This was the original Seminole Heights blog with commentary about life in and around the urban neighborhood of Seminole Heights in Tampa, Florida. Musings about other topics as my mood permits. The blog is essentially inactive since I moved to Lutz. Go to The Official Unofficial Seminole Heights Blog - www.seminoleheightsblog.com for active content.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Starbucks Update 3-17-06
Per an email:
"The Starbuck’s Coffee signs have just arrived. I saw the truck pull in this morning on my way to work."
Good, now I have some place to use the $5 Starbucks gift card TGH gave me for being a 15 year employee (actually 16 - and now USF)
Signage is determined by code and as to the building design........... I think there were issues that ARC tried to bring to everyone's attention but the neighborhood had their STARBUCKS,STARBUCKS, STARBUCKS blinders on and their torches and buckets of tar and bags of feathers in hand SO we live with what we got - end of story.
I agree. The signs are way to big and numerous. They will clash with the beauty that is Hillsborough Avenue. The “true” strip of Seminole Heights. What will become of the classic neighborhood feel I have when I pass by true standards in architectural beauty like the auto shop across the street or the Circle K ? Also who can forget the timeless purity of the Dutch Motel one intersection over?
Go to the Starbucks, look left and then look right. This isn’t ye ode’ timey main street. It’s no more attractive than Dale Mabry or Kennedy. One two many signs of a dumb green coffee mermaid won’t make a damn difference. Viva la Latte! Viva la Frappuccino!!
Eyes rolled is my hero as well! Better the signs than the shrimp vendors, used cars for sale, etc. It will certainly make the remaining businesses look like "sore eyes" as my mother would say! I can smell the coffee now!
look in front and behind at the neighborhood you wankers. enjoy your overpriced butt rot coffee. and david nice head. will all the wanna be hipsters be at starsucks?
I'm with "eyes rolled upwards" on this one. My $10 gift card from VW is going towards a "shaken" iced coffee and maybe a cookie, too. Hooray for Starbucks!
Great comment, Randy. You're really quite dead on.
As to the anonymous who wants to make fun of my picture, knock yourself out. I hope it makes you feel better. As I've said many times before I'm not some Starbucks junkie, I simply appreciate the progress for the neighborhood and an alternative choice for a cup of coffee when I want one. I don't hail this building as a saviour, I simply hail it as progress.
Don't fall into the Troll trap. The best way of dealing with these types is by ignoring them. Unless they engage in legitimate, mature discourse, just disregard their comments.
Yes,and you're clearly bitter that you won't get an invite. Maybe your hair isn't up to snuff?
Jeesh, people, it's a coffeeshop not armageddon. I can't believe some of you would prefer a used-car lot/shrimp stand/trash dump which *was* our other option.
Starbucks sucks, but it is better than the other alternatives that plague this neighborhood. I have an Easy Pawn at the end of my block. Why don't people bitch about that? It is corporate, just like Starbucks. I would rather have a Starbucks.
It was before I moved to SH, but were there the same outcries against the Family Dollar which appears rather recent or the as-if-there-aren't-enough Discount Auto Parts store? Perhaps those aren't seen as the harbingers of gentrification like Starbucks. These places can't benefit the community as much as a place that might actually become a gathering spot where neighbors can interact.
I find it amazing that tempers are so hot over Starbucks. The lst time I was in a Starbucks ws when my 25 YO daughter was home at Christmas and the time before was when she was home in Aug. Although it isn't my most favorite place, I do know that it is better than the Dutch Motel which houses numerous sexual offenders. It is better than the used car lots all over FL and Neb. and better than the Pawn shops. More than that it is better than the House of Meats which makes me sick just to drive by. Maybe we should have had that vacant lot turned into a DOT storage facility like the old gas station on Sligh and I-275. For all the complaints I have to say that it will be clean, well lit, cater to a crowd other than drug addicts and hookers. It will also be sanitary. I think that's an improvement over most of the locations on Hillsborough.
