries aboard Brilliance of the Seas, sailing round-trip from Tampa and calling at Cozumel, Mexico on the four-night, and George Town, Cayman Islands and Cozumel on the five-night cruises. Aboard select five-night sailings, guests call at Key West, Fla., instead of George Town.  Vacationers also can select a 13-night Southern Caribbean itinerary, departing on Oct. 27 from Boston, Mass. to Tampa. These sailing will open for sale on Thursday, May 17.

“We look forward to welcoming Brilliance of the Seas to Tampa and believe the ship’s exciting new features will create a fresh buzz in Tampa’s robust cruise market and with the travel agent community,”  Richard Wainio, port director and chief executive, said.

The Tampa Port Authority (www.tampaport.com) administers Florida’s largest and one of the nation’s most diversified ports.  A premier cruise home port, the Port of Tampa is the largest economic engine in west and central Florida, generating nearly 100,000 jobs and billions of dollars in economic impact annually.

]]> http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/royal-caribbean-international-to-deploy-brilliance-of-the-seas-in-tampa-46081/feed/ 0 http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/ocean-advocate-sylvia-earle-to-address-540-eckerd-college-graduates-at-annual-commencement-46079/ http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/ocean-advocate-sylvia-earle-to-address-540-eckerd-college-graduates-at-annual-commencement-46079/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 22:33:17 +0000 Press Release http://madduxpress.com/?p=46079 [ST. PETERSBURG, FL, May 15, 2012] – Under a ‘big top tent’ that seats 5,000 people, more than 540 students will graduate at the 49th Commencement of Eckerd College on Sunday, May 20, 2012, at 8:00 a.m. on the South Beach Field of Eckerd’s campus. Dr. Sylvia Earle, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, oceanographer, explorer and author, will be the speaker and will receive an honorary doctorate in science.

The 389 graduates from the Residential Program and the 164 graduates from the Program for Experienced Learners (PEL) adult degree program – totaling 541 graduates in all – will receive their bachelor’s degrees in arts and sciences. The graduates hail from 35 states, including 260 from the State of Florida, and 15 countries including China, the United Kingdom, Brazil, India, Guatemala, Estonia, Costa Rica and Luxembourg.

In addition to Dr. Earle, Eckerd will bestow honorary degrees upon Werner M. Brunnenkant, a distinguished German physician and humanitarian, and philanthropist Bernard Osher, a  fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and founder of The Bernard Osher Foundation.

Click here for more information about Eckerd College’s 2012 Commencement: http://www.eckerd.edu/commencement/12/index.php. All remarks, citations and names of award recipients will be posted online 24 hours following the graduation ceremonies.

About Sylvia Earle

Named TIME magazine’s first “Hero for the Planet,” in 1998, Earle has been called “Her Deepness” by The New Yorker and The New York Times and “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress. She has pioneered research on marine ecosystems; led more than 100 expeditions totaling more than 7,000 hours underwater; authored more than 150 scientific, technical and popular publications; lectured in more than 60 countries; and appeared in hundreds of television productions. Earle is the author of many books on the ocean, including Sea Change: A Message of the Oceans and, most recently, Ocean: An Illustrated Atlas, with Linda K. Glover. More info: http://www.sylviaearlealliance.org/sylvia

The game got off to an exciting start with the action going back and forth in the first half.  Both teams managed to get off three shots a piece but both goal keepers were up to the challenge and the teams went into the locker room at halftime tied at zeros.

The Flames came out strong scoring in the 60^th minute when Kenny Hogg received a great ball from Matt Duffy to open up the scoring.  The Flames continued to press forward and expanded their lead following some great team play that saw Kenny Hogg get behind the defense to finish off his second chance of the night in the 70^th minute.  Six minutes later, USF product and St. Petersburg native Sebastian Thuriere added to the Flames tally when he volleyed home a corner from Jamie McGuinness for the Flames to close out the game and seal their first win.

The Flames are back in action this Friday night when they host the Mississippi Brilla FC at JC Handly Park.  The match against the Brilla will be an exciting one as they are conference champions and have several key returning players.  Kick-off is set for 7:00pm.  For more information and to order tickets visit www.vsi-flames.com

THE BROADWAY LEAGUE PRESENTS

Tom Gabbard, Wayne McWorter, Judith Lisi, Meredith Blair,
American Express, Fifth Third Bank, Michael C. Steindorf,
The Max 102.3 Louisville KY

HONORING EXCELLENCE AND ACHIEVEMENT FOR
TOURING BROADWAY

(New York, NY) May 15, 2012 – The honorees of the Broadway League Awards, honoring excellence and achievement for Touring Broadway, were announced today during the Broadway League’s 2012 Spring Road Conference. First presented in 1992, the Broadway League Awards recognize the contributions of those who have displayed exemplary service to the Broadway industry and are considered innovators of their craft.

Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League, commented, “Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada. We’re pleased to present The League Awards to active members across the country whose accomplishments consistently impress us and our industry! The hard word and constant dedication of these outstanding people and companies enables The Broadway League to carry out our missions each and every day.”

Outstanding Achievement in Presenter Management (Samuel J. L’Hommedieu Award) was given to TOM GABBARD of Blumenthal Performing Arts in Charlotte, NC for demonstrating excellence in management. (presented by Jeff Chelesvig)

Under the leadership of Gabbard, Blumenthal Performing Arts has become one of the leading Road Presenters in the country. He is a former member of the Board of Governors and a multiple co-chair of the Spring Road Conference, as well as a managing member of the Independent Presenters Network. Under Gabbard’s direction, 9 to 5 The Musical embarked on a national tour during the 2010-2011 season and Blumenthal Performing Arts has received its first Broadway above title producing credit with The Mountaintop. Gabbard also actively pursues various methods for Road Presenters to bring more touring products to the United States.

Outstanding Achievement in Road Marketing was given to WAYNE MCWORTER of the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, CA for his dedication and creation of an in-house marketing department. (presented by Anita Dloniak and Laura Matalon)

Starting from scratch, McWorter has created relationships for the Pantages Theatre that allowed shows to gain the most visibility in the market and ultimately increase attendance. Although the economy had previously been in a downturn, the rise of theatrical subscriptions was largely due to McWorter’s efforts. His innovative ideas generate publicity for the theatre’s productions while raising awareness for potential audiences.

JUDITH LISI was bestowed the Distinguished Lifetime Service Award. (presented by Al Nocciolino)

President and CEO of the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts located in Tampa, Florida, Ms. Lisi has accomplished much in the ten years she has been involved with the organization. Through her outstanding leadership, she has improved and expanded the Straz Center’s programming and established financial security while meeting several long-term goals.

The George MacPherson Road Award was presented to MEREDITH BLAIR. (presented by Lauren Reid)

President of The Booking Group, one of the highest-generating booking agencies in the Broadway touring field, Blair has overseen numerous tours over her fourteen years, including RENT, In The Heights, Mamma Mia!, and West Side Story, among others. She has also served as the Vice President of Premier Artists Services, where she booked numerous stars. During her time there, her tour direction of the “Ultimate Event” with Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Frank Sinatra, set international box office records.

STAR OF TOURING BROADWAY AWARDS, designed to honor board members, government officials, donors and volunteers who have given support to promote and enrich the Broadway Series in their hometowns, were given to: (announced by Larry Payton)

American Express – American Express has teamed with Broadway Across America, utilizing strategic marketing techniques to bring the unique experience of touring Broadway productions across the nation.

Fifth Third Bank – Joining Cincinnati’s series in its inaugural season, Fifth Third Bank eventually went on to become the Name in Title Sponsor as well as expanding to Columbus and Atlanta. They have maintained the visibility of touring Broadway in the Midwest for over 25 years and continue to improve upon their tactics.

Michael C. Steindorf – Serving as a volunteer, patron, and member of Dallas Summer Musicals’ Executive Committee since 2004, Mr. Steindorf has guided the organization for numerous years. Under his leadership, DSM has reduced its budget while maintaining exemplary productions.

The Lambert and Lindsay Show at The Max 102.3 in Louisville, KY – To announce the 2012-2013 season, the station had the innovative idea to do a live broadcast from New York City from the Corporate Offices of Broadway.com. With live airings and interviews with casts and creative teams, their Louisville audiences were able to have an insider’s look at Broadway.

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The Broadway League, founded in 1930, is the national trade association for the Broadway industry.  The League’s 700-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers in over 240 North American cities, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the theatre industry. Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.BroadwayLeague.com, or follow The Broadway League on Twitter @TheBwayLeague or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BroadwayLeague.

For three hours—from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.—Hardin personnel will join forces with Feeding America Tampa Bay employees to distribute food through the hunger relief charity’s Mobile Pantry, which delivers food to neighborhoods in need.

The location for Wednesday’s Mobile Pantry distribution will be the University Area Community Development Center, at 14013 North 22^nd Street in Tampa. Hardin volunteers will help with packing groceries, with distribution, and with set up and break down.

Hardin’s all-hands-on-deck Volunteer Day is an annual rite for the construction company, coinciding with Hardin’s annual anniversary observance.

Hardin Construction celebrates its 66^th anniversary in 2012. The company has maintained a Tampa office since 1978.

“Rather than a celebration that focuses inward, the Volunteer Day event is an opportunity for Hardin to express to the greater Tampa Bay community our company’s appreciation for the business and the relationships that have sustained us through the years,” said Page McKee, Hardin’s Senior Vice President in Tampa. “Volunteer Day also reflects Hardin’s culture of community involvement.”

Company wide, about 80 percent of Hardin’s employees are taking part in Volunteer Days during the month of May, organized by Hardin offices in Orlando, FL, Austin, TX, Raleigh, NC, and Atlanta, GA. At some jobsites in cities where Hardin does not have offices, project teams are organizing fundraisers to benefit charitable causes.

In 2011, Hardin’s Tampa office volunteered for a Nielsen Habitat House project.

About Hardin Construction

Celebrating 66 years of excellence, Hardin Construction Company, LLC is one of the nation’s leading construction services firms, providing unequalled expertise for projects of broad scope and complexity through its culture of integrity, innovation and opportunity. With capabilities in general construction, construction management, design-build and renovation, Hardin is a leader in green building and sustainable practices and is recognized nationally for its safety practices. Privately-held, Hardin’s headquarters is in Atlanta, Ga., with branch offices in Atlanta, Tampa, Fla., Orlando, Fla., Raleigh, N.C., and Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.hardinconstruction.com

City Manager Doug Thomas said, “The land for the park was donated by Ed Holloway in 2007 and we have been working on getting this park completed since then.  There is a real need for athletic fields to offset the demand set by our recreational leagues.”  He added, “The fields at Cypress Youth Sports Complex will alleviate some of the demand but we know that even more fields are needed as the City continues to grow.” The complex is being built in phases and once completed, there will be a playground, an exercise path and additional sports fields by 2019.

In addition to the recreation league sports that are currently using the fields, South McKeel Academy Middle School also uses the complex during physical education classes.  South McKeel Principal Judith Morris said, “This additional recreation space has been a wonderful addition for us.  We had very little green space for the students and our partnership with the City really assists in the development of our students.”

The festivities will start at 11 a.m. with the South McKeel Middle School 5^th, 6^th and 7^th grade chorus singing the National Anthem followed by a Patriotic Medley.   The students at South McKeel will then present and read their own proclamation honoring the park with Mayor Fields accepting the proclamation.  As a highlight and to christen the park, the Lakeland City Commission will shoot soccer balls with assistance from McKeel students with a special guest on goal.

Mayor Fields said, “I am really excited about the festivities and I understand that the City has acquired goalie attire for me to use during the soccer shootout.”  He added, “The City is very grateful for the donation of the land from Mr. Holloway.  We know there is a crucial need for youth athletic fields and the Cypress Youth Sports Complex is a great addition to our park inventory.”

ABOUT DR. MICHAEL W. HIGGINS

Michael W. Higgins, D.O. is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and board certified in anti-aging and regenerative medicine..

Dr. Higgins is a graduate of the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in North Miami Beach. Dr. Higgins is a native of Florida who completed a spinal surgery Fellowship at the prestigious New York University/Hospital for Joint Diseases. Dr. Higgins completed his residency at Peninsula Hospital Consortium in New York. Prior to his residency, he served as Chief Intern at Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah, Florida

Dr. Higgins specializes in non-operative and operative management of the spine and general orthopaedic conditions, and now specializes in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. .

“Our golden years don’t have to be rusty,” Dr. Higgins says. “The health and wellness initiative is about ensuring increased energy and good health at any age, maintaining your life and your level of activity.” While you may someday need an orthopaedic surgeon to repair an injury or replace a knee or hip, Dr. Higgins is passionate about educating patients to maximize their orthopaedic health and wellness.

El hablo español también!

His practice is now located at 4055 Mariner Boulevard, Spring Hill, Florida 34609. He can be reached at 352-688-6035 or go to www.hernandoorthospine.com.

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Fikes Truck Line is a flatbed carrier with 300 drivers that serves the Midwest, all the southern states from California to Florida, plus New York. The 25 drivers of FTL Custom Commodities provide refrigerated service throughout the Midwest and Mid-south. Both are truckload carriers; both are 100% owner operator. The company headquartered in Hope, Arkansas also operates a brokerage division, FTL Logistics.

“We’ve had a lot of contractors who have come to us from other companies who are familiar with TRANSFLO Express and like using it,” said Fikes Executive Vice President Jerry Davis.

“TRANSFLO Express will shave some time off the billing cycle, and that will help Fikes,” he noted. “But it also helps the contractor and that is most important.”

With TRANSFLO Express, drivers simply hand delivery documents to a trained cashier for scanning. At many truck stops, drivers can scan documents themselves at convenient kiosks if they prefer. Either way the documents are delivered electronically in seconds to headquarters for immediate billing and payroll processing. TRANSFLO Express speeds the flow of paperwork, reducing days-sales-outstanding and increasing cash flow. It is also a convenience and thus a retention tool for drivers.

“TRANSFLO Express delivers advantages to both fleets and their drivers,” said Pegasus TransTech chairman and CEO Bob Helms. “We’re very pleased that Fikes has selected us to help meet their document delivery needs. We believe Fikes Truck Line and FTL Custom Commodities will see improved cash flow and driver approval as a result.”

About Pegasus TransTech

Pegasus TransTech Corporation helps transportation companies go paperless, improve operating efficiency, speed cash flow, increase profit, and drive consistent, repeatable results by strategically creating images, electronic forms, and enterprise workflow solutions.

TRANSFLO® software provides the back office solutions for document management and electronic workflow. Pegasus TransTech’s scanning products TRANSFLO Express® truck stop scanning, TRANSFLO Now!™ anywhere in-cab scanning, and TRANSFLO Now Mobile provide same-day access to delivery documents which speeds driver pay and the carrier’s billing cycle. TRANSFLO $Velocity is the electronic, consistent method for carriers to submit invoices and load documents to participating brokers to get paid faster.

