2006 FUR BALL
The Humane Society of the Nature Coast's 3rd Annual Fur Ball will be held Friday, August 18, 2006 at 6:30pm at the Palace Grand in Spring Hill. This is a celebration of our furry friends and the joy that they bring to our lives. The evening will include dinner, dancing and a silent auction. The Palace Grand will again be serving the Humane Society signature cocktail...A Rabies Shot, which they created to honor the Humane Society's 40th Anniversary last year. Tickets are $75.00 per person. All attendees will receive a "Doggie Bag" and be eligible for our door prize drawings. This will be an evening of fun and surprises. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the orphaned pets of our community. Tickets are now available by calling (352) 683-7490. Or log onto:
http://www.naturecoasthumanesociety.org/

HOME PARTY EXPO
Saturday, August 12, 200612:00 - 4:00Tucson's Grill & Cantina
13563 Icot Blvd (Ulmerton Road), Clearwater, Florida727-530-0637
Many of your favorite local companies will be on hand for you to shop all in one place. Get a manicure, facial or a massage, plan a trip or enjoy photography and artwork. You will find that special piece of jewelry, candles, lingerie and silk flower arrangements. While you are shopping, Tucson's will be providing you with delicious refreshments.
Throughout the event we will be holding raffles, with the proceeds being donated to the Help A Child Organization for abused children.Other items Help A Child needs are: Kid's socks, diapers, ninnies, toys, bibs, blankets, books, school supplies and cleaning products. Please feel free to donate anything you think they could use.A few of the companies represented include: Arbonne Cosmetics, Art Contempo, JK Flowers, Jane Iredale Cosmetics, Lingerie Mart, Market America, New Floridian Magazine, Pampered Chef, PartyLite Candles and Gifts, Passion Parties, 66th Street Travel, Silpada Sterling Silver Designs, Wedding Photography by Tim Hubbard, Youthful Essence Salon & Day Spa. For more details:  727-532-0715.

Auditions for SWEENEY TODD at the Manatee Players
Auditions for Stephen Sondheim's musical SWEENEY TODD will be held at the Manatee Players, 102 Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton on Sunday August 13 and Monday August 14. Auditions are at 7 p.m. both evenings. Those auditioning should prepare a song in their key. The musical director, Rick Bogner, will accompany all auditions. The musical calls for 7 male principals, 3 female principals and chorus. Ages considered will be 16 and above. THERE ARE NO CHILDREN'S ROLES IN THIS SHOW. All roles, including the chorus, require strong singing voices. Performance dates for the musical are October 12-29.Questions should be directed to Rick Kerby at 941-748-0111.

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CAR SHOW
The long running and ever popular Strawberry Classic Car Show is Saturday, August 19th, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Spectators can see cars and trucks manufactured in 1981 and before - antiques, customs, classics and hotrods - in and around McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. in Plant City. Entertainment will be provided; nearby shops and restaurants will be open late; and on-site vendors and crafters will offer the latest in hotrod and automotive accessories. Admission and registration for the car show are free. Free parking is available on surrounding streets. For more information, contact the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce at 813-754-3707 or log on to www.plantcity.org.

Bring your pet out for The Dog Days of Summer event!
Come on out to the Suncoast Resort Hotel Saturday, August 19 from 1 to 6 p.m. to experience the Dog Days of Summer. There will be pets available for adoption. A five dollar donation will benefit Pet Pal Rescue. The event is located at 3000 34th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711. For more information, please call (727) 867-1111.

Bark at the Ball Park
Bright House Networks, Clearwater Threshers and the Humane Society of Pinellas are hosting a baseball night where dogs are welcome on August 19 starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $3 each and all proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Pinellas. For tickets, call (727) 467-4457.

A Celebration of Geometric Art
July 9 - Aug. 20 ; Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art. This traveling exhibit with prints, paintings and sculptures of the MADI movement visits the Bay area.

CHILD ID DAY AT DOC GREENS
On Sunday, August 20th from 12-4 pm , we are having Child ID Day. Parents can come out with their kids and enjoy a day of fun. In cooperation with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children we are holding an event to have theIr children finger-printed and photo ID'd by a Tampa police officer This will help expedite the process in case a child goes missing. There will be face painting, and best of all kids 12 & under eat free!For more info: www.docgreens.com

SOUTH TAMPA ART SHOW
The Great Frame Up
Featuring Artists: Dan and Denise Rojas
Opening Reception: Thursday, August 24th, 6pm - 9pm
Enjoy an evening of fine art, food, and wine!
3810 Neptune Street, Ste. B3813-254-5423www.baystudios.com

Agritech 2006 Education Session and Trade Show
On Tuesday, August 29 and Wednesday, August 30, the Florida Strawberry Growers Association will hold the largest trade show in Agritech history. During the Agritech educational session and trade show, agricultural growers will have the chance to learn about the latest technology and growing information, meet and talk with other local growers, and enjoy great food. This year's event will be held at the John R. Trinkle Building at Hillsborough Community College, 1206 N. Park Rd. in Plant City. Registration is $50 per grower and $350 per exhibitor. Registration includes two breakfasts, two lunches, refreshment breaks and all educational material. For more information or to register, contact Julie Chandler at 813-752-6822.

LABOR DAY CAR GIVEAWAY!
Non-profit group helps working families by providing affordable second-hand vehicles;plans to give 20 vehicles to families on Labor Day Weekend!! For more information -- log onto www.wheelsofsuccess.org.

CELEBRITY FASHION SHOW BENEFITTING H.A.R.C.
The HilllsboroughAssoc. for Retarded Citizens is proud to announce details of this years special afternoon event.Pleas join H.A.R.C.Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at the HYATT REGENCY TAMPA At Tampa City Center Downtown: 211 North Tampa Street Tickets $60 per PersonTable Sponsorships (Seating for 10) Runway Sponsorship: $1,000.00 Priority Sponsorship: $750.00Registration & Silent Auction: 10:30am - Noon Fashion Show: Noon - 1:00pm Luncheon: 1:00 - 1:30pm
Bay News 9's Anchor Jen Holloway. Bay News 9 en Espanol's Carleth Keys and Bay News 9's Meterologist Josh Linker will be part of the fashion show. Jack Harris from 970 AM Tampa Bay will be your Master of Ceremonies. For tickets and more info.: (813) 273-6364

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. www.habitat.org

Insurance Referral Program
The Florida Market Assistance Plan can be accessed at the link below. FMAP is a free referral service designed to match consumers, who cannot find property insurance, with Florida licensed agents and insurers who are writing new business. www.fmap.org

Healthy & Fit for Life
Tampa General Hospital - More Health's "Healthy and Fit for Life" information on parent and child nutritional and physical fitness programs available this summer. Call 1-800-822-3627 for more information.

Pet Microchip Information
There are a few companies that offer microchip services for pets. Two we found are listed below. These are not recommendations, as we highly recommend discussing it with your veterinarian first to find the best solution for you and your pet(s).
www.avidmicrochip.com
www.homeagainid.com

Pinellas EMS Sign-up
Residents in Pinellas county interested in signing up for the county's EMS text messaging system can sign up at the Pinellas county website. You can also get more info by calling 1-888-689-8905 or www.pinellascounty.org

511 Tampa Bay
When hurricanes and severe weather threaten our area, either call 5-1-1 or visit 511tampabay.com for real-time traffic reports, alternate routes, road closures and major evacuation routes on all interstate highways and major roads. www.511tampabay.com