Tampa Bay Storm Partners with Cell Phones for Soldiers, Inc.

The Tampa Bay Storm, in partnership with Clear Channel, is teaming up with nonprofit Cell Phones for Soldiers, Inc. and asking all fans to help our troops call home by donating their gently-used cellular phones. With each donation, Storm fans and Tampa residents can provide troops with that precious connection to loved ones back home.

"The Tampa Bay Storm always looks for new ways to get involved with the military community," said Storm president Derrick Brooks. "Teaming up with Cell Phones for Soldiers is an excellent way to keep our troops connected with their loved ones."

Throughout the month of May, fans and residents can donate their phones at the McDonald's® Ticket Office at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Fans will receive a free Storm ticket voucher with each donation.

Donated phones will be sent to Mindful eCycling for recycling. For every donated phone valued at $5, Cell Phones for Soldiers is able to provide two and a half hours of free talk time to deployed troops.

Approximately half of the phones Mindful eCycling processes are reconditioned and reused. Phones and components that cannot be refurbished are dismantled and responsibly recycled to reclaim materials, including:

Gold, silver and platinum from circuit boards Copper wiring from phone chargers Nickel, iron, cadmium and lead from battery packs Plastic from phone cases and accessories

This promotion will last through the month of May in honor of Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, May 25.

Storm Season Ticket Members Receive Added Benefit

The Tampa Bay Storm is adding a new benefit to the season ticket member (STM) ticket package. Prior to its May 4th matchup versus the New Orleans VooDoo, all Storm season ticket members will receive an exclusive STM discount card.

The STM discount card entitles season ticket members to a 15% off discount on food and beverages, and a 25% off discount on merchandise sold at the Tampa Bay Sports Store. Discounts are exclusive to season ticket members, and are good for all of the Tampa Bay Storm home games at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

To take advantage of these discounts, season ticket members must present the discount card separate from their STM ticket card.

The STM discount card is non-transferable, and may not be combined with any other discounts.

For more information contact Client Services at 813.301.6800.

Tampa city attorney departs to work for Tampa Bay Storm owner Vinik

Jim Shimberg Jr., Tampa’s city attorney for the past two years, announced that he will leave City Hall for a new position at the Tampa Bay Storm’s parent company, which also owns the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Shimberg will begin his new position with Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment on May 1, the Tampa Tribune said. Shimberg, a land-use specialist, has 26 years of experience and is a veteran of the Holland & Knight law firm. He is expected to begin his new job as the executive vice president and general counsel, the Tribune said.

Lightning CEO Tod Leiweke said Shimberg will provide expertise to the company’s leadership and will be responsible for the organization’s legal issues, including owner Jeff Vinik’s separate real estate interests.

Chris Hovan Joins Tampa Bay Storm Coaching Staff

The Tampa Bay Storm announced Chris Hovan will join head coach Dave Ewart's coaching staff.
"Chris has proven on the field he has what it takes to be successful as a defensive lineman," said Ewart. "Now he will be able to take all the knowledge and experience he has accumulated and pass it on. This is a great opportunity for our defensive lineman to learn from a former All-Pro, he will make a nice addition to the staff."
Hovan enters his first season with the Tampa Bay Storm as an assistant coach and will be responsible for coaching the defensive line. He spent the past two years at the University of South Florida where he was a member of the Strength and Conditioning Staff for the athletic program.
"I am excited to join the staff and want to thank Coach Ewart, Derrick Brooks and the Tampa Bay Storm organization for the opportunity to continue to follow my passion," stated Hovan. "Not only do I get to coach, but I get to stay in the Tampa Bay community, a community that has embraced me and my family, as I continue my football career on the sidelines."
An 11-year veteran of the National Football League, Hovan began his career as a first-round draft pick (25th overall) for the Minnesota Vikings. After five seasons with the Vikings, during which time he was a consensus All-Rookie pick (2000) and earned All-Pro honors (2002), he signed a free-agent contract that would bring him to the Tampa Bay area to play with the Buccaneers.
In his first season with the Buccaneers (2005), the defense finished as top unit in the NFL. He would spend five seasons with Tampa Bay prior to joining the St. Louis Rams. A back injury derailed him for the 2010 season, his 11th in the NFL, and he was placed on injured reserve during training camp for the remainder of the season.
During his NFL career Hovan appeared in 156 games and started 149 of them. He finished his career with 362 tackles, 22 sacks, 14 pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
He and his wife, Jaimi, live in the Tampa Bay area with their three children and remain active members in the Tampa Bay community.
For a complete bio on Chris Hovan visit - http://www.tampabaystorm.com/team/coaching-staff.