For additional information, please visit www.pegasustranstech.com or call 800-783-8649.  Email info2@pegasustranstech.com.

St. Petersburg, FL, May 15, 2012 – Firstmark Credit Union of San Antonio, Texas, partnered with PSCU to conduct a targeted balance consolidation campaign that boosted outstandings by 5% in the ten weeks of a three-month campaign. The campaign, which involved targeted mail and in-branch offers, showcases the CUSO’s new MōPRO strategy designed to help credit unions dramatically improve performance and enhance revenue. Firstmark currently has $57.6 million in credit card outstandings with 92,000 members and $749 million in assets.

Firstmark’s promotion involved a 2.90% APR on balance transfers for the first six months, followed by a 7.9% rate for the life of the transferred balance. Direct mail, running a 5.2% response rate, added a total of $1.4 million to the credit union’s outstanding balances. Advertising the promotional interest rate through online and in-branch marketing materials created an impressive $1.4 million in new balances.

“We work regularly with Advisors Plus® consultants on credit card campaigns and they have always helped us achieve our goals,” said Gregg Thorne, Firstmark’s Chief Lending Officer. “What’s different about this campaign is that we are actively engaging our employees with weekly meetings and updates to encourage them to talk to members when they are in the branch.”

He notes this culture of teamwork is generating amazing results. “Almost half of our transferred balances are coming from in-branch transactions. That demonstrates the power of engaging employees with a common goal and the value of personal communication.”

Firstmark is using PSCU’s Data Choice to pull reports for weekly employee meetings. “It’s a fast, easy process that allows us to have access to updated information whenever we need it,” Thorne notes.

“The desire to build the success of our credit unions drives our consultants to create programs and promotions that deliver long-term benefits and build greater member loyalty,” said Michael Kelly, President and CEO, PSCU. “We congratulate Firstmark’s managers and staff on their focus and commitment, which has delivered strong results. We are proud they elected to leverage the energy and expertise of Advisors Plus to help design and deploy these targeted promotions. Our consultants are part of our bold MōPRO strategy that equips Firstmark and other credit unions to achieve their goals.”

The new MōPRO culture of engagement, agility and energy is designed to enhance both revenue and market share for member-owner credit unions. As part of this initiative, PSCU delivers affordable aggregate pricing, best-of-class technology and partnerships, and account managers and consultants that design proactive programs and promotions based on best practices insight and experience.

About Firstmark Credit Union
Firstmark Credit Union provides financial services to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Bexar County, as well as education-related employees in Bexar County and the 12 surrounding counties; and their relatives. Established in 1932, the Credit Union serves over 92,000 members and manages more than $749 million in assets.

About PSCU

Established in 1977, PSCU (St. Petersburg, Fla.) is the nation’s leading credit union service organization (CUSO) and serves more than 1,500 financial institutions nationwide. As a non-profit cooperative, the company is owned by more than 680 member credit unions representing 16 million credit, debit, prepaid, online bill payment, mobile and electronic banking accounts. Comprehensive 24/7/365 member support is delivered through four Contact Centers located throughout the United States that handle more than 18 million inquiries a year.

PSCU’s MōPRO initiative marries emerging technologies with proven strategies and empowers the CUSO to lead the industry in developing innovative payments solutions. This new culture of engagement, agility and energy can enhance both revenue and market share for member-owner credit unions. For more information, visit the PSCU website at www.pscu.com.

UV rays are invisible to the naked eye and are more intense in the summer, at higher altitudes, and in areas closer to the equator. Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes sunburn (erythema), skin cancer, premature aging (skin wrinkling), cataracts (gradual clouding of the lens of the eye), immune system suppression, DNA damage and dilated blood vessels.

The most important way for a person to lower his or her risk for skin cancer is to avoid exposure to UV radiation, either from the sun or other sources, such as tanning lamps.  The American Cancer Society recommends the following practices for sun safety:

§  Protect skin with clothing, such as long sleeve shirts and hats with broad brim.

§  Avoid being outdoors when the ultraviolet light is strongest, particularly between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

§  Seek shade

§  Use sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 15 or more on areas of the skin exposed to the sun. Products should be used on hazy or overcast days as well.

§  Wear wrap-around sunglasses with at least 99 percent UV absorption to provide the best protection for the eyes and the skin around the eyes.

§  Avoid other sources of UV lights, such as tanning beds and sun lamps.

§  Protect children from the sun by using the same precautions as adults.

As a community-based cancer care provider in New Port Richey and Brooksville, Florida Cancer Affiliates helps cancer patients and their families access a full range of advanced cancer care services in an environment that allows patients to remain close to their homes and their support network of family and friends. Through its affiliation with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest healthcare services networks dedicated exclusively to cancer treatment and research, Florida Cancer Affiliates can quickly bring the latest advances in therapies, research and technology to where patients live. As a result, patients access the best possible treatment with the least amount of disruption to their daily lives.

About Florida Cancer Affiliates

Florida Cancer Associates is comprised of Doctors Gerald Robbins, Lawrence Hochman, David Wenk, and Richard Caradonna. Gerald Robbins, M.D., is board certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine.   Lawrence Hochman, D.O., F.A.C.R.O., is board certified in radiation oncology and a Fellow of the American College of Radiation Oncology. David Wenk, M.D., is board certified in medical oncology and internal medicine. Richard Caradonna, M.D. is board certified in medical oncology and internal medicine. .

FCA is partnered with F. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and The US Oncology Network.  As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, Florida Cancer Affiliates is united with more than 1,000 physicians and 10,000 cancer professionals nationwide.

Florida Cancer Affiliates is located at 5500 Little Road in New Port Richey, Fla., as well as 11373 Cortez Blvd., Suite 200, in Spring Hill, Fla. For more information, call 727-372-9159 in Pasco, 352-597- 4998 in Hernando, or go to www.FloridaCancerAffilates.com.

United In Healing

Florida Cancer Affiliates is united in healing with The US Oncology Network. The US Oncology Network unites one of the nation’s largest community-based cancer treatment and research networks to expand patient access to high-quality care and advance the science of cancer care.  As a member of The US Oncology Network, physicians and clinicians at Florida Cancer Affiliates are united with more than 1,000 physicians and 10,000 cancer professionals from across the country.  For more information, visit www.usoncology.com or www.FloridaCancerAffiliates.com.

Lucy Brunette has been volunteering since August 2002 and has already served 14,640 hours of service. Ms. Brunette is Chairperson of the Floor Services Department. She has faithfully delivered water, ice and friendly conversation to patients for 10 years. She has also trained numerous other volunteers and cares deeply about each and every one of them.  Ms. Brunette has a reputation for helping anyone and everyone and she does it with a friendly smile. She also has a reputation as an outstanding baker and helps with the volunteer bake sales that raise funds for the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society.

Ernie Graf has been volunteering at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point since May 2005 and has already served 8,041 hours of service. Mr. Graf wears many volunteer hats at RMCBP. He is a Team Leader for a group of volunteer couriers on Saturday mornings, and he is a mail courier as well as a courtesy cart driver. Mr. Graf has a reputation for being one of those volunteers who never hesitates to become involved when one requires assistance. Other volunteers say that he is the first to show up and one of the last to leave. One of his co-volunteers put it best “Give Ernie an assignment and consider it done.”

The annual Volunteer of the Year awards were given at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s 30^th annual volunteer banquet and appreciation luncheon.

Photo:  Left to right:  Ernie Graf, Lucy Brunette, and Shayne George, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s CEO.

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet has been serving the community since 1981. We are a 290-bed acute care hospital located in Hudson, FL and home of the nationally acclaimed Heart Institute. We have more than 350 physicians, 900 employees and 500 volunteers on our integrated healthcare delivery team.

RMCBP has been approved by the Florida Department of Health, Office of Trauma, as a Provisional Level 2 Trauma Center. This designation means critically injured patients may have access to treatment in the “golden hour.” This is the first hour after a serious injury in which there is the highest likelihood that prompt medical attention will prevent death. Through an affiliation with the University of South Florida Health, RMCBP has the support of a major academic university and medical school. A Trauma Center in our community means faster treatment to improve patient outcomes and keep patients close to home and their loved ones.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

·         Recipient of the 2011 American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award.

·         Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is the only hospital in Tampa Bay area to achieve the Gold Plus standard in both heart failure and stroke.

• Recognized in 2011 as one of the nation’s top performing hospitals in quality measurements by the Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare accrediting body.
• Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
• Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers
• Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
• Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
• American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
• Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine
• MRI, CT, Ultrasound, and Nuclear Medicine Accredited – American College of Radiology
• Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
• Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
• Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is located at14000 Fivay Road
Hudson, FL. 34667. For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com. Or visit us on Facebook.

Bessolo Design Group, Inc., 556 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, has been awarded the

following new contracts:

Seasons Northdale ALF – Bessolo Design Group to provide Architectural/Engineering design services for the new construction of an 80 unit, two story Memory Care ALF of 42,000 square feet in Lutz, FL.

Riverfront Skilled Nursing Facility Expansion – Bessolo Design Group to provide Architectural/Engineering preliminary design services for a two story renovation to expand the adjacent skilled nursing facility in Bradenton, FL.

New Port Richey — The Alzheimer’s Family Organization will present its 8^th Annual Alberta’s Fashion Show on June 12, 2012 at the Heritage Springs Country Club, 11345 Robert Trent Jones Parkway, Trinity.

Fashions will be provided by Patchington and a delicious lunch will be served by Heritage Springs. There will also be raffles and auctions.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Tickets are available for a donation of $30 – Purchase a table of 10 and ONLY pay for 9 tickets. Tables of 10 will be reserved.  We are also seeking sponsors and donations for this event.

The Alzheimer’s Family Organization services the central Florida area, including Citrus, Hernando, northern Hillsborough, Lake, Pasco, northern Pinellas and Sumter Counties. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs has determined this region has over 100,000 Alzheimer’s disease sufferers. Help us to make an impact in the local community and throughout Central Florida.

For more information please call our office at 727-848-8888 or 888-496-8004.

Backyard Getaway will be donating our time & expertise to create a terrapin pond sanctuary at Majical Miniatures Education Center. The online auction was created by Kelly Perales of Florida Based Businesses to raise funds for the pond equipment and rock needed to create the habitat.

Local business sponsors have donated merchandise & services to be auctioned off in two categories.We are still in need of donated items. If you are a local business owner & would like to participate as a sponsor please email Kelly at floridabasedbusinesses@gmail.com for more details.

To learn more about the fundraiser please visit:  www.florida-based-businesses.com/christmas-in-july.html ]]> http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/backyard-getaway-participates-in-online-auction-to-benefit-majical-miniature-animal-sanctuary-46051/feed/ 0 http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/hermann-trappman-to-unveil-new-painting-at-de-soto-national-memorial-2-46048/ http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/hermann-trappman-to-unveil-new-painting-at-de-soto-national-memorial-2-46048/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 22:04:21 +0000 Press Release http://madduxpress.com/?p=46048    Come to De Soto National Memorial on Thursday, May 17^th from 6-8pm for the opening of Hermann Trappman’s new show Obscured by Time, which will include the new painting Ponce de Leon: The Discovery of America. The show will reside in De Soto’s museum until September 1^st, when parts of it will travel to the State Capital building in Tallahassee.

Trappman recreates a world of Florida’s Native Americans lost to time using a combination of paintings and artifacts. The paintings are digitally rendered to create a realism deeply infused with Trappman’s devotion to history. A single painting can take as much as three hundred hours to complete with the layers of color becoming uncountable. His paintings have travelled to every corner of Florida from his home base in Gulfport and now the very best of them will reside at De Soto until September.

The recently renovated museum at De Soto National Memorial is the ideal place for Trappman to unveil his new painting. He has a long history with the National Park Service and his work is featured in De Soto’s famous Junior Ranger book. The Superintendent of the park, Scott Pardue, said after seeing the pieces in the show, “here at De Soto, we make a constant effort to shed light on the lives of Florida’s indigenous people, Hermann’s work is second to none in achieving that goal.”

The show will be open to the public every day from 9am-5pm until September. Light refreshments will be served at the opening.

Admission and all activities are free. Event hours are 9:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. times and events will be posted on the day of, all activities are subject to change due to weather.

De Soto National Memorial is located at 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton 34209. On I-75 take exit 220 SR-64 Manatee Ave. Go west to 75^th street. Travel north, the park is located at the terminus of 75^th street. De Soto National Memorial is open seven days a week. The Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. park grounds are open from sunrise to sunset.  More information goes to: www.nps.gov/deso

941-792-0458

-NPS- ]]> http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/hermann-trappman-to-unveil-new-painting-at-de-soto-national-memorial-2-46048/feed/ 0 http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/home-instead-senior-care-expands-staff-46046/ http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/home-instead-senior-care-expands-staff-46046/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 22:01:11 +0000 Press Release http://madduxpress.com/?p=46046 May 15, 2012– Sarasota, FL – Home Instead Senior Care® of Sarasota has recently hired Toni Moore as the new Client Service Representative and Grant Berkery as the new Administrative Assistant. Home Instead Senior Care is expanding its staff to support its recent growth and increase of clients. “We founded this business out of a strong desire to serve the needs of our community’s elder adults. We are excited about the expansion of our caring team,” says Chrystal Pruitt, RN and owner of Home Instead Senior Care.

Moore will be responsible for marketing and building relationships with professionals in the senior care industry as well as educating the community on senior issues and presenting solutions. She will also perform a variety of marketing activities and will represent the Home Instead brand through goodwill events. She was formerly an Account Executive with Knight Marketing in Venice. She relocated to Florida in 2006 from the Detroit, MI area where she worked as an advertising manager for a large retail optical chain. Her responsibilities included sales and marketing strategies, media planning, budget and creative development. Moore earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Davenport University.

Berkery has joined the team as an Administrative Assistant and will be handling all administrative duties within the office. Prior to joining Home Instead Senior Care, he spent three years with Hope Hospice in Fort Myers, FL in their Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Berkery received his Bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University where he is currently finishing up a Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration. Grant was born and raised in Sarasota and is excited to return to the community he grew up in.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

Home Instead Senior Care was founded in 1994. The local franchise is independently owned by Chrystal Pruitt and Sharon Anderson. Their combined degrees and background in critical care, cardiac nursing and business administration provide a unique and experienced perspective in assisting our community’s seniors.

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Titanic – A Voyage in Art is an assemblage of 27 original acrylic paintings.  It is historically significant in its graphic depictions of the timeline of the Titanic’s all too short life.  From her birth on May 31, 1911 as the largest, most luxurious and safest ocean liner of her day, to 2:19AM, April 15, 1912 as she sits poised for the final plunge as she descends at a speed of thirty-five miles an hour and buries herself in forty-five feet of mud and sand.  Sixteen wooden lifeboats containing a mere 712 survivors out of a combined 2,227 passengers, officers and crew remained following the sinking.

The exhibit also showcases dinnerware, silverware, stationary, postcards, signage, articles and deck plans associated with the Titanic.  Clocks above the prints highlight the actual timing of events as the Titanic began its demise to the end.

