12 Reasons to Love a New Chevy for the Holidays

Inspired by "The 12 Days of Christmas," your Chevy dealer in Clearwater, Dimmitt Chevrolet, has compiled the top 12 reasons to love a new Chevrolet vehicle. No "partridge in a pear tree" here, just 12 of the multitude of reasons why Chevrolet continues to be one of America's most popular and best-selling automotive brands.

1. You'll Love the Performance
From the incomparable high-performance power of the Corvette Stingray's legendary 460-horsepower V8 to the Camaro's muscular standard 323-hp V6 to the Chevy Silverado 1500's potent 6.2-liter, 420-hp EcoTec3 engine, you'll feel the power and performance of Chevy's superbly engineered engines every time you put your foot on the accelerator.

Dimmitt Chevrolet Previews The All-New 2016 Chevy Cruze

Dimmitt Chevrolet, your local Clearwater, Florida new and used car Chevy dealer, gives you a sneak peek at the stunning, all-new 2016 Chevy Cruze.

Dressed To Thrill

The 2016 Chevy Cruze gets noticed with fresh new exterior styling that's impressive from any angle. Looking like it costs thousands more, the Cruze wears an expressive, sculpted Euro-style body with fluid, contemporary lines that accentuate aerodynamic efficiency. According to Bengt Halvorson of TheCarConnection.com, the 2016 Cruze's styling "…takes advantage of wind-tunnel testing done for the Volt, yet inherits some of the chiseled, handsome look…that's been introduced in the larger Malibu." "It's lower, leaner, and sportier, as well as a significant three inches added to the overall length and an inch more wheelbase than its predecessor," adds Halvorson. "This translates to two inches of additional rear legroom, with the Cruze offering more rear knee room than the Ford Focus or Hyundai Elantra."

Surprisingly Well Appointed Interior

Whether heading uptown for a night out or down the highway for a weekend getaway, the new Cruze's upgraded and roomier interior gets you there in a style that doesn't scrimp on quality or creature comforts. Bengt Halvorson of TheCarConnection.com says, "Since the Cruze is a global model, selling as an upmarket sedan in some markets, it carries an ‘upscale ambience’ inside, with a dual cockpit look and more fine details."

The Cruze's interior also gets high marks for its more spacious interior. No less than Consumer Reports says, "... The new Cruze strikes us as a big step forward. One of the biggest updates comes in the rear seat, where passengers no longer need Japanese subway pushers to cram them inside. It’s one of the roomiest back seats in the class, with plenty of leg and foot room even for six-footers. In fact, the rear seats look like they have more legroom than Chevy’s next larger sedan, the Malibu…Some versions even pamper rear-seat occupants with their own seat heaters — a rare treat in a small car."

Get behind the three-spoke sports steering wheel of the new Chevy Cruze and take command of the road ahead. Chevy engineers paid special attention to all the details, ensuring that your daily drive is as effortless and comfortable as possible. You'd expect to pay more for the convenience of handy steering wheel-mounted controls that put an array of key functions at your fingertips. Two large sport analog gauges trimmed in chrome bracket an advanced driver information center that offers vital vehicle information at a glance.

Fall Events Calendar for Clearwater, St. Pete & Tampa Bay

The months of October and November are a great time of year with plenty of fun events and activities for the entire family. As your local new and used car dealership in Clearwater, serving St. Pete and Tampa Bay, Dimmitt Chevrolet put together this handy calendar of local fall events in our area. From music festivals and craft fairs to unique special cultural events, we have it all!

October 2015

Clearwater Jazz Holiday at Coachman Park. Photo credit: ClearwaterJazz.com

Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Oct. 15-18 At Coachman Park - One of Clearwater/St. Pete's biggest music events, Jazz Holiday features some of the top names in entertainment, including headliner and nine-time GRAMMY® winner Sheryl Crow. She will be joined on stage by blues legend Buddy Guy, Gladys Knight, the O'Jays, and other stellar performers.

Corvette Owners Rev Up to Fight Pediatric Cancer

The 18th annual Bay Area Corvette Club Show at Dimmitt Chevrolet in Clearwater will benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

The show is scheduled to roll into Dimmitt Chevrolet on Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Opening ceremonies are set for 11 a.m.

