<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<community-announcements type="array">
  <announcement>
    <headline>"Literality": USF BFA Exhibition</headline>
    <date>2009-11-20 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>The University of South Florida&#8217;s Bachelors of Fine Arts present their annual exhibition, &#8220;Literality&#8221; in the West Tampa Center for the Arts through Dec. 12. The show features dynamic works in a melting pot of artistic media.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Cortez Folk Festival</headline>
    <date>2009-11-21 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Takes place on the grounds of the Maritime Museum of Florida, 4415 119th Street West Cortez, in Manatee County. No Alcoholic Beverages allowed. For map and further details: cortez-fish.org, or call 941-708-6121.



</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Clearwater Audubon Society Bird Walk</headline>
    <date>2009-11-21 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Join Clearwater Audubon Society to birdwalk along the shores of Old Tampa Bay in this unique County park &#8212; the oldest one in Pinellas County.  Look for shorebirds, songbirds, waders, and raptors.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Vigil for Peace and Iraq Moratorium</headline>
    <date>2009-11-21 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Rain or Shine - join citizens and members of Veterans For Peace to resist the ongoing wars and occupations at the NE Corner of Dale Mabry and Gandy. Bus and ample parking is available. FMI call Jay at (727) 525-8769 or see www.iraqmoratorium.org</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Artist Talk at FMoPA: Suzanne Camp Crosby</headline>
    <date>2009-11-21 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Suzanne Camp Crosby speaks about her curent body of work, "Kid City," on display at FMoPA. Well known in Tampa for her photography, Crosby often uses a child's point of view when she stages scenes familiar to very young imaginations. </text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Handmade Holiday Bazaar </headline>
    <date>2009-11-21 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Support the independant artists of St Pete Craft Heroes and the Studio@620 with the  handmade gifts at Holizaar Deux. FInd more info &amp; details on ordering lunch info from craftheroes.com.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Community Wide Harvest Festival</headline>
    <date>2009-11-21 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Classical Christian School for the Arts has lots of fun for the whole family at a seasonal Harvest Festival. Enjoy the Bounce Houses, Pony Rides, Electronic and Carnival Games, Face Painting, Hay Rides, Food Vendors, Garage Sale, &amp; Cake Walk.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>The Spring of Tampa Bay Fish Fry</headline>
    <date>2009-11-21 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>The Spring of Tampa Bay is having a Fish Fry with live music, raffles, &amp; blood mobile to support its programs.  Visit thespring.org to find out everything you need to know about this invaluable organization.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Success for Steps </headline>
    <date>2009-11-21 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Today's modern stepfamilies face many challenges during the holiday season and throughout the year. If you are part of a stepfamily, avoid holiday "Mis-Steps" and take part in an open discussion with Success for Steps. </text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>NRA Pistol Safety Course</headline>
    <date>2009-11-21 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Learn to shoot a pistol safely, correctly and responsibly in a class that meets Florida requirements for a Concealed Carry Permit. The day-long class is conducted by a certified NRA instructor.             


                       
</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>America Unchained</headline>
    <date>2009-11-21 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Tampa Independent Business Association marks "America Unchained." Do all your shopping, dining &amp; other spending with locally-owned independent businesses and help keep $23 million in our local economy. FMI about TIBA, or shopping local on Nov 21:</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Try your Hand at Glassblowing</headline>
    <date>2009-11-21 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>The Industrial Arts Center opens its doors every First Friday and Third Saturday of the month, during Gulfport's Art Walk. Take a trip through the glassblowing process &amp; try your hand at blowing an ornament, paperweight, or drinking vessel.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>St Giles Holiday Bazaar</headline>
    <date>2009-11-21 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>St. Giles Church is having a holiday craft sale.  There will be a crafter raffle, live entertainment by The Fab 5 all day, and a meet and greet at 2:00 by the Pinellas Park K9 unit. </text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Tampa's Toast &amp; Taste</headline>
    <date>2009-11-21 15:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>See firsthand what Best Buddies Tampa has to offer while enjoying an evening of delectable food and wine tastings, with exceptional live and silent auctions. Entertainment, special guests, and an official after-party tops off this dazzling event.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Jewish Culture in America</headline>
    <date>2009-11-22 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Friendship Force-Florida Suncoast works to break down barriers that separate people. Rabbi Weizman of Clearwater's Congregation Beth Shalom makes a special presentation about Jewish culture, families, traditions, food, music &amp; more. </text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>BROADWAY IN THE PARK</headline>
    <date>2009-11-22 15:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Enjoy a performance by the students at John Leggio's Center for the Performing Arts -  the Center Company Singers present "The Music of Kander and Ebb." Bring your lawn chairs to the Earth Stage by Pavillion #2 at Crews Lake Park. </text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>MOSI's Camp Turkey</headline>
    <date>2009-11-23 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Celebrate Thanksgiving at MOSI by launching a turkey with a catapult. Go into the lab to experiment on your favorite foods and find out what makes them yummy. Explore Native Americans artifacts and crafts and learn their hunting techniques. For more:</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Turkey Gobble Family Fun Run/ Walk</headline>
    <date>2009-11-26 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Downtown YMCA&#8217;s Turkey Gobble Family Fun Run/ Walk begins before you sit down to dinner. The 6th Annual event is on THanksgiving Day at Al Lopez Park in Tampa.