Within this collection is a large 24×30 “SOS Help Needed” illustrating the last rocket bursting into the night, as the water line fills the forward well deck and a few lifeboats distance themselves to wait for passengers to be rescued before succumbing to the freezing temperatures.  One of the last Titanic survivors, Eva Hart, who was only seven years old at the time of her sinking, met Mr. Ralph in 1982 through his involvement in the Titanic Historical Society.  Ms. Hart signed the back of this painting.

About the Artist – Michael V. Ralph

Riveted by the 1953 movie Titanic, featuring Barbara Stanwyck and Clifton Webb at the age of ten, Mr. Ralph’s fascination with ocean liners of the past was born.  Particularly the Titanic, after reading “A Night to Remember” by Walter Lord a couple years later, who, because of their mutual interest in the Titanic, became lifelong friends.

With creativity and an eye of accuracy and design, the works of Mr. Ralph are coveted for their historic value and attention to detail.  By the 1980s, Mr. Ralph was sponsored in two, one man shows of his water color and acrylic ocean liner art.  Both shows were extremely successful leading to commissioned work for most ocean liners around the world, both current and past and many private collections.  He has also exhibited at maritime and transportation conventions, The Titanic Historical Society, Titanic International Society, Ocean Liner Museum, The Exhibition of the Titanic’s Artifacts in the United States and England, and his works were featured in the Official Exhibition catalog.

This exhibition culminates a long standing interest in the Titanic and her two sister ships as well as Mr. Ralph’s association with R.M.S. Titanic, Inc. and the Titanic International Society.  Mr. Ralph stated, “This gave me great impetus to honor the 100^th anniversary of this legendary ocean liner and all those who perished that cold night in April 1912.  There were very few real authentic photos of the ship taken during her brief career.  My artwork can, hopefully, give people an insight and look at her very brief life.”

Titanic – A Voyage in Art, runs from May 15 through July 15 and is included in the price of museum admission.  The Armed Forces History Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from noon to 4pm.  Admission is $17.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors (65+) and veterans, and $12.95 for youths 4-12. Commemorative prints will be available for purchase in the Museum’s Store.

Press Opportunities

Mr. Ralph will be on hand during the Museum’s Memorial Day Family FunFest on Monday, May 28th to answer questions, mingle with the public, sign commemorative prints and take questions from the press.

Photographers and television crews interested in shooting  the exhibit, as well as press members wishing to interview Mr. Ralph, should contact Cindy Bosselmann at 727.539.8371 ext. 106.  Arrangements will be made.

Photo Caption (attached photos)

“Michael V. Ralph, artist of Titanic – A Voyage in Art, sits among his 27 prints depicting the timeline of the R.M.S. Titanic now on exhibit at the Armed Forces History Museum running May 15 through July 15.”

# # # #

Bradenton, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders will play eight straight games at McKechnie Field from May 17 through May 24 against the Dunedin Blue Jays and Lakeland Flying Tigers. Monday through Saturday games begin at 6:30pm with gates opening at 5:30pm. The game on Sunday, May 20 begins at 5:00pm with gates opening at 4:00pm. The game on Monday, May 21 begins at 10:00am for Education Day.

The Marauders host Dunedin on May 17, and the Marauders present the Cash Crawl. The Marauders will be giving away $1,500 through a variety of in-game giveaways. Fans may find cash rolled up in their hot dog wrapper, rolled up in the t-shirts fired into the crowd during the fourth inning t-shirt toss, or fans may just be in a lucky seat to take home some cash. Three lucky fans age 18 or older will win the chance to come onto the field after the game and try to scoop up as many cash coins as they scattered around the field as they can. Each coin will be worth $1. May 17 is also a Thirsty Thursday presented by Budweiser. Fans can enjoy $1 sodas and select draft beers.

The Marauders will hold their Team Photo Giveaway sponsored by Pepsi on Friday, May 18. The first 1,000 fans will receive a team photo. Every Friday home game is a Happy Hour Friday presented by Pier 22. From 5:30pm to 6:30pm, fans can enjoy free hot dogs and drink specials provided by Kayem and Cheney Brothers.

The first 500 fans to arrive at the game on May 19 will receive a Marauders camouflage hat as the Marauders celebrate Military Appreciation Night. Tickets are $1 for veterans and other military personnel.

May 20 is Marty the Marauders birthday. As with every Bob Evans Fun Day Sunday, children age 13 and under receive a free meal voucher and can run the bases after the game. Marty will have birthday cake to share with fans, and several of his mascot friends will also be in attendance to celebrate the occasion. The Sunday edition of the Bradenton Herald will contain a coupon to get two tickets for the price of one to the game on Tuesday, May 22.

The game against Lakeland on Monday, May 21 will start at 10:00am for Education Day. Local elementary school students will attend the game and learning about the game of baseball. It is also a Silverauders Monday. The Silverauders club is presented by Humana.

Tuesday, May 22 is a First Mates Kids Club night.

Wednesday, May 23 is Plunder Your Hunger presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs. All tickets to Wednesday home games at McKechnie Field cost $12 and include an all-you-can-eat menu. This week’s menu will also feature samples from Troyer’s Dutch Heritage.

The home stand concludes on May 24 with another Thirsty Thursday presented by Budweiser. Additionally the Marauders will be holding Hurricane Awareness night with special giveaways and informational materials to prepare for Hurricane Season.

For more information about the Marauders upcoming home stand, visit BradentonMarauders.com, call 941-747-3031, or email MaraudersInfo@Pirates.com. To purchase tickets to any Marauders home game, visit the McKechnie Field Box Office, visit BradentonMarauders.com or call 941-747-3031.

  ]]> http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/marauders-host-dunedin-and-lakeland-may-17-24-46039/feed/ 0 http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/the-sarasota-concert-associations-2013-great-performers-series-january-march-2013-46036/ http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/the-sarasota-concert-associations-2013-great-performers-series-january-march-2013-46036/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 21:44:18 +0000 Press Release http://madduxpress.com/?p=46036 The acclaimed Great Performers Series is back for a 68^th season at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, featuring the Tokyo String Quartet with pianist Jeremy Denk, Joshua Bell and the Cleveland Orchestra, the Vienna Boys Choir, violinist James Ehnes, and the Beethoven Orchestra of Bonn with pianist Louis Lortie.

(Sarasota, Florida) For the past 68 years, Sarasota Concert Association (SCA) has presented a classical music series featuring internationally acclaimed orchestras, chamber ensembles and solo artists. The 2013 season includes performances by Joshua Bell and the Cleveland Orchestra, the Vienna Boys Choir, and Tokyo String Quartet performing its final season.

“Our 2013 season promises to be an outstanding one,” says John Goodman, board president of SCA. “We’re delighted to continue offering the public an opportunity to see the world’s most outstanding artists perform at accessible prices.” Goodman explains that SCA, a non-profit organization, exists “to foster the development of an appreciation for the musical arts by sponsoring world-class concerts that are not otherwise available in the area. SCA sets fees for all performances as reasonably as possible, in order to make the concerts available to as much of the community as possible.”

The 2013 season opens with the renowned Tokyo String Quartet, accompanied by pianist Jeremy Denk on January 14. The Tokyo String Quartet will be appearing in Sarasota as part of its final season together as a quartet, ending the group’s illustrious 44-year history. Jeremy Denk is considered to be one of the most compelling and persuasive artists on the classical music scene today. The New York Times described his playing as “effortlessly virtuosic and utterly joyous.” Denk is also known for his ongoing collaborations with a number of living composers, as well as for his widely read blog, “Think Denk,” in which he writes with both humor and intellect about his touring, practicing and other music-related experiences.

The season continues on January 28, with violinist Joshua Bell and the Cleveland Orchestra under the direction of Franz Welser-Möst. The Cleveland Orchestra is one of the most sought-after orchestras in the world, lauded for its artistic excellence, creative programming and community engagement. Joshua Bell is a superstar known for his virtuosity and tone, as well as for pushing boundaries and integrating classical violin into mainstream culture. A popular and multifaceted artist, Bell was awarded the Avery Fisher Prize in 2007 and was recently named as music director for The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.

The long-celebrated Vienna Boys Choir will perform on February 12. Since 1498, the angelic voices of the Vienna Boys Choir have been charming and moving audiences with their ringing sound of timeless purity—the sound of a great choral tradition passed down through the ages. Many renowned musicians have emerged from its ranks and its first-class training continues to produce highly qualified vocalists, violinists and pianists.

The next concert in the series features violinist James Ehnes on February 26. Ehnes, called the Jascha Heifetz of our day, has been hailed by critics for his secure command of solid technique and understanding of music history. His recordings have garnered numerous awards, including a Grammy. In 2002, he was named Young Artist of the Year at the Cannes Classical Awards for his “Six Sonatas & Partitas for Solo Violin” by Bach. A resident of Bradenton, Ehnes tours worldwide with his 1715 “Marsick” Stradivarius and is also the artistic director of the Seattle Chamber Music Society.

The season concludes with the Beethoven Orchestra of Bonn, conducted by Stefan Blunier with pianist Louis Lortie on March 19. The Bonn Orchestra is considered a pillar of cultural life in Bonn and the surrounding region. The orchestra is the official orchestra of the Bonn Opera House, playing 115 concerts a year in addition to touring worldwide. Conductor Stefan Blunier was an established concert pianist before turning to conducting. Since 2008, he has been the music director of both the Bonn Orchestra and the Bonn Opera. Canadian pianist Louis Lortie made his debut at age 13 with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and attained international recognition by is mid-20s. He is especially renowned for his interpretations of Chopin, Ravel and Beethoven and has been described as “one of half a dozen pianists who is worth dropping everything to go and hear.” (The Daily Telegraph, London.)

All concerts are at 8 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Subscriptions for all five concerts are $250, $220, $180, and $140. Prices for individual tickets will be announced in October. For subscription information, call 941-955-0040. Forms for subscriptions can also be downloaded at www.scasarasota.org.

SCA also hosts “Munchtime Musicales,” a series of free lunchtime concerts running from November through April, featuring performances by high-caliber, area-based artists. The series is designed to offer a wide variety of musical genres, including classical, folk, and jazz, featuring both vocal and instrumental performers. The 2012-2013 season features Sylvia Reynolds Eckes, pianist (November 14, 2012); Mindy Simmons, vocalist (December 12, 2012); the Sarasota String Quartet (January 16, 2013); Dan Jordan, violinist, Chong-Yon Hong, violinist, and Cheryl Losey, harpist (February 20, 2013); Studio Artists from the Sarasota Opera (March 20, 2013); and the Mike Markaverich Trio (April 17, 2013).

About the Sarasota Concert Association

The Sarasota Concert Association (SCA) exists to foster the development of an appreciation for the musical arts by sponsoring professional presentations that are not otherwise available in the community, through a not-for-profit, organized-audience plan. SCA aims to set the fees for all performances as reasonably as possible, in order to make the concerts available to as much of the community as possible. The organization is not designed to make a profit but does intend to be self-supporting. It provides outreach to all members of the regional community by offering a series of free concerts, Munchtime Musicales, held from November through April every year. For more information about SCA, visit www.scasarasota.org.

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (May 15, 2012) – Unfavorable land conditions and the expense to remediate them have caused Manatee County officials to recommend halting plans to build new baseball fields for Palmetto’s North River Little League just east of Blackstone Park, as originally proposed.

Environmental testing on the proposed site revealed trace chemical elements in the dirt, pesticide residual from farming activities in past decades. Remediation on the land could drive the cost up to $3.3 million and could require a timeline for the completion of the fields to two and a half years. Remediation is not required if nothing is built on the field.

Additional regulatory requirements, state permitting issues, utility line installations and other unknown circumstances could further escalate costs and postpone the onset of construction.

“As part of the due diligence in building the fields it was discovered that there were some unexpected environmental results,” said County Administrator Ed Hunzeker. “The costs to remediate the land and the timeline to build the ball fields have grown significantly as the result of these environmental concerns.”

As such, Hunzeker will recommend to Manatee County Commissioners that the county reject plans to build near Blackstone. Instead, he will recommend that county staff continue to work with the City of Palmetto and School District of Manatee officials to find a suitable place for the ball fields.     ]]> http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/unfavorable-land-conditions-halt-plans-to-build-palmetto-ball-fields-46034/feed/ 0 http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/association-of-fundraising-professionals-afp-luncheon-46032/ http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/association-of-fundraising-professionals-afp-luncheon-46032/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 21:35:12 +0000 Press Release http://madduxpress.com/?p=46032 Sarasota, FL-  The Association of Fundraising Professionals Southwest Florida Chapter (AFP-SWFL) welcomes Patricia Courtois, President and Chief Operating Officer of Clarke Advertising and Public Relations, as the guest speaker for the June 12, 2012 AFP luncheon.

The luncheon will be held at Michael’s On East (1212 East Ave., Sarasota, FL 34239). Patricia Courtois’ presentation, Framing your Messages for the Right Audience, addresses how not-for-profits can break through the clutter of messages that inundate consumers every day so that their messages can be heard. Patricia will address how to identify and understand your most valuable audiences, how to deliver messages that will reach them where and how they want it, and how Smart Thinking upfront delivers consistent and pinpoint communication that equates to business success.

Networking begins at 11:30am. Luncheon 12pm – 1pm. Anyone interested in the success of our local not-for-profits is welcome!

Click here to register: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3550458517

For more information or with questions, please contact Kim Noyes at 941-921-5410 or via email at afpfl@verizon.net.

About AFP
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is the trade association for fund development professionals and executive officers serving non-profit organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in all industries worldwide. The Southwest Florida chapter (covering Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties) meets monthly for networking and training opportunities that center on the practice of ethical fundraising. The Southwest Florida Chapter of AFP has over 130 development professionals and Executive Directors as members.  For more information, visit www.afpswfl.org or call 941-921-5410.

### ]]> http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/association-of-fundraising-professionals-afp-luncheon-46032/feed/ 0 http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/regional-medical-center-bayonet-point-names-annual-volunteers-of-the-year-46027/ http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/15/regional-medical-center-bayonet-point-names-annual-volunteers-of-the-year-46027/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 21:31:29 +0000 Press Release http://madduxpress.com/?p=46027 Hudson, Florida (May 11, 2012) – Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has announced that it has awarded its annual volunteer of the year recognition to two volunteers. Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s volunteers of the year are Lucy Brunette and Ernie Graf.

Lucy Brunette has been volunteering since August 2002 and has already served 14,640 hours of service. Ms. Brunette is Chairperson of the Floor Services Department. She has faithfully delivered water, ice and friendly conversation to patients for 10 years. She has also trained numerous other volunteers and cares deeply about each and every one of them.  Ms. Brunette has a reputation for helping anyone and everyone and she does it with a friendly smile. She also has a reputation as an outstanding baker and helps with the volunteer bake sales that raise funds for the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society.

