http://pinellascvb.com/pr/ 2008-10-01T11:14:22+01:00 http://pinellascvb.com.com http://pinellascvb.com/images/shell/header.jpg text/html 2008-09-16T07:09:30+01:00 http://pinellascvb.com Courtney King http://pinellascvb.com/pr/article.php?id=15    News from the City of Dunedin Florida                     Paradise Found   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Courtney King (727) 298-3015 cking@dunedinfl.net September 12, 2008     The City of Dunedin is Ranked as a Top Place to Retire Dunedin FL – Once again, the City of Dunedin ranks in the top of the pack. This time, MONEY Magazine chose the area as part of their “Best Places to Retire.”  Over the course of the past several months the magazine has sent a writer, photographer and video journalist to capture the essence of the City. “Dunedin was selected as a “MONEY Best Places to Retire” because of its unique combination of value and beauty.  It is less crowded and less expensive than other contenders on the Atlantic side of Florida while offering cobblestone paths, quaint historic buildings and a pretty marina. This city with a Celtic heritage makes you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time,” said MONEY managing editor, Eric Schurenberg. MONEY Magazine also recognized Dunedin in 2004 as part of their “Best Places to Live on the Coast” series. Dunedin was chosen as a top spot to live on the Gulf of Mexico and the city was touted as Tampa Bay’s best-kept secret. “Dunedin is a very special place and our little secret is out.” Courtney King, Communications Supervisor for the City of Dunedin said.  “Dunedin is not only a great place to retire but a place to be part of a real community. Dunedin is a city with the feel and charm of a small town.  Living here we enjoy a vibrant arts scene, the best beaches, a 34-mile bike trail with great ocean views and a golf course that once housed the PGA. Everything about Dunedin is attractive and vibrant; we are a very dynamic slice of paradise where you can live, work and play or just simply retire and enjoy the good life.” In May 2008, Dr. Beach (Stephen P. Leatherman) chose Dunedin’s Caladesi Island State Park as the Number One beach in the country in his “America’s Best Beaches” series. Caladesi beat out beaches in Hawaii, along the Eastern Seaboard and California for this year's honor.  Leatherman compiles his list as part of the National Healthy Beaches Campaign, and this year plans a television special featuring the nation's best beaches. To check out the story on CNNMoney.comvisit www.cnnmoney.com/retirementand search for Dunedin Florida. For additional information visit the city’s website at www.dunedingov.com. ###           text/html 2008-07-17T15:07:11+01:00 http://pinellascvb.com Jamie Myette http://pinellascvb.com/pr/article.php?id=13  LOEWS HOTELS ANNOUNCES “YOU FIRST” GUEST LOYALTY PROGRAM Guest Incentive Program Based on Stays, Not Points NEW YORK, (July 15, 2008) – Loews Hotels today announced You First, a new loyalty program that will reward guests based on number of stays.  The program, one of the most inclusive in the industry, allows guests to begin receiving rewards after just one stay and provides free Internet, late checkout, guaranteed rooms and upgrades to guests who visit a minimum of two times in a given year. It is also one of the only programs to offer rewards to guests booked through meeting planners or travel agents. Keep in mind, the Don CeSar Beach Resort, A Loews Hotel is just a short trip away.  “You First is our way of thanking our best guests and building loyalty with new Loews Hotels customers,” said Nancy Mendelson, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Loews Hotels.  “We have simplified the program by rewarding guests based on the number of stays, and made it more relevant by giving amenities that research showed is most meaningful to our customers.” Available at Loews’ 17 hotels and resorts as of July 15, You First replaces Loews’ current Loews First rewards program and has the following structure: Member – 0-1 stays; Blue –2-4 stays; Gold – 5-9 stays and Platinum – 10+ stays.  As soon as a member qualifies for a certain status, they will receive those benefits for the next 12 months unless they progress to another level of membership.  