Each year the club chooses a nonprofit organization to benefit from money raised. The cancer foundation was announced as this year’s recipient. The organization will receive proceeds from entry fees, chance drawing tickets, a 50/50 raffle and a live auction.

“We hold this show once a year with the intent of raising money for a specific charity the club selects early in the year,” said Jack Tipton, president of the Bay Area Corvette Club.

Visitors who stop by the show will find entry is free and more than 100 cars are expected. A total of 11 classes of Corvettes should be on site, representing the seven generations of the Corvette from C1 to C7, plus a class for modified and custom. The Top 3 cars in each class will receive trophies.

While the show is still a few weeks away, Corvette owners who want to show off their rides will find there’s still time to enter. Information is available on the Bay Area Corvette Club website. The cost to enter is $25 for preregistration and $30 on the day of the show.

Photo courtesy of the Bay Area Corvette Club

Updated 2016 Chevy Corvette Comes In 3 Colorful New Styles

Few vehicles on the planet come with an instant "WOW" factor like that of the astonishing Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Wherever it goes the Corvette creates a tsunami of unabashed excitement and - dare we say - envy. After all, there are many automotive enthusiasts who lust after one of the most extraordinary super sports cars on the road today. We certainly can't blame them.

One would think that the Corvette's proud parents at GM would be content to let their four-wheeled wunderkind rest on its considerable laurels. But such is not the case. Always looking to up their game and keep the competition in the rearview mirror, the automotive wizards who inhabit GM's cylindrical headquarters in the towering Renaissance Center in Detroit are continually refining and reimagining America's Supercar.

2016 Chevy Corvette Stingray in Blade Silver with Twilight Blue design package.

So it should come as no surprise that the 2016 Corvette improves on the previous year's model, which earned a place of honor on Car and Driver's prestigious "10 Best" list for 2015.

New and Improved

What's new for 2016? First of all, if the Corvette wasn't already noticeable enough, it now sports three evocative new design packages, each with its own distinctive color scheme. Discerning customers can now personalize their Corvette more than ever before. They can now choose from Twilight Blue, Jet Black Suede, or Spice Red. Each package offers a comprehensive list of unique appointments designed to make one's 2016 Corvette the ultimate expression of individuality. Here's a breakdown of what you get with each uniquely colorful package.

Clearwater Tire Store at Dimmitt Chevrolet Announces 30-Day Price Match Guarantee on Tires

Dimmitt Chevrolet's all new Clearwater Tire Store has announced it's 30-Day Price Match Guarantee on Tires. Buy select brand tires and if you find a better price within 30 days of purchase, we'll refund the difference!††

Tires can be a challenging purchase, but don't worry; your friends at Dimmitt Chevrolet are here to help our Clearwater and Tampa Bay area, FL customers through the buying process. We carry all of the top brands of new tires for your Chevy car, truck or SUV, including: BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Firestone, Pirelli, and more. The Certified GM technicians at Dimmitt Chevrolet are your tire experts, so you can relax snd be sure we will help you select the right set that matches your needs and budget.

Your tires are the first and only contact with the road, so it’s important to choose the right set. Our Tire Finder tool makes it quick and easy to find tires for any vehicle. Use the drop-down menus to select your vehicle information and navigate your search. Once you’ve selected your new tires, the Certified Service expert technicians can handle all of your tire needs at your scheduled appointment—it’s that simple.

Dimmitt Chevrolet has been servicing Pinellas County and all of the Tampa Bay area including the communities of Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Largo and St. Petersburg since 1924. Call (866-457-8854) or visit our Service Department to get a free evaluation from our tire specialists.

††Ad, written estimate, or Internet quote for identical tire(s) from a competing tire retailer/installer located within 100 miles of the Dimmitt Chevrolet required during guarantee period for price match.

Chevy Debuts Apple CarPlay & Android Auto on 14 Models

Dimmitt Chevrolet, your preferred Chevy dealer in Clearwater, proudly announces that Chevrolet will offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on 14 of its 2016 models, beginning with the launch of the new 2016 Chevy Cruze. That's more cars with this standard feature than any other automaker.