Tampa Bay Storm To Host Open Tryout Saturday, January 26

The Tampa Bay Storm is pleased to announce it will hold an open tryout Saturday, January 26 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum (401 Channelside Drive) with registration beginning at 8:00 AM and testing starting promptly at 9:00 AM.
"The Tampa Bay area has always produced talent," said head coach Dave Ewart. "That is why the team is guaranteeing two players from this camp will be invited to training camp in March."
"It is exciting to see guys compete and fight for a spot," added vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch. Competition brings out the best in an athlete; we want to see what someone can do when the pressure is on."
This one-day tryout is open to interested players. All participants are competing to earn the opportunity to sign a professional contract with the Storm. The team has already signed two players from workouts earlier this off season.
The camp will be directed by Storm head coach Dave Ewart. The coaching staff will evaluate players in combine exercises such as the 40-yard dash, 20-yard short shuttle and 20-yard L-drill as well as have their height and weight recorded. Immediately following the testing participants will participate in position and one-on-one drills.
Interested players are encouraged to pre-register at www.tampabaystorm.com. Payment is $60 for those who register early and on-line. Pre-registration ends at noon on Friday, January 25.
Players can also register the morning of the open tryout. Payment is $70 for those that register the day of the open tryout. Payment must be made upon arrival and by cash or money order.
Kickers will be evaluated at the tryout. They are asked to arrive and register at Noon with testing beginning shortly thereafter.
Additional information
* The tryout will be conducted on turf (attendees should bring tennis shoes)
* Water will be provided
* First-aid will be available - trainer is not available for taping
* This is a non-contact camp, no need for shoulder pads or helmets.
* Players must be older than 19 and completed high school eligibility
* Must bring a form of I.D.
* Kickers will be evaluated at the end of the tryout

Chandler Williams Memorial Fund Established

Chandler Williams III, a former NFL, CFL and Arena Football League athlete, tragically passed away, from what was preliminarily reported as cardiac arrest, on January 5, 2013 while playing what he so dearly loved, "Football." He leaves behind to mourn a beautiful nineteen month old daughter, Tori Summer-Rose Williams, fiancé Vaniti Harrigan, parents Karen Dawson and Chandler Williams and six siblings.
Chandler's death was sudden and tragic, which left few available resources to care for his daughter. The Williams family has established the Chandler Williams Memorial Fund to aid with the care of his daughter Tori. The family would greatly appreciate generous contributions, whether big or small, and thanks those that are able to contribute. The Williams family asks people to keep their family in their prayers.
The Tampa Bay Storm along with other organizations such as the NFL Players Association have made pledges to contribute funeral costs and seed the fund for the future of his young daughter Tori.
Contributions can be made in one of two ways:
Option 1:
The Chandler Williams Memorial Fund
c/o John R. Owens, Esq.
Banker Lopez Gassler P.A.
501 East Kennedy Blvd., Ste 1500
Tampa, FL 33602
Option 2:
PayPal
chandlerwilliamsmemorialfund@gmail.com
Additional Information:
Viewing:
Friday, January 11th
- 4pm-9pm
Grace Funeral Home
770 NW 119th Street
Miami, FL 33168
Wake:
Friday, January 11th
- 6pm
8442 NW 5th Avenue
Miami, FL 33150
Funeral Services:
Saturday, January 12th
- 12pm
93rd Street Baptist Church
2330 NW 93rd Street
Miami, Florida 33147
Burial info:
Vista Memorial
14200 North West 57th Avenue
Miami Lakes, Florida 33014
Repast: The family will receive family and friends immediately after the burial
93rd Street Community Baptist Church Fellowship Hall
2330 North West 93rd Street
Miami, Florida 33147

Tampa Bay Storm WR Chandelr Willaims Passes Away

Earlier today Tampa Bay Storm wide receiver Chandler Williams, 27 years old, passed away while at a flag football tournament in South Florida.
"We are shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Chandler," said Tampa Bay Storm team president Derrick Brooks. "Our heart and prayers go out to his fiancé Vanitia Harrigan, daughter Tori Williams and the rest of his family."
Williams was set to return to the Storm for his second season. The former Florida International University standout led the AFL in 2012 with a 23.0 kickoff return average.

