Florida's West Coast Region

With help, military family moves ahead after fire

BayNews9 — 9/2/2010

Luis Vargas recalls donating to the American Red Cross years ago. He never expected someday he'd benefit from their service. After fire destroyed his home the Red Cross provided food and a place to stay.

Red Cross Responding to Hurricane Earl in Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

Janet McGuire — 8/30/2010

The American Red Cross is keeping a close watch on Hurricane Earl as the storm gains strength in the Atlantic Ocean, threatening the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, with possible effects along the East Coast later this week.

American Red Cross Sewing and Knitting Group Delivers Clothes and Blankets to Mothers Helping Mothers

Nicole Rissler — 8/19/2010

The American Red Cross's Sewing and Knitting club delivered boxes of children's clothing and blankets on Tuesday August 17^th to the new Mothers Helping Mothers facility located at 5933 North Washington Blvd. The group has been providing hand made children’s clothing to Mothers Helping Mothers for years to help less fortunate families in need.

American Red Cross Increases Aid to Flood-Ravaged Pakistan

Janet McGuire — 8/18/2010

As flood waters threaten to engulf new communities in the south of Pakistan, the American Red Cross is increasing its support to $1 million to help families affected by the worst flooding in that country in more than 80 years.

Red Cross to Float Response Vehicles Across Bay

Janet McGuire — 8/3/2010

The Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross will be conducting an extensive disaster exercise on Sunday, August 8, 2010 utilizing the scenario of a major hurricane cutting off all access to Pinellas County.

American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter Joins Nationwide Fundraising Drive in Anticipation of Extremely Active Hurricane Season

Janet McGuire — 7/28/2010

“Click, text or call” to support disaster readiness, relief and recovery across the

U.S.

Sinkhole Forces Condo Evacuations

Janet McGuire — 7/11/2010

The Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting four families that were forced from their homes early this morning after a sinkhole opened up, swallowing a car and threatened condominiums of the Bordeaux Village Condos located at 12701 N 50th Street in Tampa.

Red Cross Announces Expanded Haiti Initiatives

Janet McGuire — 7/12/2010

The American Red Cross today announced a series of new or expanded initiatives that will help keep open the largest general hospital in Haiti, help build more semi-permanent shelters for 40,000 people now living in tents and tarps, and provide financial assistance to tens of thousands of earthquake survivors through an innovative text messaging program.

Red Cross to Host Disaster Shelter Drill

6/23/2010

Hurricane Season is upon us and, with three tropical waves on our radars, preparedness is the key to survival.

Hero Amongst Us

Janet McGuire — 6/19/2010

Red Cross to Participate in World Refugee Day Activities

Janet McGuire — 6/14/2010

The American Red Cross will participate in Pinellas County’s World Refugee Day activities on Saturday, June 19, 2010 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Largo Library, 120 Central Park Drive in Largo.

Red Cross to hold disaster exercise

Janet McGuire — 6/8/2010

The Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold a tabletop disaster exercise on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. This exercise will feature various scenarios to help lead volunteers be able to utilize the skills that they have learned from their disaster training and experience.

Children and Seniors in a Hurricane

ABC ActionNews — 6/4/2010

Tampa Bay Chapter CEO, Linda Carbone, and Communications Officer, Janet McGuire, talk with ABC's Lisette Campos about how to keep children calm during a storm and how to help seniors prepare for before, during and after a evacuation.

Prepare your Pets, too!

6/3/2010

Tampa Bay Chapter CEO, Linda Carbone, and Communications Officer, Janet McGuire, talk with ABC's Lisette Campos about how to prepare your pets for an evacuation.

Red Cross Helps with Evacuation Planning

ABC ActionNews — 6/2/2010

Tampa Bay Chapter CEO, Linda Carbone, and Communications Officer, Janet McGuire, talk with ABC's Lisette Campos about what to do if and when you need to evacuate from your home.

Hurricane Preparedness and the Bay Prepared Campaign

ABC - Positively Tampa Bay — 6/1/2010

Did you know that only 7% of Tampa Bay is prepared for an emergency?

Harry�s Helps Manatee Prepare for Disaster

Tracy Vanderneck — 5/20/2010

Harry’s Continental Kitchens on Longboat Key presented a check this week to the American Red Cross Manatee County Chapter for $490. The money represented 50% of the proceeds from a wine tasting hosted by Harry’s for the Red Cross in April.

Free Training During CPR Awareness Week: June 1st � 7th

Tracy Vanderneck — 5/27/2010

For Floridians, the beginning of June signals the beginning of hurricane season. Everyone prepares by stocking up on water, batteries, non-perishable items, and this year- checking the new flood zone maps for Manatee County!

American Red Cross Manatee County Chapter Announces New Board of Directors

Tracy Vanderneck — 5/26/2010

The American Red Cross Manatee County Chapter voted in the new and returning members of its Board of Directors in May, at the chapter's 93rd annual meeting.

Red Cross Launches Relief Efforts for Oklahoma Tornado

Janet McGuire — 5/11/2010

American Red Cross Role in Oil Spill

Janet McGuire — 5/3/2010

The American Red Cross is working with federal, state and local government partners on ways in which we can support the needs of affected communities.

USF Red Cross Clubs Win 2010 Outstanding Student Organization of the Year

5/1/2010

There are over 500 student organizations and more than 46,000 students at the University of South Florida. Three years ago the American Red Cross Club in Tampa joined this competitive student environment. It quickly became so successful that last year the club decided to form a second club on the St. Petersburg campus. They must be doing something right because this year both clubs won their respective award for the 2010 Outstanding Student Organization of the Year!

