All this month Toyota of Tampa Bay is offering triple the rebates on over 20 acres of new Toyotas.  Click below to see our current TV ad and find out more.  

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It was love at first sight, and you want to keep that special spark glowing between you and your new Toyota. Toyota of Tampa Bay can show you how with our Get To Know Your Toyota Workshop. Join us to get an inside look at what makes your new Toyota run like clockwork and meet the friendly staff that will help keep it that way.

Our workshop will re-introduce you to your Toyota. We will show you how to make the most of your vehicles safety features and technology, how to maximize your dollar by achieving better gas mileage, the best way to protect your investment with basic maintenance techniques, understand and utilize Toyota’s warranties and much more!

So come to Toyota of Tampa Bay March 12th or May 14th at 7pm to strengthen that bond of love and enjoy your Toyota more. Please email lindaw@toyotaoftampabay.com to RSVP. There will be prizes, refreshments and the knowledge you need to take this special relationship to the next level.

Toyota of Tampa Bay has a long tradition of serving the Tampa Bay Community and their associates are dedicated reaching out to others. But knowing that charity starts at “home” the Toyota of Tampa Bay store began their own nonprofit organization. THE HELPING HAND FUND is a registered not for profit organization.

Most of us probably consider ourselves lucky. We have a nice place to work and a decent salary. But what happens when someone finds themself in a situation, beyond their control, that puts them in the position of needing extra financial help? Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone to turn to in a true emergency?

That is exactly why THE HELPING HAND FUND was created. If any of the associates face a sudden and unexpected emergency due to hurricanes, illness, the loss of a loved one, an accident, or experiences problems with housing or transportation, THE HELPING HAND FUND steps in with financial assistance.

One reason associates are dedicated to the fund is because their confidentiality is maintained. When an individual receives help, only the small fund committee knows of the request and the gift.

The Executive Management Team of Toyota of Tampa Bay and The Morgan Auto Group initially placed funds in the Helping Hand account. But for the last four years, the associates have raised enough money to keep the fund alive and well. In 2008 the fund gave out almost $75,000.00 to 67 associates. They organize special events and do an annual vendor drive with proceeds going into the fund.

Peri Bluemer, the Director of Human Resources, said “Having a fund like this increases the loyalty of associates and therefore keeps the same great staff serving our customers over the years. We are all about people, our customers and our associates.”

In addition to THE HELPING HAND FUND, Toyota of Tampa Bay partners with Homeless Emergency Project (HEP) running canned food drives to help feed the homeless. Working with customers and staff to fill a Toyota truck bed with canned food keeps supplies available to the homeless.

Toyota of Tampa Bay donated a new fuel efficient Prius for a raffle to raise funds for Morton Plant Mease Hospital in Clearwater.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is helped by the hard work of the Collision Center Manager, George Mantzaris. He has spent the past several years raising funds through fun theme parties and a large event at the dealership this summer. Face painting, clowns, games and a silent auction all culminated with Toyota of Tampa Bay giving away a 2 year lease on a new TOYOTA COROLLA to a lucky winner.

Toyota of Tampa Bay vehicles were featured in the VA hospital’s Veteran’s Day Parade in Tampa as well as carrying water to thirsty folks in the Relay for Life benefiting cancer research. For the past three years Toyota of Tampa Bay has sponsored a team on the 3 day, 60 mile walk for breast cancer. The sponsorship raised over $12,000.00.

From large nationally known nonprofits, to THE HELPING HAND FUND, to local cheerleading squads holding carwashes at the facility; Toyota of Tampa Bay is making a difference in people’s lives.

Toyota of Tampa Bay is proud to announce the all-new special edition Yaris ONYX. Only 200 of these 3 door hatchbacks will be built and only the top Toyota dealerships were chosen to receive one. Each dealership will only be allocated one Yaris ONYX, so we hope you will join us in welcoming it to our showroom.