BTW, I haven't driven by to see the signs yet. But, I will today.
"look in front and behind at the neighborhood you wankers. enjoy your overpriced butt rot coffee. and david nice head. will all the wanna be hipsters be at starsucks? "
Thats has to be the greatest comment of all time. Wankers? who says that but seventeen year olds full of angst and hot topic fever? who co-ops british words becasue they think its cool? Butt rot? Seriously? Jesus. Do your parents know you have this angst?
everyone is down on pawn shops and used car lots, etc yet noone ever gives any reasons except that they are deemed unatractive. these businesses serve a purpose. just because they are "unattractive" is stupid. why do you move somewhere and then bitch? at least those against starbucks do so out of principle, which right or wrong is at least a valid concern. and if you dont think davids picture is funny and pretentious you should check your heartbeat.
I would say the overwhelming reasons against the types of used car lots in the area and pawn shops are they are businesses that thrive by preying on the less fortunate. Most of those lots are buy here pay here where the interest rates amount to usury, and the business model expects the cars can be sold multiple times. Is it legal, sure in the free market economy, screw the poor saps, they should know better, or be more responsible with their money, but is it ethical, or moral, well you decide for yourself. Pawn shops, do you think they loan money at reasonable rates, or do what they do out of the goodness of their hearts, again, perfectly legal, but I say they take advantage of folks who have fallen on hard times. The fact that they make no effort to address their appearance only goes to further the fact that the only thing that matters to them is the almight sawbuck. And at least pick a pseudonym instead of anonymous, it just makes discussion easier.
Here is some shocking news: TGH actually has a Starbucks downstairs near the McDonalds. If only there was a Starbucks directly across from THAT Starbucks and then all would be right with the world. Of course, that would place it in the stairwell but I could handle that.
I used my $Five-Banger$ Gift Card to get a Venti Mocha w/ extra shot of Expresso and two dark chocolate pieces. That left around 13 cents on the card. And I got a nice stamp for my TGH frequent buyer card.
I say bring on the Seminole Heights Starbucks, but instead of funny lady in the green sign, make it a manatee.
Anonymoose, yes there were outcries over Family Dollar. FD put a store every mile or so down Nebraska Ave. Their business model caters to people who mostly walk to stores because they are unable or cannot afford to drive. Something like 60% of their clients walk in. As a result, the prices in there vary widely but are often more expensive than comparable items at Kmart, Publix, etc. I did a non-scientific price study when they first opened on Idlewild and Nebraska. It was October. They were selling the platic pumpkins for a full dollar more than Publix--same exact brand.
That particular Family Dollar, you will note, doesn't look like the metal shed building on Waters and Nebraska. This is because the neighborhood got upset at the plans and since they needed a parking variance the Neighborhood Association had some leverage. As a result, the building is still a metal shed but stuccoed as well. It looks a great deal better than its sister stores up and down the street, though it seems to get less business.
On the bright side, if it fails there will be a reasonably nice commercial center there with parking for a nicer store. Bookstore? Gym? Antiques?
I think most people complain (rightly) about the sheer VOLUME of used car lots and pawn shops in our neighborhood. One or two would probably be overlooked, but just drive down Florida or Nebraska and start counting. Yeah...that's the BULK of commercial businesses we have right now. As a result, neighborhood residents have to drive out of our own area to get to the kind of services most people take for granted.
Shawn, I had assumed there was resistance by the neighborhood, given the Walgreens incident, but, and I didn't really make this clear in my comment, I had meant the anti-corporate outcry from the these "activists" that are hardlining against Starbucks out of principle. And your should it fail sentiment I wouldn't mind applying to the Sav-a-lot, that would make a great spot for a restaurant, or pub. (Local not a chain mind you)
It is interesting that the anti-corporate types are more upset over "yuppy" coffee than Family Dollar which takes advantage of poverty to charge more and probably doesn't give its part-time employees benefits like Starbucks does.
