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Free and Cheap

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.”

Gayle Guyardo

Gayle Guyardo co-anchors “News Channel 8 Today” weekday mornings with Rod Carter. She does a special segment, “Ways to save today,” each Monday between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. Gayle is a third generation Tampa native and a graduate of Auburn University. She and her husband Mark raise four little girls - Katie, Lindsay, Ali and Ella.

Richard Mullins

The Tampa Tribune’s retail reporter, Richard Mullins writes about consumer trends and everything you buy at the mall, grocery stores and restaurants. He believes credit cards are the window to our souls. And yes, he gets paid to wander the mall for work.

Debbie Swartz

Debbie, a 20-year veteran journalist, can typically be found at the end of Target aisles looking at clearance items. She’s also been known to send one her young daughters through the checkout lane to redeem a coupon.

Most Recent Entries

Monthly Archives

Free rides for St. Patrick’s Day partiers

Posted Mar 14, 2012 by Carl Lisciandrello

Updated Mar 14, 2012 at 08:47 AM

Plan on getting your Guinness on for St. Patrick’s Day? If you do, and find yourself unfit to drive, AAA and Budweiser will help you get home safely.

Their “Tow to Go” program, from Friday-Sunday, will provide a free confidential ride and tow home from any bar or restaurant - even to non-AAA members.

The program, to be offered throughout Florida, Georgia, and West and Middle Tennessee, is designed to be used as a last resort and is offered based on availability of AAA drivers.

Anyone needing a ride can call 1-800-AAA-HELP (4357).

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Free health checks for men

Posted Mar 12, 2012 by Janine Dorsey

Updated Mar 7, 2012 at 12:47 PM

Bay area men can get some valuable health and wellness checks for free on Saturday, March 17 at the Marshall Student Center at the University of South Florida.

The event takes place from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Health tests and exhibits are available from 10 a.m. to noon and 1–3 p.m.
Those interested in attending are invited to pre-register at www.mhftampa.com or call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488) and press #4.

The event includes a free check-up for men, health education workshops, fitness demonstrations and exhibitors of community support services. Admission and parking are free. Breakfast and lunch are available while supplies last.

The available tests and services include blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol, diabetic foot screening, flu shots, glucose levels, Hepatitis A, B and C, lung function, HIV/AIDS/STD, memory, prostate exam voucher (must qualify), skin cancer and vision.

The Marshall Student Center is located on the campus of the University of South Florida, USF Cedar Circle, Tampa.

Participants should enter the campus near East Fletcher Avenue and North 42nd Street.

The event is sponsored by the Moffit Cancer Center along with Aguilas International Medical Institute; Alzheimer’s Association - Florida Gulf Coast Chapter; Centros Médicos Las Américas Tampa; Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University; Florida Hospital Tampa; Hillsborough County Health Department; InnoVision Eye Care & Eye Wear; Lifetime Cancer Screening & Prevention Center; Mole Patrol; South University - College of Nursing; St. Joseph’s Hospital; Tampa General Hospital; The Icla da Silva Foundation; University of South Florida - College of Public Health; USF - Morsani College of Medicine; and Walgreens Pharmacy.

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MOSI admission for $5

Posted Mar 12, 2012 by Carl Lisciandrello

Updated Mar 12, 2012 at 11:10 AM

The Museum of Science and Industry will be offering $5 admission on March 31 as part of its Celebrate Life! event to help raise awareness about drug use.

That cost includes access to MOSI exhibits (including The Amazing You and Kids In Charge!), a 3-D movie in The Coleman Science Works Theatre, and entrance to the IMAX Dome Theatre film, “Flying Monster.”

The day will also feature local bands, a DEA drug dog demonstration, and several exhibitors who will provide information about drugs and crime.

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Free bus rides for teens

Posted Mar 9, 2012 by Janine Dorsey

Updated Mar 9, 2012 at 03:13 PM

If you are going to stay home and just enjoy the local sights and sounds this spring break, here’s a great transportation deal for you.

HART is offering free bus rides to all middle and high school students when they present valid school I.D.

The rides are good on the HART local, Limited Express, In-Town Trolley and HARTFlex services.

The offer even extends beyond spring break and is good until March 31, 2012.

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Free help for your garden

Posted Mar 6, 2012 by Janine Dorsey

Updated Mar 7, 2012 at 12:48 PM

Is your prized shrub wilting? When’s the best time to plant, fertilize and prune your plants? Which vegetables do well here? Experts are on hand to help you, for free.

Every Wednesday at the Palm Harbor Library teams of master gardeners offer their expertise, reference books, computers, and even a microscope to answer your plant questions and help you with your gardening problems.

The volunteers, trained by the University of Florida, help plan yards, diagnose wilting stems, identify pests, and generally give advice on gardening in the Tampa Bay area.

No appointment is necessary, and services are free. The Plant Clinic is open from January through mid-November on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave, Palm Harbor. (727) 784-3332.

For distressed plants, bring good-sized fresh specimens or good photos of the problems.

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