The Tampa Bay Storm Is In The Giving Spirit

Recently the Tampa Bay area media ran features about the low-level of donations to the Toys for Tots program this season.  These stories pulled at the heart strings of members of the Storm staff.
The Tampa Bay Times reported on December 13 that “Toy donations are so low, Toys for Tots officials worry they won't have enough gifts for the estimated 40,000 boys and girls on their lists.”
Tampa Bay Storm owner and Chairman, Mr. Jeff Vinik, recently announced that he was going to give $75, funded by the Lightning Foundation, to all full-time Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment employees to use towards Christmas gifts for those less fortunate.
So the decision was made, by Storm president Derrick Brooks, to take a shopping trip to pick up toys and drop them off at the local Toys for Tots collection warehouse.
“Today was not just about giving away toys,” said Storm vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch.  “It was about giving back to the community, and that’s what is important this time of year.”
Members of the front office and coaching staff took time out of their schedules to go shopping at a local Super Walmart. Each employee, armed with their $75, a $25 gift card donated by Walmart, and some of their own money, headed to the toy aisles.
“We’re a big part of this community,” said Storm head coach Dave Ewart.  “We have to give back and we encourage others to do the same.”
For the Storm, and Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment, this was just another way to show their continued support and commitment to the Tampa Bay Community.

Tampa Bay Storm Get Set For Third Annual Public Safety Memorial Bowl

The Tampa Bay Storm is pleased to announce that the team will play the Tampa Bay Sentinels, a member of the National Public Safety Football League, in its third annual charity flag football game Saturday, January 12 out at Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex (Plant City, FL) at 1:00 PM. All proceeds from the game will benefit the MacDonald Training Center with locations in Tampa and Plant City.
"Whenever you have a chance to entertain and give back to the community, it's a great thing," said vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch. "We are all looking forward to getting out there, playing some football, and having fun with our local heroes."
The Tampa Bay Sentinels is a football team comprised of first responders from the Tampa Bay area, including local members of the military. The team participates in the full contact National Public Safety Football League, a league comprised of teams made up of public safety officers from around the country.
"We are pleased that the Storm and Sentinels will once again play a fun-filled, family friendly, game of football to benefit the MacDonald Training Center and support our community," said Sentinels general manager, Rex Sano. "Please join us to meet your first responders, Storm players and other local athletes for this day of fun and entertainment."
The past two years, the two teams have played a charity football game benefitting the Kocab Curtis Foundations and Fallen Firefighter Survivors Foundation respectively. Regardless of which team came out on top on the field, the charities came out winners with the funds raised and lives touched.
Tickets to the game are only $7.00 and can be purchased at the gate the day of the game. Children under five and people with disabilities get in for free. There will also be auction items and a 50/50 raffle with all the proceeds going to benefit the MacDonald Training Center.
Otis Andrews Sports Complex is located at [2058-2099] E Cherry St, Plant City, 33563 at the Mike E. Sansone Community Park.
About the MacDonald Training Center : MacDonald Training Center (MTC) is dedicated to shattering barriers to independence for people with disabilities. MTC's innovative life and job skills training curriculum, community based residential supports, and competitive employment placement services are designed to reduce dependence on state funding for the individuals we are privileged to serve and for the organization. All business services provided to the community are held to the highest quality standards.
The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm was awarded the 2012 AFL Support Staff of the Year. The 2013 season kicks off at home Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 PM versus South Division rival Jacksonville Sharks. Season tickets are available, for more information call 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com . Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook or Twitter for up to date news and exclusive content.

