Storm: Samuels in recovery

Legendary Storm receiver Lawrence Samuels, who was injured in a car accident on State 52 Thursday, is currently in stable condition after having surgery at Bayfront Medical Center Friday afternoon to repair his left tibia and fibula, according to team spokesperson Jim Robinson.

Samuels, who sustained injuries to his left leg and ribs, as well as cuts and abrasions, will continue to be monitored by doctors at Bayfront until next week. He is scheduled to begin physical therapy Saturday morning.

“As a member of our Storm family, the primary concern for Lawrence right now is his health and speedy recovery,” Storm coach Tim Marcum said in a release. “We will support he and his family in whatever way we can as they work with the Bayfront medical team through his recovery and the healing process.  As a player, he has been a key component to the success of the Storm for a long time. And in the future, should he look to come back to the field, we will work to keep him a part of the Storm organization.”

The accident occurred when Samuels’ vehicle was struck by another vehicle and sent off the road into a tree, according to the Storm. He was traveling with his 2-year-old daughter, who was unharmed. Since the accident, the Storm has been in regular contact with Samuels' family and the Bayfront medical staff.

Samuels, 38, is the Arena Football League's all-time leading receiver. He has spent 14 of his 15 AFL seasons with the Storm, and has 1,020 career receptions for 11,708 yards, 168 touchdown catches and three championship rings.

Samuels is currently a free-agent. 

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Samuels injured in car accident

WESLEY CHAPEL -- Tampa Bay Storm receiver Lawrence Samuels was seriously injured in a car accident on State Road 52 Thursday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Samuels' 2007 Chevy SUV ran into a tree east bound on State Road 52 at the intersection of Quail Ridge Road, after becoming involved in a four-car collision at the intersection that pushed his car off the road, troopers said in a release.

The 38-year-old was wearing his seatbelt and had his two-year-old child with him but the child was not injured.The accident closed the road for several hours.

Jim Robinson, a spokesman for the Storm, said Samuels condition was stable but did not know whether his injuries would affect his career.

Samuels has been with the arena football team for 14 years, Robinson said. He went to Bayfront Medical Center where Samuels' was airlifted after accident to meet with his wife and two children. None of the other drivers or passengers had serious injuries, according the trooper's release.

The Arena Football League's all-time leader for most receptions was listed as a free agent. Robinson said they were in the process of re-signing him to the team for a 15th season.

"We were very comfortable in our talks with him," Robinson said.

--Robbyn Mitchell, Times staff writer

Storm to fans: Have a ticket on us

The Storm wants to thank 2008 Storm season ticket holders. To do so, all of them are eligible to receive four complimentary Terrace Level tickets to tonight's Lightning game against the New York Islanders.

Additionally, each season ticket holder will have the opportunity to meet and greet Storm coach Tim Marcum and several Storm players prior to the game and during the first intermission at section 104. 

To receive your complimentary tickets, contact your Storm ticket representative.

Dance team auditions coming soon

If you or someone you know wants to dance for the Storm, here's your chance ...

The organization will hold preliminary auditions Oct. 26 at the St. Pete Times Forum. Registration starts at noon. The auditions will take place inside Icons restaurant on the fourth level. To get there, potential dancers must enter through the Chrysler/Jeep entrance located next to Shots on the main plaza. 

Final auditions are Oct. 30 at the Forum (7 p.m.). They are open to the public.

Interested dancers can pre-register online at www.tampabaystorm.com .

In addition to tryouts, there will be a pre-audition workshop Oct. 20 from 7-10 p.m. at the Forum. The cost of the class is $25. Applicants attending the workshop will learn dance routines and techniques, audition tips, including hair and make-up and team commitments from veteran Storm Dancers.