This well equipped fuel efficient Yaris gets the Onyx Special Edition package which includes a Bongiovi acoustics stereo with a virtual subwoofer and iPod interface, carbon fiber dash trim, custom “ONYX” lighted doorsills, 17-inch custom finish Enkei wheels/ tire upgrade, window tint, stainless steel exhaust tip, Euro rear spoiler, custom embroidered ONYX floor mats, custom shift knob, custom ONYX badging, and a serialized keychain (1 of 200, 2 of 200 etc).

Come check out this rare custom spec Toyota today and be the only one in Tampa who can call it their own. The Yaris ONYX Special Edition. There’s only one and there’s only one Toyota of Tampa Bay.

We have embarked upon a new year, and looking forward to 2009 is exciting! The beginning of each year brings the promise of hope and change; it’s the commencement to self-transformation.

So, what are your New Year’s Resolutions? If you’ve made a list, you’re not alone. People around the world have been making lists of resolutions for over two thousand years. The tradition began when the mythical Roman King Janus—for which the first month of our calendar year is named—declared the onset of each year as a time to forgive neighbors and to start anew with fellow citizens. Today, we still regard this time-honored tradition as an opportunity for positive alteration.

Here are some tips for keeping your resolutions on track:

Choose Goals that are Realistic: If a resolution is reasonable it is easier to remain committed. And, once you begin to notice the beneficial effects, you will most likely be inspired to keep it going!

Break Down Your Goals: Once you’ve set your goals, write down steps on how you will make them successful. Take a goal that is broad and narrow it down to a few sensible solutions. With each step you accomplish, you’ll feel one step closer to achieving your goal.

Be Kind to Yourself: Don’t worry if you encounter a setback. In fact, it may be a bumpy road on your path to your success. This is to be expected. Put temporary setbacks behind you as you continually move forward.

Don’t Do It Alone: It is more likely that you will attain your goals, especially the difficult ones—quitting smoking, losing weight, reduce financial debt—if you are not doing it alone. Positive feedback and support will help keep you motivated.

This New Year is particularly important to our nation as we welcome a new leader. Barack Obama will be the 44^th president of the United States. At noon on January 20^th, President-elect Obama will take an oath and then be sworn into office by Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. The event takes place on the west front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. Inauguration ceremonies are filled with pomp and circumstance and include the symbolic changing of guards, salutes to the new Commander-In-Chief, celebratory parades, and a festive grand ball.

One of the most significant aspects of the ceremony will be the new president’s declaration of his administration’s intent. John F. Kennedy’s legendary inauguration speech made a distinct impression when he stated, “Ask not what your country can country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” As the ceremony closes, and with tradition, our new president will accept an invitation to lunch, extended by United States Congress. And then, finally, he will head to his new home—the White House.

Did you know that 99% of Americans own a television? And, the majority of those households own multiple sets. That’s more than 300 million televisions in the United States! The bad news for our environment: TV’s are notorious for consuming loads of energy and older TV’s are made with mercury and lead, which make them difficult to recycle. With the advancement of technology and the transition to digital broadcasting in February, you may want to consider purchasing a television that is clearer, sleeker, and more eco-friendly. The top choice for 2009’s “green TV”? The Liquid Crystal Display, more commonly known as LCD. These televisions have considerably lower energy consumption than other types of sets and the lowest amount of mercury. Couple these environmental benefits with the savings on your monthly electricity bill, and it’s easy to see which TV is right for 2009.

Is heating your house putting the heat on your budget? If spending 6% – 12% of your annual income on utilities doesn’t seem like a bright idea, follow these easy and inexpensive tips to save money on your electricity, water, and heating expenses.

Change Light Bulbs: CFL bulbs last ten times longer than regular bulbs. That means that over the light’s lifetime, it can save you up to $60 in electricity.

Pull the Plug on Appliances: 40% of your household electronics’ energy is consumed when the appliances are turned off! To stop wasting energy and money, pull the plug on appliances if you are rarely using them, going away for vacation, or whenever not is use. Another alternative is to use a Smart Power Strip. This device stops the energy flow when appliances are turned off.

Cold Water in the Washer: Washing your clothes in cold-water saves 50% of the energy you would use by washing in hot water. And you’ll keep your colors bright, too!