Ernie Graf has been volunteering at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point since May 2005 and has already served 8,041 hours of service. Mr. Graf wears many volunteer hats at RMCBP. He is a Team Leader for a group of volunteer couriers on Saturday mornings, and he is a mail courier as well as a courtesy cart driver. Mr. Graf has a reputation for being one of those volunteers who never hesitates to become involved when one requires assistance. Other volunteers say that he is the first to show up and one of the last to leave. One of his co-volunteers put it best “Give Ernie an assignment and consider it done.”

The annual Volunteer of the Year awards were given at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s 30^th annual volunteer banquet and appreciation luncheon.

Photo:  Left to right:  Ernie Graf, Lucy Brunette, and Shayne George, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s CEO.

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet has been serving the community since 1981. We are a 290-bed acute care hospital located in Hudson, FL and home of the nationally acclaimed Heart Institute. We have more than 350 physicians, 900 employees and 500 volunteers on our integrated healthcare delivery team.

RMCBP has been approved by the Florida Department of Health, Office of Trauma, as a Provisional Level 2 Trauma Center. This designation means critically injured patients may have access to treatment in the “golden hour.” This is the first hour after a serious injury in which there is the highest likelihood that prompt medical attention will prevent death. Through an affiliation with the University of South Florida Health, RMCBP has the support of a major academic university and medical school. A Trauma Center in our community means faster treatment to improve patient outcomes and keep patients close to home and their loved ones.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

• Recipient of the 2011 American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award.
  • Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is the only hospital in Tampa Bay area to achieve the Gold Plus standard in both heart failure and stroke.

• Recognized in 2011 as one of the nation’s top performing hospitals in quality measurements by the Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare accrediting body.
• Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
• Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers
• Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
• Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
• American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
• Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine
• MRI, CT, Ultrasound, and Nuclear Medicine Accredited – American College of Radiology
• Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
• Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
• Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is located at14000 Fivay Road
Hudson, FL. 34667. For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com. Or visit us on Facebook.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) and Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) are offering cash prizes for the best photos showing the low tide and high tide at the same location during King Tide. This summer’s King Tide is in early June and the highest predicted tide in Sarasota Bay is 2.7 feet.

The cash prizes are $200 for first place, $125 for second place and $75 for runner-up. High resolution photos should be mailed to floridatidewatch@yahoo.com by June 11. The best time to take photos in Sarasota Bay is 7:59pm on Sunday, June 3 for low tide and 12:48pm on Tuesday, June 5 for high tide. The best time to take photos in the Bradenton area including Manatee River is 7:11am on Saturday, June 2 for low tide and 1:02pm on Tuesday, June 5 for high tide.

A King Tide occurs when the moon and sun align on one side of the Earth and their gravitational pull creates higher tides than normal. The higher tides provide coastal communities with a snapshot of how coasts are likely to change with projected sea level rise in future decades. The last King Tide event was in October 2011. King Tides normally occur twice a year.

You can see examples of King Tide photos at the Florida Tide Watch Flickr webpage at: flickr.com/groups/1692657@N23/. Photographers are encouraged to target local coastlines, flooded roads, pipes discharging water, ponds, and other areas with higher than normal levels of water.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is dedicated to restoring the area’s greatest natural asset—Sarasota Bay. Its unique program strives to improve water quality, increase habitat and enhance the natural resources of the area for use and enjoyment by the public. Sarasota Bay is one of 28 protected estuaries in the U.S. The SBEP was founded in 1989 and its partners include Sarasota County, Manatee County, City of Sarasota, City of Bradenton, Town of Longboat Key, Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Offsite Technology Solutions was recognized by the Hillsborough County Planning Commission with their 2012 Community Design Award. Since 1982 the award has recognized individuals and businesses that make an Outstanding Contribution to the Community with projects that exhibit excellence in every aspect of their planning and execution. The award was presented last night at the 30th Annual Community Design Awards Program at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts hosted by ABC Action News Anchor Brendan McLaughlin.

Offsite Technology Solutions purchased the dilapidated building in 2010 and began the process to convert it into their corporate headquarters. Originally built in 1920, the 4,200 square foot building located at 1613 N. Franklin St. in Downtown Tampa made the perfect location.

“The close proximity to the Tampa business center and easy access to Interstate 275 means that we can reach clients across the Bay area quickly,” said Zielin. “Now we have a beautiful office from which we can support the IT needs of our clients,” continued Zielin.

About Offsite Technology Solutions
Offsite Technology Solutions offers clients a customized approach to managing their IT infrastructure including cloud solutions, on-site management and consulting services. We specialize in providing cost effective IT solutions and support that meet both the enterprise requirements and budget parameters. Founded in 2008 Offsite Technology Solutions has become one of the fastest growing companies in the Tampa Bay area. For more information please visit www.offsite-tech.com or www.facebook.com/offsitetechnology or by email at info@offsite-tech.com

Cleveland, OH, May 15, 2012 – ShoutOUT® Enterprises, Inc. has been nominated for a 2012 Small Business Influencer Awards in the category of Corporations.

The Small Business Influencer Awards honor those who are influential to small businesses in North America, through the products, services, knowledge, information or support they provide to the small business market.

The Awards are designed to recognize the unsung heroes of small businesses – those who support and encourage entrepreneurs and small business owners, and help them achieve success and stay successful.

Says Anita Campbell, CEO of Small Business Trends and one of the co-founders of the Awards along with Ramon Ray of SmallBizTechnology.com, “Influencers are those who play crucial roles in the small business ecosystem, but who often are in the background. Many of the nominees are themselves small business owners, entrepreneurs or small businesses. The impact of the Awards goes well beyond nominees, however – the awards also encourage and excite the nominees’ employees. The Awards are intended to provide that added little boost in motivation and morale that can make a big difference in results. Being nominated also distinguishes the nominee from competitors, and in that sense can lead to competitive advantage.”

About the Small Business Influencer Awards

The Small Business Influencer Awards, now in their second year, enable the small business community to nominate and show their support for those that influence and support them. The Awards have an open nomination period, followed by community voting, and then a judging period by a group of industry-knowledgeable judges.

The Small Business Influencer Awards initiative is produced by Small Business Trends, an award-winning online publication, serving over 4,000,000 small business owners, stakeholders and entrepreneurs annually, and SmallBizTechnology.com, a media company that produces online content and live events educating small and mid-sized companies on how to strategically use technology as a tool to grow their businesses. The Awards can be found on the Web at: SMBInfluencers.com.

BlackBerry is the title sponsor of the 2012 Small Business Influencer Awards.

CONTACT:

Anita Campbell, CEO
Small Business Trends LLC
admin@smallbiztrends.com
Twitter hashtag: #SMBInfluencer
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St. Petersburg, Fla. (May 15, 2012) – Common Language, a strategic communications and consulting firm serving technology, health and wellness , and consumer products companies nationwide, today announced the launch of its redesigned web site. The new site, www.common-language.com, was designed to showcase the firm’s success on behalf of its broad spectrum of clients and projects.

“We’re thrilled to have an online presence that better reflects our capabilities and the achievements of our clients and team over the past four years,” said Michelle Bauer, founder and president of Common Language. “The Haneke Design team came up with a solution that works beautifully for us. They created a site that is clean, easy to navigate, and helps us show the results we achieve for our clients instead of just talk about them. We could not have asked for a better collaborative experience or a more talented group of professionals. Haneke Design delivered everything we hoped for – a gorgeous site, a back end that we can easily manage ourselves, and a project team that was about as client-centric as any that I’ve ever worked with.”

The web site features a home page that’s designed much like a news site. It features a crawl with breaking news plus extensive use of video clips and images to engage visitors and convey the diversity of media coverage Common Language has received for its clients. The interior sections offer more in-depth profiles of individual clients and discuss the breadth of services provided by the firm, which include public, media, and community relations, strategic business consulting, relationship brokering, social media strategy, media training, conference development, and writing and editing services.

“We had two goals in mind when developing Common Language’s new web site,” said Jody Haneke, president of Haneke Design. “The first was to create fresh and visually appealing new

look, and second, to customize a WordPress back end to make it very easy for them to manage updates and changes on their own. This project was a great collaboration between our two firms.”

About Common Language
Common Language provides innovative organizations with strategic consulting and communications services that help them achieve their business goals. The agency has developed successful campaigns for local and national clients such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (Florida Blue), CareLinx, Digital Hands, Haneke Design, Healthy Living Marketing, and the Tampa Bay Technology Forum.

For more information, please visit www.common-language.com.

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SARASOTA, Fla. –May 15, 2012 – Clarke Advertising and Public Relations, recently welcomed two new professionals to its Sarasota office. Amanda Parrish has joined the team as an Account Executive and Judy Firek as an Account Coordinator.

Both Parrish and Firek will serve on the account service team responsible for the day to day management of clients such as ClosetMaid, London Bay Homes, and Achieva Credit Union. Parrish will focus primarily on public relations, while Firek will concentrate on strategic coordination of advertising and promotions.

“This is an exciting time for our agency,” says Patricia Courtois, agency president and chief operating officer, “and we are pleased to have two experienced team members like Amanda and Judy joining us.”

Prior to joining Clarke, Parrish worked as an Account Manager on regional accounts such as Methodist University, Fort Bragg Federal Credit Union and Robeson Community College. She brings three years of agency experience to Clarke, having worked previously at BERLINE – a full service advertising, marketing and digital communications firm in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. – and Campbell-Ewald, a national advertising firm headquartered in Warren, Mich.

Parrish holds a bachelors degree in advertising and public relations from Spring Arbor University in Jackson, Mich.
Firek, a communication professional with over 23 years of experience, comes to Clarke from Visiting Angels, Inc., located in Sarasota, Fla. She was charged with meeting sales objectives and generating new business opportunities along with being a caregiver.

Preceding her time at Visiting Angels, Inc., Firek managed her family’s construction company in Farmington Hills, Mich. A journalism graduate of Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich., Firek started her career at J. Walter Thompson USA, a full-service advertising agency based in Detroit. Firek currently serves on the board of the Suncoast Advertising Federation as the organization’s treasurer/secretary.

Clarke Advertising and Public Relations
Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Clarke Advertising and Public Relations is the agency that gives clients the confidence to believe in the power of great ideas. For Smart Thinking, visit www.clarkeadvertising.com or call 941.365.2710.

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2.  Liberty Group Acquires Candlewood Suites Hotel in Fort Myers, FL  

3.  SBEP Bay Guardians Complete Project at Emerson Point Preserve 

4.  HealthPlan Services Appoints Kristin Baca as COO

5.  Arizona Taps Mosaica Partners to Update Health Information Exchange Plans

6.  Two Special Ticket Offers for 2012 Bradenton Blues Festival!

7.  Lennar to Host Autism Awareness Walk May 20 at Concord Station in Land O’Lakes

8.  Biovest to Seek Marketing Approval in the EU for BiovaxID® Personalized Lymphoma Cancer Vaccine

9.  Rethink Training Helps Temp Employees Transition into Full-Time Positions

10. Chamber Announces Leadership Tampa Class of 2012 Graduates

11. Neighborly Hosts ‘Senior Olympics’ to Celebrate Older Americans Month

12. Florida’s real estate professionals find reasons to be optimistic in first quarter

13. Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (CPPI) prominently ranked among Engineering News-Record’s prestigious 2012 Top 400 Contractors, published May 9, 2012

14. The Importance of Sports Physical Exams

15. Neal Communities Unveils New Social Media Initiatives

16. Exhibition May 26th-July 7th at Mindy Solomon Gallery

17. Maronda Homes to Open Abbey Glenn Model Saturday

18. Edgewater Dr., Clearwater, Florida Waterfront Land TRANSACTION COMPLETED by Ross Realty Group

19. Oak Hill Hospital Announces Orthopaedic & Emergency Nurses Certifications

20. John Neal Homes Debuts Model In Country Club East

21. Member Cities of the East Pasco Water Coalition Offering Low-Flow Toilet Rebates

22. Adams and Reese Attorney Stephanie Martin Appointed to St. Petersburg Catholic Charities Board

23. City of St. Petersburg Offering Low-Flow Toilet Rebates

24. District and St. Petersburg Partner to Offer Free Sprinkler System Checkups

25. Oak Hill Hospital’s Advanced Primary Stroke Center Awarded Re-accreditation

26. Kids Visit Free Promotion Announced by local Attractions

27. Florida Citrus Growers Closer to Appealing ITC Decision

28. Texcellence Donates Computer No. 5400

29. Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point Wins National “Partnership Award” from Practice Greenhealth

30. BU Salon & Wellness Center Opens In Sarasota

31. Robert Donzalski Joins Sarasota Commercial Banking Team

32. Commissioners Seek Applications For Citizen Boards And Councils

33. Physician Offers Presentation on Atrial Fibrillation – Treatment for Irregular Heart Rhythm

34. Tampa Theatre Summer Classes

35. Family Resources, Inc. To Train Facilitators To Use Darkness To Light’s “Stewards of Children” To Begin Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Initiative 

36. Roofing By Curry Wins Back-To-Back Triple Excellence Awards

“Choosing a roofer is intimidating to many home and business owners. They don’t know whom to trust,” says President and Owner, Gary Curry. “This recognition gives the consumers an extra dose of confidence in our quality and service.”

According to GAF, most consumers find that choosing a roofer is choosing and sometimes risky. The Better Business Bureau lists roofing as a category with one of the highest inquiries nationwide.

Roofing By Curry is a factory-certified Master Elite™ Contractor, meaning it was carefully screened by GAF. In fact, only two percent of the roofing contractors in the country have earned this status. This also means that Roofing By Curry is dedicated to continuous improvement and training through access to CARE (the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence). CARE is a non-profit educational institute supported by GAF.

Roofing By Curry, established in 1986, is AskTheSeal.com certified, a third party that performs background and criminal checks on employees to help ensure consumer safety. The company has completed more than 8,000 roofs in Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, South Hillsborough and Port Charlotte. For more information about Roofing By Curry and to follow their Blog, click on www.WhyWorryCallCurry.com

For More Information, ContactGary Curry, 941-921-9111, ext. 103                                                                                     garycurry@roofingbycurry.com
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Tampa Theatre’s popular Summer Classics runs from June 3 through August 19, featuring 12 classic movies on Sunday afternoons at 3pm (plus a bonus Saturday at 3pm screening of Casablanca).

RESTORED 35MM PRINTS:  The series includes restored 35mm prints of Gilda, The Gang’s All Here, Planet of the Apes, Edward Scissorhands, Laura and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

SILENT FILM:  As always, the Summer Classics features a silent film with live musical accompaniment with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ.  This summer, Tampa Theatre presents Alfred Hitchcock’s The Lodger (1927).  The director referred to The Lodger as his “first true Hitchcock film” because it is the first of his films to contain many of what would become his stylistic and thematic trademarks.  It was also the first time that he stepped in front of the camera for one of his famous cameos.