By the way, this is one of Magic Johnson's Starbucks.
anonymoose all capitalism preys on the less fortunate, so that is a weak argument. every company tries to convince people they need things they do not. [i need a STARBUCKS in my neighborhood] As if a bank practices fair loan practices.
I gather that you would have us post an addendum to the inscription on the Statue of Liberty "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door."
PS Suckers! Let the fleecing begin.
If Capitalism is such a bad system one must wonder why so many people enter the country illegally and so few choose to move elsewhere. No other system historically has consistently allowed someone with nothing the opportunities to do virtually anything. Taking the stance that all capitalism preys on the less fortunate is abdicating personal responsibility. Your statement regarding marketing is true, that's what marketing is though there is a difference between needs and wants. I don't need a Starbucks, and the marketing of Starbucks hasn't convinced me so far that I can't live without a Starbucks, but I do like a convenient coffee-serving establishment, and Starbucks is the business that has chosen to invest here, with hours that allow me to patronize them. I, for one, think that the magic of Seminole Heights is not dependent on the lack of a Starbucks or the pervasiveness of the car lots and pawn shops. It's the people who live here and choose to move here. As for fair loan practices, I think 6-7% is perfectly fair to charge for a mortgage, and I didn't find the credit requirements to be out of line, and I didn't have a spotless record.
capitalism as practiced in this country is a fleecing. 45 million with no health insurance. millions of homeless, unemployment,etc. capitalism in america is practiced with no social responsibilty, corporations have the power which is not suppose to happen in a democracy.
Praise god! I can't wait to ride my bike over and get a iced white chocolate latte. Mmmmmm.
ReplyDeleteI see your $5 gift card and raise you to the $10 card I got from Mypoints! Mochadoodles ahoy!
ReplyDeleteStarbucks stockholders get a $3.50 giftcard every year with their annual report.
ReplyDeleteI was blown away to see the number and size of signs they were allowed. And overall I'm disappointed with the building design.
ReplyDeleteSignage is determined by code and as to the building design........... I think there were issues that ARC tried to bring to everyone's attention but the neighborhood had their STARBUCKS,STARBUCKS, STARBUCKS blinders on and their torches and buckets of tar and bags of feathers in hand SO we live with what we got - end of story.
ReplyDeleteI agree. The signs are way to big and numerous. They will clash with the beauty that is Hillsborough Avenue. The “true” strip of Seminole Heights. What will become of the classic neighborhood feel I have when I pass by true standards in architectural beauty like the auto shop across the street or the Circle K ? Also who can forget the timeless purity of the Dutch Motel one intersection over?
ReplyDeleteGo to the Starbucks, look left and then look right. This isn’t ye ode’ timey main street. It’s no more attractive than Dale Mabry or Kennedy. One two many signs of a dumb green coffee mermaid won’t make a damn difference. Viva la Latte! Viva la Frappuccino!!
Eyes rolled is my hero!!!! :D
ReplyDeleteEyes rolled is my hero as well! Better the signs than the shrimp vendors, used cars for sale, etc. It will certainly make the remaining businesses look like "sore eyes" as my mother would say! I can smell the coffee now!
ReplyDeleteThanks y'all! Its nice to have my sarcasm appreciated!
ReplyDeletelook in front and behind at the neighborhood you wankers. enjoy your overpriced butt rot coffee.
ReplyDeleteand david nice head. will all the wanna be hipsters be at starsucks?
glad you are riding your bike because traffic will now be so bad you will have to.
ReplyDeleteI'm with "eyes rolled upwards" on this one. My $10 gift card from VW is going towards a "shaken" iced coffee and maybe a cookie, too. Hooray for Starbucks!
ReplyDeletego on randy!!!!!
ReplyDeleteellison
sesh
Great comment, Randy. You're really quite dead on.
ReplyDeleteAs to the anonymous who wants to make fun of my picture, knock yourself out. I hope it makes you feel better. As I've said many times before I'm not some Starbucks junkie, I simply appreciate the progress for the neighborhood and an alternative choice for a cup of coffee when I want one. I don't hail this building as a saviour, I simply hail it as progress.