Red Cross Volunteers from the Tampa Bay Area are Deploying to Alabama to Help Tornado Victims

Janet McGuire — 4/28/2010

American Red Cross volunteers from the Tampa Bay area are deploying today to Alabama as caseworkers and will provide assistance and visit families as they try to salvage some of their belongings after a series of deadly tornadoes swept through the South over the weekend.

American Red Cross Reaches Out to States Affected by Weekend Tornadoes

Red Cross — 4/26/2010

The American Red Cross is providing shelter, food, and comfort to people across the South as they deal with the aftermath of the deadly tornadoes that swept through the area over the weekend.

The American Red Cross Releases $50,000 to Help Families Affected by the Earthquake in Northwest China

American Red Cross — 4/14/2010

American Red Cross Issues Three-Month Progress Report for Haiti Earthquake

4/12/2010

The American Red Cross today issued a two-month progress report describing its efforts since the January 12 earthquake and sharing its plans to address longer-term needs such as emergency and longer-term shelter.

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month

Janet McGuire — 4/14/2010

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month™ and the American Red Cross reminds you to keep your family pet safe and healthy as we head into spring and summer.

American Red Cross Announces Spending Plan for Relief and Recovery in Haiti

ARC — 3/29/2010

The American Red Cross today announced its long-term recovery plan for spending the rest of the nearly $400 million it has received in Haiti donations.

Haiti Relief and Recovery Given a Boost by Bealls

Tracy Vanderneck — 3/25/2010

This week, Bradenton-based Bealls and its employees donated $73,671.45 to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Recovery Fund. The gift will provide life-saving assistance to Haiti in the form of clean water, medical care, vaccinations, latrines, food, tents, and transitional shelters.

American Red Cross Issues Two-Month Progress Report for Haiti Earthquake

3/12/2010

The American Red Cross today issued a two-month progress report describing its efforts since the January 12earthquake and sharing its plans to address longer-term needs such as emergency and longer-term shelter.

American Red Cross Increases Chilean Earthquake Pledge to $500,000

Janet McGuire — 3/5/2010

To respond to increasing needs following the Chile earthquake, the American Red Cross has doubled its pledge to $500,000 for relief operations and is providing 5,000 water-carrying cans from its warehouse in Panama to be distributed to those in need by the Chilean Red Cross.

Palmetto man heading to Iraq to help families in crisis

Mysuncoast.com — 3/3/2010

AMIkids students present check to American Red Cross for Haiti Relief

3/2/2010

The students, staff and volunteers of AMIkids have been moved to action by the recent devastation in Haiti. AMIkids’ students from across the country held events in their local areas to raise funds for the American Red Cross’s Haiti Relief Fund

Tampa Bay Chapter Marks Red Cross Month by Thanking Supporters and Volunteers

Janet McGuire — 3/1/2010

Red Cross is responding to disasters down the street, across the country, and around the world.

Haiti Medical Flights Arrive in Tampa

Brittany Meynardie — 2/25/2010

Want to know what the Red Cross role is when medical flights arrive from Haiti? Read this first person account from a staff member at the Tampa Bay Chapter when a plane with 17 medical evacuees (many of whom were children) landed at the Tampa International Airport.

Celebrating the Heroes Among Us

Natasha Salazar — 2/24/2010

In the wake of the earthquake in Haiti, people from all walks of life have come forward to raise money and awareness on behalf of the American Red Cross.

PreK Class Donates $3,000 for Haiti Relief

Independent Day School — 2/22/2010

What started as a humble fundraiser seeking loose change, quickly spiraled into a school-wide movement that raised over $3,000 dollars for Haitian relief efforts while raising the awareness of hundreds of students empowered to make a difference.

MAYORS OF TAMPA AND ST. PETE HOLD MEMORIAL FOR HAITI�S EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

— 2/10/2010

Partnered with Tampa Bay for Haiti Coalition, Memorials Help Bring Closure to Greater Tampa Area Families

Red Cross Continues to Provide Relief to Haiti Earthquake Survivors

Janet McGuire — 1/29/2010

Red Cross relief supplies continue to arrive, and more aid is reaching the survivors in the capital city and outlying areas, although the needs remain great.

TIA Waiting for Injured

TBO.COM — 1/27/2010

Cleaning Mailboxes for Donations

Brittany Meynardie — 1/27/2010

Meet Ashley, Sami, Heather and Lauren. They decided that they wanted to help out the people in Haiti affected by the devastating earthquakes on January 12, 2010. So, they decided to collect donations in their neighborhood the good ole' fashioned way; they cleaned mailboxes.

Red Cross Partners With ABC Action News to Raise Funds for Haiti Relief

Janet McGuire — 1/17/2010

American Red Cross Releases $10 Million to Help Haiti

Janet McGuire — 1/14/2010

With estimates that as many as three million people may be affected by the catastrophic earthquake which hit Haiti Tuesday, the American Red Cross is releasing an additional $9 million for earthquake relief, bringing its total commitment so far to $10 million to support relief efforts in Haiti.

PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT USF

Janet McGuire — 1/14/2010

Press Conference to announce efforts on campus for the Haitian earthquake relief.

Red Cross Responding to Haitian Earthquake

Janet McGuire — 1/13/2010

On Tuesday, January 12, less than one hour before sunset, a 7.3 earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port au Prince, causing catastrophic damage and loss of life. The American Red Cross is now working with other National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to assist those affected by the devastating earthquakes.

Haiti Earthquake Response

Red Cross — 1/13/2010

American Red Cross on Recent Fires and Coming Cold Weather

Tracy Vanderneck — 1/8/2010

The American Red Cross Manatee County Chapter, covering Manatee and Hardee Counties, responded to 11 house fires in the past 18 days. In these house fires, 36 people were affected.