PRE-SHOW THEATRE ENTERTAINMENT:  The movies start at 3pm, but theatre opens at 2pm when moviegoers can join a Tampa Theatreologist for a short jaunt around theatre and learn more about the theatre’s history and architecture.  At about 2:40, the Tampa’s magnificently resorted 1,400-pipe Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ roars to life, ascending from beneath the stage.  Volunteers with the Central Florida Theatre Organ Society perform popular tunes.

POST-FILM TALKS:  Harriet Deer (Professor Emeritus, English, USF) returns for the fourth summer to offer her popular and entertaining insights on the cast, production, themes and cultural significance of five movies:  Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (June 3), Gilda (June10),  The 39 Steps (June 17), The Gang’s All Here (June 24) and Laura (July 22).  Tampa Bay Times film critic Steve Persall will speak after Shaft (July and incidentally remembers seeing it at the Tampa Theatre in 1971.  Joe Bardi & David Russell with Creative Loafing’s “Reel Projections” podcast will speak after Planet of the Apes (July 1).

TICKETS & CONTACT:  Regular feature tickets are $9 (all ages).  Tickets for The Lodger are $12 (adults) and $10 (kids 2 – 12, Seniors, Military, Tampa Theatre Members).  Tampa Theatre is located in downtown Tampa at 711 Franklin Street.  For directions and other theatre info, call the 24-hour info line at 813-274-8981 or visit www.tampatheatre.org.

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS – Sunday, June 3 at 3pm

Jane Powell, Howard Keel

Johnny Mercer’s lyrics and snappy tunes emphasized with Michael Kidd’s exuberant choreography led to a Best Score Oscar for this high-spirited Western musical.  In 1850’s Oregon, when a man brings a wife home to the family mountain cabin, his six brothers get a hankering for wives too. Directed by Stanley Donen, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”  Rated G/1954/1:43/ Musical

Post-film talk with Harriet Deer

GILDA – Sunday, June 10 at 3pm                                 

RESTORED 35mm PRINT

Rita Hayworth, Glenn Ford

The beguiling Rita Hayworth sizzles in this archetypal Hollywood film noir about love/hate relationship between gambler and the wife of his sinister new boss.  Not rated/1946/1:50/Film Noir

Post-film talk with Harriet Deer

Alfred Hitchcock’s THE 39 STEPS – Sunday, June 17 at 3pm

Robert Donat, Madeleine Carroll

Timing atmosphere and comic relief make every second count in this typical Hitchcockian story of an average, innocent, ordinary man who is framed by circumstantial evidence and thrust against his will into an extraordinary situation that he doesn’t understand.  A man in London tries to help a counterespionage agent. But when the agent is killed and he stands accused, he must go on the run to both save himself and also stop a spy ring trying to steal top secret information.  Not Rated/1935/1:27/Mystery

Post-film talk with Harriet Deer

THE GANG’S ALL HERE – Sunday, June 24 at 3pm     

RESTORED 35mm PRINT        

Alice Faye, Carmen Miranda and Phil Baker

Director Busby Berkeley’s elaborate and imaginative musical is topped off with the famously spectacular “The Lady in the Tutti-Frutti Hat” in which Carmen Miranda dances and sings amidst a sea of gigantic fruit.  In the movie, a soldier falls for a chorus girl and then has trouble because he is posted to the Pacific.   Not Rated/1943/1:43/Musical

Post-film talk with Harriet Deer.

PLANET OF THE APES – Sunday, July 1 at 3pm                     

RESTORED 35mm PRINT

Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter

A precursor to Tampa Theatre’s Winefest fundraiser, “Planet of the Grapes,” Sept. 21-23.

An astronaut crew crash lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved.  It was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”   Rated G/1968/1:52/Sci-Fi

Post-film talk with Joe Bardi and David Russell with Creative Loafing’s “Reel Projections” podcast

SHAFT – Sunday, July 8 at 3pm

Richard Roundtree, Moses Gunn

The cultural impact of Shaft was huge.  It kicked off the Blaxploitation genre and got mainstream Hollywood interested in black audiences for the time.  Gordon Parks’ empowering action classic (with elements of film noir) features cool private eye John Shaft (“the cat that won’t cop out when there’s danger all about”) who is hired by a mobster to find his kidnapped daughter.  Isaac Hayes won an Oscar® for the legendary theme song.  Shaft was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”  Rated R/1971/1:40/Action & Adventure

Post-film talk with Steve Persall, Tampa Bay Times Film Critic

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS – Sunday, July 15 at 3pm

RESTORED 35mm PRINT

Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder and Dianne Wiest

Tim Burton’s first collaboration with Johnny Depp is a charming, magical fairytale of loneliness, learning, and love.  An uncommonly gentle young man, who happens to have scissors for hands, falls in love with a beautiful teenage girl.  A majority of the film was shot in Tampa and Lakeland and Tampa Theatre stage manager Gary Ratliff was on the crew.  Rated PG-13/1990/1:40/Romance/Fantasy

LAURA  – Sunday, July 22 at 3pm

RESTORED 35mm PRINT

Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews and Clifton Webb

In this psychologically complex portrait of obsession, a police detective falls in love with the woman whose murder he’s investigating.  Otto Preminger’s lush, suspenseful and seminal film noir was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”  Not Rated/1944/1:30/Mystery & Suspense

Post-film talk with Harriet Deer

GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES – Sunday, July 29 at 3pm

RESTORED 35mm PRINT

Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe’s iconic performance of “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” (in that fabulous pink dress) made it one of the copied of all movie song and dance numbers.  In Howard Hawks’ sparkling comedy,  two singers and best friends Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw travel on a luxury ocean liner to Paris while being pursued by a private detective.  Not Rated/1953/1:31/Romance/Musical/Classic 

Post-film talk with Harriet Deer

GONE WITH THE WIND – Sunday, August 5 at 3pm

Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, Leslie Howard, Olivia de Havilland, Hattie McDaniel

What’s left to say about the most famous film in history?  Just that if you haven’t seen it on the big screen, what are you waiting for?  In this sweeping epic, a strong-willed Southern Belle cannot be conquered by a Civil War, but loses her heart to an unattainable dreamer and the one man who got away.  Winner of 10 Academy Awards.

Gone With the Wind was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”  Rated G/1939/3:58

ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S THE LODGER (1927) – Sunday, August 12 at 3pm

Featuring Live Musical Accompaniment by Steven Ball at the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ

A secretive young man rents a room in a London boarding house which coincides with the reign of terror orchestrated by “The Avenger,” a serial killer terrorizing fog-shrouded London.  Could they be one and the same?  While The Lodger was his third film, Hitchcock referred to it as his “first true Hitchcock film” because it is the first of his films to contain many of what would become his stylistic and thematic trademarks

Not Rated/1927/1:14/Thriller

CASABLANCA – TWO SHOWS!  Saturday, Aug 18 at 3pm and Sunday, August 19 at 3pm

Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman

A truly perfect movie, triple Oscar winner Casablanca still wows viewers today with its unique story of a love triangle set against the terribly high stakes of World War II. Humphrey Bogart plays the allegedly apolitical club owner in unoccupied French territory that is nevertheless crawling with Nazis; Ingrid Bergman is the lover who mysteriously deserted him in Paris; and Paul Heinreid is her heroic, slightly bewildered husband. Claude Rains, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, and Conrad Veidt round out arguably the best supporting cast in the history of Hollywood films.  Casablanca was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

Rated PG/1942/1:42/Drama

Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) is the most common heart rhythm disturbance, affecting more than 2.3 million Americans. Dr.  Goyal will be discussing minimally invasive options now available.

This presentation is sponsored by The Heart Institute at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and will take place at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Conference Center, 14000 Fivay Road, in Hudson, on Tuesday, June 5 at 3:00 p.m.

This event is free to the public. Refreshments will be served. Due to limited seating, reservations are required, and can be made by calling (727) 869-5498 or 1-888-741-5119.­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet has been serving the community since 1981. We are a 290-bed acute care hospital located in Hudson, FL and home of the nationally acclaimed Heart Institute. We have more than 350 physicians, 900 employees and 500 volunteers on our integrated healthcare delivery team.

RMCBP has been approved by the Florida Department of Health, Office of Trauma, as a Provisional Level 2 Trauma Center. This designation means critically injured patients may have access to treatment in the “golden hour.” This is the first hour after a serious injury in which there is the highest likelihood that prompt medical attention will prevent death. Through an affiliation with the University of South Florida Health, RMCBP has the support of a major academic university and medical school. A Trauma Center in our community means faster treatment to improve patient outcomes and keep patients close to home and their loved ones.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

• Recipient of the 2011 American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award.
  • Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is the only hospital in Tampa Bay area to achieve the Gold Plus standard in both heart failure and stroke.

• Recognized in 2011 as one of the nation’s top performing hospitals in quality measurements by the Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare accrediting body.
• Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
• Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers
• Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
• Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
• American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
• Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine
• MRI, CT, Ultrasound, and Nuclear Medicine Accredited – American College of Radiology
• Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
• Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
• Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is located at14000 Fivay Road
Hudson, FL. 34667. For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com. Or visit us on Face book.

Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking residents to serve on several County citizen advisory boards and councils. Residents interested in seeking appointment must be registered voters in Hillsborough County. These are voluntary positions, and members serve without compensation. Applicants may apply to more than one board, but may only serve on one board at a time.

The deadline for applying is June 14, 2012. Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners in July 2012.

An application is available in the Commissioners’ reception area on the second floor of County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa; by calling the Boards and Councils Coordinator at 813-272-5826; or on the County’s website at: www.hillsboroughcounty.org. Click on the “County Commission” link on the left-hand side of the page, then the “Advisory Boards and Committees” sublink. The “Application Questionnaire For County Appointments” is in the middle of the page. The form can be filled out, and then scanned and emailed, faxed, hand-delivered or mailed.

If you apply to a Board that requires a background check, you must also submit a Background Investigation Disclosure and Authorization Form, which also is available on the website. Forms must be signed and dated. Additional directions for submission are listed on the form.

The Boards and Councils that have openings are:

PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD – this 12 member Board works with the Board of County Commissioners regarding the operation of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, including future planning and policy developments.

Four terms are expiring.  Terms are for three years.  Positions are specified as one resident each from Districts 1, 2, 3 and 4. Please note that the new districts are in effect for these appointments.  Appointment to this Board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

Meeting schedule: Monthly, 4th Thursday, 4 p.m.

Donzalski is responsible for serving commercial clients and prospects throughout Sarasota and Manatee County, and is based at the downtown Sarasota banking center on Ringling Boulevard. He brings more than 15 years of experience in commercial lending and underwriting to his role and most recently was an independent bank consultant in Sarasota.

He earned a bachelor of science degree in finance and management at the University of Tampa and attended Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Georgetown University.

Synovus Bank of Florida is a division of Synovus Bank, and provides commercial and retail banking, as well as investment services through 21 banking centers in Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Lee, and Collier counties. See Synovus Bank of Florida at www.synovusbankfl.com.

Synovus Bank is a Georgia‐chartered, FDIC‐insured bank. Synovus Bank provides commercial and retail banking, investment, and mortgage services to customers through 30 locally branded divisions, 293 offices, and 417 ATMs in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee. See Synovus Bank on the web at www.synovus.com.

(Sarasota, FL) When Shana and Marc Rosenthal put their minds to making something happen, it happens. Originally from Great Britain, the Rosenthals are mental health professionals and entrepreneurs who fell in love with Florida’s west coast and dreamed of moving their young family here. Their ultimate vision? To open a center that embraced various modalities of mind, body and spirit.

In the summer of 2011, Shana, Marc, their 10-year-old daughter, 8-year-old son, and family dog made the move to Sarasota. Within a few months, they bought the thriving BU Salon in downtown Sarasota and began expanding and transforming it. Rechristened the BU Salon & Wellness Center, the enterprise now comprises two buildings. The salon, housed in a charming bungalow, offers a full range of salon and spa services, including hair, skincare, nails and massage. Set just behind the salon, the new Wellness Center offers a creative menu of counseling and wellness therapies, including reflexology and acupuncture.

“It’s an ideal situation for us,” says Shana. “We were able to expand the space and bring in seasoned professionals who offer diverse services.” She adds that the team “envisions the wellness center as a sanctuary for healing and rejuvenation, where people can learn practical ways to balance mind, body and spirit and embrace a lifestyle of vitality.”

The Rosenthals have extensive backgrounds in hypnosis and stress management. Shana is a UK-qualified psychotherapist and hypnotherapist who uses a combination of hypnosis, neuro-linguistic programming, cognitive behavioral therapy and other techniques to help people conquer fears, lose weight, stop smoking, and gain confidence.

Marc’s specialty is stress management and he uses a creative mix of yoga, relaxation therapy, hypnosis and exercise to teach people the fine art of dealing with life.

In addition to the salon, the Rosenthals also acquired the Halo Elite Hair Restoration Laser, an FDA-approved and non-surgical solution to hair loss. “Hair loss can often be a symptom of stress, so it nicely complements our other offerings,” says Marc.

Shana says the family is happily settling into their new life.

“We’re thrilled to be in Sarasota—and exploring as much of it as possible,” she says, adding that Sarasota’s business community is “progressive and recognizes that complementary therapies and alternative healthcare solutions are not only good for our health—but also good for our regional economy.”

About BU Salon & Wellness Center

Bu Salon & Wellness Center offers a full range of salon and spa services, wellness therapies, reflexology and acupuncture. For information about the salon, call 941-366-3363 or visit www.busalon.com. For information about the wellness center, call 941-807-1953 or visit www.wellnessandlifesolutions.com.

Recognized for protecting patient health and environmental stewardship

(Hudson, Florida) – Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has been honored with a “Partner Recognition” Award by Practice Greenhealth, the national membership organization for healthcare facilities committed to environmentally responsible operations. The Award is one of the organization’s Environmental Excellence Awards given each year to honor environmental achievements in the healthcare sector.

“This Award demonstrates Regional Medical Center’s commitment to their patients and community to protect public health and preserve the environment,” said Laura Wenger, RN, Executive Director, Practice Greenhealth. “Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is truly demonstrating leadership for the future of healthcare.”

The Partner Recognition Award is for healthcare facilities that have begun to work on environmental improvements, have achieved progress in several areas, and have at least a ten percent recycling rate for their total waste stream. Recipients receive a bamboo framed certificate.

Minimum qualifications for the Partner Recognition Award have been raised and now include:

• Recycling 10% of more of their total waste stream
• Completion of the waste assessment summary table
• Completion of a number of successful pollution prevention or sustainability projects.

This year Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point was able to reach 12% recycled material from its solid waste.

The Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Awards were presented in Denver, CO, at CleanMed, THE premier national environmental conference for leaders in health care sustainability.

This year Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point was one of only 53 Partnership Award recipients.

Photo: Members of RMCBP’s Greenhealth Team: (Left to right) Johnny DeJesus, Kenneth Bowen , Martha Gonzalez, Keith Kramer, Joseph Pfaffe III, Manuel Hernandez, Glen Baker, Diane Edwards, Judy Krcmaric

What is Practice Greenhealth?

