Sample News Stories and Press Releases

New requirements set for college graduates

By Jelena Milosavljevic

TAMPA- A Tampa university president announced changes to graduation requirements on Friday.

A recent study of the students at the University of Tampa found that only 15 percent took a foreign language and only 20 percent took a math course while enrolled. In response, President Ronald Vaughn shared that the new requirements for students entering in Fall 2019 would entail taking one math, one computer science, and two language courses.

“We feel that these new course requirements will allow us to turn out better-educated persons,” said Vaughn.

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Bags of gold far from home

By Jelena Milosavljevic

TAMPA- A 33-year-old woman found two bags full of gold bars on the side of a Tampa street on Sunday, according to Tampa police.

The woman, Julie Parker, was walking to Publix to buy supplies for her 8-year-old son’s pool party when she found the bags. Within the bags were also pictures of boats, dogs and guns. Parker called Tampa police and turned the gold over to them. There are no reports of any missing or lost gold at this time, but an investigation is ongoing.

“When I looked inside the bags, I almost passed out, but I never really thought about keeping the gold I guess,” said Parker.

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Gators say it’s fighting season

By Jelena Milosavljevic

FROSTPROOF - A Florida child filmed a viral Facebook video of two alligators fighting outside his parent’s house’s front door at 7:45 a.m. on Monday, according to the Polk County sheriff’s office.

Tommy Jones,10, was grabbing a glass of milk from the kitchen when he heard the sounds of the gators fighting, whom he named Tom and Brady. Like his neighbors, he filmed the event and it went viral on Facebook. Deputies were called and arrived nine minutes after the fight ended, which had already led to plants, two chairs, a table, and a bike knocked over.

"That was so awesome! Gators are so cool and I really hope they come back and fight some more soon,” Jones said.

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School resource deputy saves choking student

By Jelena Milosavljevic

BROOKSVILLE- A School Resource Officer at Central High School saved a male student who was choking on Monday at 11:40 a.m., according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Glen Hickey saw that the teen was starting to lose color in the face and was unable to respond to questions. Hickey quickly began performing the Heimlich maneuver and after a few thrusts, something came out of the student’s mouth and he was able to breathe again. Paramedics arrived to transport the student to a nearby hospital where he is expected to make a full recovery. The school reports that this is Hickey’s second time helping a choking student.

"I needed to help. I'm happy he is going to be good,” said Deputy Hickey.

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Brad Pitt experiences assault as an undercover Uber driver

By Jelena Milosavljevic

SARASOTA – Actor Brad Pitt was knocked out and robbed in his car in a downtown Sarasota parking lot on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. while working as an Uber driver, according to the Sarasota Police Department.

Pitt began working for Uber to research an upcoming movie role and was on his last pickup that day when an unknown suspect stole his cell phone, wallet, and car keys and hit him twice on the head with a brick before taking off. When Pitt woke, he honked his horn for help and a nearby woman called the police. Sarasota Fire Rescue transported Pitt to a hospital where he is expected to make a full recovery. Though the suspect took off, Pitt was able to give the police a description.

“I can't believe that was Brad Pitt,” said Stanley Ritter, witness. “I feel bad that I didn't help him out."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 12, 2021

CONTACT:

Jelena Milosavljevic

(813) 555-5555 or media@fakehappyhound.com

Happy Hound Company Helps Community with $500,000 Grant

TAMPA - Happy Hound Company will announce that they will be giving a $500,000 grant to a psychologist at the University of South Florida to help people who are afraid of dogs and promote responsible pet ownership.

The grant will be announced by Marcia Marshall, CEO of Happy Hound, and the goal is to position the company as one that is for the mutual benefits of people and animals.

Emanuel Rogers, psychologist and grant recipient, specializes in human-animal interaction. Rogers will be using the money to help Happy Hound Company begin a series of support groups for people who are scared of dogs.

“At Happy Hound, we believe it’s important for people to establish positive relationships with dogs,” Marshall said. “Dogs are supposed to be our best friends. We think all two-legged creatures should be able to enjoy all that our four-legged friends have to offer.”

For additional information, email Jelena Milosavljevic at media@fakehappyhound.com.

About Happy Hound

Happy Hound was established as a small family business in Ybor City in 1980. Its commitment to animal health and nutrition is as important today as it was 35 years ago. Heavenly Hound Bites, its organic line of dog food and treats, is recommended by veterinarians throughout the United States. www.fakehappyhound.com