Mary Lou Saves a Life

Charlotte County — 1/6/2010

Charlotte County Cold Weather Shelter

1/4/2010

Check out this Great Video from CBS 10Connects about an apartment fire we recently responded to in St. Pete.

12/22/2009

Florida Emergency Management Encourages Kids to Participate in 2010 Severe Weather Awareness Week, Poster and Vdeo Contests

12/22/2009

American Red Cross Brings Holiday Cheer to Local Firefighters

Andria Piekarz — 12/22/2009

In true holiday spirit, Red Cross volunteers are providing comfort once again today, but this time it’s to our local heroes who bravely fight those fires. Scores of Red Cross volunteers spread out across the county today delivering home-baked cookies to over 35 fire stations.

15th Annual Create Your Own Gingerbread House Charity Fundraiser

Mary Chapman — 12/17/2009

On December 5th, the Tampa and Pasco branches of the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter held their annual “Create Your Own Gingerbread House Charity Fundraiser.”

Click here to see photos from the event

Toymakers Donate Time and Toys

Mary Chapman — 12/17/2009

The Toymakers of Eastlake have made the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross the recipient of a donation of toys.

Red Cross Launches New Campaign

Florida Weekly — 12/2/2009

World AIDS Day 2009

Brittany Meynardie — 12/1/2009

December 1st is known as World AIDS Day. On this day each year, organizations around the world bring attention to the growing numbers of people living with HIV and AIDS. This year, the American Red Cross Club at the University of South Florida is partnering with the Student Global AIDS Campaign to present a World AIDS Day event at the university's Tampa campus.

Tampa Chapter CEO visits Studio 10 to introduce Holiday Campaign.

Brittany Meynardie — 11/23/2009

Tampa Bay Chapter CEO, Linda Jorge Carbone, interviewed with CBS' Studio 10 today to introduce the naitonal holiday campaign and catalog and encourage individuals to honor their friends and family this holiday season with Gifts that Save the Day.

Red Cross grant allows families to shop for service members

Bradenton Herald — 11/12/2009

Travelling Vietnam Memorial Visits Charlotte County

Andria Piekarz — 11/12/2009

RED CROSS PROVIDING ASSISTANCE FROM FT. HOOD TO ORLANDO

Janet McGuire — 11/7/2009

The American Red Cross is urging anyone that may be looking for family or friends affected by the tragedies in Ft. Hood, Texas and Orlando, Florida to search for them by going to their Safe and Well website. Visit www.redcross.org and click on Safe and Well

Red Cross Worker Loses Family to Tsunami, Gives Back

Brittany Meynardie — 11/3/2009

Blake Medical Center Employees Team with Red Cross in Fire Safety Education

Tracy Vanderneck — 10/16/2009

Four employees (Charlie Warren, Bonnie Chumley, Dawn Wright, and Kim Adams) from Blake Medical Center volunteered at the American Red Cross Manatee County Chapter on Thursday for the United Way's Day of Caring. The Blake volunteers, along with Red Cross volunteers and staff, spent three hours going door-to-door in the Pride Park community giving residents information in English and in Spanish on home fire safety and hurricane preparedness.

Help Chandra Help the Red Cross

Brittany Meynardie — 10/21/2009

Chandra Lee is a board member with the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter. She is also one of Cadillac's Influencers in the SRX Drive Force.

Tampa Bay Chapter Hosts Changing Lives Luncheon

Brittany Meynardie — 10/21/2009

…It could happen to any one of us…

This was the lesson learned at the Changing Lives Luncheon on October 20^th in Clearwater, Florida. More than 230 people from across the bay area attended the event, hearing stories from clients, like Maxine, after their home was destroyed and volunteers like Lynn Skrymms, who came to the Red Cross after witnessing the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Spanish Red Cross visits American Red Cross in Tampa

Brittany Meynardie — 10/13/2009

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter received two visitors on October 12^th, from Lazarote, Spain. The brother and sister, Mr. Rafael Torres Palazón and Ms. Carmen Torres work with the Spanish Red Cross in Spain, one as a paid staff and one as a volunteer.

Local Business Employees Brown Bag It to Help Red Cross

Tracy Vanderneck — 9/28/2009

Twenty locations of nine companies participated in the first annual Brown Bag It For Red Cross campaign the first week in September. The nine companies raised over $700 for the American Red Cross Manatee County Chapter by asking employee's to donate one day's lunch money during the week.

Red Cross Helping Southeast Flood Victims

Janet McGuire — 9/24/2009

More than 400 people in Georgia and Tennessee took refuge in Red Cross shelters overnight, where they found a safe place to stay, a warm meal, clean, dry clothing, and a place to get the latest information on their situation.

One Minute Update - September

Red Cross — 9/22/2009

Red Cross Responds to Apartment Fire

Janet McGuire — 9/22/2009

American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter volunteers from both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties responded to yesterday’s fire at the Baywater Apartments, 6910 W Waters Ave in Tampa. Eleven Disaster Action Response Team members (DART) provided emergency assistance to 36 people who lost their homes and belong

Georgia Floods Update

ARC — 9/22/2009

The deluge of rain that closed schools and hundreds of roads across

Georgia

turned deadly on Monday. Several metro Atlanta counties, including Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Gwinnett, and Paulding, reported heavy flood damage. In north Georgia, Chattooga, Murray, Stephens, and Troup counties were among the hardest hit areas.