High School Student-Athletes Visit the Storm

On Friday, December 7, the Tampa Bay Storm opened its doors and welcomed the Amos P. Godby High School (Tallahassee, FL) football team. Storm president, Derrick Brooks, addressed the high school students and spoke to them about the importance of education.
“You guys have to remember that you are student-athletes,” said Brooks to the students. “You are a student first and foremost. Getting an education should always be the top priority at your age.”
As Brooks spoke, the students listened intently. It was clear that his speech made an impact on everyone, including Godby head coach Ronnie Cottrell.
“You know, I was on his [Brooks] high school team’s coaching staff, and he was always a role model even back then,” said Cottrell. “Hearing him impart his wisdom on these boys was great.”
While education was the focus of the day, there was still time for a little bit of football talk.
“Take a look to your left and right,” said director of player personnel David Wilson. “The men next to you are your teammates. If you trust each other, you will be able to go out there and win any ball game.”
The team showed its appreciation with a round of applause.
“It’s always good to work with an organization that cares about the students,” said Cottrell.
As the students headed for the bus and said their goodbyes, the team looked like they could tackle any challenge, on or off the field.
Godby H.S. plays this weekend (December 14) in the 2012 FHSAA Class 5A Football Championship Game against Immokalee High School (Immokalee, FL) in Orlando at the Citrus Bowl, kickoff is at 1:00 PM.

Tampa Bay Storm Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway A Success

Monday evening several players from the Tampa Bay Storm took the opportunity to join Storm team president Derrick Brooks as his charity, Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc., passed out Thanksgiving dinners to 50 families at the Spring Hill Park Community Center in the Sulpher Springs neighborhood of Tampa, FL.
"Events like this give our players a chance to give back to the community," said Brooks. "We were blessed to be able to provide the families with holiday dinners. Events like this play a large role in our vision for our organization."
The Thanksgiving Holiday Giveaway is a staple amongst the many programs that Derrick Brooks Charities hosts each year. One of the highlights for the Storm players at events like this is the interaction with the families and children.
"It feels great to be able to get out in the community and give back," said defensive lineman Paul Griffin. "I am grateful to have opportunities like this to great fans and provide dinners to people during this time of year."
Youth from community center assisted in helping to put together the care packages full with turkeys, vegetables, potatoes, rolls and pies from Publix who partnered graciously to help kick off the holiday season with some Thanksgiving cheer.
The community center hosts one of several Boys & Girls Clubs in the Tampa Bay community. The kids from the program attended several Storm games in 2012 and this event afforded them to opportunity to personally meet and interact with the Storm players. It was also an opportunity to assist in improving the Thanksgiving situation in a part of the city that is underserved.
"It is great to see athletes take an active role in the community," added Ricky Gallon, community relations director of the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay. "Pleasing, it is definitely pleasing to see [the Storm players] giving back, spending time with the little guys and little gals. It provides the children with a chance to see the players be hero's in the community."
An original franchise of the AFL, the Five-Time Tampa Bay Storm enters its 26th season. A winner of the 2012 AFL Support Staff of the Year, the Storm strives to provide its fans and opponents with world class service. The 2013 season kicks off at home Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 PM versus South Division rival Jacksonville Sharks. Season tickets are available, for more information call 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com . Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.

Storm Participate in Great American Teach-In

On Thursday, November 15, the Tampa Bay Storm appeared at the Lomax Magnet Elementary School (Tampa, FL) to participate in the Great American Teach-in. The players and staff had the opportunity to not only read to the students, but to also talk to them about the importance of education.
Storm defensive back Riley Swanson and linebacker John-Kevin Dolce spoke to the children and stressed the importance of education in their lives. For the players, it was a great way to remember their time as elementary students.
"When I was a kid, I loved when we had a career day and people came to speak to the class," said Swanson. "We have the ability to make a strong impression, and let the children know that learning and listening is extremely important in their development."
Lomax assistant principal, Marisa Brody, shared Swanson's enthusiasm.
"This is a great way for the students to learn, and it's a huge time for them," said Brody. "At this age these students want to be anything from a doctor, to a football player. To have the Storm come in and speak is great because football players can explain discipline and let the children know they have to go to school in order to succeed."
For the students, the day allowed them to ask questions, and the players were happy to answer them.
"This is an important time in a child's life," said Swanson. "It's always great when we have the chance to speak in schools and give back."
For the Storm, this is just one of the many ways to reach out to the community.
The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm was awarded the 2012 AFL Support Staff of the Year. 2013 season tickets are now available for more information call 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com . Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.

