Joomla Group in Tampa, FL

[3GM]

Would anyone be interested in forming a Joomla User Group in Tampa, FL?  I am thinking about putting one together with monthly meetings, but wanted to guage the interest first. 

I would like to form the group to coincide with the release of 1.5 and future development, so that we can all learn and create together, as well as discuss methodology for upgrading, teaching and using the new feature set as it is meant to be used.

Additionally, I am seeking to network with fellow Joomla users, and then network the group with local graphic designers, marketing groups, printers, etc. to form a freelancing network of Joomla experts that can service the Tampa market.

[markwith]

I'm on the East coast of Florida.  I would be interested but not attending a monthly meeting unless we could find a "middle ground".  I would be interested in working with others in the area.

I am relatively new to Joomla.  We put up a new website (http://www.mtceng.com) last summer and our consultant used Joomla.  I am not php, sql, or CSS expert.  I look daily at the new modules and updates and use them where appropriate.  I do have a background in programming (COBOL -- yea I know YUK, FORTRAN, and a course in Java).  I am semi-proficient in HTML but haven't taken the time to learn the CSS extensions.

[bigzman]

3GM,

I would love to help. I might be able to help funding and location. Please let me know what I can do. I know others in the area.

Regards,
Z