Don't fall into the Troll trap. The best way of dealing with these types is by ignoring them. Unless they engage in legitimate, mature discourse, just disregard their comments.
ReplyDelete"will all the wanna be hipsters be at starsucks?"
ReplyDeleteYes,and you're clearly bitter that you won't get an invite. Maybe your hair isn't up to snuff?
Jeesh, people, it's a coffeeshop not armageddon. I can't believe some of you would prefer a used-car lot/shrimp stand/trash dump which *was* our other option.
Starbucks sucks, but it is better than the other alternatives that plague this neighborhood. I have an Easy Pawn at the end of my block. Why don't people bitch about that? It is corporate, just like Starbucks. I would rather have a Starbucks.
ReplyDeleteIt was before I moved to SH, but were there the same outcries against the Family Dollar which appears rather recent or the as-if-there-aren't-enough Discount Auto Parts store? Perhaps those aren't seen as the harbingers of gentrification like Starbucks. These places can't benefit the community as much as a place that might actually become a gathering spot where neighbors can interact.
ReplyDeleteI find it amazing that tempers are so hot over Starbucks. The lst time I was in a Starbucks ws when my 25 YO daughter was home at Christmas and the time before was when she was home in Aug. Although it isn't my most favorite place, I do know that it is better than the Dutch Motel which houses numerous sexual offenders. It is better than the used car lots all over FL and Neb. and better than the Pawn shops. More than that it is better than the House of Meats which makes me sick just to drive by. Maybe we should have had that vacant lot turned into a DOT storage facility like the old gas station on Sligh and I-275. For all the complaints I have to say that it will be clean, well lit, cater to a crowd other than drug addicts and hookers. It will also be sanitary. I think that's an improvement over most of the locations on Hillsborough.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I haven't driven by to see the signs yet. But, I will today.
"look in front and behind at the neighborhood you wankers. enjoy your overpriced butt rot coffee.
ReplyDeleteand david nice head. will all the wanna be hipsters be at starsucks?
"
Thats has to be the greatest comment of all time. Wankers? who says that but seventeen year olds full of angst and hot topic fever? who co-ops british words becasue they think its cool? Butt rot? Seriously? Jesus. Do your parents know you have this angst?
everyone is down on pawn shops and used car lots, etc yet noone ever gives any reasons except that they are deemed unatractive. these businesses serve a purpose. just because they are "unattractive"
ReplyDeleteis stupid. why do you move somewhere and then bitch? at least those against starbucks do so out of principle, which right or wrong is at least a valid concern. and if you dont think davids picture is funny and pretentious you should check your heartbeat.
I would say the overwhelming reasons against the types of used car lots in the area and pawn shops are they are businesses that thrive by preying on the less fortunate. Most of those lots are buy here pay here where the interest rates amount to usury, and the business model expects the cars can be sold multiple times. Is it legal, sure in the free market economy, screw the poor saps, they should know better, or be more responsible with their money, but is it ethical, or moral, well you decide for yourself. Pawn shops, do you think they loan money at reasonable rates, or do what they do out of the goodness of their hearts, again, perfectly legal, but I say they take advantage of folks who have fallen on hard times. The fact that they make no effort to address their appearance only goes to further the fact that the only thing that matters to them is the almight sawbuck. And at least pick a pseudonym instead of anonymous, it just makes discussion easier.
ReplyDeleteHere is some shocking news: TGH actually has a Starbucks downstairs near the McDonalds. If only there was a Starbucks directly across from THAT Starbucks and then all would be right with the world. Of course, that would place it in the stairwell but I could handle that.
ReplyDeleteI used my $Five-Banger$ Gift Card to get a Venti Mocha w/ extra shot of Expresso and two dark chocolate pieces. That left around 13 cents on the card. And I got a nice stamp for my TGH frequent buyer card.
I say bring on the Seminole Heights Starbucks, but instead of funny lady in the green sign, make it a manatee.