Practice Greenhealth is the nation’s leading membership and networking organization for institutions in the healthcare community that have made a commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Members include hospitals, healthcare systems, businesses and other stakeholders engaged in the greening of healthcare to improve the health of patients, staff and the environment. Practice Greenhealth is a source of environmental solutions for the health care sector. For more information on Practice Greenhealth, visit www.practicegreenhealth.org.

About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Regional Medical Center Bayonet has been serving the community since 1981. We are a 290-bed acute care hospital located in Hudson, FL and home of the nationally acclaimed Heart Institute. We have more than 350 physicians, 900 employees and 500 volunteers on our integrated healthcare delivery team.

RMCBP has been approved by the Florida Department of Health, Office of Trauma, as a Provisional Level 2 Trauma Center. This designation means critically injured patients may have access to treatment in the “golden hour.” This is the first hour after a serious injury in which there is the highest likelihood that prompt medical attention will prevent death. Through an affiliation with the University of South Florida Health, RMCBP has the support of a major academic university and medical school. A Trauma Center in our community means faster treatment to improve patient outcomes and keep patients close to home and their loved ones.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:

• Recipient of the 2011 American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award.
  • Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is the only hospital in Tampa Bay area to achieve the Gold Plus standard in both heart failure and stroke.

• Recognized in 2011 as one of the nation’s top performing hospitals in quality measurements by the Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare accrediting body.
• Certified Advance Primary Stroke Center – Joint Commission
• Accredited Chest Pain Center, with PCI – Society of Chest Pain Centers
• Certified Advanced Heart Failure – Joint Commission (1st in the State of Florida  – 1/2010)
• Heart & Stroke Champions Award Winner 1998 – 2010
• American Heart Association’s 2009 Stroke Silver Plus Performance Award Winner (1st in State of Florida)
• Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine
• MRI, CT, Ultrasound, and Nuclear Medicine Accredited – American College of Radiology
• Approved, with Commendation, Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons.
• Designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson Reuters
• Named twice (1999 & 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is located at14000 Fivay Road
Hudson, FL. 34667. For additional information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com. Or visit us on Facebook.

Sarasota, Florida – May 14, 2012 – Helen Salomon was already excited about receiving her family’s first computer.  She had learned how to use a computer at school and was looking forward to showing her sisters and mom.  But the Gulf Gate Elementary School first grader had no idea that her family would land in the spotlight last week at Riverview High, when the Education Foundation of Sarasota County announced that the Salomons would receive the 5400^th computer distributed by its Texcellence program.

One of over 80 students of all ages at the evening training session, Helen and her family were there to learn how to attach a keyboard to a CPU, practice using educational and home office software, and take home their very own computer.

After welcoming the crowd of over 200, Texcellence coordinator Alina Klein told them that the program had just reached the 5400 mark, surging past the goal of 900 donated to families this school year.  Klein introduced the Salomons as Family Number 5400, inviting all three sisters and their mother to pose for pictures with program organizers.

Bany Salomon said, “My daughters were so excited when they found out they were getting a computer. They have lots of homework at school that they need to do on the computer, and we always go to the library. Now, I can work on the computer with my daughters at home.”

At the end of the evening, more than 5420 families had received refurbished home computers, training, and technical support since Texcellence was launched in the spring of 2007.

Some students interpreted for parents and demonstrated their computer skills while Texcellence trainers led two-hour workshops in English and Spanish.  All left with clean computers and monitors, flash drives, and a phone number for ongoing technical assistance.  They also received information about low-cost broadband Internet service that is available to all families, like those involved in Texcellence, whose students are eligible for the free and reduced-price lunch program.

This collaboration between the Education Foundation and Sarasota County Schools is made possible by support from The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, the Dart Foundation, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Jon F. Swift, Inc., BJs Charitable Foundation, and dozens of individual donors.  Just $250 allows Texcellence to refurbish one computer, then offer training and ongoing support to a student and family in need.  Training and distributions sessions are held at public schools and other sites around Sarasota County throughout the year.

The program was inspired by local teacher Ron Zimmerman, who refurbished gently used computers in his garage for students in need.  Today, any family with children in Sarasota County’s public schools who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals can qualify for one of the recycled computers.

Klein is already gearing up for 2012-2013.  “These parents, grandparents, and guardians are often working several jobs just to provide the basics. They just can’t afford to provide a working computer at home, but they know how important this technology is for their children’s future.  They go to great lengths to participate in Texcellence because they are so motivated to help their students succeed in school and in life.  We help them do just that.”

For information about participating in the program, parents or other adult family members whose students are eligible free or reduced-price lunches may contact their schools to sign up for a future distribution.  For additional information about Texcellence, contact alina_klein@sarasota.k12.fl.us or call 941-927-9000 ext. 31334.

Dedicated to quality education for all children, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County is an independent, not-for-profit organization that works in partnership with the community and Sarasota County public schools.  With the support of  individuals, families, companies and foundations, the Education Foundation awards a million dollars each year to initiatives including Texcellence, Literacy for Life, Teacher of the Year, the Regional Science Engineering and Technology Fair, Academic Olympics, classroom grants, fine arts programs, scholarships and awards recognizing outstanding students, teachers and schools.   For more information visit EdFoundation.net or call 941-927-0965.

“We continue to believe that the ITC made the wrong decision in this case for a number of reasons,” said Michael W. Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “There’s been extreme volatility in the marketplace since the revocation of the order providing clear proof that the order was doing what it was supposed to do – make the Brazilian processors play by the rules.”

“We will continue to consider our options to appeal and if necessary, we will file a new petition because we know the dumping isn’t going to stop.”

Some of the ITC’s findings that Mutual could challenge in an appeal include:

•          Concluding there are significant supply constraints in Brazil

•          Concluding the United States is not an attractive market for Brazilian juice

•          Assuming that Brazil’s processing presence in the United States evens the trade playing field

•          Ignoring the carbendazim issue’s affect on demand

•          Relying almost exclusively on unsupported Brazilian pricing data

•          Concluding that Brazilian imports do not affect on U.S. prices

•          Focusing on grower revenue without considering increased costs

•          Failing to properly consider the effects of revocation on growers

Since the Commission revoked the anti-dumping order on March 14 many of their assumptions have been severely undermined; OJ futures prices have declined by 40 percent, the effects of carbendazim have significantly reduced consumer demand and Brazilian shippers expect to have carbendazim-free concentrate back on the market in less than six months.

In addition, Brazilian production outstripped the Commission’s estimate by 7 percent for both the current season and next year. A week after the vote, the Brazilian industry reported anticipated inventories 40 percent higher than predicted by the Commission.

An anti-dumping order covering the major Brazilian orange juice processors  was put in place in 2006. Dumping is defined as selling product for less than “normal value,” including prices below the cost of production.  It can severely harm domestic producers by subsidizing cheaper U.S. sales with higher priced foreign sales destabilizing world markets. If a domestic industry can prove foreign producers are dumping then anti-dumping deposits can be imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC).

The DOC annually reviews sales and if the dumping stops, the deposits are refunded. If the dumping continues then the company(s) forfeits the duties or is required to pay additional duties.  For more information on dumping, please go to Mutual’s website at http://www.flcitrusmutual.com/industry-issues/trade/dumpingcase.aspx

The Florida citrus industry creates a $9 billion annual economic impact, employing nearly 76,000 people, and covering more than 550,000 acres. Founded in 1948 and currently representing nearly 8,000 grower members, Florida Citrus Mutual is the state’s largest citrus grower organization. For more information, visit www.flcitrusmutual.com.

All guests from six to eighteen years old will be admitted free with each paying adult at the cultural attractions which are all in close proximity of each other in downtown St. Petersburg and just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico beach cities of St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island.

Children under six are admitted free of charge at all times during the promotion. Children from six to eighteen will be admitted free with each paying adult. The Museum of Fine Arts will be presenting a special exhibition throughout the summer entitled Global + Local: Studio & Contemporary Glass on Florida’s West Coast. The permanent exhibition of world renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly at the Chihuly Collection is located a few blocks from the Museum of Fine Arts. Daily glass blowing demonstrations by artists at the Morean Glass Studio & Hot Shop round out the experience and will provide families not only an entertaining, but educational, experience.

“We hope people will take advantage of this promotion and gain a great understanding of glass in this, the fiftieth anniversary of the studio glass movement,” stated Kent Lydecker, executive director of the Museum of Fine Arts.

“With the cost of gas at near record highs, we anticipate a lot of local and in-state visitors to take advantage of this offer,” stated Wayne David Atherholt, interim executive director of the Morean Arts Center which owns and operates the Chihuly Collection as well as the Morean Glass Studio & Hot Shop.

St. Petersburg is home to numerous art galleries and museums with an abundance of sidewalk cafes and boutiques that line the main avenues of the city. Beach Drive is home to the Chihuly Collection, Museum of Fine Arts, Salvador Dali Museum and the Mahaffey Theater. The Central Arts District is located along Central Avenue and is home to the Morean Arts Center, Morean Glass Studio & Hot Shop, Florida Craftsmen Gallery plus numerous individual artist galleries and boutiques.

For more information on the Museum of Fine Arts visit www.fine-arts.org and for more information on the Morean Arts Center visit www.moreanartscenter.org. Further discounted tickets to each is available at all AAA offices.

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The Morean Arts Center focuses on an innovative, community-oriented approach to art and art education. Operating under the Morean Arts Center includes the Chihuly Collection, Glass Studio & Hot Shop and the Morean Center for Clay. Summer Hours for all four facilities will go into effect June 1st. Please find more details online at MoreanArtsCenter.org

Starting June 1st:
Morean Arts Center
Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 12pm-5pm

Chihuly Collection
Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 12pm-5pm

Glass Studio & Hot Shop
Daily: 1pm-5pm (demos start at 1,2,3 & 4pm)

Morean Center for Clay
Tues-Saturday: 10am-5pm

“This is another objective indication of the high quality of services that are provided by Oak Hill Hospital to the communities that we serve,” said Oak Hill Hospital CEO,  Mickey Smith.

The Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers recognizes centers that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. It is The Joint Commission’s first advanced certification program. Programs applying for advanced certification must meet the requirements for Disease-Specific Care Certification plus additional, clinically specific requirements and expectations. Certified primary stroke centers:

• Use a standardized method of delivering care based on the Brain Attack Coalition recommendations for establishment of primary stroke centers.
• Support a patient’s self-management activities.
• Tailor treatment and intervention to individual needs.
• Promote the flow of patient information across settings and providers, while protecting patient rights, security and privacy.
• Analyze and use standardized performance measure data to continually improve treatment plans.
• Demonstrate their application of and compliance with the clinical practice guidelines published by the AHA/ASA or equivalent evidence-based guidelines.

For more information go to: http://www.jointcommission.org/AboutUs/Fact_Sheets/psc_certification.htm

Photo:  The Oak Hill Hospital Stroke Team. Pictured are (L to R) CEO Mickey Smith, CNO Melissa Bennett,  Director of Emergency Services Cathy Edmisten, Director of Critical Care Services Beth Carter, VP of Quality and Risk Management Leanne Salazar, Progressive Care Unit Nursing Director Jennifer Manner.

About Oak Hill Hospital:

Oak Hill Hospital has been serving the Nature Coast since 1984. It is the largest medical facility in Hernando and Citrus County (234 acute care beds), is one of the area’s largest private employers, and offers Hernando County’s only comprehensive cardiovascular program, including open heart surgery.

Approximately 300 physicians, 950 associates, and over 350 volunteers comprise Oak Hill Hospital’s healthcare delivery team.

Oak Hill has achieved distinction as the:

·         First and only open heart surgery hospital in Hernando County.

·         First Chest Pain Center with PCI (heart catheterization) in Hernando County accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers.

·         First and Only advanced level primary stroke center in Hernando County to be fully accredited by the Joint Commission.

·         First comprehensive Women’s Imaging Center in Hernando County and the first imaging center offering digital mammography with computer aided detection.

·         First hospital in the area to be recognized as an accredited cancer institute by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS).

·         First hospital in the region to achieve Heart Failure accreditation with the Society of Chest Pain Centers. And now…

·         First hospital in the region to offer a comprehensive Orthopaedic & Spine Institute.

·         Only Emergency Care Center in Florida, and one of only 20 nationwide, honored by the Emergency Nurses Association for its first-ever Lantern Award exemplifying exceptional and innovative performance in the core areas of leadership, practice, education, advocacy, and research.

·         Only hospital in Hernando and Citrus Counties that is recognized as one of the nation’s top performers on four key quality measures – heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, and surgical care – by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.

It is located at 11375 Cortez Boulevard, Spring Hill, 1.9 miles east of US 19 on State Road 50. For more information about this release, please contact Richard W. Linkul, Director of Marketing, at 352-597-6383 or Richard.Linkul@hcahealthcare.com. In Citrus call 352-628-6441.

For more information about Oak Hill Hospital, visit our website at OakHillHospital.com, or like us on Facebook.

St. Petersburg water customers who have an operating in-ground sprinkler system with a timer are eligible for the free program. Customers who irrigate with reclaimed, well or drinking water can apply for the program. Properties previously evaluated as part of the program in 2006 or after are not eligible.

Eligible participants in the St. Petersburg Sensible Sprinkling Program will receive:

·         A complete irrigation system evaluation

·         Installation of a rain sensor device if one does not exist

·         An automatic shutoff watering nozzle

·         Suggestions that may help save water

The St. Petersburg Sensible Sprinkling Program is funded by the District and the City of St. Petersburg.

Call the automated phone line at (727) 551-3177 for an application and more information.

Replacing older high-flow toilets with water-efficient toilets through this project is anticipated to save an estimated 24,300 gallons per day.

Customers must be potable water residential or nonresidential users of St. Petersburg and meet other requirements to be eligible for the rebates. The toilet being replaced must be made and installed before 1995 and use approximately 3.5 gallons of water or more per flush. Customers must call or email to check eligibility and receive an application prior to toilet purchase.

Educational information also will be provided to customers about water conservation, which will include leak detection and the proper selection of parts for water-saving toilets.

The total cost of this project is $150,000. It is being funded by the District in cooperation with the City of St. Petersburg.

For more information about the Toilet Rebate Program, interested customers should email ToiletRebateOffice@stpete.org or call (727) 893-7676.

For more than 60 years, Catholic Charities has provided strategic alliances, advocacy and a broad array of social services to residents of Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. The programs are designed to support and preserve families and promote self-sufficiency and social justice. Catholic Charities operates both life and shelter ministries under the Diocesan Ministries of Mercy, a diocesan initiative to serve the poor, suffering, and marginalized.

Martin is active in civic, religious, and charitable organizations throughout the Tampa Bay area, including the Diocese of St. Petersburg and Nativity Catholic Church. Since 2010, she has donated more than 200 hours of her time to pro bono work, focusing her pro bono efforts on serving victims of domestic violence through the Florida Bar’s Appellate Practice Section and the Community Law Program of St. Petersburg’s Domestic Violence Panel.

