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Hunter's Green and Tampa Palms courses offer deals then and before. An interfaith group offers a patriotic observance.
By JOHN BALZ, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published August 23, 2002
NEW TAMPA -- Several New Tampa groups are preparing to honor local police officers and firefighters on Sept. 11 for their service to the city.
Active police officers and firefighters will be able to play the golf courses at Hunter's Green and Tampa Palms free of charge on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
"We're just trying to say thanks for all they do for the citizens of the county and see if we can't give something back to them," said Bill Crusselle, general manager of Tampa Palms County Club.
Both the Hunter's Green course, designed by Tom Fazio, and the Tampa Palms course, designed by Arthur Hill, are usually closed to the public.
Matt Permuth, an employee at the Hunter's Green club, came up with the idea in June.
"I was sick of turning on the television and seeing just (bad news)," Permuth said.
The club will be open to nonmembers on Sept. 11 as well. The cost -- $27.33 -- is a twist on the date of the attacks: $9.11 is the special price of the green and cart fees, $9.11 is for lunch, and $9.11 will be donated to the law enforcement departments.
In addition, both country clubs will hold fundraisers in the weeks before the anniversary in what organizers are calling "Links Across New Tampa."
Local golfers can sign up to play Tampa Palms on Aug. 26 and Hunter's Green on Sept. 3. The cost is $50 for individual players.
Tee times begin at 9 a.m. For reservations, call the Tampa Palms Pro Shop at 972-1444 or the Hunter's Green Pro Shop at 973-1700.
-- The New Tampa Interfaith Council, which held a candlelight vigil last September after the attacks, will hold a patriotic observance called New Tampa Remembers. The event will last from 7 to 8 p.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 9724 Cross Creek Boulevard.
Law enforcement color guards, church leaders and local Boy and Girl Scout troops will be on hand. Organizers hope to provide candles and flags.
-- John Balz can be reached at (813) 269-5313 or at balz@sptimes.com.