Benefits include American Express Membership Rewards® points and partner discounts for all member categories; free room upgrades, late checkout, guaranteed availability, free access to property fitness centers, and free internet for Blue through Platinum members; VIP on-property amenities for Gold and Platinum members. All You First members are eligible for Loews Hotels exclusive partner discounts including 20 % off Fisher Price online orders of $75 or more, 30% off Fiji water home delivery, and 30% off Kuerig home coffee brewers among others.  “We have structured You First with an eye towards growth.  We plan to add more marketing partners and offer exclusive trips that include event tickets and experiences that would be nearly impossible for a person to source on their own.” All current Loews First members will maintain their existing membership level for six months.  Guests of Loews Hotels can register for You First online through the new You First section of www.loewshotels.com/youfirst; on-property at the registration desks or through the company’s call center, 1-877-LOEWS-14. Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels owns and/or operates 18 hotels and resorts in the U.S. and Canada.  Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews portfolio features one-of-a-kind properties that go beyond Four Diamond standards to delight guests with a supremely comfortable, uniquely local and vibrant travel experience.  Loews boasts some of the industry's most innovative and successful travel programs, including Loews Loves Kids for families and Loews Loves Pets for discerning animals on the road.  For reservations or more information on Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or check www.loewshotels.com. text/html 2008-07-02T14:07:32+01:00 http://pinellascvb.com Kara Teresi http://pinellascvb.com/pr/article.php?id=12   PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                                            Contact: Jennifer Eiber HCP & Associates 813-318-0565 jeiber@hcpassociates.com   Experience “My Island” at Sheraton Sand Key     Clearwater, FL – (June 2008) – “Experience Our Island” has been a positioning statement for the Sheraton Sand Key Resort for over 25 years, but now the resort is welcoming guests and members of the local community to experience “My Island.” Florida’s premier bronze sculptor, Geoffrey Smith, unveiled “My Island” at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort on Monday, June 23. “My Island” is the vision of Russ Kimball, General Manager, and renowned wildlife artist, Geoffrey Smith. The inspirations for this original piece were the comments of past guests, staff members and management reflecting on their personal memories of their stay at Sand Key, one of Florida’s most acclaimed barrier islands. The art was uniquely designed to welcome guests to the Sheraton Sand Key Resort.    The bronze artwork was created using an ancient “lost wax” process. The original clay study was transformed into a series of molds and then used to reproduce a limited edition of the art. The unique coloration of the bronze is the result of handcrafted work by artisans utilizing heat and chemicals to create the distinctive patina.   Mr. Kimball joined the artist in a two-day encampment at the famous Eagle Bronze Foundry in Lander, Wyoming to oversee the final casting and hand patina work. “The work of these foundry specialists in producing extraordinary sculptures was phenomenal. From intricate lines on our shore birds to 40 foot tall monuments soon to grace the shores of an Italian riverside, the care and craftsmanship captures the intricacies of the original artist’s vision. It was a true delight to witness our creation coming to life in a beautiful finished bronze sculpture,” says Kimball.      -more- Smith is one of America’s most respected and accomplished sculptors. Through his favored medium of bronzes, he has transformed his love of nature and the outdoors to evoke the spirit of the tropical landscapes, wildlife and people who thrive in our seaside environment. “This new frieze, “My Island” is a great reflection of seaside life and epitomizes the rich environment here on Sand Key. I’m proud to have this piece in my collection of Florida works,” said Geoffrey Smith. Smith resides in Stuart, Florida where his studio showcases many of the famous pieces, which distinguishes his realistic style of work. Geoffrey has been honored with numerous commissions for private and corporate collectors throughout the world. His artwork can be seen locally at the Plainsmen Gallery in Clearwater, FL. For more information on Geoffrey Smith, visit www.geoffreysmith.com.   