Martin was recently recognized for her commitment to pro bono work by the Supreme Court of Florida, the Young Lawyers Division of the Florida Bar, and the Florida Pro Bono Coordinators Association at an awards ceremony hosted by the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida.

Martin concentrates her practice on civil, commercial, and real estate litigation.

Adams and Reese is a multidisciplinary law firm with offices strategically located throughout the southern United States and Washington, DC.  American Lawyer includes Adams and Reese on its distinguished list of the nation’s top law firms – “The Am Law 200.” The National Law Journal also includes the firm on the “NLJ 250” list of the nation’s largest law firms.

Replacing older high-flow toilets with water-efficient toilets could save an estimated 27 gallons per household or 10,000 gallons per year. About 9,500 homes in the Town of Saint Leo and the cities of Zephyrhills and Dade City are eligible for participation in the program.

Customers must live within the corporate boundaries of one of the participating cities and be served by the public supply distribution systems of the respective cities to be eligible for the rebate. The toilet being replaced must be made and installed before 1995 and use approximately 3.5 gallons of water or more per flush.

Educational information also will be provided to customers about water conservation, which will include leak detection and the proper selection of parts for water-saving toilets.

The total cost of this project is $36,000. It is being funded by the District in cooperation with the participating cities.

For more information about the Toilet Rebate Program, interested customers should call the water utility department for the respective East Pasco Water Coalition member government. For Dade City, call (352) 523-5055. For Zephyrhills, call (813) 780-0008. For St. Leo, call (352) 588-2622.

Southwest Florida – John Neal Homes is opening the Fairhaven II model in the Camargo neighborhood of Country Club East in Lakewood Ranch this Friday, May 18. This is a 3,367 square foot, three bedroom, three bath luxury home with a spacious lanai and outdoor living space. This home showcases extensive luxury design elements and options that are created to be personalized by the home buyer. According to the Sarasota Association of Realtors, the median home sale price in March (most recent data) was up 9.8 percent over last March. The available home inventory is close to a decade low. The market is poised for strength.

“Our time-tested, proven floor plans and superior construction standards meet the demands of today’s buyers. We’re offering what they want,” says John Neal. “Buyers are asking for more customized homes. They also enjoy the country club lifestyle and appreciate a gated, golf course community.”

The Fairhaven II is a custom Mediterranean design which features upscale fixtures, extensive king crown molding and trim throughout. “When people move to Florida, they want a Florida-style home. This home has a true Florida Coastal feel,” explains designer Janet Ladwig, with Charlene Neal PureStyle. “The paint color we selected in the master bedroom almost matches the sky so you feel like you are standing outside.”

The vibrant colors and textures and natural materials complement the artwork and furnishings. “We designed the interior with a couple in mind who love Florida, boating and the water, says Ladwig. “The trend today is to bring the outside in, so four rooms in this home face the pool area and golf course. There’s a seamless transition from interior to exterior living spaces.” This year, color is everywhere, so Charlene Neal PureStyle chose a palate that is “signature Charlene Neal—aqua, green, and navy with a nautical influence.”

Floor plan layout is also ideal for those who love to cook. The home features a chef-inspired kitchen with Carrara marble, GE Monogram Appliances, butler pantry, custom cabinets, wine reserve, and pot filler at the kitchen cooktop wall. “Between the oversized island and the breakfast table, you could serve Thanksgiving Dinner right there!” adds Ladwig.

“The momentum in Country Club East is strong. Demand is growing for the quality homes we build,” explains Neal, who recently purchased 23 home sites in Country Club East. “We’re seeing a growing demand for homes with the specialized lifestyle options we offer.”

John Neal Homes creates personalized homes that combine competitive prices, quality construction, and customized options. A fourth-generation builder and member of the Neal family of companies, John Neal Homes builds on over four decades of experience, design expertise, and a 99% buyer satisfaction. John Neal’s commitment to community service is evident in the numerous non-profits he and his company support. For more information and a listing of available lots, move-in ready homes, and floor plan options, please visit www.homesbyjohnneal.com.

In addition, three RNs from Oak Hill Hospital’s emergency department were awarded their certification as emergency nurses. Kelly Holbert, Chris Piscopo, and Rachel Vazquez, all RNs, are now entitled to also add the credential CEN® (Certified Emergency Nurse) after their names. Certified Emergency Nurse Certification is the certification specific to emergency nursing and measures the attainment of a defined body of nursing knowledge pertinent to the particular specialty. 100% of Oak Hill Hospital’s Emergency Care Center nurses are Certified Emergency Nurses.

Oak Hill Hospital’s Orthopaedic Institute now maintains 19 certified orthopaedic nurses, representing the most certified orthopaedic nursing staff in Florida.

Photos:  Kelly Holbert, RN, CEN, Chris Piscopo, RN, CEN, Rachel Vazquez, RN, CEN; Venus Morejon, RN, ONC, and Tina Roehrig, RN, ONC.

About Oak Hill Hospital:

Oak Hill Hospital has been serving the Nature Coast since 1984. It is the largest medical facility in Hernando and Citrus County (234 acute care beds), is one of the area’s largest private employers, and offers Hernando County’s only comprehensive cardiovascular program, including open heart surgery.

Approximately 300 physicians, 950 associates, and over 350 volunteers comprise Oak Hill Hospital’s healthcare delivery team.

Oak Hill has achieved distinction as the:

·         First and only open heart surgery hospital in Hernando County.

·         First Chest Pain Center with PCI (heart catheterization) in Hernando County accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers.

·         First and Only advanced level primary stroke center in Hernando County to be fully accredited by the Joint Commission.

·         First comprehensive Women’s Imaging Center in Hernando County and the first imaging center offering digital mammography with computer aided detection.

·         First hospital in the area to be recognized as an accredited cancer institute by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS).

·         First hospital in the region to achieve Heart Failure accreditation with the Society of Chest Pain Centers. And now…

·         First hospital in the region to offer a comprehensive Orthopaedic & Spine Institute.

·         Only Emergency Care Center in Florida, and one of only 20 nationwide, honored by the Emergency Nurses Association for its first-ever Lantern Award exemplifying exceptional and innovative performance in the core areas of leadership, practice, education, advocacy, and research.

·         Only hospital in Hernando and Citrus Counties that is recognized as one of the nation’s top performers on four key quality measures – heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, and surgical care – by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.

It is located at 11375 Cortez Boulevard, Spring Hill, 1.9 miles east of US 19 on State Road 50. For more information about this release, please contact Richard W. Linkul, Director of Marketing, at 352-597-6383 or Richard.Linkul@hcahealthcare.com. In Citrus call 352-628-6441.

Clearwater, FL – May 14, 2012  -  The Ross Realty Group, Inc. is pleased to announce they represented the buyer in the purchase of 2.67 acres of waterfront land in Clearwater, Florida. This land is located at 1919-1925 Edgewater Dr. and has a clear view of the intercoastal waterway, south of downtown Clearwater. The property consists of 2.67 acres. Dennis Bush, ALC and Elliott Ross, CCIM of the Ross Realty Group, Inc. represented the buyer, SOS of Tampa Bay, Inc. who purchased the property for $725,000. The seller was Fifth Third Bank, represented by Sperry Van Ness.

The 1,194-square-foot home is a three-bedroom, two-bath design with a two-car garage, and a base price of $117,900 including homesite, says Gregg Carlson, president of Maronda Homes Inc. of the Suncoast.  The model is located at 13423 Kent Bradley St.

As guests enter the home from its covered front porch, they will find themselves in the Valencia’s foyer, which provides access to the home’s garage.  Ahead is the greatroom that is open to the kitchen and a breakfast nook with sliding glass doors that provide access to the home’s patio.

To one side of the greatroom is a short hallway leading to the home’s secondary bedrooms and a bath, while the master bedroom is at the rear of the home, just off the kitchen.

The 11-by-15-foot master bedroom suite has a walk-in closet and private bath.

To find the Valencia at Abbey Glenn, take the State Road 52 exit off Interstate 75  and follow signs toward Dade City/San Antonio.  Turn left onto Adair Road and turn left at the first stop sign.  Models will be on right hand side of the road.

Model center hours are Monday noon-7 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Founded in 1972, Maronda Homes is a Pennsylvania-based home builder with operations in its home state as well as Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Ohio.  Since opening its doors, the company has built more than 10,000 homes.

Maronda Homes Inc. of the Suncoast, based in Gibsonton, Fla., builds single-family and multifamily residences in 25 Florida communities located in Hernando, Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee, Citrus and Charlotte counties.

For more information about Maronda Homes in Abbey Glenn, call (352) 521-3284. Want more details about Maronda Homes?  Visit marondahomes.com.

Artist Talk with Carrie Ann Baade May 27th, 1-2pm
ST. PETERSBURG, FL―”A mountain is composed of tiny grains of earth. The ocean is made up of tiny drops of water. Even so, life is but an endless series of little details, actions, speeches, and thoughts. And the consequences, whether good or bad, of even the least of them, are far-reaching.” -Swami Sivananda
The new exhibition ‘Detailed Information‘ at Mindy Solomon Gallery focuses on a group of artists whose work is minutely crafted to exacting detail, whether through surface completion or the inclusion of intensive narrative content. The works in this show require a second and third glance as a brief overview might eliminate important visual elements. Implicit to this group of artists is their mastery of technique―whether it is old master, or the application of new technologies, each artist uses their significant knowledge to impart a comprehensive visual story.

Marc Burckhardt, a painter trained in old master techniques to achieve texture and luminosity, defines his work in these terms: “I come from a storytelling as well as figurative tradition that is steeped in the visual language of Western art’s historical symbolism. I attempt to take the framework of this mutually shared iconography, and the cultural baggage we bring to it, and ’tilt’ the content to provide contemporary insights and commentary. Much of my work references what I call ‘possession-oriented’ genres that include portraiture and sporting painting; by altering these forms, I hope to provoke the viewer to question intuitive cultural assumptions as well as explore the narrative potential of my imagery.” A sense of familiarity inhabits the work―yet the viewer is struck by a psychological disconnect between the real and imagined.

Another artist who utilizes elements of the familiar in a deconstructed sculptural milieu is John Byrd. Byrd’s highly articulated porcelain forms combine elements of recognizable animal bodyparts punctuated by incongruent mammalian elements. A taxidermy rabbit head sits like a specter atop a neck that seems more appropriate for a horse’s head. Internal organs and muscles peek out from layers of peeled flesh painstakingly carved and burnished to an ivory-like finish.

Artist Kate MacDowell also painstakingly carves porcelain to reveal elements that are metaphorical in nature. MacDowell states: “I hand-sculpt each piece out of porcelain, often building a solid form and then hollowing it out.  Smaller forms are built petal by petal, branch by branch, and allow me the chance to get immersed in close study of the structure of a blossom or a bee.  I chose porcelain for its luminous and ghostly qualities as well as its strength and ability to show fine texture.  It highlights both the impermanence and fragility of natural forms in a dying ecosystem while, paradoxically, being a material that can last for thousands of years―historically associated with high status and value.  I see each piece as a captured and preserved specimen, a painstaking record of endangered natural forms and a commentary on our own culpability.” Each piece is a microscopic examination of the implications of our behavior on the natural world.

Artist Christopher Torrez is also highly engaged in the minutia of the natural world. Torrez writes: “I am drawn to issues of change, primarily in the natural world and the sciences. The use of a miniature scale reflects the small, yet complex and often overlooked details of the natural world. My forms, although inspired by nature, are not intended to replicate any known species or place. The fragility and the preciousness of these small worlds mimic the similar qualities of a delicate and complex ecosystem―once gone, irreparable. The predominantly white unglazed porcelain creates a quiet, somber quality. It reflects a palette to be filled, a life-force not yet present or that has been drained away. The discussion of the human impact on the environment becomes evident in these miniature worlds.” The inclusion of mirrors and lights create a visual illusion of multiple images without limits.

Artist Carrie Ann Baade paints extremely embellished detailed works that are part mythological story and new-age science fiction. Baade states: “As an artist and subject in my work, I serve as the steward and the axe-man to art’s legacy. Studying with art conservators and looking at the old masters has informed my choice to revitalize the archaic traditions of both traditional oil painting and egg tempera. My subjects are adopted from religion and mythology; these are often cautionary tales that mirror my personal experience. In desiring to speak to the complexity of the human condition, I use this language of allegory and narrative to relate my own story, which is at once an age-old tale.” Baade’s use of hundreds of separate clippings to form a new whole provides the viewer with an arresting array of pictorial references.

Fresh perspective and pristine detail are the hallmarks of Wookjae Maeng’s animal heads. Maeng’s porcelain animal heads and other combined cast forms convey a sense of preciousness and fragility. The stark white porcelain against the bright gold eyes of a bighorned sheep, or the perforated black porcelain head of a rhino mounted on a wooden board reminiscent of a trophy room in a hunting lodge, remind the viewer of objects known but altered. The deceptively small animal heads are a ghostly reminder of deeds past and actions gone unnoticed by an irresponsible world. In Maeng’s work, it’s the lack of details that provide the most information.

Each of the artists exhibiting in this show are masters of their personal narratives. With incredible detail, and a unique worldview, they each enhance our notion of story in a meaningful way.

CALENDAR LISTING:

Mindy Solomon Gallery presents ‘Detailed Information’ May 26th-July 7th. Opening Reception for the public takes place May 26th, 6-8:30pm, with artists’ introduction at 6:30pm. And, an artist talk and Q&A on Sunday, May 27th, 1-2pm: ‘Exquisite Detail: The Mythologically Inspired Works of Carrie Ann Baade.’ Please RSVP by May 25th to kirsten@mindysolomon.com to attend Carrie’s talk (no cost). Mindy Solomon Gallery is located at 124 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. The gallery is open Wednesday-Saturday from 11am-5pm.  Call 727-502-0852 or visit www.mindysolomon.com for more information.

  ]]> http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/14/exhibition-may-26th-july-7th-at-mindy-solomon-gallery-45962/feed/ 0 http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/14/neal-communities-unveils-new-social-media-initiatives-45960/ http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/14/neal-communities-unveils-new-social-media-initiatives-45960/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 22:46:27 +0000 Press Release http://madduxpress.com/?p=45960 Southwest Florida – Neal Communities announced that it has launched a comprehensive, multi-faceted social media program which includes a weekly blog, interactive social media contests, e-newsletters, customer testimonials, realtor recognition programs, and other online initiatives. The decision to expand its social media presence comes as a result of the company experiencing a tremendous increase in website traffic and online communications from customers, homebuyers, and the realtor community.

“We’ve always seen social media as an innovative and effective way to communicate with our customers and homeowners,” explained Pat Neal, President of Neal Communities. “By utilizing and combining the power of numerous social media outlets, we are able to reach more people and provide valuable information and resources in a timely manner. We want to be a resource for our online community, which includes realtors, homeowners, and prospective homebuyers.”

Some of the new initiatives being utilized by the company include:

·         ‘Welcome to the Family’, a weekly blog featuring tips and resources for Florida homeowners.