Gail McGovern Reflects on the United We Serve Initiative

Gail McGovern — 9/12/2009

For us at the Red Cross, it taught us a lot of things. I think it forced all of us to think about the way we utilize and deploy volunteers in a whole different light. We have a very formalized way of recruiting volunteers, particularly in the disaster area with rigid training, which is essential to something like disaster services.

RED CROSS TO PARTICIPATE IN SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL EVENT

Janet McGuire — 9/3/2009

From September 9 through 11, 2009, the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter's Pasco County branch will be delivering floral arrangements to 52 fire stations, police and sheriff departments and EMT stations in Pasco County to honor their service - in honor of those who gave their lives on September 11, 2001.

The American Red Cross Manatee County Chapter Partners with Anna Maria Island Community Center to Keep Our Neighbors Safe

Tracy Vanderneck — 8/19/2009

All Manatee County residents know that when a storm is coming, Anna Maria Island is one of the first places to evacuate. That is just a fact of being in Evacuation Zone A. But what happens after the storm?

Red Cross an Unsung Asset

SunNews — 8/18/2009

Red Cross Prepares as Tropics Become Active

Janet McGuire — 8/15/2009

Volunteers Participate in Hurricane Shelter Drill and Supplies are Pre-Positioned Throughout Tampa Bay

Strutting in Sneakers a Huge Success

Brittany Meynardie — 8/13/2009

This year, the Manatee County Chapter hosted a summer athletics fashion show. Read More here

Tampa Bay Chapter Infothon A Success

Brittany Meynardie — 8/6/2009

This year, the Tampa Bay Chapter partnered with NBC for a two-hour infothon providing information to callers regarding preparing for and responding to disasters like hurricanes.

RED CROSS PREPARES FOR HEIGHT OF HURRICANE SEASON

Janet McGuire — 8/4/2009

Supplies Will Be Pre-Positioned In Tampa Bay Area and Volunteers Drill to Activate Shelters

Youth CAN too! Best Buy to Award donations based on youth poll

Brittany Meynardie — 7/23/2009

Until July 30, Best Buy is running a campaign to give away $250,000 between four charities, including the American Red Cross.

Calling All Businesses - Brown Bag It For Red Cross

Tracy Vanderneck — 6/30/2009

If you and your company could help people recover after their home burned down, would you? What if all you had to do was pack your lunch for a day? It sounds too easy. But that is the point…it can be easy to help those in need.

Lightning Safety Awareness Weeks - Red Cross Offers Great Tips

Red Cross — 6/23/2009

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. However, it's also the peak season for thunderstorms and lightning. This week is Lightning Safety Awareness Week, a time set aside to remind people of the dangers associated with lightning.

American Red Cross Urges Local Volunteers to Join "United We Serve" Initiative

Brittany Meynardie — 6/23/2009

The American Red Cross here Tampa Bay Chapter has many ways volunteers can help their community this summer and be a part of President Barack Obama’s nationwide effort – United We Serve.

Red Cross Regional Chapter Announces New CEO

Charles H. Fisher, Jr. — 6/18/2009

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter is pleased to announce that Linda Jorge Carbone has been named the Regional Chief Executive Officer.

American Red Cross - Target Bullseye Gives Campaign

Redcross.org — 5/28/2009

Thanks to thousands of supporters, the American Red Cross won 26 percent of the votes in Target’s Bullseye Gives Facebook campaign.

Board Member to model ruby necklace for silent auction

Brittany Meynardie — 5/28/2009

Board Member Gina Sierra-Townsend will be modeling a ruby necklace to be auctioned during the Tampa Bay Chapter's annual gala, Night in Havana on June 6, 2009.

Vote for Red Cross as Part of the Target Bullseye Gives Campaign

Brittany Meynardie — 5/10/2009

We need your help! From May 10 - 25, Target is allowing its Facebook “friends” and store guests to choose which of 10 national charities and causes — including the American Red Cross — should receive a portion of $3 million in charitable giving from Target.

Help support the American Red Cross by purchasing an AT&T hurricane preparedness kit

Natasha Salazar — 5/7/2009

Swine (H1N1) Flu: Learn the Facts, Stay Healthy, Make a Plan, Take Action

Brittany Meynardie — 4/30/2009

Information regarding the recent outbreak of the swine (H1N1) flu.

USF Club Receives Award

Brittany Meynardie — 4/30/2009

On April 22, 2009 the American Red Cross Club at the University of South Florida was named the USF campus Volunteer Organization of the Year. We would like to congratulate everyone involved in this pilot program for collegiate Red Cross clubs in the area for their tremendous efforts.

Red Cross Urges Preparedness during Swine Flu Outbreak

American Red Cross — 4/28/2009

The Red Cross and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are offering the following tips to ensure you stay healthy.

Centers for Disease Control Advises Human Swine Flu Preparedness

Brittany Meynardie — 4/26/2009

Former St. Petersburg Mayor/Businessman Honored

Melanie Koch — 4/15/2009

The American Red Cross will honor David J. Fischer, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay for his contributions to the development of charitable giving.

NEIGHBORS IN PANHANDLE NEED HELP AFTER FLOOD WATERS RISE

Janet McGuire — 4/8/2009

Tampa Bay Red Cross is committed to being there when our neighbors need our help.

Red Cross to Host General Russel Honor� at Annual Heroes Celebration

Tina Dominguez — 3/9/2009

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter is hosting a luncheon to honor community heroes on Friday, March 27, 2009. The Chapter will also host keynote speaker, General Russel Honoré, known as “the Ragin’ Cajun”.

Help the Tampa Bay Chapter Red Cross Keep Its Promise to our Community

Melanie Koch — 3/3/2009

March is designated as Red Cross Month.To help continue this important work, the local American Red Cross is asking the public to be a Hero for the Red Cross by supporting the Annual Fund Drive "Heroes for the Red Cross."

