St. Petersburg , FL., November 19, 2004/ - Amscot Financial, a Florida-based tax and retail financial services company, is proud to announce the Grand Opening of its newest St. Petersburg location at 911 62 nd Avenue South on Saturday, November 20, 2004 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Festive holiday entertainment will be provided by a balloon twisting and juggling “elf”, Calvin Roe, and 95.7 “The Beat” radio station will be broadcasting live from Amscot's parking lot and giving away prizes. Free refreshments will be served courtesy of Hungry Howie's Pizza.

During the event, Amscot Financial will present a check for $1,000 to Running Soles Youth Track Club, a grassroots after school program for at-risk youth in St. Petersburg and the surrounding Pinellas County region. Its mission is to help develop happy, healthy and confident young athletes and leaders by introducing them to athletic events where they can excel. Last year, athletes competed in the Amateur Athletic Union and the USATF Track and Field Junior Olympics. Running Soles also provides volunteer opportunities for the youth to help their community. The program is primarily funded through corporate and private donations, as well as grants and partnerships.

Also participating in the grand opening event is Child Protection Education of America, Inc. (CPEA), a national nonprofit organization for missing children based in Tampa , FL. The CPEA will be available on-site to provide fingerprinting for children through their “ID ME NOW” program, which produces a free, state-of-the-art, specially designed card for parents to keep. The card contains a set of the child's digital fingerprints, a black and white photo of the child, a dental chart, and instructions on how to do a simple DNA collection. Safety brochures are provided with the fingerprint card, as well as an envelope containing further information on how to complete their child safety kit. This information can assist parents and law enforcement officers involved with a missing child case. An interactive child safety CD-ROM can also be purchased for $5.00 at the event.

Headquartered in Tampa , FL., Amscot Financial is a leading provider of income tax preparation and electronic filing services, refund anticipation loans, check cashing services, cash advance services, money transfer services and money orders through its wholly owned division, Amscot International Money Order Company. Amscot Financial currently operates 76 tax preparation offices and 76 retail financial service centers throughout Florida and employs more than 1,500 people. For additional information, please visit the company's website at www.amscotfinancial.com.