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Wilborn Joins The Palladium Theater
St. Petersburg - Paul Wilborn, former manager of Creative Industries for the city of Tampa , has been named executive director of The Palladium at St. Petersburg College . “I'm very excited to be joining the Palladium at this point in the theater's history,” Wilborn said. “The relationship with St. Petersburg College allows the theater to build on its original mission and to enhance the college's educational efforts.” An accomplished pianist and singer, Wilborn has performed at the Palladium more than once, interpreting the music of Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and others in an “American Songbook” program format. Wilborn, 54, is a well-known figure on the Tampa Bay arts scene. Before going to work for the city of Tampa , he worked as a reporter for the Tampa Tribune and, later, for the St. Petersburg Times . Wilborn succeeds Dar Webb, a Palladium board member, who has served as interim director for the past two years.

The Lyric Theatre Breaks One-Day Record For Initial Ticket Sales To Members
Stuart - One day after America celebrated its birthday, The Lyric Theatre in downtown Stuart celebrated the on-sale of its 2007-2008 season to Theatre members. Beginning an hour and a half before the box office opened, a line of people started to form along Flagler Avenue, many sitting in chairs they brought from home and others standing and leaning against nearby buildings. Lyric staff were readily available to answer questions and offer bottles of cold water as ticket buyers eagerly anticipated the 10:00am hour. With the box office opening a second window and phones ringing off the hook, members patiently waited for their turn to purchase tickets to their favorite performances. Consistently throughout the morning and early afternoon hours, over 30 people were waiting in line at one time. John Loesser, Executive Director of the Lyric, stated that this was the largest turnout he had ever seen for a member on-sale and how pleased he was that many people were signing up to become members today for the very first time. And, even more exciting is that by the time the box office closed at 5:00pm, members had purchased a record-breaking 2,000+ tickets - with overall sales in excess of $102,000 - once again confirming that Lyric Theatre supporters are looking forward to attending many events in the upcoming season.

Art Center Sarasota announces the winners of SHOW US WHAT YOU’VE GOT!
Sarasota - “Show Us What You’ve Got, Art Center Sarasota’s Summer Members Juried Exhibition coordinated by Artist Daniel Petrov. Jurors Pat Dabbert of Dabbert Gallery on Palm Ave. and Katrina Castedio of Paradigm Gallery on Main Street, skillfully selected two hundred and twenty four pieces out of the three hundred and fifty works of art submitted to be display at Art Center Sarasota June 25 through August 9, 2007. In the end, though the jurors felt six artists works stood out above the rest and awarded them 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes and 3 merit awards, with $500 awarded to the 1st place winner. The jurors awarded Odile Segue first place for a polymer Clay life size sculpture entitled “Avhana”; Douglas H. Teller received second place for his watrer color piece “Ready When You Are”; and Nadine Desloge took third place for her colorful collage “Echoes.” Merit Awards were given to Kenny Armstrong “Red Cape” Oil on canvas; Thyra Davidson Wexler for “After the Bath” Bronze sculpture; and Edward Wixler for “Approaching Storm” Digital Photograph

Secretary of State Announces Florida Main Street Community of the Month
TALLAHASSEE - Secretary of State Kurt S. Browning announced that Kissimmee Main Street has been designated the Florida Main Street Community of the Month for July 2007. Communities are selected based on their participation in the Florida Main Street Program. Kissimmee Main Street was designated a Florida Main Street Community in 1997. Kissimmee is a vibrant city of more than 60,000 residents well-known for its amusement parks and outdoor recreation. The city, incorporated in 1883, is also home to a thriving historic downtown that includes ample pedestrian shopping areas, rehabilitated original buildings, and numerous community events and celebrations. This September, Kissimmee Main Street will host the Florida Main Street 2007 Annual Conference and Awards Dinner.