March is Red Cross Month

Brittany Meynardie — 3/1/2009

President Obama just signed the 2009 Proclamation stating that March is Red Cross Month.

Red Cross Announces New Board Members

Melanie Koch — 2/5/2009

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter is pleased to announce new Board Members in 2009.

First Aid Station Teams On Call For SuperBuild and Playground Build

Cristina Dominguez — 2/2/2009

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter’s First Aid Station Teams were on the scene for Habitat for Humanity’s SuperBuild 2009 and Kaboom's Playground Build in Ybor City.

King Day of Service Inspires Volunteer Fire Stoppers to Help At-Risk Communities

Abi Weaver — 1/17/2009

On Monday, January 19, more than 60 Red Cross fire stoppers will canvass at-risk neighborhoods in Tampa, Clearwater and Port Richey, delivering safety information that will protect residents from their greatest disaster threat – house and apartment fires.

Statement Regarding the Chapter's Reduction in Force

Anna Trefethen — 12/13/2008

We do not have to watch the evening news to feel the effects of our country’s economic recession. No individual or organization is immune to the hardships they have caused, but nonprofits like ours have faced extraordinary challenges. The economic downturn has limited people and businesses’ ability to donate and increased their need for help from social services agencies. Families now have less discretionary income to prepare their household for emergencies and when disaster strikes they struggle to rebuild their lives.

Red Cross Invites Tampa Bay to Join National Day of Giving on Dec. 13

Abi Weaver — 12/12/2008

The Red Cross has designated December 13 “National Day of Giving for the American Red Cross” as part of its efforts to reach the $100 million fundraising goal for the Campaign for Disaster Relief, which the organization launched in September.

Keep the Holidays Delightful & Avoid the Frightful

Abi Weaver — 12/8/2008

The holiday season is upon us, and colder weather along with it. The American Red Cross offers some safety tips to prepare you and your family for a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Red Cross Wraps Up Hurricane Season this Holiday Weekend

11/29/2008

The 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season winds down this Sunday, Nov. 30. And while TampaBay residents may be giving thanks this holiday weekend for what appeared to be a quiet summer, the American Red Cross is giving thanks for another reason.

Red Cross Helps Families Avoid Tragedy this Thanksgiving

Abi Weaver — 11/24/2008

Just because we get to take a break from dieting on Thanksgiving, doesn't mean we can throw caution to the autumn winds. The American Red Cross offers the following suggestions so you can have a safe holiday.

CSX Presents Local Red Cross With Major Gift

Abi Weaver — 11/20/2008

Bob O'Malley, CSX Transportation's (NYSE: CSX) vice president of state government affairs, presented the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter with a generous financial donation of $15,000 today during the nonprofit's monthly Board of Directors meeting.

Expectant Family Loses New Home, Baby Items in Fire

Abi Weaver — 11/21/2008

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter is now helping a family of five after their new mobile home caught fire at approximately 5 p.m., Friday, November 21 -- before they could ever really call it home.

Red Cross Salvages Boy's First Birthday After Fire

11/19/2008

The American Red Cross and iParty are teaming up to salvage a little boy's first birthday after his family's Hudson home burned early this morning. The family had plans to celebrate Friday, Nov. 21, but when their mobile home caught fire just after midnight they escaped with only their lives.

15 People Awake to Fiery Blaze, Red Cross Assists

Abi Weaver — 11/16/2008

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter is providing a temporary hotel stay for 15 people living on South Kingsway Road in Seffner after a two-story, Victorian-style home caught fire early Sunday morning.

Red Cross to Simulate Eight Home Fires, Exercise Response Skills this Weekend

Abi Weaver — 11/14/2008

More than 80 Red Cross volunteers will gather from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at the scene of eight recent home fires in Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough Counties to conduct emergency response drills.

Help Deliver One Million Holiday Cards to Our Troops

Abi Weaver — 11/6/2008

The American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Inc. are teaming up to send holiday cards to members of the military and their families in the United States and around the world. From Tuesday, November 11 until Wednesday, December 10, the public is invited to send holiday cards with their message of thanks and cheer to a special post office box.

Red Cross Now Offers CEUs for Training Courses

Abi Weaver — 11/3/2008

Many Red Cross course takers — such as nurses, social workers, recreation professionals, teachers and day care providers — are professionals who need continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain a license and/or certification. In order to provide this added service to our customers, the American Red Cross has been approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

Tampa Bay Residents Gain Extra Hour of Sleep, Greater Sense of Security

Abi Weaver — 10/31/2008

On Saturday, before going to bed, families across Tampa Bay will turn back their clocks. And while you may gain an extra hour of sleep, replacing the batteries in your smoke alarms will give you the greater sense of security you'll need to rest comfortably throughout the night and into the future.

Board Member Receives Jimbo Kynes Award

Anna Trefethen — 10/30/2008

In front of 125 guests, Sally Hill, Life Member of the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter's Board of Directors, accepted a special honor from The Exchange Club of Tampa named after the admired attorney James "Jimbo" Kynes and awarded to her and her husband Lewis for their steady, quiet and strong interest in the Tampa community.

Red Cross Offers Tips to Lower Heating Bills, Avoid Fires in Cold Weather

Abi Weaver — 10/29/2008

As chilly gusts force us inside and we head into the time of year when heating bills can be costly, the American Red Cross offers suggestions on getting your home ready for the cold weather, saving money and using alternative heat sources safely.