Member Of Predators Ownership Gives Back To Florida Amateur Athletics

A multi-purpose facility proposed for Tampa's Westshore Business District is slated to be a center for indoor amateur athletics.
Bob Gries, a former owner of the Tampa Bay Storm and a current member of the Orlando Predators ownership group, has agreed to raise $20 million and to donate a portion of the amount.
The facility has an expected development budget of $20 million to $25 million and annual operating deficit of $200,000 to $250,000.
It will be a community asset that will attract tournament activity and generate hotel room nights, Susan Sieger, president of Crossroads Consulting Services LLC, said at a Hillsborough County Hotel and Motel Association meeting on Thursday.
Crossroads, based in Tampa, led an assessment of the proposed facility.
It is expected to feature 16 volleyball courts or 12 basketball courts and a parking lot with an estimated 1,000 spaces.
This will take 15 to 20 acres to accomplish.
The search for a site is under way.
In a down economy, sports tourism continued to provide a source of hotel room nights, Tampa Bay Business Journal reported in 2010.
While families might have hesitated to spend money on a vacation, they continued to travel for children’s tournaments and other sports activity, TBBJ reported.
Parents still want to do things with their kids, Sieger said, and the facility will help attract this audience.
The Westshore business district has a large number of hotel rooms and easy access to shopping, restaurants and amenities.
“If you look at this district and everything that’s nearby it’s a great package,” Sieger said.

Tampa Bay Storm Honored By Tampa Police Department

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Storm were awarded the Chief’s Certificate of Appreciation by the Tampa Police Department on Tuesday, August 14 for hosting the third annual Dodgeball For a Cause Tournament in July prior to a Tampa Bay Storm football game at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment partnered with the Lightning Foundation to hold the annual dodge ball tournament on July 14 and drew in more than 500 participants for the event. The tournament raised more than $12,000 for the Tampa Police Athletic League. Over the three year span of this event, nearly $50,000 has been directed to law enforcement charities and benevolent associations. The Tampa Police Athletic League is in the midst of a $4-million capital campaign with the cornerstone project being a new gymnasium and equipment to serve their approximately 500 youth.
The Lightning are committed to leading by example and inspiring others to give in all sorts of ways. They contributed through the Community Heroes program, as well as the C.H.A.R.G.E. volunteer program, $2.5 million in cash awards and more than 4,000 volunteer hours, respectively, during the 2011-12 season.
To learn more about the Tampa Police Athletic League please visit www.paltampa.org.

Tampa Bay Storm Organization Honored by League Office

The Arena Football League announced today the Tampa Bay Storm was awarded with the Source One Support Staff of the Year Award. The recognition includes the team's front office support as a whole, a combination of Public Relations, Operations, Player Personnel, Coaches, Management and Equipment Staff.
"This was a collective effort and demonstrates everyone's commitment at Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment to providing world class service to our fans, employees, colleagues and fellow members of the Arena Football League," said Tampa Bay Storm President Derrick Brooks.
Prior to the 2011 Arena Football League season, Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment Chairman Jeff Vinik purchased the Storm. With Tod Leiweke serving as CEO and under the direction of President Derrick Brooks, the Storm became the model Arena Football League organization.
For Tampa Bay, an original member of the Arena Football League, this is the first organizational award in the rich history and tradition of the franchise that includes a league-high five ArenaBowl Championships, the most wins by any team (207) and the all-time attendance leader (2,276,930) in AFL history.
The Arena Football League, celebrating its Silver Anniversary Season, will host AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV in New Orleans, LA. The Philadelphia Soul will take on the Arizona Rattlers on Friday, August 10 at 10:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network at the New Orleans Arena.

