Tampa Bay Buccaneers expect TV blackout Sunday — and more to come

Here is the some most recent news on our Tampa Bay Bucs:

 

TAMPA — The Bucs are 3-1 and half a game out of first place in the NFC South heading into a division showdown with the Saints on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

But even that won't bring a sellout crowd.

A team spokesman confirmed Monday that the Bucs expect to fall short of a sellout against New Orleans and, most likely, for the five home games after that. That means local television blackouts are virtually certain the rest of the way. The club's previous two home games in the regular season and both preseason home contests were blacked out.

NFL broadcast rules require that games be sold out at least 72 hours before kickoff or the telecast cannot be shown within a 75-mile radius of the stadium.

It was thought that the Bucs' recent success, plus a matchup against the Super Bowl champion Saints, might spark ticket sales. But the Bucs' season-ticket base (believed to be 40,000 to 50,000) makes it difficult to sell enough individual tickets to sell out the 65,000-seat stadium.

 

To read more, click here.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Honors Volunteer “Bigs” of the Year at Match Appreciation Event

More than 350 “Bigs” & “Littles” Enjoyed a Rock Star Experience at Mahaffey Theater 

  Largo, FL (October 7, 2010)- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County honored volunteers and children served with an annual Match Appreciation party at Mahaffey Theater.  The evening’s program recognized volunteers and children served, volunteers of the year, and event sponsors.  Attendees enjoyed a “Rock N Roll Star Experience” theme including limousines, red carpet, volunteer paparazzi and star themed activities.  

  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas, Citrus, and Hernando Counties serves an average of 1,500 children a year.  While each volunteer “Big” contributes something amazing to the program, the agency highlights a select few volunteers that have made a significant impact on their “Little”.  Volunteers from both the Community Based Program and School Based Program were recognized by the agency.  Community Based volunteers enjoy a one-to-one friendship with a child a few hours a month and enjoy activities in the community.  School Based volunteers also enjoy a one-to-one friendship with a child but the place and time are usually set in a school setting. 

  “Positive relationships with caring adults can have a lasting impact on a child’s life,” said Susan Rolston, Chief Executive Officer.  “We are overwhelmed by the dedication and support of our volunteers who are dedicated to making a lasting impact in the lives of children.  It was especially nice to honor those volunteers who have made an astounding difference in the program.”  

  2010 “Bigs” of the Year:  

  Community Based Big Brother of the Year, George Root III, has been matched with his “Little” since 2007.  As a former student at Stetson Law, George involved his “Little” in on-campus activities and volunteer recruitment for Big Brothers Big Sisters.  George’s consistency and perseverance have truly made a long-term impact for his “Little” and has helped to guide him in decision making. 

  Community Based Big Sister of the Year, Jane Kucin, truly understands the potential of her “Little Sister”.  Jane has consistently encouraged and praised her “Little” during times of self doubt.  This encouragement has enhanced her school work, friendships, and home life. 

  School Based Big Brother of the Year, Mark Dawson, has been a consistent face for his “Little” for the past two years.  Mark’s employer, Wachovia Bank, a Wells Fargo Company, is a Corporate, School Based Partner for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.  Once a week, during his lunch hour, Mark visits with his Little at a nearby school.  Mark’s “Little” surprised him at the event and even had a special letter to read him. 

  School Based Big Sister of the Year, Jennifer Waggoner, has been known to go above and beyond to brighten the day of her “Little”.  Jennifer arrives with her arms full of fun things to enjoy with her “Little” each week to enrich their match experience. 

  High School, School Based Big of the Year, Courtney Benter, a high school student, has been matched with her “Little Sister” for more than a year who attends Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy.  The pair enjoy a variety of outdoor activities together, including golf.  Courtney has taught her “Little” the importance of school performance and friendship. 

  Event sponsors include:  The Gagnon Family Foundation, Outback Steakhouse, Progress Energy Center for the Arts-Mahaffey Theater, Ambassador Limousine and Sedan, Pepsi, and Best Buy.  

  About Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Pinellas, Hernando & Citrus Counties 
Big Brothers Big Sisters helps vulnerable children beat the odds.  The organization depends on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach more children.  Funding is used to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety; and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships.  Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to improve children’s odds for succeeding in school, behaving nonviolently, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and breaking negative cycles.  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County serves Pinellas, Hernando, and Citrus Counties. For more information, visit www.bbbspc.org.

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Inaugural Halloween Costume Party to Benefit Tampa Bay History Center

Tampa, FL (September 21, 2010) – Halloween with the kids? The Zoo has you covered. Halloween with 100,000 people? Try Guavaween. Halloween with history’s notorious gangsters, thieves and tyrants? The History Center is the place to be. 

  On Saturday, October 16th, the Tampa Bay History Center wants you to explore the dark side of history with HISTeria, a night of costumed revelry. A Halloween fundraiser in the heart of downtown Tampa, HISTeria will feature food from some of Tampa’s best local restaurants including SideBern’s, Fly Bar and Restaurant, AJA, Datz Deli, Ella’s Folk Café, Square One Burgers and the Columbia Cafe, among others. 