Young Professionals to Surprise Veterans with Personal Gifts of Hope & Home

Brittany Meynardie — 10/24/2008

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter’s young professionals group, EMPOWERED, will be partnering with the James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital to deliver gifts to 49 veterans living in 20 different foster homes in the Tampa Bay area from 8 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, October 25, 2008.

Fire Stoppers to Blaze through Tampa Bay

Abi Weaver — 10/23/2008

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter's volunteer "fire stoppers" will canvass at-risk neighborhoods in St. Petersburg delivering fire prevention information door-to-door from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 25. At the same time, a student group from Florida College will travel throughout the apartment communities north of the University of South Florida's Temple Terrace campus to alert their peers to potential fire hazards in their rented homes. Together, they expect to reach 10,000 homes.

Red Cross Responds to 100th Home Fire Since July

Abi Weaver — 10/20/2008

While Tampa Bay residents have much to celebrate this week, the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter has reached a less desirable milestone. On Sunday evening, while Rays fans were rejoicing in the stands, the local Red Cross was responding to its 100^th home fire since July 1.

Red Cross Responds to Three Fires in Less than 12 Hours; Need Spans Tri-County Area

Abi Weaver — 10/19/2008

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter is currently assisting 16 people after three separate fires displaced them from their homes within a seven-hour, overnight period.

Local Mental Health Professional Named Lead Instructor in New Training for Military Families

Melanie Koch — 10/13/2008

American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter volunteer Dr. Jim Messina, licensed psychologist, was recently named as one of the first nationwide instructors for a new course offered for military members and their families struggling with the stress and strain of overseas deployments.

TECO Joins Red Cross in Preventing Home Fires

Abi Weaver — 10/16/2008

On October 16, 2008, as part of United Way of Tampa Bay's Day of Caring, TECO's accounting staff donated their time to help the Red Cross deliver fire safety information door-to-door in the at-risk community of Palm River.

Red Cross Aids 16 Residents Forced to Evacuate Burning Largo Apartment Building

Abi Weaver — 10/13/2008

Fire officials called the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter to an apartment fire on Seminole Boulevard in Largo at approximately 3:30 a.m. Once on scene, volunteer caseworkers determined that eight apartment units had been evacuated; smoke and water had displaced 16 people from their homes early this morning.

American Red Cross Offers the "Trick" to Safety this Halloween

Abi Weaver — 10/31/2008

Ghouls and goblins will take over the night. But even scary creatures need to be safe and celebrate Halloween right. Halloween's greatest hazards aren't vampires and villains, but falls, costume mishaps and automobile collisions.

Red Cross Maps House Fire Responses, Finds Majority Occur in St. Peterburg

Abi Weaver — 10/1/2008

Beginning in July, the start of the organization's fiscal year, the local chapter began mapping its disaster responses to help identify which communities experience the most house fires and to dispatch its preparedness educators to those areas and mitigate their causes. While the map is not a comprehensive list of disasters in the Tampa Bay area, it includes those for which the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter was requested, which is approximately 90 percent of the total residential fires.

American Red Cross Responds to Two Kitchen Fires in Pinellas County Today

Abi Weaver — 9/25/2008

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter is assisting two families of five tonight (10 people total) after two separate kitchen fires damaged their homes. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room of the home, and the leading cause of home cooking fires is unattended cooking.

Hillsborough County Proclaims September as Preparedness Month

Abi Weaver — 9/17/2008

Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Proclaims September as Preparedness Month and asks residents to be vigilant this hurricane season and beyond.

The Red Cross Partners with Publix to Raise Money for Disaster Relief Fund

Abi Weaver — 9/17/2008

Now, when customers check out at the Publix store counter, they can also make a contribution to the Red Cross.

Tampa Bay Sends Relief to Texas in the Form of Red Cross Volunteers, Vehicles

Abi Weaver — 9/16/2008

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter will deploy two disaster workers to Texas for Hurricane Ike relief efforts later today, Sept. 16. A day later, an Emergency Response Vehicle and two local volunteer drivers will also dispatch to the disaster scene.

Red Cross There as Hurricane Ike Recovery Begins

Abi Weaver — 9/14/2008

American Red Cross workers are providing shelter, food and emotional support for tens of thousands affected by Hurricane Ike. From Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Houston, Texas, the Red Cross is there, on the ground, providing relief.

Local Red Cross Workers Remember September 11, 2001

Steve McGuire — 9/11/2008

American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter volunteer Steve McGuire remembers the events that led up to his learning of the September 11th tragedy.

World First Aid Day - From Solferino to "first aid for all"

Abi Weaver — 9/10/2008

While Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world are steadily and significantly expanding their first aid programs for the general public, most Americans are not taking advantage of this lifesaving training.

American Red Cross Urges Preparedness in September and Beyond

Abi Weaver — 9/10/2008

Now in its fifth year, National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to raise public awareness about the importance of preparing for all types of emergencies.

Local American Red Cross Volunteer Cares for Children at Brevard County Shelter Post-Tropical Storm Fay

Dave Knoer — 8/27/2008

Red Cross volunteer Suzanne Onstine, enjoys watching Red Cross shelter residents, Ashajanae Sherman, 4 (L), sister Shanodia Sherman, 6 and Fequan Sherman while they color at the Cocoa, Florida Red Cross shelter.

Board Member and 19 Other Volunteers Travel to Help With Tropical Storm Fay Relief

Abi Weaver — 8/22/2008

To date, the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter has loaned nearly 20 trained volunteers, including one member of the Board of Directors, to our neighboring chapters to help with Tropical Storm Fay-related sheltering and flood relief.