Tampa Bay Storm Re-Launches Surge Fan Club

The Tampa Bay Storm is pleased to announce the team has re-launched the Tampa Bay Storm Surge Fan Club for the 2013 season.
"We have tremendous fans here in Tampa Bay, the best in the AFL," said team president Derrick Brooks. "Bringing back the Storm Surge Fan Club is another important step in making our fans an integral part of the team. As we continue to build the team back to greatness, we are looking to the strength of our fans to help us do it together."
Storm Surge Fan Club members will receive exciting benefits including a preseason meet the team rally hosted by Storm president Derrick Brooks. Members will receive an official Storm Surge Fan Club decal and membership card, a "˜Survivor' style bandana and Surge noise maker. Additional benefits include private events with Storm players and official Storm special offers throughout the season. Membership in the Fan Club is $25 and can be purchased online by visiting TampaBayStorm.com.
The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm celebrates its 25th season in the AFL this 2012 Season. Season tickets for the 2013 season are on sale now. For more information or to purchase, call 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com.

Tampa Bay Storm to Host LEON Family Festival Event

The Tampa Bay Storm have joined with presenting sponsors 620 WDAE, 970 WFLA, Ferman Automotive, the tbt* and Inside the Box Café & Catering to host the third annual LEON Family Festival Friday, June 29th from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.
Halfway to Christmas, the LEON (noel spelled backwards) Family Festival is a time to rejoice and help collect toys for Metropolitan Ministries.  Anybody that brings a new, unwrapped toy or a $10 donation can join the celebration and will also receive a free ticket to the Tampa Bay Storm game later that evening.
The event, on the West Plaza, will have a 60 foot snow slide, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Clause, inflatables, face painting, balloon creations, holiday music, food and much more. WFLA 970 and WDAE 620 will be broadcasting live with video games and a corn toss for the kids, and the Tampa Bay Storm mascot “Storm Dawg” and the Storm cheerleaders will be moving and grooving to keep everyone entertained.
LEON highlights the need that Metropolitan Ministries faces during the summer months when donations begin to decline.  “LEON is a fun way for Metropolitan Ministries to remind our supporters that we are half-way to Christmas, but the needs of homeless men, women and children are year-round,” said Tim Marks, Metropolitan Ministries president. “Without the tremendous support of 970 WFLA, Ferman, and the Tampa Bay Storm, we wouldn’t be able to bring this great event to the community.”
This is the third year for the Metropolitan Ministries LEON event.  For questions about this event, visit www.metromin.org or call 813-209-1264.

Storm's owner Vinik expands his presence in Channelside

Jeff Vinik's drive to develop the Channelside District is moving in new directions — across the street.
Vinik, the owner of the Tampa Bay Storm and Lightning, is now part of groups that have purchased at least two properties across the street from the Tampa Bay Times Forum where his teams plays, and just down the street from the Channelside shopping complex that he hopes to purchase.
One parcel is a wedge-shaped plot that previously housed a bar called The Hut, and before that Newk's Cafe. The restaurant has remained dormant for months. Facilities staff for the Lightning were cleaning out the property this week and installing new safety railings around the outside deck.
Strategically placed, that property follows Channelside Drive to the south, Nebraska Avenue to the West and Brorein Street on the northeast.
The parcel last sold for $2.4 million in December 2010 to 514 Channelside Properties LLC — just a few months after Vinik purchased the Lightning. Officials with the team confirmed that Vinik is now a "noncontrolling" participant in that group, though they declined to say what Vinik's long-term plan could be for the property.
For now, the venue will host some events during the Republican National Convention in August, which will be held in the Forum.
In a similar move, Vinik is now part of a group that owns a plot to the west, at Morgan Street and Channelside Drive, that once held a restaurant and law firm. That property sits vacant. The plot last sold in March 2011 for $2.7 million, according to the Hillsborough County property appraiser's office.
Both properties could play into Vinik's overall plan to redevelop the much wider Channelside District as he's in the lead to purchase the Channelside Bay Plaza shopping and entertainment center down the street.
Besides the Forum, Vinik controls a large parking lot to the southeast of the stadium, plus another to the east that abuts the Channelside complex.
Mayor Bob Buckhorn has praised Vinik for his investment into the city and previously said he expects whoever owns Channelside will need help with nearby development.
"It's likely we'll limit that to things like sidewalks and landscaping," the mayor said in April. "To expect a huge investment from the city would be far-fetched."
Sometime this summer, officials with Vinik expect to present his proposed redevelopment design for the shopping complex, and they've long expressed a desire to have the overall neighborhood revamped.

