Around town

By Times Staff Writer
Published November 12, 2007

EVENTS

Veteran appreciation: In recognition of Veterans Day, Lt. Col. Richard Vargus of the U.S. Central Command will speak about his 21 years of service in the U.S. Army and honor the troops. The event will feature music and singing from King High School's chorus and band and the Temple Terrace Highlanders. Temple Terrace City Manager Kim Leinbach will be the keynote speaker. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., today; Woodmont Park, 407 Woodmont Ave., Temple Terrace; open to the public, free. For information, call 813 989-7197.

Autograph signing: Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive linemen Jovan Haye and Greg Spires will meet with fans and sign merchandise of their choice. Fans pay $10 per autograph with a $10 minimum store purchase. All of the autograph fees will go to the Christian Children's Fund. 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday; Bucs and Bulls Heaven, 14823 N Florida Ave., Tampa. For information, call (813) 908-2827.

Coastal conference: The Tampa Bay chapter of the Sierra Club presents Florida program coordinator for the Gulf Restoration Network Joe Murphy to discuss the current state of the Gulf Coast. The group will review coastal water pollution, loss of natural systems and environmental management and regulation of Florida's coasts. 7 p.m., Wednesday; Children's Board of Hillsborough County, 1002 E Palm Ave., Tampa; open to the public, free. For information, call Bev Griffiths at (813) 741-3054.

Spinal injury tips: To coincide with the Second Annual Florida Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week, the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) sponsors an open house featuring spinal cord injury prevention tips. Games and contests that focus on assistive technology and spinal cord injury prevention will take place with prizes awarded and refreshments provided. 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday; Tampa General Hospital Rehabilitation Center, Room 214, 2 Columbia Drive, Tampa; open to the public, free. To register, call (813) 844-7591.

Send submissions for Around Town to Eric Smithers at St. Petersburg Times, 1000 N Ashley Drive, Suite 700, Tampa, FL 33602-3700; e-mail tampa@sptimes.com Deadline is one week before publication.

[Last modified November 12, 2007, 00:10:44]