  Performance artists, psychics and a Tampa’s D.J. Blenda will transform the History Center into downtown Tampa’s premier Halloween destination. Don’t miss what will be Tampa’s must-attend Halloween event. 

  Plus, proceeds will benefit the History Center’s educational programs. 

  HISTeria will take place Saturday, October 16th from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Tickets are $35.00 prior to September 26th, $50.00 prior to October 16th and $60.00 on the day of the event. Tickets include one complimentary beverage and parking. A special $80.00 VIP package includes valet parking, an individual Tampa Bay History Center membership and two complimentary beverages. 

  Tampa Bay History Center is located at 801 Old Water Street in the Channelside District of downtown Tampa. Support for the event is provided by the Tampa Downtown Partnership, St. Petersburg Times, *tbt, Yuengling Brewery and Mama Razzi Foto. 

  Visit www.HISTeriaEvent.com for more information and to purchase advance tickets or call Visitor Services at (813) 228-0097 ext. 0. 

  About the Tampa Bay History Center 
The Tampa Bay History Center includes three floors of permanent and temporary exhibition space focusing on 12,000 years of Florida history. The History Center also features a Museum Store, the Witt Research Center (a branch of the Hillsborough County Public Library System), a map gallery, an event hall and the Columbia Cafe. One of Tampa’s premier cultural venues, the History Center’s hands-on, kid-friendly activities, together with cutting-edge interactive exhibits and theaters provide a unique educational experience. For more information, visitwww.tampabayhistorycenter.org.

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Stone Temple Pilots Playing on October 8th

Are you a Stone Temple Pilots fan? Well, they are playing right here in Tampa this friday, October 8th:

 

Since the moment they appeared on the scene in the early 90's, Stone Temple Pilots dominated the decade from start to finish, racking up 15 singles on the Billboard Top Ten, winning a "Best Hard Rock Performance" GRAMMY in 1994 for for "Plush," and having their five albums sell more than 35 million copies worldwide.

 

To read more about this band and buy your tickets, click here.

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Lowry Park ZooBoo

Start making plans for this October. There are an abundant amount of events happening. One of them is Lowry Park's ZooBoo. Read below to get additional information and start your planning in Tampa:

 

Beware of this spookish zoo! Lowry Park Zoo offers this thrill for the younger ones! You'll find haunted houses and spooky trails that will leave you wanting more! With five new haunts this year, you'll be sure to find out what goes bump in the night!!!

Enjoy these great attractions at this year's ZooBoo:

• Fright Theater 3D: Trapped in Time!
• Shipwrecked! Terror of Doom Island
• Sinister Shadows: Gothic Nightmare 
  
• Declassified: Project Alien
• Pharaoh's Tomb of Revenge (NEW!)
• Boogie Monster Bounce (NEW!)
• Ghoulish Games (NEW!)
• Little Beasties Bungalow
• Free Rides
  

 

Click here to get more info and to get your tickets.

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Rays know time to win is now

Here is you update on our Tampa Bay Rays:

 

ST. PETERSBURG -- Perception says the window of opportunity is closing for this collection of Tampa Bay Rays.

Principal owner Stuart Sternberg is a businessman, and he says the Rays have stretched their payroll to the limit. Thus, an adjustment needs to be made, which means there will be a payroll reduction in 2011. So the likelihood of favorites such as Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena and Rafael Soriano being back with the team seems unlikely.

The TBS coverage team of former Major Leaguers John Smoltz, Ron Darling and Cal Ripken offered their opinions on the subject.

 

Click here to read the rest of the article.

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GETSMART Tampa Bay

Did you know that women comprise 46.5% of the total U.S. workforce? Yet, women remain underrepresented in computing-related careers: only 26.67% of computer specialists in the U.S. are women and women account for less than 10% of the newest undergraduates in the computing field.  

Getting Everyone To Study Math and Related Technologies (GETSMART) is a partnership of the Information & Technology Management department at The University of Tampa and the Tampa Bay Technology Leadership Association (TBTLA).

GETSMART was established in 2008 and is in its third year offering a weekend program for middle and high school girls. The GETSMART’s mission is to assist young women in comprehending the value of math, science and Information Technology today and in their future. The program strives to increase the numbers of young women who select math, science and IT as further education or a career field by broadening their understanding of the importance of the discipline and the awareness that math, science and technology are interlaced into many career areas. 

The next GETSMART event will take place on the University of Tampa campus on Saturday, November 6, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the John H. Sykes School of Business – Room 237. The event is free.

For further information or to sign up to attend, please contact Ms. Dale Hempel at (813) 220-5332, dalehempel@earthlink.net or Ms. Cindy Brown at (727) 796-0727×301, cindyb@prattbrown.com.

Let’s GETSMART!

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