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Janine Dorsey
Janine is a 20-year veteran journalist who puts her sleuthing skills to use unearthing deals and discounts for families in the Tampa Bay area. Raising her own two daughters has taught her that some of the best things in life are “free” but not necessarily “cheap.”
Most Recent Entries
- De Soto National Memorial offers free kayak tours
- Florida resident discount this summer at Dinosaur World
- Aquarium discounts admission during Summer Fun Nights
- Crepe Myrtle sale to benefit literacy program
- Free bang and beard trims at JCPenney salons
- Dads admitted free at Mote Aquarium on Sunday
- Free horror movie series this summer in downtown Tampa
- Free healthy eating carnival on Saturday
- Dads admitted free to Henry B. Plant Museum on Father’s Day
- Discounted USF vanity tags available through voucher
- More kid movies on the cheap for summer fun
- Dads eat free at PDQ on Father’s Day
- Dads treated to free breakfast at McDonald’s
- Dads bowl free at Pin Chasers
- Dads admitted free to Florida Aquarium Father’s Day weekend
Monthly Archives

De Soto National Memorial offers free kayak tours
Posted Jun 18, 2013 by Janine Dorsey
Updated Jun 18, 2013 at 01:10 PM

On Saturdays and Sundays through October 20, De Soto National Memorial will be offering free ranger-led kayak tours along the Manatee River.
National park service rangers will lead the tours beginning at 9:30 a.m. on those days and lasting until about 11 a.m., subject to weather. The tours and all equipment use are free.
Space is limited and reservations are required by calling (941)792-0458 extension 105.
Some safety rules apply to participate in the free tour. All children between the ages of 8-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Due to Lifejacket restrictions children less than 50lbs. are not allowed on tours. All participants must stay with the tour group and all gear will be checked, including any privately owned items and a safety briefing will be held before the tour begins.
If you do not own your own equipment the park service supplies kayak, paddle, personal flotation device and other safety equipment. Paddlers are welcome to bring their own equipment, but all kayaks and safety equipment must pass a standard federal safety inspection to participate in the tour.
Admission to the park is free.
Desoto National Memorial is located at 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy., Bradenton.
For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/deso/parknews/index.htm
Florida resident discount this summer at Dinosaur World
Posted Jun 18, 2013 by Janine Dorsey
Updated Jun 18, 2013 at 11:37 AM

This summer, Florida residents are being treated to discount admission to Plant City’s Dinosaur World.
Through September 2, adults and children are admitted for just $10.95 per person. Proof of Florida residency is required.
The offer is not valid with any other coupons or discounts.
Regular admission to the several acre attraction featuring over 150 life-size dinosaurs is $14.95 for adults. Children ages 3 and under and friendly dogs on leashes are admitted for free.
The park is open daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and parking is free.
Dinosaur World is located at 5145 Harvey Tew Rd., Plant City.
Aquarium discounts admission during Summer Fun Nights
Posted Jun 17, 2013 by Janine Dorsey
Updated Jun 17, 2013 at 11:46 AM
Save on admission when you visit The Florida Aquarium during Summer Fun Nights through August 8.
Every Thursday beginning June 20 (excluding Thursday, July 4), admission after 4 p.m. is reduced to just $15 per person.
Regular aquarium admission is $21.95 for adults and $16.95 for children under 12. Children under 2 are always admitted free.
The aquarium will be open extended hours, until 8 p.m., including the outdoors water play area.
In addition to the regular features such as the touch tanks and Wetlands Trail, enjoy special mermaid performances at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Discount admission cannot be combined with any other coupon or offer and must be purchased at the ticket window.
The Florida Aquarium is located at 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa.
For more information visit www.flaquarium.org.
Crepe Myrtle sale to benefit literacy program
Posted Jun 17, 2013 by Janine Dorsey
Updated Jun 17, 2013 at 10:11 AM
Spruce up your landscaping with flowering trees that thrive in Florida’s climate at this weekend’s Crepe Myrtle sale.
More than 7,000 blooming trees in one-gallon pots will be available for $4 each with proceeds benefitting “Newspapers in Education,” a literacy program for Polk County schools.
There is a limit of 50 trees per customer and event ends when the last tree is sold. Cash or local check with photo ID accepted for payment.
The sale will take place beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 22 at the Lakeland Ledger newspaper office, located at 300 W. Lime St., Lakeland.
Free bang and beard trims at JCPenney salons
Posted Jun 17, 2013 by Janine Dorsey
Updated Jun 17, 2013 at 09:09 AM
Parents hoping to stretch their dollars over the summer can save a few when it comes to haircuts.
Through Sunday, June 30, JCPenney stores with hair salons are offering free bang (and beard, if that applies) trims.
To find one near you, visit their website for a store locator.