Red Cross Leaders Honored By the Business Journal

Abi Weaver — 8/16/2008

The American Red Cross congratulates two dynamic Red Cross leaders, Linda Carbone and Allison Tutwiler, who the Tampa Bay Business Journal recently honored as Business Woman of the Year finalists.

Mosaic Fertilizer Challenges Local Corporations to Support the Regional Red Cross with a $50,000 Gift

Melanie Koch — 8/20/2008

Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC has donated $50,000 to the Tampa Bay Region of the American Red Cross. This is the largest gift the region has received this year. Mosaic’s contribution will allow the Red Cross to expand services in the eight counties the region covers.

Red Cross Leaders Honored by Tampa Bay Business Journal

Abi Weaver — 8/15/2008

The American Red Cross is honored two of its dynamic leaders, Linda Carbone and Allison Tutwiler, were recently honored by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as Business Woman of the Year finalists.

While Volunteers Are Gearing Up for TS Fay, Others Continue to Respond to House Fires

Abi Weaver — 8/16/2008

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter is currently on scene assisting a family of eight following an afternoon house fire in St. Petersburg that caused major damage to their rented home. Volunteers are providing two adults and six children (ranging in age from 6 to 14) with emotional support, a temporary hotel stay and the funds to purchase replacement groceries and clothing.

Back to School: Are You Red Cross Ready?

American Red Cross — 8/15/2008

As parents and teachers prepare all the supplies necessary for a successful new school year—backpacks, folders, pencils and more—now is also a great time to prepare for emergencies.

Humanitarian Efforts Ongoing in Georgia Region

American Red Cross — 8/14/2008

The American Red Cross is contributing $100,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) efforts to aid many who were injured or displaced as a result of the conflict in Georgia. As the violence spreads beyond South Ossetia, the ICRC is hearing reports of an increasing number of civilian casualties.

USF St. Petersburg Lifeguards Take Home the Bronze in Local Lifeguard Competition

Abi Weaver — 8/4/2008

The University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg Waterfront Lifeguards won third place overall at the First Annual Pinellas Aquatics Council Lifeguard Games. These Red Cross trained lifeguards were the only university team competing against five other lifeguard teams, including the City of Largo, City of Clearwater and City of Pinellas Park. The USFSP guards competed in seven events, placing first in the Passive Drowning Relay.

Condo Fire on Lake Heron Drive Displaces Three, Red Cross Assists

Abi Weaver — 8/2/2008

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter is assisting the three adults who were displaced by a condo fire late this evening in the 5600 block of Lake Heron Drive near Waters Avenue and Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. The kitchen fire, which caused moderate damage, meant the renters, two of which are brother and sister, needed the Red Cross to pay for a temporary hotel stay and replacement groceries.

Red Cross Provides Relief to 21 as Rains Causes Apartment Complex to Flood

Abi Weaver — 7/30/2008

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter has just left the scene of a residential flood caused by excessive rain in the 11700 block of 15th Street North, which displaced Tampa five families (16 adults, two teens and three children). Trained volunteer caseworkers met with each family individually to assess their needs and the damage to their homes. In total, the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter provided a temporary hotel stay for all and the means to purchase groceries and medications for those who could not retrieve life’s basic necessities.

Red Cross is Hounding the Public on Pet Safety during the Dog Days of Summer

American Red Cross — 7/30/2008

The American Red Cross is launching a new campaign for canines that will help pet owners keep their furry friends safe during the hottest days of summer. The Dog Days of Summer campaign promotes Red Cross pet safety trainings and programs, which are especially important as we enter the peak summer months.

Where Gold Medal Dreams Begin: American Red Cross Learn to Swim Classes

Abi Weaver — 7/30/2008

BrandonSports & AquaticCenter, a provider of American Red Cross aquatics programs, has helped train at least one Olympic athlete every year since 1968, including three-time gold medalist Brooke Bennett of Plant City, Florida. The most recent to train at Brandon is diver Chris Colwill, who was selected to represent the United States in the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, China next month. While Chris has since trained with the best coaches and traveled the world to hone his skills, receiving an invitation to the Olympics would not have been possible if he hadn’t received basic swimming lessons as a child.

Fire Responses Spike Over Weekend

Abi Weaver — 7/26/2008

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter has responded to an unusually number of house fires this weekend – four in 24 hours. The Red Cross, serving Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties, is called, on average, once every 24 hours.

Apartment Balcony Collapses, Displacing 4 Pinellas Park Families

Abi Weaver — 7/19/2008

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter was called to the scene of a balcony collapse at a Pinellas Park apartment shortly after 9 p.m. on Friday, July 18. While not a traditional disaster response, the families living upstairs could not safely reach their apartments and the sagging balcony blocked the entrances to the downstairs apartments, leaving seven people without shelter for the night.

CPR and AED Awareness Week Wrap Up

Joe Cilano and Abi Weaver — 7/18/2008

In December of 2007, Congress passed a bill designating the first week of June as "National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Awareness Week". To showcase our commitment to this effort and to highlight June 1-7, 2008 as the inaugural CPR/AED Awareness Week, the American Red Cross made a goal to reach 250,000 people nationwide during with CPR and AED information — directly and through collaborations with other organizations.

EMPOWERED Launches a Blog and Forms Leadership Council

Abi Weaver — 7/17/2008

EMPOWERED, the young professional group of the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter, has launched its own blog to report on its social networking, service projects and fundraising events. If you are between 20 and 30 years of age, get involved and change lives, starting with your own. Also, see who they have invited to serve as founding members of the EMPOWERED leadership council.