Anonymoose, yes there were outcries over Family Dollar. FD put a store every mile or so down Nebraska Ave. Their business model caters to people who mostly walk to stores because they are unable or cannot afford to drive. Something like 60% of their clients walk in. As a result, the prices in there vary widely but are often more expensive than comparable items at Kmart, Publix, etc. I did a non-scientific price study when they first opened on Idlewild and Nebraska. It was October. They were selling the platic pumpkins for a full dollar more than Publix--same exact brand.
ReplyDeleteThat particular Family Dollar, you will note, doesn't look like the metal shed building on Waters and Nebraska. This is because the neighborhood got upset at the plans and since they needed a parking variance the Neighborhood Association had some leverage. As a result, the building is still a metal shed but stuccoed as well. It looks a great deal better than its sister stores up and down the street, though it seems to get less business.
On the bright side, if it fails there will be a reasonably nice commercial center there with parking for a nicer store. Bookstore? Gym? Antiques?
I think most people complain (rightly) about the sheer VOLUME of used car lots and pawn shops in our neighborhood. One or two would probably be overlooked, but just drive down Florida or Nebraska and start counting. Yeah...that's the BULK of commercial businesses we have right now. As a result, neighborhood residents have to drive out of our own area to get to the kind of services most people take for granted.
ReplyDeleteShawn, I had assumed there was resistance by the neighborhood, given the Walgreens incident, but, and I didn't really make this clear in my comment, I had meant the anti-corporate outcry from the these "activists" that are hardlining against Starbucks out of principle. And your should it fail sentiment I wouldn't mind applying to the Sav-a-lot, that would make a great spot for a restaurant, or pub. (Local not a chain mind you)
ReplyDeleteOy Vey! If that Save A Lot was a bar I would be the happiest girl in stumbling distance!
ReplyDeleteAnonymoose, I got that. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that the anti-corporate types are more upset over "yuppy" coffee than Family Dollar which takes advantage of poverty to charge more and probably doesn't give its part-time employees benefits like Starbucks does.
By the way, this is one of Magic Johnson's Starbucks.
I wish one of our intrepid reporters at the Times or Trib would look into who actually owns the used car lots.
ReplyDeleteI have a theory they are all money laundering outfits or fronts for other "activities."
Certainly they aren't making money selling cars. The lots are always empty.
If a reporter started looking into those outfits through local and state public records I GUARANTEE they would find some very interesting tidbits.
anonymoose all capitalism preys on the less fortunate, so that is a weak argument. every company tries to convince people they need things they do not. [i need a STARBUCKS in my neighborhood] As if a bank practices fair loan practices.
ReplyDeleteI gather that you would have us post an addendum to the inscription on the Statue of Liberty
ReplyDelete"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."
PS Suckers! Let the fleecing begin.
If Capitalism is such a bad system one must wonder why so many people enter the country illegally and so few choose to move elsewhere. No other system historically has consistently allowed someone with nothing the opportunities to do virtually anything. Taking the stance that all capitalism preys on the less fortunate is abdicating personal responsibility. Your statement regarding marketing is true, that's what marketing is though there is a difference between needs and wants. I don't need a Starbucks, and the marketing of Starbucks hasn't convinced me so far that I can't live without a Starbucks, but I do like a convenient coffee-serving establishment, and Starbucks is the business that has chosen to invest here, with hours that allow me to patronize them. I, for one, think that the magic of Seminole Heights is not dependent on the lack of a Starbucks or the pervasiveness of the car lots and pawn shops. It's the people who live here and choose to move here. As for fair loan practices, I think 6-7% is perfectly fair to charge for a mortgage, and I didn't find the credit requirements to be out of line, and I didn't have a spotless record.
capitalism as practiced in this country is a fleecing. 45 million with no health insurance. millions of homeless, unemployment,etc.
ReplyDeletecapitalism in america is practiced with no social responsibilty, corporations have the power which is not suppose to happen in a democracy.