Minimize Drafts: Save about $30 a year on your energy bill by adding weather-strip around the frames of your front and back doors.

Water Your Greens in the Morning: Save water by starting your sprinkler before the hot afternoon sun has the chance to dry the moisture. Also, remember that the average lawn only needs to be watered one hour a week.

It’s no secret that we’ve hit some difficult financial times. But remaining positive will help us recover quicker and with less stress. So when you are feeling down, follow these pick-me-ups to provide a more positive work environment. And, remember: positivism produces productivity!

Relax: Stress is the opposite of relaxation. Too much stress can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease. When you feel overly stressed at work, slow down and breath deeply for a few minutes. This will relax your body, clear your mind, and allow you tackle complicated issues as they come.

Good Work Skills: Focus on your work skills. When tasks seem minimal or repetitive, be aware of this, and continue to work hard. When doing something skillful—no matter how small the task—you’ll find pride in yourself and in the work you do.

Be Open to Change: As your company faces new challenges, be open to trying new and different ways of doing things in order to achieve new goals and targets. Being flexible and willing to accept new responsibilities for tasks outside your normal scope of work will enable you to learn new skills and result in job enrichment and personal satisfaction.

Change Your Attitude: We’ve all heard of the term, “Fake it till you make it!”. This is true for your attitude as well. Forcing yourself to “act” positively will eventually be contagious. The mood of your co-workers will improve and you may just pick up some of your own enthusiasm!

In January of 1968, one of today’s most utilized technological tools was born—the computer mouse! When it was first introduced at the Stanford Research Institute, the public wasn’t so sure about the square shape, handcrafted wood case, and giant wheel contraption. In fact, it hardly looked like our modern mouse—except for the “tail” or cord connecting it to the computer. (Ironically, contemporary mice are wireless and don’t have “tails” at all!) But, once this handy device did catch on, using a personal computer has never been the same.

Check out some great pictures of early computer mice

Wind-Up MP3 Player: The MP3 player has just become one step more popular:  a wind-up addition. Although this manually wind-up device is not as sleek as its electronic cousin, you never have to worry about plugging it in to recharge. Throw this earth-friendly gadget in your bag, and your set.

Amazon’s Kindle: This e-book reader was launched by the popular online bookseller. The reader downloads content through Amazon.com and makes the material readable on an electronic paper display. The first day that Kindle was on the market, it sold out in five and a half hours. See a picture of Kindle

Bluetooth Wireless Speaker: This wireless speaker frees us of messy cords by using Bluetooth technology. With an extremely compact design, this speaker fits into any space and allows you to enjoy wireless music from an iPod, MP3 player, personal computer, or cell phone.

If you are looking to add more antioxidants to your diet, an instant de-stressor, or even looking to lose weight, believe it or not, you may want to turn to one of the most popular sweet treats in the world: chocolate! Dark chocolate contains many ingredients that have proved to be beneficial for your health.

It has been proven that cacao, the source of chocolate, is surprisingly loaded with antibacterial benefits that fight tooth decay: a mono-saturated fat that raises good cholesterol and fluorides may increase blood vessel’s elasticity.

If you don’t like the taste of chocolate, try smelling it. When inhaling the scent of chocolate, a positive chemical releases in the brain waves and promotes relaxation. How about drinking chocolate? Just a cup of chocolate before a meal will decrease your appetite. In some cultures, chocolate is even used to treat insect bites! If these aren’t reasons enough to love chocolate, the decadent food raises serotonin levels in the brain. As a result, the feeling is similar to that of being in love!

How clean is your food? Of course you wash your fresh fruit and veggies. But, do you wash them well enough? What about the packaged foods you expect to be uncontaminated? You may be surprised how many common groceries need a good scrubbing.

The first on the list of sullied foods is eggs! About 2 million bad eggs are shipped each year to your grocery stores. That results in making up to 660,000 people sick. To buy eggs that are untainted, make sure your eggs are pasteurized and are free of cracks or leaks.

If you are a fruit lover, you may want to think twice about how healthy your peaches really are. Because peach skin is soft, it absorbs more pesticides than other fruit. An average peach may have as many as nine various pesticides. If you want to eat nothing but fruit, consider buying organic.