Since the opening of the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in 1975, the management has strived to combine exceptional hospitality, upscale facilities and breathtaking surroundings to welcome guests from around the world. The hotel has established a tradition of excellence that upholds its history of awards and recognition. The resort has continuously sought after new ways to enhance the guest experience through a near constant effort to upgrade the property as well as the amenities for the guests to enjoy. The personal attention of the veteran manager, Russ Kimball, continues this tradition with a growing collection of special art that adds a unique refinement to the seaside resort location. Visit www.sheratonsandkey.com to learn more about the Sheraton Sand Key Resort.       ###     Smith Hanging Art:   World renown wildlife artists, Geoffrey Smith installs unique bronze tablets at Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Clearwater Beach.  “My Island” is a special commission honoring the thousands of guests, employees and management that have shared the Sand Key experience.   Bronze Tablets at SSK:  New bronze tablets created by Geoffrey Smith, world renown wildlife artist, now welcomes guests to the Sheraton Sand Key Resort.   text/html 2008-06-26T13:06:08+01:00 http://pinellascvb.com Jennifer Eiber http://pinellascvb.com/pr/article.php?id=10   Experience “My Island” at Sheraton Sand Key     Clearwater, FL – (June 2008) – “Experience Our Island” has been a positioning statement for the Sheraton Sand Key Resort for over 25 years, but now the resort is welcoming guests and members of the local community to experience “My Island.” Florida’s premier bronze sculptor, Geoffrey Smith, will be unveiling “My Island” at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort on Monday, June 23. “My Island” is the vision of Russ Kimball, General Manager, and renowned wildlife artist, Geoffrey Smith. The inspirations for this original piece were the comments of past guests, staff members and management reflecting on their personal memories of their stay at Sand Key, one of Florida’s most acclaimed barrier islands. The art was uniquely designed to welcome guests to the Sheraton Sand Key Resort.    The bronze artwork was created using an ancient “lost wax” process. The original clay study was transformed into a series of molds and then used to reproduce a limited edition of the art. The unique coloration of the bronze is the result of handcrafted work by artisans utilizing heat and chemicals to create the distinctive patina.   Mr. Kimball joined the artist in a two-day encampment at the famous Eagle Bronze Foundry in Lander, Wyoming to oversee the final casting and hand patina work. “The work of these foundry specialists in producing extraordinary sculptures was phenomenal. From intricate lines on our shore birds to 40 foot tall monuments soon to grace the shores of an Italian riverside, the care and craftsmanship captures the intricacies of the original artist’s vision. It was a true delight to witness our creation coming to life in a beautiful finished bronze sculpture,” says Kimball.     Smith is one of America’s most respected and accomplished sculptors. Through his favored medium of bronzes, he has transformed his love of nature and the outdoors to evoke the spirit of the tropical landscapes, wildlife and people who thrive in our seaside environment. “This new frieze, “My Island” is a great reflection of seaside life and epitomizes the rich environment here on Sand Key. I’m proud to have this piece in my collection of Florida works,” said Geoffrey Smith. Smith resides in Stuart, Florida where his studio showcases many of the famous pieces, which distinguishes his realistic style of work. For more information on Geoffrey Smith, visit www.geoffreysmith.com.   Since the opening of the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in 1975, the management has strived to combine exceptional hospitality, upscale facilities and breathtaking surroundings to welcome guests from around the world. The hotel has established a tradition of excellence that upholds its history of awards and recognition. The resort has continuously sought after new ways to enhance the guest experience through a near constant effort to upgrade the property as well as the amenities for the guests to enjoy. The personal attention of the veteran manager, Russ Kimball, continues this tradition with a growing collection of special art that adds a unique refinement to the seaside resort location. Visit www.sheratonsandkey.com to learn more about the Sheraton Sand Key Resort.   