·         Interactive contests and polls that encourage followers and fans to participate in such activities as naming community amenities.

·         Realtor of the Month appreciation programs that recognize those in the Realtor community that partner with and support Neal Communities.

·         E-Newsletters focusing on individual Neal Communities and providing virtual tours and videos of the community and available homes.

·         Homeowner Spotlights which highlight various Neal Communities’ homeowners.

“Our primary goal is to create mutually valuable relationships with our followers,” added Leisa Weintraub, Vice President Marketing Creative Director. “By developing an extensive online environment, we can educate, engage, and inform our home owners and realtors about what’s going on in the area, offer useful tips and resources, and encourage feedback and interaction.  We are building a network of people with common likes and interests. It is all about developing the relationship, providing useful information, and having a fun time in the process.”

Neal Communities is ranked #1 locally by Metrostudy and by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence based on number of home sales and ranked #94 nationally among home builders by BUILDER magazine. To date, Neal has built over 8,600 homes in Southwest Florida. As the area’s largest and most established, locally-owned and operated private builder, Neal Communities is continually striving for excellence in every aspect of the home building and development business. Neal Signature Homes, John Neal Homes, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, State Street Mortgage, and Allegiant Title Professionals all contribute to the firm’s continued, record-setting local success. For more information, visit www.nealcommunities.com.

The Sports Physical exam is known as a Preparticapation Physical Exam (PPE).  The exam helps determine whether it’s safe for you to participate in a particular sport.  The two main parts of sports physicals are the Medical History and the Physical Exam.  Many physicians believe the medical history is the most important part of the exam.  Being able to identify an athlete’s medical history prior to taking the field can often prevent serious injuries and accidents.  So be sure to answer the questions as accurate as possible.  Here are some important questions asked:

• Have you ever passed out during or after exercise?
• Have you ever been dizzy during or after exercise?
• Have you ever had chest pain during or after exercise?
• Do you get tired more quickly than your friends do during exercise?
• Have you ever had racing of your heart or skipped heartbeats?
• Have you had high blood pressure or high cholesterol?
• Have you ever been told you have a heart murmur?
• Has any family member or relative died of heart problems or sudden death before age 50?

Although it may not be top-priority on your “to-do” list, getting a physical exam for your child’s sport is very important.  So bring your child into one of our three locations, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch & Sarasota Urgent Care Walk-In Clinics.  We are Open 7 Days a Week, 8 to 8.  There is No appointment needed, Just Walk- In!   We offer sports physicals for just $25, grades K-12.  You can find us on the web at www.sarasotaurgentcare.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook.  For any questions, contact Kathleen Cucci at 941-907-2800. ]]> http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/14/the-importance-of-sports-physical-exams-45958/feed/ 0 http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/14/charles-perry-partners-inc-cppi-prominently-ranked-among-engineering-news-records-prestigious-2012-top-400-contractors-published-may-9-2012-45956/ http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/05/14/charles-perry-partners-inc-cppi-prominently-ranked-among-engineering-news-records-prestigious-2012-top-400-contractors-published-may-9-2012-45956/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 22:41:41 +0000 Press Release http://madduxpress.com/?p=45956 TAMPA, FLA. – The Tampa office of Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (CPPI) announced the company is prominently ranked among Engineering News-Record’s prestigious 2012 Top 400 Contractors, published May 9, 2012. According to the widely respected survey, CPPI is the nation’s 342^nd largest construction firm, having reported 2011 revenues totaling $145 million. “At CPPI,” stated John V. Carlson, CEO and Principal, “advocating for the best interests of our clients is the basis for our success, and proudly, over 80 percent of our clients are repeat customers.” Continuing, he added, “I am immensely proud of our more than four decades of accomplishment, and our current standing as one of the nation’s largest commercial contractors.” CPPI’s Principals also include: Breck A. Weingart, Chairman; Domenic E. Scorpio, President; and Brian K. Leslie, Executive Vice President. The Gainesville-based company also operates offices in Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and Vero Beach, as well as Perry and Watkinsville, Georgia.

CPPI specializes in educational, commercial, healthcare, governmental and institutional construction. The company’s client list includes the University of Florida, Santa Fe College, University of Central Florida, University of North Florida, University of South Florida, Seminole State College, Valencia College, numerous K-12 school districts, healthcare clients, and state and local governments. Gainesville, Fla.-based Charles Perry Partners, Inc. prominently ranks 17^th largest among “The Southeast’s Top Green Contractors” according to ENR Southeast magazine’s annual survey. The company, which has constructed more than 30 LEED projects, has more than 50 LEED Accredited Professionals on staff and ranks 6^th largest among Florida firms based on 2010 sustainable revenues totaling $81,450,000. Recognized as a powerhouse of innovation, sustainability, craftsmanship and expertise, CPPI ranks among Florida’s largest general contractors, construction managers and design-builders, having reported total 2010 revenues of $168 million.

The company’s many outstanding projects also include: the new $95 million University High School in Volusia County; the $72 million Genetics & Cancer Research Center at the University of Florida; the $80 million North Florida Regional Medical Center expansion and renovations; The Village Retirement Community expansion; the $40 million University of Central Florida Physical Sciences Building, Phases I and II; the $38 million University of Florida Veterinary Education and Clinical Research Center (Small Animal Hospital); the $19 million University of South Florida Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions; the $11 million Florida Innovation Hub at the University of Florida; and countless others.

CPPI was prominently named one of Florida’s Best Companies To Work For in Florida Trend magazine’s annual survey published August 2011. The company’s headquarters is located in Gainesville, Florida. For more information, follow CPPI on Twitter @CPPI_News or visit www.cppi.com.

About Charles Perry Partners, Inc.

Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (CPPI) is one of Florida’s leading general contractors, construction managers and design-builders. Since 1968, the firm has established a tradition of excellence by providing an impressive array of services for public and private sector clients. CPPI’s services cover a wide range, including project planning and modeling, budget estimating and cost management, project scheduling and construction. The firm is a leader in sustainability and dedicated to the communities in which it serves. The company’s headquarters is located in Gainesville, Florida. Its Central Florida office is located in Oviedo, Florida, and its North Florida office is located in Jacksonville, Florida.  Its Tampa Bay office is located in Tampa, Florida, and its South Florida office is located in Vero Beach, Florida. The company’s Georgia offices are located in Perry and Watkinsville. For more information, please visit CPPI’s website at www.cppi.com, follow CPPI on Twitter @CPPI_News, or call 800-591-CPPI.

The Survey of Emerging Market Conditions, conducted quarterly by the Kelley A. Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies at UF’s Warrington College of Business Administration, revealed that those in the real estate business felt optimistic because of the falling unemployment rate and because they see more activity in rental housing, such as lease signings. The unemployment rate dropped from 9.9 percent in December 2011 to 9 percent in March.

“Positive outlooks for occupancy and rent growth along with an improving employment trend are increasing our respondents’ optimism about the real estate markets in Florida,” said Timothy S. Becker, director of the Bergstrom Center.

The UF Commercial Real Estate Sentiment Index, a measure of the respondents’ own business outlook, reached its highest level since 2007.  Bergstrom Center officials attributed the rise to lenders and owners sensing a better lending environment with banks as well as an improving economy.

“With billions of dollars of loans coming due over the next year, the increased lending activity is a welcome sign for real estate owners and investors looking for debt capital to refinance quality properties,” Becker said.

Property fundamentals including occupancy and rental rates improved this quarter with progress in single-family and condominium development, apartments, industrial, land investment and capital availability. Occupancy expectations were rated most favorably in the premium office market. Respondents cited a better employment outlook as the reason for optimism.

Although respondents were optimistic about the industry and the overall economy, they cited concerns about the upcoming presidential election and the state government’s financial situation.

Respondents said that significant policy changes would most likely not be in place before the November elections and not resolving those issues could lead to harsh economic results. Among those issues are the Bush tax cuts and the payroll tax break, which are both scheduled to expire after 2012, and $1.2 trillion in spending cuts that are set to take effect in 2013. Respondents also were concerned with artificially low interest rates, inflation and increased gas prices.

Overall, the survey revealed that the future for real estate in Florida looks positive, but political and economic uncertainties remain. A majority of respondents expect a slow and measured recovery until the conclusion of the presidential elections.

A total of 189 Florida professional real estate analysts and investors, representing 13 urban regions of the state and up to 15 property types, participated in the survey. The survey is done for participants in the commercial real estate market in Florida.

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (May 2, 2012) – Neighborly Care Network is joining the national celebration for Older Americans Month by hosting the Neighborly 2012 Senior Olympics at various Neighborly Senior Dining sites during the month of May. Pinellas seniors are ready to gear up, as this is the first athletic completion held by Neighborly since 2003.

The Administration on Aging dedicates the month of May to older Americans to honor and recognize them for the influences they make to our families, communities and society.  This year’s theme, Never Too Old to Play, encourages older adults to stay active, engaged and involved in their lives and community.

Neighborly clients are invited to participate in a wide-range of athletic events. The days’ activities include games, medals, prizes, refreshments and most importantly an opportunity to interact with peers and stay active. Participants will even be able to make nutritious shakes by peddling a specially designed bike that operates a blender provided by Molina Healthcare of Florida, sponsor of the 2012 Neighborly Senior Olympics.

Older American Month shows the country’s appreciation for older adults and acknowledges their achievements. Elders hold important roles within every community, sharing knowledge, wisdom and history. Neighborly believes it’s important to celebrate older citizens through social interaction, and physical activities or any other form of play from younger generations.

Increased play among seniors helps preserve mobility, muscle mass and cognitive abilities. Older citizens are not the only ones who benefit from these interactions.

Youths who have a significant relationship with a grandparent or elder tend to have an enriched child development and increased critical thinking skills. These relations can bridge the generation gap, where seniors can learn more about today’s technology and feel more engaged in their community and young people can benefit from the relationship that could potentially shape their values, goals, life choices and give them a sense of identity and roots.

Below is a list of dates and coordinating sites for Neighborly’s Senior Olympic games:  

Participants must be a registered Senior Diner with Neighborly Care Network to participate at the parties listed above. If seniors would like to register to join in the fun at any of Neighborly’s Senior Dining sites, call 727-573-9444. You must be 60 years of age or older and live in Pinellas County. Transportation is provided if needed at no charge. You must register 72 hours in advance to become a participant at the dining sites and to receive transportation. Neighborly meals provide one-third of the Daily Recommended Intake (DRI).

Neighborly Care Network at-a-glance:

Since 1966, Neighborly Care Network has provided home- and community-based services to the elderly in Pinellas County so they may live independently in their own homes. A pioneer in eldercare services, Neighborly started the first federally funded Meals on Wheels program, as well as the first Adult Day Care in the nation.

Some other life-sustaining programs include Nutrition Services, Transportation Services, Medicare Home Health, and the nationally innovative Neighborly Pharmacy. Shoppe Around the Corner offers unique gift and home decor items, with the proceeds benefiting Meals on Wheels. Neighborly also offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. For further information, call 727-573-9444 or visit www.Neighborly.org.

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Lilly Ho-Pehling chaired this year’s class, which participated in nine months of biweekly educational sessions, tours and candid conversations with community leaders on topics ranging from economic development and education to health sciences and sports.

The graduates of the Leadership Tampa Class of 2012 include:

Jacalin Ascough, PNC Bank

Joseph Bachman, Fifth Third Bank

Chad Barba, KPMG LLP

Michael Blasco, 352 Media Group

Ian Brown, Manhattan Kraft Construction, Inc.

Joshua Bullock, Tampa Bay Rays

Scott Campbell, The Beck Group

Allison Carr, AC Advertising Specialties

Mark Colvenbach, The University of Tampa

Sarah Combs, University Area Community Development Corp.

Scott Cox, Cox Fire Protection, Inc.

Tammy Criollo, Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, Inc.

April Diemer, Creative Recycling Systems, Inc.

Tracie Domino, Security Point Media

Cyndee Ann Dornblaser, CPSM, Dornblaser Marketing Resources

Alissa Ellison, GrayRobinson, P.A.

Julio Esquivel, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP

Carl Gillert, Syniverse Technologies, Inc.

Brady Harris, Batson-Cook Company

Brian Hendricks, Bank of America

Tyler Hill, Hill, Ward & Henderson, PA

Vivian Cortes Hodz, Cortes Hodz Family Law & Mediation, P.A.

Kyle Keith, PNC Bank

T.J. King, CFP, Raymond James

Stephanie Koch, PHR, Tampa Armature Works, Inc.

Amie Lonas, Joint Special Operations University

Drew Marshall, Corporate Interiors, Inc.

Patrick Messerli, Grant Thornton LLP

KC Misemer, Whitney National Bank

John Mullen, Phelps Dunbar LLP

Jennifer Murphy, SunTrust Bank

Denise Muth, Skanska USA Building Inc.

Jeffery Olender, Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, LLP

Pavla Ozkul, USF College of Business

Aakash Patel, Elevate

Gary Peric, Crowe Horwath LLP

Chuck Peterson, Caspers Company | McDonald’s Restaurants

Jib Reagan, Saint Leo University

John Redd II, D.M.D, John L. Redd II D.M.D., Pa

Darren Richards, Tucker/Hall, Inc.

Jarett Rieger, Moffitt Cancer Center

Jennifer Roeper, Fowler White Boggs PA

Punit Shah, Liberty Group of Companies

Kelley Sims, Lions Eye Institute for Transplant & Research Foundation, Inc.

Kareem Spratling, Broad and Cassel

Kevin Sturgill, TECO Energy, Inc.

Timm Sweeney, SIL Group

Thomas Szubka, City of Tampa

Kimberly Thresher, Thresher, P.A.

Louis Ursini, III, Adams and Reese LLP

Michael Wiemer, AACSB International

Chris Williams, Camden Property Trust

India Waller Witte, USF Foundation, Inc.

Michael Worrall, Busch Gardens & Adventure Island

Christy Young,  John Hancock Financial Network

Members of Leadership Tampa are business professionals who hold mid- to upper-level management positions.  In addition, they have demonstrated concern for community issues and have been active volunteers in service organizations.  The selection process is rigorous and requires review by an appointed selection committee.  Many graduates of the program have gone on to take expanded leadership roles in the community as well as in their own organizations.

The Leadership Tampa year begins in September and runs through May with members meeting every other week for briefings and seminars.  Each Leadership Tampa program brings in top-level business, civic and government leaders for panel discussions and question and answer sessions. Topics covered include healthcare, education, law enforcement, the environment, economic development, government and other important community issues.  The Chamber is accepting applications for the Leadership Tampa Class of 2013, the submission deadline is May 22.

For more information on Leadership Tampa, please contact Lorrie Hero, director of leadership programs at (813) 276-9445 or at lhero@tampachamber.com.

About the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce is committed to serving our members and enhancing our community by building business success.  The Chamber provides a greater return on investment and involvement by providing innovative leadership, inside access, influential advocacy and increased opportunities.