This latest innovation further cements Chevy's leadership in automotive technology. Chevrolet was the first automaker to offer 4G LTE WI-FI across its entire lineup, allowing users to connect up to seven wireless devices.

Dimmitt Chevrolet to host blood drive for people, pets

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Aug. 10, 2015 Media Contact: James Judge Tel: 813.279.8335 Cell: 727.463.1295 Email: jpjudge@judgepr.com

CLEARWATER, Fla. – You’ve probably never attended a blood drive like this one – it’s designed to save the lives of both people and pets.

Dimmitt Chevrolet, OneBlood and BluePearl Veterinary Partners are teaming up to host this unusual event. It will be held from 11:35 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 25 at Dimmitt Chevrolet in Clearwater.

People who show up can donate at OneBlood’s Big Red Bus, which will be on site with plenty of team members.

But this event is also about dogs and cats. Your pets will not be asked to donate blood on site, but representatives from BluePearl will be on hand to explain how they can do so in the future.

“Many people aren’t aware that dogs and cats can donate blood, just like humans do,” said Dr. Dee Ann Dugger, a senior clinician who runs the blood bank at BluePearl. “But our generous donors help save the lives of animals throughout Tampa Bay and beyond.”

All donors must be 16 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and be healthy. People who plan on donating blood at the drive should eat a light meal and drink plenty of water prior to donating. Also, donors need to bring a photo ID, a list of any medication they are taking and it is suggested that they wear a short sleeved shirt.

All donors will receive a T-shirt and a wellness checkup, including blood pressure, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening.  

According to OneBlood, every two seconds, someone needs blood and one in three people will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lifetime.

For more information visit: (INSERT Dimmitt Link), (INSERT One Blood Link), or http://bluepearlvet.com/medical-services/blood-bank/.

Dimmitt Chevrolet is located at 25485 U.S. Highway 19 North in Clearwater, Florida.

Pets can donate blood at all BluePearl hospitals in the Tampa Bay area, including the Tampa, Brandon and Clearwater locations.

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5 Super Summer Road Trips near Clearwater/Tampa Bay

Summer time means vacation time. Floridians everywhere are packing their bags, leaving their worries behind, and hitting the road in search of the perfect summer getaway or unique vacation adventure. So what are your summer road trip plans? If you’re still not sure where to set out for this summer, we here at Dimmitt Chevrolet, your preferred Chevy dealership in Clearwater, Florida, have put together a list of five super summer road trip destinations that will expand your horizons and accelerate your fun.

Visit Tarpon Springs, a tiny fishing community proud of its Greek heritage. Photo credit: Floridatravellife.com

It’s all Greek to Me in Tarpon Springs – Just up the road from Clearwater is a great place to start your summer road trip adventure. Tarpon Springs is truly proud of its Greek heritage, which can be seen just about everywhere in this quaint fishing community. Greek immigrants came here in the early 1900s to dive for sponges, resulting in the development of a vibrant Greek community. Enjoy the historic Ashley’s Victorian Haven, a visit to the Greek Sponge Docks, and a bevy of restaurants serving traditional Greek cuisine. Opa!

Dimmitt is a 2015 Top Workplace in the Tampa Bay Area

Dimmitt Chevrolet, your hometown Chevy dealership in Clearwater, Florida, is proud to have been ranked by the Tampa Bay Times as one of the 100 best companies for which to work in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area for 2015.

A recent survey conducted by the Tampa Bay Times asked local residents to name their top places of employment. Dimmitt Chevrolet placed in the top five among small companies as one of the Top 100 Places to Work in Tampa Bay. The dealership credits its longstanding philosophy of “hiring for attitude and training for skill” as one of the major reasons why employees give it such high marks in terms of workplace satisfaction.

Everyday Hero at Dimmitt Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Everyday Hero All Star Award is a great achievement and honor. Our very own Christopher Nance was one of only five people in the nation to earn this distinction. This is his story...

