PRESS RELEASES
Explore press releases I developed during my internship with the City of Clearwater and through USF coursework. Each sample follows AP style and reflects my growth in clarity, structure and professional tone.
PRSA PRestige Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2026
Jennifer Pena-Cruz
PRSA Prestige Awards Team
PRSA Tampa Bay Announces Early Entry Period for 2026 PRestige Awards
TAMPA, Fla. — The Public Relations Society of America Tampa Bay Chapter has opened the early entry period for its annual PRSA Tampa Bay PRestige Awards, the chapter’s award program honoring outstanding public relations campaigns and strategic planning across more than 25 categories.
“Submitting early is encouraged because the process of preparing entries often helps professionals identify additional award-worthy work, and early submissions provide a cost-savings on entry fees” said Kate Smith, 2026 2026 President of the PRSA Tampa Bay Chapter and Director of Communications for Pinellas Education Foundation.
Public relations professionals who submit their work during the early entry period can benefit from lower entry fees, additional preparation time, and the opportunity to plan more strategically and efficiently throughout the process. Beginning the process early gives entrants more time to gather supporting materials, refine their narratives, and strengthen the metrics that demonstrate the impact of their projects and campaigns before the submission deadline.
The PRestige Awards celebrate excellence in research, planning, implementation and evaluation for public relations and related campaigns and programs, honoring the professionals and organizations whose work drives measurable results and advances the public relations profession. Evaluated by a panel of experienced judges from a partner PRSA chapter, the awards program honors campaigns and tactics with PRestige Awards, Awards of Excellence or Awards of Commendation in each of the various categories, with the top-scoring entry earning the overall PRestige Best of Show. On top of receiving these awards, participants gain industry recognition and can learn from the application process, as it helps them walk away with sharper storytelling skills and strategic planning.
“Public relations professionals should submit their work for PRSA Tampa Bay’s PRestige Awards because they highlight campaigns and tactics that drive real results for organizations and recognize the value of the PR profession,” said Smith.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for November 2026, where winners will be officially announced. For submission guidelines, deadlines and entry details, visit prsatampabay.org/PRestige_Awards.
USF Alumni Interview
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2026
Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications
Jennifer Pena-Cruz
(727) 301-5987
From USF to Delta: Zimmerman School Graduate Builds Career in Public Relations
TAMPA, Fla. — Spring 2025 graduate of the University of South Florida’s Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications Sydney Martin is making an impact in the field of public relations through her work with Delta Airlines as an intern.
“The best part about the Z School was putting me in contact with professors who already have the experience and can guide me to where I want to go, while also connecting me with other like-minded individuals who are seeking to grow in communications, marketing, and advertising,” said Martin. “Just knowing that I had their support made all the difference.”
During her time at USF, she gained hands-on experience through campus involvement with the Public Relations Student Society of America, and through her internships with TELL Public Relations and the USF Institute of Applied Engineering. After earning her degree in integrated public relations and advertising, she began building a career defined by strategic communications, diverse experiences, and networking. In her current role working with Delta Air Lines’ Innovation Marketing and Communications team (IAE), she is responsible for supporting internal and external communications initiatives while helping develop strategic messaging and marketing efforts within the company’s innovation.
“Working in communications has really taught me how to be intentional with the work that I’m doing and the messages that I’m sharing,” said Martin. “Being in an established organization pushes you to think strategically about how you communicate and how your work contributes to larger goals.”
Since graduating, Martin led a social media campaign for Tampa Bay Tech’s Tech Week where she collaborated with business development, communications, marketing, and engineering teams to execute the organizations first coordinated digital campaign. She partnered with the University of South Florida social media team, represented IAE on-site and created content that increased LinkedIn engagement and expanded the company’s visibility. Her work reflects the strategic thinking and professional training emphasized at the Zimmerman School.
Fourth of July Press Release
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2025
Contact:
Jennifer Pena-Cruz
Public Communications Intern
(727) 301-5987
Jennifer.Pena@myclearwater.com
Clearwater Prepares for Independence Day Celebration at Coachman Park
Clearwater, Fla. – The city of Clearwater is bringing back the firework show and other family-friendly activities for the Fourth of July celebration at Coachman Park at 9 p.m. on Friday. This event is free and open to all families. The celebration is expected to start at 5 p.m. and will run to 9:45 p.m.
Ahead of the fireworks, guests will be able to enjoy games and buskers, DJ sets, and food from local vendors and food trucks. There will also be performances from the Coachman Pops Orchestra and The Black Honkeys. Attendees may also participate in a silent disco party hosted by The BayCare Sound from 6 to 11 pm.
The memorial causeway bridge will be closed at 9 p.m. during the firework show and will reopen for driving when it is safe. Nearby drivers should expect traffic delays during the event. The perimeter of the surrounding park will be closed off for boats, but citizens may view the show from boats in other surrounding areas. Docking will be restricted at the Clearwater Harbor Marina from 5 to 10 p.m. Learn more at MyClearwater.com/Clearwater-Celebrates-America.
Clearwater Main Library Curbside Pickup
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2025
Contact:
Jennifer Pena-Cruz
Public Communications Intern
(727) 444-8105
Jennifer.Pena@myclearwater.com
Clearwater Main Library Introduces Curbside Pickup
Clearwater, Fla. – The city of Clearwater’s Main Library will be offering a curbside pickup service, available Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 100 N Osceola Ave. This service allows patrons to conveniently pick up library items and holds without leaving their vehicle. Requests can be made via text or phone at (727) 294-1058.
Library staff will pull the items from the shelf, check them out to the patron’s account, and bring them directly to their vehicle. Patrons should call or text the library upon arrival in the designated curbside area. A maximum of five items may be picked up, and a library card or photo ID is required.
This curbside service was first introduced during COVID-19 and was successful in allowing patrons to enjoy and maintain access to library materials during the pandemic. The library is now reintroducing this service to help patrons navigate limited parking availability due to ongoing downtown construction. Learn more at MyClearwater.com/Clearwater-Curbside-Pickup.
Happy Hound Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2024
CONTACT: Jennifer Pena-Cruz
(813) 555-5555 or media@fakehappyhound.com
Twitter: @fakehappyhound
Happy Hound CEO Announces Grant and Scholarship to Support Dogs
TAMPA – CEO Marcia Marshall announced that University of South Florida psychologist was given $500,000 to begin a series of support groups for people who are afraid of dogs.
Happy Hound has given the grant as part of a community relations program that seeks to position the company as one that promotes responsible pet ownership for the mutual benefits of people and animals. Recipient Emanuel Rogers specializes in human-animal interaction and is the author of the best-selling book on pets called “Paws for a Moment.”
“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.”
To celebrate the grant, Happy Hound is holding a contest next month for a lucky winner to receive free dog food for a year. For more information about the contest, please visit the Happy Hound's website or contact Jennifer Pena-Cruz at media@fakehappyhound.com.
About Happy Hound Company
Happy Hound is a Tampa based manufacturer and distributor of dog food that 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. Learn more at www.fakehappyhound.com.