It may be easy to open a pre-packaged salad mix, throw in your favorite goodies, and have a ready-to-eat salad. But, even though the packaging may flaunt that the greens have been washed thoroughly, they may still contain unhealthy germs. Next time, be sure to wash your pre-packaged lettuce for safer eating.

No matter how sweet your melons may be, the germs they carry may still turn your stomach sour. 3.5% of melons carry stomach-turning bacteria. That percentage doubles in cantaloupes. Don’t shy away from the fruit, just scrub with mild dish soap before slicing.

The bacteria in scallions has been blamed on the way they grow (in the dirt). They have been known to carry parasites and even Hepatitis A. However, with a proper washing, your scallions will be squeaky clean and free of germs.

As we reflect upon the past year, it is important to note the dynamic events that have taken our nation into an opportunistic era. One particular element that has set this shift in motion is the strong presence of pioneering woman in our current affairs. The following include some of the most influential women of 2008.

Hillary Clinton: The former first lady campaigned for the United States Presidency. She did not win her party’s nomination, but fought an impressive race and was considered the first possible woman candidate for the Oval Office.

Sarah Palin: Alaska’s first female and youngest governor was appointed as the Republican vice presidential nominee. With a polarizing popularity, Sarah Palin is assured a place in history books.

Tina Fey: The comedienne, and “Saturday Night’s Live’s” former first female head writer, returned to her stomping grounds to sing the praises of Clinton’s strengths and to impersonate a dead-ringer for Sarah Palin. Her political satires did not go on unnoticed by the country, making some laugh and causing controversy with others.

Katie Couric: The CBS evening news anchorwoman was recognized to be a razor sharp political reporter during the election. With impressive interviews with both Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin—in a civil and insistent manner—she has proved herself deserved of the anchor desk’s only chair.

Dara Torres: The oldest female swimmer medalist made an encore performance this summer in China. Torres is the first and oldest swimmer to participate in five Olympics.

Photography Exhibit
Jan. 12th – 23rd, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
At William and Nancy Oliver Gallery

Adapting Spaces: A Photographic Exploration in Four Acts, is a photographic exhibition featuring works by Ryan Adrick, Tracy Longley-Cook, Daniel Kariko, and John Mann. This is a traveling exhibition that features four unique perspectives that explore the idea of person and place. While many of the images in this exhibition comment on or critique several of these themes (person vs. nature/environment, person vs. self, person vs. machine, etc.), the selected works by photographers John Mann, Tracy Longley-Cook, Daniel Kariko, and Ryan Adrick are much more visually and psychologically complex. Confronting and challenging the viewer, their works question spatial binaries, revisit boundaries, and negotiate within liminal zones to address the broader concept of adaptation. Whether it manifests in the human subject, the artist, or ultimately the viewer, the acts of adapting, altering, growing, and evolving inform the various ways in which this exhibition and its unique spaces can be traversed.

E Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33617

Opening Day, Tampa Bay Black Heritage Street Festival
Jan. 15th, 10:00am
At Al Lopez Park

Cultural event capturing the heart and soul of Tampa Bay’s African American Community with a theme of inclusion for all people, establishing partnerships and sponsorships from small to large businesses and individuals. We bring in national performers and speakers to entertain and educate. Event spans 10 days: 1) Opening Gala, 2) two-day street festival, 3) King Breakfast, parade and events, 4) living history, etc.

N Himes Ave, Tampa, Florida 33614

Music and Martini’s on the Riverfront
Jan. 15th, 5:30pm
at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center

The Producers, TBPAC’s young professionals group, host an evening of music and martinis outside on the Riverfont at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. The gathering is for young professionals interested in the arts, includes costumed characters.

1020 N WC MacInnes Pl, Tampa, Florida 33602
http://www.tbpac.org/

Ken Whitener – The Master Hypnotist
Jan. 15th – 18th, 8:00pm
At Side Splitters Comedy Club

The Master Hypnotist, Ken Whitener performs at Side Splitters Comedy Club in Tampa. The audience is the show! See your friends, co-workers, and family act out on stage! Then buy Blackmail… err… a DVD to show them later!