Meet Our Newest Sheltering Partner, St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church

Abi Weaver — 7/17/2008

The American Red Cross is pleased to welcome St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church to its roster of more than 150 sheltering partners in the Tampa Bay area. The church, which is located in Tampa at 9724 Cross Creek Blvd., can be used in non-risk emergencies, such as large apartment fires and floods that displace many families at once.

Zephyrhills Resident Receives Lifesaving Award Signed By President Bush

Abi Weaver — 7/17/2008

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter awarded Zephyrhills resident Marshall Duncanthe Lifesaving Certificate of Merit Award for saving or sustaining a life as a direct result of the American Red Cross training in Health and Safety Programs.

Early Morning House Fire Displaces Family of Three

Abi Weaver — 7/15/2008

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter is assisting three adults who were displaced from their home near Childs Park after it caught fire just after 8 a.m. To start them on the path to recovery, volunteers have provided them with the means to replace basic necessities, including food, clothing and shoes. If you would like to help this family and others like them who lose their homes and apartments to fire every day in the Tampa Bay area, please make an online donation now.

American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter Provides Tips on Returning to, Repairing Your Flooded Home

Abi Weaver — 7/14/2008

This weekend, extensive flooding damaged homes and businesses from Hudson to Holiday in West Pasco County. In addition to providing emergency assistance and emotional support to victims of this weekend’s floods, the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter wants you to know that while your home and its contents may look beyond hope, many of your belongings can be restored. If you follow the steps listed here, your flooded home can be cleaned up, dried out, rebuilt and reoccupied sooner than you think.

Red Cross Volunteers Open Shelter in Hudson for Flooding, Assist After Clearwater House Fire

Abi Weaver — 7/13/2008

Overnight, the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter opened an emergency shelter in Hudson for individuals and families forced to evacuate their homes due to extensive flooding in West Pasco County. And at the same time, Red Cross volunteers in Clearwater assisted a family of four who lost their home on El Trinidad Drive to fire early this morning.

Red Cross Worker Remembers Hurricane Bertha's 1996 Namesake

Jillian Monsein — 7/8/2008

American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter's Pam Bartley notes both 2008 and 1996 hurricanes named "Bertha" were upgraded on the same day - 12 years apart - on July 8.

Volunteers Comfort a Woman and Three Kids as They Watch Their Home Burn

Abi Weaver — 7/2/2008

Instead of celebrating Fourth of July as they planned, a Tampa woman and her three children will spend the holiday weekend looking for a new home. Late last night, as their home burned, they stood on the curb, in the rain, under the care of Red Cross volunteers and watched fire fighters fight the flames. The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter has provided the family with temporary lodging and emergency assistance in the form of replacement clothing and groceries to help them start the recovery process.

St. Petersburg Family Spanning Three Generations Receives Red Cross Assistance After Morning House Fire

Abi Weaver — 7/1/2008

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter is currently providing emergency assistance for a St. Petersburg family after their home received minor damage from an early morning fire. Three generations lived together in the home before the fire; tonight the Red Cross volunteers are providing grandma, grandpa, mom, dad and two pre-teens with temporary lodging until their home can be repaired.

The American Red Cross in Partnership with Clearwater and St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue Encourage Residents to Celebrate Fourth of July Safely

Abi Weaver — 7/1/2008

Typically, on Independence Day more fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks cause half of the fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Additionally, each year, thousands of people are taken to emergency rooms with burns and lacerations to their extremities and heads from improperly using fireworks. The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter, Clearwater Fire & Rescue and St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue urge residents to use common sense and follow safety recommendations when using legal consumer fireworks to prevent injuries and other fireworks-related disasters this year.

Red Cross Helps Three Local Families Recover from Two Separate Devastating Disasters

Abi Weaver — 6/29/2008

The American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter is currently providing emergency assistance for an Oldsmar family and two Clearwater families after their homes were destroyed by two separate fires on Sunday, June 29.

Royal High Teas Introduce American Red Cross to Pasco Women's Society

Sarah Rutledge — 6/23/2008

The Red Cross Pasco Branch Office will host the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter's first Royal High Tea events this week. The first tea will take place on the west side of at the Champions Club in Trinity on Wednesday, June 25. And another tea is scheduled for the east side on at the Women's Club in Dade City on Thursday, June 26. Both High Tea events will begin at 4 p.m. and end at 6 p.m. The cost is $40 a person and space is limited.

Volunteers needed to staff Red Cross shelters in Pasco County during hurricanes

Abi Weaver — 6/23/2008

Saturday, July 12, your local Red Cross is offering a workshop to introduce new volunteers to shelter operations. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Safety Town (located between Hays Road and Shady Hills Road on SR 52, approximately eight miles east of U.S. Highway 19), seasoned Red Cross disaster workers will lead new volunteers through exercises that simulate opening, operating and closing evacuation shelters. Individuals, families, civic and faith-based groups interested in volunteering and attending the workshop should contact Monica Ruggley at 1-877-741-1444 ext. 893 or ruggleym@usa.redcross.org for more information. Pre-registration is required.

Red Cross Assists 11 Largo Residents After Early-Morning Apartment Blaze

Abi Weaver — 6/18/2008

American Red Cross responds to three-alarm apartment fire in Largo with food, clothing, shelter, replacement medications and emotional support. To help these families and others who lose their homes and belongings to fire every day in the Tampa Bay area, please donate now.

Tampa Bay Residents Come to the Aid of Midwest Flood and Tornado Survivors

Abi Weaver — 6/17/2008

As families and individuals took refuge in the 90 Red Cross shelters, established last week after severe flooding and devastating tornadoes in seven Midwest states, 12 Tampa residents, who volunteer with the American Red Cross, packed their bags and boarded airplanes to lend an extra hand.