Tampa, Fla., February 4, 2004 - Amscot Financial, a Florida-based tax and retail financial services company, recently made a $1,000 contribution toward Pinellas County Commissioner John Morroni's Tenth Annual Appreciation Dinner for Law Enforcement, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services personnel, according to President and CEO Ian MacKechnie.

The dinner, which was held Jan. 30 at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, was designed to honor the men and women who risk their lives to protect and serve the citizens of Pinellas County.

"At Amscot Financial," MacKechnie explains, "we have a tremendous appreciation for the efforts of those who serve as police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel. They respond to the highest calling with selflessness, courage, compassion and vigilance, and serve as a shining example to everyone within our community.

"That's why we're proud to offer this small sign of gratitude for the magnanimous efforts these men and women make every single day to help keep us safe and healthy," MacKechnie adds.

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., Amscot Financial, along with its subsidiary, Amscot Tax Service, is a leading provider of convenient retail financial services for the mainstream consumer. Founded in 1989, the company provides payday advance, check cashing and income tax preparation services through its more than 1,500 Associates working in over 50 locations throughout Central Florida. For additional information, please visit the company's web site at www.amscotfinancial.com.