Marine program for kids nets gift

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 2, 2000

ST. PETERSBURG -- An underwater video company has donated $1,000 to an after-school marine science program in the city's Challenge area.

The donation from SeaView Video Technology likely will be used to repair air conditioning at Agape's headquarters at 313 18th Ave. S, said Agape board member Pat Fulton.

"We're happy to be able to do it and we'll probably do some more things with them," said Rich McBride, SeaView's president.

Wilma Green founded Agape in 1996 to help children from poor families learn how to be successful. The program recently moved to a new location and is expanding to include the marine science element. The new center should be open by the time school starts, Fulton said.

Boys and girls 7 to 14 years old are welcome.

Meanwhile, Fulton is working with the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce to help support Agape. Companies are being sought to sponsor field trips, and volunteers are needed to help with programs and in setting up the new center.

Agape also needs fish tanks, bookshelves, marine-related books, a computer with software, simple weather monitoring equipment, a refrigerator, lab aprons, and fishing and scuba equipment.

For information, call Fulton at 896-0523.

Police offer dog obedience classes

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Police Department's K-9 unit is offering dog obedience classes for residents starting Thursday.

The eight-week course costs $10 and will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursdays at the K-9 training facility, at 3000 22nd Ave. S.

Dogs must be at least 1 year old and have a current county license and proof of a rabies vaccination. The dog's handler must be at least 18 years old.

For information, call 893-7715 or 893-7521.

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