Plant City Bike Fest canceled for 4th of July

Bike Fest, one of downtown's most popular events, will not be held in July because it falls on Independence Day.

Marion Smith, president of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, said that many vendors were not going to participate due to the holiday, prompting the cancellation.

This is only the second time in its seven-year history that organizers have canceled Bike Fest, held from 5 to 9 p.m. the first Saturday monthly in and around Union Station Welcome Center, 102 N. Palmer St. The other time was about four or five years ago when the show fell on New Year's Day.

Bike Fests will resume with the Aug. 1 show, she said.

The event typically draws thousands of motorcycles and motorcycle fans to town.

Dave Nicholson

Tampa Bay History Center celebrates fathers

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay History Center and Columbia Cafe at the center are celebrating Father's Day by offering free admission today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The center will also have arts and crafts for children in the Lykes Atrium, a special offer on memberships and a 10 percent discount at the museum store.

The history center is at 801 Old Water St. For information, call (813) 228-0097 or visit www.tampabay historycenter.org.

Mike Salinero

Amscot offers $10,000 match to Salvation Army donations

TAMPA - Amscot Financial has offered The Salvation Army's Tampa Area Command up to $10,000 in matching funds to help feed, house and provide emergency assistance to needy families throughout Hillsborough County this summer.

The first $10,000 in donations made to the organization and marked "Summer Match" will be matched by Amscot.

The need has increased at The Salvation Army and many agencies because of higher unemployment and the downturn in the economy. During the summer, some families turn to the agencies for help because their children are not in school where free lunches are offered.

To make a donation, send a check or money order in an envelope addressed to: The Salvation Army "Summer Match," P.O. Box 2839, Tampa FL 33601, or call Moira Hinson at (813) 226-0055, ext. 260. All donations are tax deductible.

Lenora Lake

Apartment project wins council's OK

TAMPA - The city council on Thursday voted to rezone property at Tampa and Tyler streets to allow for a 27-story luxury apartment building.

The project will include 418 residences, 13,500 square feet of retail space and an eight-story garage that includes 521 parking spaces and a pool on the top floor.

The developers are Intown Group and Crosland.

Intown is the developer of the Skypoint condominium tower, 777 N. Ashley Drive, and Element, 808 N. Franklin St., which was converted to apartments.

North Carolina developer Crosland has an office in Tampa and is planning a five-story, 350-unit complex of market-rate apartments and 12,700 square feet of retail at the southeast corner of Lois Avenue and Spruce Street in the West Shore area.

The proposed apartment building has an art deco style and uses the recently rehabilitated Herman Massey Park, 1002 N. Franklin St., as a public segue to the building.

The developers don't have a set date when they will start the project.

"We don't know right now," said Gregory Minder, Intown Group president.

A second and final city council vote is set for 9:30 a.m. July 16.

Jose Patino Girona

Education board elects officers

TAMPA - The Hillsborough Education Foundation's board of directors recently elected its new officers.

Former Vice Chairman Michael C. Poland will serve as the board's chairman. Poland, of Ernst & Young LLP, has served on the foundation's board since 2001. He'll replace outgoing Chairman George E. Seegers.

Christine Smith of Mosaic Fertilizer LLC will serve as the vice chairwoman. R. Duane Johnson of Northern Trust Bank of Florida will return for another term as secretary. John Brannan of Dwight Darby & Co. will serve again as treasurer.

Adam Emerson

Faith Outreach helps in search for jobs

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Faith Outreach Center recently announced the start of Your Career Calling ministry.

The program is in response to the increase in unemployment. The program intends to use faith-based principles and business coaching methods to help those that are unemployed find a job.

The ministry is hosting a Quick Start Workshop at 8 a.m. Saturday at 7607 Sheldon Road. Joe H. Jones will lead the six-hour workshop through topics such as researching new employment options. The workshop costs $10 for materials. The ministry also will host weekly support group meetings from 7 to 9 p.m. beginning July 8. For information, call (813) 887-3354 or visit www.yourcareercalling.org.

Jessica Balanza