Broken Books
an email:
Sometime between Sunday night and early Monday morning someone threw a huge rock through the plate glass window at the Tampa Antiquarian Book Store on Central (Cor. of Hanna). Steph, the owner, was awakened early Monday morning (a day she's usually closed) to come to the shop to find broken glass everywhere, and her money drawer taken. By some fluke, her alarm system wasn't turned on that night.
This has cost Steph a pretty good chunk of change to replace the window plus the loss of the money in the shop. Steph is one of us now, she's just now buying a home in Seminole Heights, is growing the shop by catering to the wants of her customers (lots of Bungalow Books!). I want to encourage everyone to go by and buy a book or a magazine...something, or at the very least go and comiserate with Steph about this mean thing that happened to her. This is the kind of business we want to encourage to come and stay in Seminole Heights!!
Sherry
20 comments:
Apparently they didn't get enough cash that night, because Monday night the Oil Change store at Sligh/I-275 was broken into in the same manner. The theives took about $25.00 and left several more expensive items. The alarm system was not on at this location either.
Get dogs, big ones.
this is tragic. lets hope shes not discouraged and had insurance.
Get dogs and put your alarms on!
Don't get dogs just for security. Not everyone has the time or patience to take care of a big dog.
I'll be sure to stop by and pick up some books this week. I <3 that store.
On our 5:30 am walk my husband and I came upon the shop and saw the damage. We were ready to call the police when a friend of the owner appeared. They are fortunate that all those wonderful books weren't vandalized.
An alarm is good. I suggest a sign saying there is an alarm, and a video camera.
I wonder if it's the anti-independent business/pro corporate vandals?
The alter ego of the schmucks who spraypainted Starbuck's.
What's wrong with these people?
This is a damn shame.
I never could understand why you would want big plate-glass windows with so much merchandise readily exposed. It's just too inviting in a neighborhood (and a city) with so much criminal activity.
The first thing I did when I moved to Seminole Heights in 2004 was to get an alarm. The second was to get a dog. I would suggest one if not both of those, especially if the Imperial Booklodge is also moving into her space.
As is says above, don't get a dog just for security purposes; that job is best left to the used car lots on Florida Ave.
The first thing I did when we moved to Old Senimole Heights was have a good alarm system installed and teach the family how to use it religiously. We have signs in the front and rear, and on the windows and doors. If you have an alarm system, use it. It can't help you if it isn't on. I hear about break-ins with the alarm off all the time and can't for the life of me imagine why it happens so much.
They better leave my Stevie alone!!
I really find it disappointing that when something like this happens everyone loves to jump onto the Seminole Heights bashing band wagon. I am going to start sending the articles of all of the nasty crime that occurs EVERYWHERE around the city, state and country. This is an unfortunate incident that could, and does, happen everywhere.
Come on people,.......They had a paper to write, and the library was closed.
Thanks Steph for retaining your Urban Pioneer Spirit. The heights is proud to have you!
The bookstore *IS* a great fit for the neighborhood. We're gald your here! Put this behind you. Use your alarm system religiously.
i am really sorry to hear about what has happened. if they had stolen books it would make more sense to me - but then again, my values are skewed as i am an archivist/librarian-in-training.
i've been telling everyone here at the USF Library about your place and will continue to. As a matter of fact, I'll send out an email right now pimping your place!
Hope it helps. You're a real asset to the neighborhood and i daresay that bookliness is next to godliness ;)
Wow. That really stinks. I suggest mounting Howitzer artillery to the top corner of your store, just as a show of force. That would look really, really cool on Hanna and Central, a bit more flair to our neighborhood. Just don't aim it at the school. Try the church.
Also, carry a Super Soaker at all times in the store. Randomly state when customers are present that it contains an acidic combination that removes epidural tissue within minutes of contact.
I can also bring my Kung-Fu skill to patrol between either 0744-0745 hrs. or 1814-1815 hrs. (when I typically jog by the store). Additionally, the Army/Navy store where Florida Ave. bottoms out near downtown has a very nice selection of home defense 'apparatus'. Just ask to see "what you have in the back". You could also leave some music playing in the shop when you leave. I suggest Jethro Tull.
Or you could just turn on the dang alarm! Good luck...
Man Ben,
do you happen to stop by Starbucks as you jog - or is that just the runner's high you have going?
I think those zany Scientologist did it because they didnt carry any copies of Dianetics.
hey.... i have a copy of dianetics. found a box full of scientology.
ben--- cracked up at your post!!!
I live on W. Hanna and a group of kids threw chunks of concrete at my windows when I was in the room playing with my pup on Saturday night (7/22). Before it happened, the dog started acting up, but I didn't think anything of it.
The kids got away before either I or the police could catch them.
There was also an incident over at the Korean Baptist Church on Hanna and Highland today. A group of kids were throwing glass and rocks into the street and allegedly toward the Church as well. The police also responded to this incident.
If you live in the area beware and if this sounds like something your kid would do, keep him in the house. What the hell are 11 and 12 year olds doing out at 11:30 at night?
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