A few months ago a young couple broke down on the service road out front of the dealership just before closing. They were driving a GMC Sierra pick-up truck loaded with furniture and belongings. Sales consultant, Chris Nance went out to greet the couple to ask them if they needed help. Politely they said they were ok.  After closing the store Chris, drove over to the couple in his truck and offered assistance again. They were borrowing the vehicle from a family friend to help them move to the area. They stated that they could not reach the friend for assistance. Chris checked under their vehicle for a spare tire but unfortunately there was none. Chris proceeded to take the spare tire off of his personal truck and changed the flat tire for them.

The next day, Chris had their tire patched for them. When the gentleman came to pick up the tire he was very surprised and thankful.

Chris has now been named a Chevrolet Everyday Hero All Star!   He is truly embracing the principles of the Everyday Hero Program!  His recognition reflects well on all of us at Dimmitt Chevrolet.  Chris will be traveling to Las Vegas in June to participate in the 2015 Find New Roads Experience as one of only 5 winners in the country!  Congratulations Chris!

 

 

 

 Christopher Nance, at the Everyday Hero Awards, in Las Vegas with Kid Rock and Michelle Damouni before the VIP concert.

Dimmitt Chevrolet goes to bat for Countryside Little League

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Dimmitt Chevrolet donated funds, new equipment, invitations to instructional clinics and a test-drive fundraising opportunity to Countryside Little League in Clearwater this April as a part of Chevrolet Youth Baseball.

The equipment included bags, batting tees, catcher’s gear, water bottles, bases and home plates.

“Baseball is a sport that I absolutely love and believe in as a valuable tool to develop leadership and team-building skills,” said Scott Collore, general manager of Dimmitt Chevrolet. “I hope with this donation, these children will experience some of those same valuable lessons many of us have learned through such an enjoyable game.” 

In addition to the gear, the sponsorship also includes youth clinics featuring current and former MLB and MiLB players, coaches and instructors from Ripken Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association.

Countryside Little League also received a $500 contribution from Dimmitt and the opportunity to raise more funds with a test-drive fundraiser.

Chevrolet Youth Baseball was established 10 years ago and has helped aid more than 3.5 million young people in communities where Chevrolet’s customers live, work and play. In 2014, more than 1,600 Chevrolet dealers participated in the program across the country.

Chevrolet is the Official Vehicle of Major League Baseball.

About Dimmitt Chevrolet

Dimmitt Chevrolet was founded in 1924 by Lawrence Dimmitt Jr., in downtown Clearwater, Florida. Today, both Lawrence Dimmitt III and Lawrence Dimmitt IV work at the dealership and oversee the daily operations. In 1985, the dealership was moved to 25485 U.S. Highway 19 North and the Dimmitt family has been there providing quality automobiles and quality service, ever since. For more information, visit dimmittchev.com.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at chevrolet.com.

12 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Garage and Your Chevy

Now that spring is here, it’s time to tackle that time-honored and cherished tradition: Spring Cleaning. And what better place to start than with your garage? Oh joy.

Photo Credit: Elisa Self (Flickr)

If you open your garage door and face an apocalypse of junk that’s piled up over the years, like that old “faux leather” recliner your brother-in-law told you would look much better in your “man cave” than in his living room. Or those piles of LIFE magazines you are convinced will someday fetch a fortune on “Antiques Roadshow.” We can understand why the mere thought of tackling that Mount Doom of mess in your garage leaves you with a desire to binge-watch episodes of “Duck Dynasty” and “American Pickers” on the History Channel until the urge to clean goes away.

Believe it or not, you can make order out of that much chaos with a well-conceived plan of attack. Think of yourself as George S. Patton crossing the Rhine, or Luke Skywalker blowing up the Death Star. You can do this, with a little help from your friends.

Congrats to Masters Champion Jordan Spieth

Jordan Spieth at the 2015 Valspar Championship. Photo Credit: SBNation

We at Dimmitt Chevrolet would like to congratulate Jordan Spieth on his incredible victory at the Masters, becoming the second youngest player (at just 21 years old) to win the legendary major championship. Spieth gained momentum for the Masters (and many local fans) by winning the Valspar Championship in a 3-hole playoff at Innisbrook in Palm Harbor just a month ago. Congratulations Jordan!