text/html 2008-06-26T13:06:36+01:00 http://pinellascvb.com james rauelrson http://pinellascvb.com/pr/article.php?id=11   Juneteenth Family Festival-Celebrating Freedom in St. Petersburg   (St. Petersburg, Florida-June 16, 2008)---The Juneteenth Family Festival in     St. Petersburg is a celebration commemorating the emancipation of slavery. The theme for the 2008 festival is “Celebrating Freedom.”  This multi-cultural festival will be held on Sat.., June 21, 2008 at Campbell Park, in St. Petersburg.  The Juneteenth Board members are appealing to small businesses and corporations to donate money and provide volunteers. The support of the community, corporate sponsors and the public is crucial for the survival of 17th Annual Juneteenth Family Festival.  Volunteers are still needed.   Juneteenth's 2008’s lineup will include: African American Health Screenings, a Career Fair by the Pinellas County Urban League, face painting, arts & crafts and over 10 live performances (including Gospel, Hip-hop and R&B Bands).  All of the performers have donated their talent and time to make the festival enjoyable for all. Over 15   The festival is presented by Bright House Networks.  Some other corporate sponsors who are showing their support are The St. Petersburg Times, Rouson & Associates, Urban Development Solutions, and TECO People’s Gas among others.  The event is co-sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg.   Please come out and support Black History and pay tribute to African Americans who have sacrificed their lives for others to enjoy the privilege of being free. Special events benefiting the black community don’t just happen…people make and money them happen!  Call Faye Dowell, Juneteenth Coordinator, at (727) 743-6792 to become a sponsor for 2008.     Line up of Juneteenth Activities  Sat, June 21st at Campbell Park  This Saturday   10:15am Welcome……………Goliath Davis-Deputy Mayor, City of St. Petersburg   10:30 Negro National Anthem……...Milton Bailey-Mt. Zion Progressive MB Church   10:35am Solo…...Minister of Music Victor McCullough- Mt. Zion Progressive M B Church   10:50am-11:30  Gospel Group……..Minister Matty C. Lane & The Gospel Joyettes   11:30-12:15 am Inspirational Songs…………………………Spiritual Precept   12:20pm-12:45pm Gospel Group………………Faithful 5 Gospel Group   1pm-1:30pm  R &B Singer …………………………………Kayla Hill   1:30pm-2:00pm Kung Fu Demonstration…………………………. Si Fu Steve   2:00pm-2:30pm Poetry ……..From Aesop to Hip-Hop, Poetry & Proverbs-.Kwabena   2:30pm-3:00 pm Saxophonist……………………..Henry Ashwood Junior   3:30 pm-3:50 pm Drumming ………………………….Giving Tree Drumming Circle   4:15pm-4:30pm Drumming……………Drumline Mt. Zion Progressive M B Church     4:30pm-5:00pm Fashion Show……………………….Reader’s Choice Bookstore   5:00pm-5:45pm……………………The Florida International Jazz & Blues Band     Urban Exposure Inc. Rinita Anderson PO Box 1384 St. Petersburg, Florida 33731 Phone:    (727) 515-5024 Email: urbanexp@tampabay.rr.com or urbanexposureinc@yahoo.com   text/html 2008-06-26T13:06:22+01:00 http://pinellascvb.com Rhonda Sanborn http://pinellascvb.com/pr/article.php?id=5 FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS NEED SHORT-TERM HOST FAMILIES FOR THREE SHORT WEEKS THIS SUMMER! EF Educational Homestay Programs is looking to place high school age students from France with volunteer host families for three weeks this summer from July 21 to August 10, 2008. These students are coming to our area to improve their English language skills and to experience American family life. Host families are asked to provide a bed for the students, and extra plate at the table, transportation to and from a strategically placed bus stop, and a warm welcoming environment. So check your calendar, this is an incredible opportunity. If you are interested in more information please contact the Local Program Leader: Mary Elena at 727-512-9285 or our regional offices at 866-480-4089. For more information on the program: www.efhomestay.org text/html 2008-05-30T08:05:14+01:00 http://pinellascvb.com Deborah Holland http://pinellascvb.com/pr/article.php?id=9 Announcing the new Official Beaches Guide from Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. This handy fold out brochure includes detailed beach maps with access and parking information, amenities, points of interest, shore tips and details about local flora and fauna you will find along the Gulf of Mexico.  text/html 2008-05-30T08:05:13+01:00 http://pinellascvb.com Ellen Rivera http://pinellascvb.com/pr/article.php?id=6 Jazz: The Art of Music