Tampa Bay Storm Owner Vinik gives $10M to Duke University

A Duke University graduate, AFL & NHL owner and asset manager pledged $10 million to Duke to hire and retain professors who will work on complex societal challenges, President Richard H. Brodhead announced Tuesday.
Called the Vinik Faculty Challenge Fund, the alumnus Jeffrey N. Vinik and his wife Penny hope to see the professors focus on topics like engineering and related areas in energy, global health, brain sciences and the environment. The Viniks want the fund to create up to 10 associate or full professorships dedicated to addressing problems that affect the quality of life.
“The problems facing society today create immense opportunities for students who are capable of bridging their science and engineering education with complementary skills in economics, humanities and policy,” Vinik said in a news release. “Faculty members are the key to providing these students with an exceptional educational experience and for engaging them in hands-on research projects and independent studies that will give them the skills to become leaders in their fields and make a positive difference in the world.”
A 1981 graduate from Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering, Vinik earned an MBA from Harvard Business School, founded Boston-based Vinik Asset Management and now owns the Arena Football League’s Tampa Bay Storm and the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning. He is also a minority owner of Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox.
For more on Vinik, click here to read a recent profile of him published by the Tampa Bay Times. Or see this profile in the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Annual Tampa Badge Bowl Game Continues to Be Successful

Members of the City of Tampa’s local law enforcement agencies brought a whole new meaning to the mantra “serve and protect” on Saturday afternoon.
Rather than carrying out those responsibilities for the Bay Area’s local citizens, individuals from the Tampa Police Department and Tampa Fire Rescue instead did just that, but for their quarterback that is.
It was all part of Badge Bowl IX, an annual charity flag football game hosted for the first time by the Tampa Bay Storm and Tampa Bay Times Forum to benefit the 1Voice Foundation and the Foundation of Courage.
“We’re grateful to our valiant partners at both the Tampa Police Department and Tampa Fire and Rescue for once again making this year’s Badge Bowl such a tremendous event,” said Kasey Smith, senior director of the community relations. “They, along with all the sponsors and supporters, make Badge Bowl such an awesome day for the heroic children and families battling childhood cancer.”
Among the special guests in attendance to witness the Tampa Fire and Rescue Firestorm defeat the Tampa Police Department Gladiators, 12-7, were City of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Lightning Community Hero Sister Anne Dougherty. Storm football operations executive Dave Wilson and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Earnest Graham also both served as honorary head coaches in the game.
As for the action on the field, Tampa Fire Rescue’s Erik Joyce looked more like one of Graham’s Buccanneers teammates out there in the secondary, as he came up with two interceptions on the day. But with the Firestorm behind 7-6 in the final quarter, it was the game’s MVP Brian Barsoumian who stole the show, as he returned an interception back to the house for six with 3:30 left that held up as the winning score.
“It was pretty huge,” Barsoumian said. “It was a great team effort and a great victory.”
But the victory, however, was by far more reserved for the children it benefited than the players themselves.
Anthony Alvarez, a 15-year-old Bloomingdale High School student beating non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, was one such individual named as an honoree of Saturday’s game, while Aaron Klingebiel, a 12-year-old Pasco County middle school student battling a malignant brain tumor was another. In all, the event raised thousands of dollars, all for a worthy cause.
“It doesn’t matter what side you’re on or what the result is, the real winners are the kids,” Tampa Fire and Rescue’s Tim Hayes said. “It’s great to see all the contributions of both the police and the fire departments who work hard behind the scenes to make it all possible.”
The Badge Bowl began in 2002 and was dedicated to Taylor Dumke, a young girl who was suffering from a brain tumor. A portion of the money collected from the event is directed to generating funds for both Alvarez and Klingebiel, while the remainder of the proceeds is divided up between the 1Voice Foundation, which provides families with children battling serious illness with emotional and financial support, and the Foundation of Courage. In the last decade, approximately $200,000 has been raised through this outstanding community event.