Author

Janan Talafer

Janan Talafer enjoys writing for a diverse group of clients, including print and online publications, nonprofit organizations and public relations agencies. One of the highlights of her writing career was flying with the 91st Air Refueling Squadron out of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa FL for a feature about this elite military team. A journalism graduate of Bowling Green State University (OH), Janan’s early career was in health care marketing and public relations for hospitals in Connecticut and Tampa Bay. She is an avid gardener, loves East Coast swing dance and enjoys touring around St. Petersburg on the back of her husband’s scooter. 

Janan Talafer's Latest Articles

TEDxTampaBay: What’s Next For Thought Leaders

An independently organized version of the national TED conference and talks, TEDxTampaBay, now in its second year, generates conversations that prompt people to think more creatively and take actions to improve the world one idea at a time.

MERIT: USF, Draper Lab Create Next Gen Medical Tools

USF and Draper Lab are teaming up to develop novel medical devices that can make treatment less invasive and ease recovery for patients. The goal is to develop breakthrough technologies that improve patient safety, reduce surgical complications and increase medical-related benefits.

USF CAMLS: Robots To Attract Docs From Around The Globe To Downtown Tampa

The USF Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation will be a sci-fi geek's dream when it opens in early 2012 in downtown Tampa. Designed and built by the Beck Group, CAMLS will feature the latest medical technology, including virtual reality surgery and human patient simulators.  

Ocean Team: USF Marine College Interprets Sounds From The Deep

The University of South Florida College of Marine Science is the centerpiece of a growing hub of marine-related organizations dubbed the Ocean Team by the City of St. Petersburg. The small graduate-level college sees its role as a steward of the oceans, sending scientists out globally to study important environmental issues.

TampaBayHelps: Using Social Media For Good

Tampa Bay entrepreneur Ginger Watters' creation of TampaBayHelps is designed to leverage social media connections to grow donor support for local charities and build a community mindset that inspires greater philanthropic giving.

11:11 In St. Petersburg: Setting The Stage For Creative Expression

St. Petersburg's reputation as "City of the Arts" moves to a new level with 11:11, a "visionary" creative arts festival that combines music, art and dance. The three-day event starts Nov. 11.

Hillsborough’s Transit Tax: What’s At Stake?

"No one wants to turn Tampa into New York City or Boston," says Brian Seel of TRANSITion Tampa Bay, a group of young professionals calling for improved transportation.  "The transit plan is ... simply a way to help us grow in a better pattern suited to the future of our region – a great tool to change the way we build new communities."

Gulfport: A Quaint & Quirky Pinellas Beach Town

Gulfport residents take their unique lifestyle quite seriously. "Our quaintness is obvious and the people who come here and buy Gulfport properties are attracted by its quaintness. We want to keep the integrity of that," says Mike Yakes, who grew up in town and has been mayor since 1991. High-rise condos, chain restaurants, big hotels and brand-name stores are practically non-existent.

Not Your Grandfather’s St. Petersburg: City Of The Arts Gains Traction

An amazing transformation is underway in downtown St. Petersburg. Dozens of small art galleries, an expanded clay studio and a new space dedicated to Chihuly glass will soon be open.  By 2011, the Dali museum is expected to be in its new waterfront home. The arts scene is flourishing, attracting new investments, enthusiasm and creativity.

In The Groove: Young People Fuel Resurgence At Downtown St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Courts

If you got a kick out of watching curling during the Winter Olympics, you might want to take a shot at shuffleboard. The longtime signature sport of Pinellas County -- much like curling, sans the ice -- is making a comeback. Just pick out a cue stick and try strategically shoving discs across a shuffleboard in downtown St. Petersburg, where public courts turn into popular gathering spots by evening to meet up with friends or have fun with the family.

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