12902 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618

Free Singles Mixer ‘Ugly Sweater Party’
Jan. 16th, 7:00pm – 10:00pm
At Whiskey Joe’s Bar

Now that the holiday season is over – it’s ugly sweater party time! Head down to the local thrift shop, pick out the ugliest sweater you can find, get it dry cleaned and prepare to look like a stylish grandpa or grandma. Don’t forget to accessorize! We will have a special prize for the uglist, tackiest, most heinous sweater.

W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa, Florida 33607

2009 Keelboat Regatta
Jan. 17th 8:00am
At Davis Island Yacht Club

Davis Island Yacht Club will hold the Free 2009 Keelboat Regatta at 8 a.m. Jan. 17. Events promote competitive sailing, but focus on a good time. Shoreside activities: post-racing beer keg, good food, live music and dancing. DIYC is an active, vibrant do-it-yourself type of club. If you have any interest in learning how to sail or race, come out and see what it is all about. No experience necessary – just ask who needs crew (and bring a 12-pack).

1315 Severn Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
http://www.diyc.org/

Kraftz for Kids
Jan. 17th – 18th, 11:00am – 12:00am
At Jezabelle and her Wandering Gypsies

Jezabelle and her Wandering Gypsies would like to invite you to a free day of creativity and fun. Beginning in November, join us from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. each Saturday for ‘Kraftz for Kids.’ The Circus is in town and you are invited to create and play with us. Crafts and projects from recycled goods and vintage trims for kids of all ages. Kids and caretakers alike are invited to indulge in some crafty creations.

1923 E. Seventh Ave. in Ybor City

Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Jan. 19th, 12:00pm
At Martin Luther King Blvd.

Martin Luther King Jr. Parade theme is “A day on, not a day off.” City and county officials will be attending the festivities. The parade route starts at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and 15th street, east to 22nd Street, then north on 22nd Street. The event is free and the public is invited.

3994 N 22nd St, Tampa, Florida 33610
www.mlkjrparade.com

MOSI presents Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS 3 and The Story of the Heart
Jan 23rd – Jan 28th, 9:00am
At Museum of Science & Industry

MOSI presents Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS 3 and The Story of the Heart, an anatomical exhibition featuring real human bodies preserved through the process of Plastination! Specimens on display in BODY WORLDS uniquely stem from the Institute for Plastination’s body donation program, which has more than 8900 registered body donors.

4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617

Gasparilla Extravaganza
Jan 24th, 12:00pm – 7:30pm
At Show Center at Howard

Vendors and children’s activities open along Bayshore Blvd from Bay to Bay to Watrous/Orleans Avenues, including bicycle safety, vintage aircraft and Parachute Team, Children’s Gasparilla Parade and ending in a “Piratechnic Extravaganza”.

Bayshore Blvd & S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33601
http://gasparillaextravaganza.com/

Super Tailgate Throwdown
Jan. 29th, 10:00am – 7:00pm
At Al Lopez Park

Approved by the City of Tampa the Super Tailgate Throwdown was designed to give businesses the opportunity to present their products and services to a multitude of visitors coming to the Greater Tampa Bay area.

This event will have: Live entertainment, Face painting, Cooking Shows, Cook-Offs, Great Food, Kids Sport Zone, Contest, Prizes, and much more. As Tampa gets ready for the biggest tailgating party of the Bay. We have planned themed days ( Classic Day, Military & Public Service Day, and The Throwdown Day) to make ensure that 2009 Super Tailgate Throwdown will an lasting experience for those that join in on the fun.

N Himes Ave, Tampa, Florida 33614
http://www.supertailgatethrowdown.com/

NFL After Dark
Jan. 29th – Jan. 30th, 9:00pm – 12:00am
at Raymond James Stadium

The NFL Experience in conjunction with Super Bowl XLII presents After Dark in Tampa. The social gathering serves as an exclusive evening party for adult fans, featuring live entertainment.

4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607
http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/nflexperience