Source and Photo Credit: http://www.sbnation.com/golf/2015/3/15/8219795/jordan-spieth-wins-valspar-championship-2015-results-scores

Dimmitt to Host “American Cars, American Heroes” Military Benefit April 24

Our men and women in uniform, who have so bravely and courageously served our nation, are deserving of our profound gratitude. That’s why Dimmitt Chevrolet, your trusted Chevy dealership in Clearwater, is proudly partnering with Bank of America to host the 2015 “American Cars, American Heroes” Veteran Appreciation and Career Information Day.

This star-spangled event will take place on Friday, April 24th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at our dealership, located at 25485 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater FL 33763.

Whether returning from Iraq, Afghanistan, or other global peace-keeping missions, transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging. The purpose of American Cars, American Heroes is to provide our veterans, active duty, and reserve servicemen and servicewomen with the tools they need to find jobs, apply for loans and other resources, or seek further education.

Tampa Bay Rays Set To Open MLB Season April 6

The Tampa Bay Rays take on the Baltimore Orioles as part of a three-game home stand at Tropicana Field on Tuesday, April 6, as the 2015 Major League Baseball season officially gets underway. New Rays manager and Tampa Bay native Kevin Cash will start right-hander Chris Archer for the opener. Archer replaces projected starter Alex Cobb, who was scratched due to right forearm tendinitis.

Tropicana Field, home of the Rays, will host the season opener April 6. Photo Credit: Raysbaseball.com

After a successful Spring Training in Port Charlotte, the Rays are again ready to battle for AL East title, which they won in 2008. Coming off just their first losing season since 2007, the squad is eager to take the diamond and get their first regular-season win. They go into this year’s season with a strong mix of veterans like Evan Longoria, Archer, and Cobb, along with a number of new players.

Job Fair Benefiting Military Veterans to be Held in Clearwater!

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Dimmitt Chevrolet and Bank of America have teamed up to host a free job fair at Dimmitt Chevrolet on April 24 for military veterans, active duty members of the military and reserve military members who are transitioning out of military service. The job fair will also be open to members of the general public.

The event named, “American Cars, American Heroes,” will host many Tampa Bay area businesses and educational institutions.

In addition to Dimmitt Chevrolet and Bank of America, Action Fabrication and Truck Equipment, BayCare Health System, BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Chick-fil-A, Eckerd College, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Highway Patrol, ITT Technical Institute, Jungle Cat Marketing, Sunbelt Rentals, The Parts House, WRH Realty Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs have already signed up to participate. Many more agencies, businesses and organizations are expected to attend.

Those businesses will have representatives available to discuss employment opportunities with interested candidates, and the educational institutions will be able to help explain how veterans can use their GI Bill benefits to further their education. The VA will also have representatives available to answer questions about benefits veterans are eligible for.

In addition to being represented as an employer, Chick-fil-A will be providing food for attendees.

Another feature at the event will be the debut of a new brand of bottled water called American Heroes Artesian water. While the water for the event was purchased by Brave Marketing Concepts and will be provided to the attendees for free, a portion of the cost of the water will be donated to the Military Order of the Purple Heart and several other pro-veteran and pro-military charities. In the future, American Heroes Artesian bottled water will be available in stores throughout the nation with a portion of proceeds going to those charities.

American Heroes Artesian bottled water will feature an attached cutout with several opportunities for attendees to win prizes.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting such an event and to be able to say that more than 10 percent of our great team of employees, including one of our founders, have served in the military,” said Scott Collore, general sales manager of Dimmitt Chevrolet. “Being able to give something back to those who were willing to sacrifice it all, is something we are hoping more businesses will sign up for.”

The event is scheduled to be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 24 at Dimmitt Chevrolet, located at 25485 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, FL 33763. Businesses who are interested in hiring veterans and setting up a table at the event should contact susanallen@dimmittchev.com. 

Dimmitt Chevrolet, Bank of America, Brave Marketing Concepts, Judge Public Relations and Socially Powered organized this campaign to help veterans smoothly transition from military to civilian life.

For media inquiries and interview requests about the event, contact Judge Public Relations at (813) 279-8335 or contact@judgepr.com.