</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>ThanksVegan Feast</headline>
    <date>2009-11-26 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Tampa Bay&#8217;s 4th Annual "ThanksVegan" Feast is a delicious potluck-style meal with fun activities for everyone. Florida Voices for Animals and a coalition of organizations representing Tampa Bay&#8217;s vegetarian community host the yearly celebration. RSVP</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Season of Wishes</headline>
    <date>2009-11-27 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>The Season of Wishes Holiday Campaign from Suncoast Make-A-Wish Foundation is looking for corporate funders &amp; donors who can help grant seven wishes, or raise money. Receive marketing benefits such as radio spots, web site promotions, &amp; more. </text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>AIN'T RETIREMENT GRAND! </headline>
    <date>2009-11-27 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>A heart-warming musical revue divulges retirement dreams and schemes - AIN'T RETIREMENT GRAND is back by popular demand at Venue Theatre. Friday &amp; Saturday performances are at 8pm, Sundays at 5 pm. </text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Pulitzer Prize Winning Play - Doubt</headline>
    <date>2009-11-28 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>One of the most controversial works of modern theater, &#8220;Doubt, became a 2008 motion picture starring Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman. The Showcase Repertory Company performs the Pulitzer Prize winner at NPR Library.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Al Petteway and Amy White</headline>
    <date>2009-11-28 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Hear this award-winning duo play their unique blend of traditional, contemporary and Celtic music, including original guitar work from the soundtrack of "The National Parks-America's Best Idea." Bring chairs or blankets and picnic baskets.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>MOSI&#8217;s Scrabble Fun Day</headline>
    <date>2009-11-28 15:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Play against members of the National Scrabble Association or your own friends and family in an amateur tournament for children of all ages.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Reflections: A World AIDS Day Concert</headline>
    <date>2009-11-29 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>The Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project welcome local professional theatre artists for an evening of song and stories, offering the community an opportunity to remember those who have passed and reflect on those who still suffer from HIV/AIDS.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Collection Boxes for Cell Phones For Soldiers </headline>
    <date>2009-11-30 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Drop off unused or outdated cell phones &amp; calling cards to any of eight drop-off locations in Hillsborough County. The annual Cell Phones For Soldiers helps overseas troops stay in touch with their families. FMI: hillsboroughcounty.org.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Sister's Christmas Catechism</headline>
    <date>2009-12-01 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>SISTER&#8217;S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM offers hysterical audience interaction, musical highlights, wacky prizes, non-stop laughs and the irrepressible, irresistible Sister The show is bound to become a must-see holiday tradition.  </text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>SCF to Launch New Book and Author Series</headline>
    <date>2009-12-04 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>The library @ SCF, Manatee-Sarasota begins a new book and author series featuring college faculty and local authors. The first reception takes place 5-7 p.m at SCF-Bradenton, 5840 26th St. West. </text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>2010 Individual Artist Grants </headline>
    <date>2009-12-04 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>If you are an accomplished creative artist at least 18 years old and a legal resident of Hillsborough County, you can now apply for a grant to either complete or start a planned project in performance, visual art, literature, dance or music. FMI:</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Spelling Bee Contest </headline>
    <date>2009-12-04 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Can you spell your way out of a text message, or are you spellbound? If you are in elementary or middle school, you can prepare for the 2nd annual Spelling Bee Contest at Enoch Davis Center on February 17. Winners receive monetary awards and trophies</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Celebrate the Music of Hanukkah, Christmas &amp; Kwanzaa</headline>
    <date>2009-12-04 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Enjoy dinner and a fun, light-hearted musical celebration of these 3 special holidays with the local chapter of 'Friendship Force.' This organization, nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992, has 360 chapters in 60 countries on 6 continents. </text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Still No Room at the Inn Carol Sing</headline>
    <date>2009-12-04 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Spend a musical evening with ASAP Homeless Services&#8217; 23rd annual Carol Sing. Caroling begins at the ASAP Drop-in Center, 423 11th Avenue South in St. Petersburg and proceeds to homeless shelters and retirement homes.  </text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Whistle Stop Christmas Craft Show &amp; Bank Sale</headline>
    <date>2009-12-05 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Holy Innocents' Church is holding its second annual Whistle Stop Christmas craft show &amp; bake sale.  The event features specialty &amp; craft vendors, raffles, homemade baked goods, as well as food &amp; drink. </text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>WINTER MAGIC WORKSHOPS </headline>
    <date>2009-12-05 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Holiday workshops at Carrollwood Culteral Center let children ages 6-12 use their creativity to decorate the holidays in new and innovative ways. More info at carrollwoodcenter.org. Please register in advance. </text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Holiday Forest: Hosted by The PinkCricket</headline>
    <date>2009-12-05 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Holiday trees decorated by local arts and culture organizations will be displayed and auctioned off at Art in the Park, in Williams Park, downtown St. Petersburg. Proceeds go to benefit local arts and culture organizations. Hosted by The PinkCricket.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Unmasking the Stigma </headline>
    <date>2009-12-05 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Tampa Bay Community Events Partnership hosts a Red Ribbon Masquerade Dance, a fundraising event in honor of World AIDS DAY with dinner, live music &amp; entertainment.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>World March for Peace and Nonviolence</headline>
    <date>2009-12-05 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>The Pinellas Trail Peace Train is the local leg of the World March for Peace, commencing at two locations - north and south of Taylor Park in Largo. Gather for a brown bag lunch, music and comraderie.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Clash of the Champions</headline>
    <date>2009-12-05 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>at Brandon High Brandon Electric Car Club takes on the Milton High Tiger Racing to team to crown the State High School Electrathon Champion. Find out more about electric cars and Electrathon of Tampabay.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Tampa's Largest Yard Sale </headline>
    <date>2009-12-05 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Clear out pre-holiday clutter, market direct sales merchandise, or stock up from sellers and vendors on great deals for the holidays. All booth sales and sponsorships benefit KW Cares Foundation, helping people in need in our community. For more:</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Learn to Meditate</headline>
    <date>2009-12-05 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Here is a meditation workshop for beginners based on the national bestseller, Turning the Mind Into An Ally by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.  Learn the elements for a strong meditation practice - good sitting posture, breathwork, and more.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>NRA Pistol Safety Course</headline>
    <date>2009-12-05 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Learn to shoot a pistol safely, correctly and responsibly from NRA Certified Instructors. The class meets Florida requirements for a concealed carry permit. Non-residents are eligible. For details:
            </text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Sunshine Challenge</headline>
    <date>2009-12-06 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>This 5K Fun Run &amp; 1 Mile Family Walk is a family fun day with a picnic.  Proceeds benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, a local nonprofit organization that raises funds for research to find a cure for childhood cancer.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>National Kidney Foundation of Florida 2009 Tampa Bay Walk </headline>
    <date>2009-12-06 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>The National Kidney Foundation conducts a non-competitive walk, to raise awareness of kidney and urinary tract diseases, &amp; the need for organ donation. Families, friends, collegues, and those battling kidney disease are welcome to take part.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Clearwater Audubon Monthly Meeting</headline>
    <date>2009-12-07 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Clearwater Audubon Society welcomes guest speakers Melanie Higgins and Lauren Deaner
to talk about the Quest Ecology program for Monitoring Bird Migration. They'll present the study of the use of restored habitat by neo-tropical migratory songbirds.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Holiday Conservation Celebration</headline>
    <date>2009-12-08 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>The Pinellas Chapter of Fla. Native Plant Society and St Pete Audubon sponsor a silent auction, refreshments, awards, enviro-exhibits, and speaker Doug Tallamy, author of "Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants."</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Polk County Toys for Tots Drive</headline>
    <date>2009-12-10 00:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Fantasy of Flight supports Polk County's Toys for Tots, and is now participating in the annual drive until Sunday, Dec. 13.  Donate new toys at the attraction's ticket counter to qualify for an admissions discount.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Friends of Joe concert</headline>
    <date>2009-12-12 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>"One of the most politically and socially aware lyricists of our time," Rod MacDonald is passionately interested in the events that shape society. Besides Saturday's concert, Mr. MacDonald also gives a songwriters' workshop on Sunday.</text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Spirit of the bluez</headline>
    <date>2009-12-12 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Billybluez and LoveStash play americana, folk, and blues every second saturday of the month. Open mic is on Fridays. All in a relaxed atmosphere with fine art work, board games,&amp; boba's, hosted by the 'LoveStash' band. </text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Christmas Extravaganza</headline>
    <date>2009-12-18 05:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>A stunning family-friendly show brings in the holiday spirit with unforgettable dance, costumes, music including traditional Christmas and Classical selections.  </text>
  </announcement>
  <announcement>
    <headline>Guy Davis</headline>
    <date>2010-01-22 10:00:00 -0500</date>
    <text>Come see acoustic bluesman, African-American storyteller and creative talent, Guy Davis.  Don't miss this legend in the making. The event takes place at New Port Richey Library starting at 5 PM.</text>
  </announcement>
</community-announcements>
