Here's a flyer I found about the location at MLK and Nebraska Ave. (4010 N. Nebraska Ave.)
http://www.loopnet.com/Attachments/5/8/D/58DB06F8-6F84-4C83-AAEC-09A7678B7E02.pdf
And only $3,000,000!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Alterations
From a reader:
Does anyone know of a good alterations person in Seminole Heights or nearby area? I am looking to have some pants hemmed.
Does anyone know of a good alterations person in Seminole Heights or nearby area? I am looking to have some pants hemmed.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Historic Central Tampa Neighborhoods get new Website
Historic Central Tampa Neighborhoods get new Website
Online edition of magazine, focused on the Urban Corridor, officially launched
TAMPA, Fla., (Jan. 28, 2008) – New Heights Magazine, the only magazine dedicated to highlighting Tampa’s historic urban corridor (UC) neighborhoods, officially launched its website, www.newheightsmag.com, on Jan. 28, 2008. The website is an online version of magazine’s inaugural hardcopy edition, which is currently in stands at over 100 Tampa storefronts and is being delivered to thousands of local residents and businesses.
NewHeightsMag.com and the hardcopy version features stories written by and relevant to people living and working in the Tampa neighborhoods of Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, West Tampa, downtown Tampa, Ybor and surrounding areas. The publication’s goal is to draw attention to the revitalization and positive news occurring in the focused areas.
“The people in our neighborhoods have worked hard to improve our properties, businesses and the community as a whole,” said Jay McGee, editor, New Heights Magazine. “We are sharing these stories within our community and with the rest of Tampa to encourage people to utilize our businesses and parks and find out for themselves how great an area the UC is to live and shop.”
Although the publication is free, supported by advertisers, NewHeightsMag.com is noticeably absent of banner ads. They will be added in the near future, along with enhancements designed to make the site’s business directory and events sections more interactive for visitors.
McGee expects (based on the number of pre-subscribers) a modest website readership of 5,000 for the first, bi-monthly issue, which runs from mid-January to mid-March 2008.
“Our web readers will boost the unexpectedly high circulation of our first issue,” said McGee. “Combined with our hardcopy readership, 20,000 people will learn more about the UC.”
About New Heights Magazine LLC
New Heights Magazine was established in 2006 and serves as the only publication solely focused on highlighting and perpetuating the revitalization efforts occurring in the historic neighborhoods in and around downtown Tampa and to the north; specifically Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, West Tampa, downtown Tampa, Ybor and surrounding areas. Collectively, these neighborhoods are recognized as Tampa’s Urban Corridor (UC).
For more information about New Heights, visit www.newheightsmag.com, email editor@NewHeightsMag.com or call (813) 389-8116.
###
Online edition of magazine, focused on the Urban Corridor, officially launched
TAMPA, Fla., (Jan. 28, 2008) – New Heights Magazine, the only magazine dedicated to highlighting Tampa’s historic urban corridor (UC) neighborhoods, officially launched its website, www.newheightsmag.com, on Jan. 28, 2008. The website is an online version of magazine’s inaugural hardcopy edition, which is currently in stands at over 100 Tampa storefronts and is being delivered to thousands of local residents and businesses.
NewHeightsMag.com and the hardcopy version features stories written by and relevant to people living and working in the Tampa neighborhoods of Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, West Tampa, downtown Tampa, Ybor and surrounding areas. The publication’s goal is to draw attention to the revitalization and positive news occurring in the focused areas.
“The people in our neighborhoods have worked hard to improve our properties, businesses and the community as a whole,” said Jay McGee, editor, New Heights Magazine. “We are sharing these stories within our community and with the rest of Tampa to encourage people to utilize our businesses and parks and find out for themselves how great an area the UC is to live and shop.”
Although the publication is free, supported by advertisers, NewHeightsMag.com is noticeably absent of banner ads. They will be added in the near future, along with enhancements designed to make the site’s business directory and events sections more interactive for visitors.
McGee expects (based on the number of pre-subscribers) a modest website readership of 5,000 for the first, bi-monthly issue, which runs from mid-January to mid-March 2008.
“Our web readers will boost the unexpectedly high circulation of our first issue,” said McGee. “Combined with our hardcopy readership, 20,000 people will learn more about the UC.”
About New Heights Magazine LLC
New Heights Magazine was established in 2006 and serves as the only publication solely focused on highlighting and perpetuating the revitalization efforts occurring in the historic neighborhoods in and around downtown Tampa and to the north; specifically Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, West Tampa, downtown Tampa, Ybor and surrounding areas. Collectively, these neighborhoods are recognized as Tampa’s Urban Corridor (UC).
For more information about New Heights, visit www.newheightsmag.com, email editor@NewHeightsMag.com or call (813) 389-8116.
###
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Roof Dogs
In case anyone wanted to know what roof dogs is. This has been one of my favorite posts in a blog (a living hominid)
Who's your pick
Not exactly neighborhood oriented, but with the upcoming little to no count primary, I was wondering if anyone felt strongly enough about the upcoming primary to vote. If you are going to vote, what's your motivation - given that the Dem's won't count your vote and the Rep's might count half? Who's your pick, and why?
Friday, January 25, 2008
NH Web Launch & Hardcopy Pick-up Points
NewHeightsMag.com will launch in its new format Jan. 28, 2008!
Meanwhile, the hardcopy version of the magazine can now be found at 78 Tampa locations; with 26 more approved (to date) and awaiting delivery. That's 104 locations -- over 100% more than originally planned!
For a continually updated list of locations where you can find your copy of New Heights, visit:
http://www.newheightsmag.com/NH%20Distribution%20for%20Website%20012508.pdf
Also, we have increased our hand-delivered copy count to nearly 4,000 homes in the Tampa Urban Corridor. More will follow!
If after all this, you still haven't got your copy -- or if you'd like your storefront to be a distribution point -- just email or call us and we will deliver a copy or copies of New Heights right to your door! editor@newheightsmag or (813) 389-8116
Thank you all for your overwhelmingly positive and encouraging support.
Meanwhile, the hardcopy version of the magazine can now be found at 78 Tampa locations; with 26 more approved (to date) and awaiting delivery. That's 104 locations -- over 100% more than originally planned!
For a continually updated list of locations where you can find your copy of New Heights, visit:
http://www.newheightsmag.com/NH%20Distribution%20for%20Website%20012508.pdf
Also, we have increased our hand-delivered copy count to nearly 4,000 homes in the Tampa Urban Corridor. More will follow!
If after all this, you still haven't got your copy -- or if you'd like your storefront to be a distribution point -- just email or call us and we will deliver a copy or copies of New Heights right to your door! editor@newheightsmag or (813) 389-8116
Thank you all for your overwhelmingly positive and encouraging support.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Neighbors, how you hanging?
A couple years ago when I first moved back to the neighborhood, there were some pretty silly, sometimes nasty comments on this blog regarding owning vs. renting a house in Seminole Heights. Some of the newly transplanted residents were a bit uppity about their recently acquired bungalows and got carried away with their giddiness over the Starbucks and their eagerness to oust the more working class elements from the hood in their quest to become "The New Hyde Park". What I'm curious about now is whether those folks who bought houses here during the boom of 04-06 still feel good about their purchases now that the bubble is collapsing around us and Tampa is facing an impending recession. Is the neighborhood all you hoped it would be? Is it transforming quickly enough? Have the taxes and insurance been worth it? Is Tampa, and this neighborhood in particular, still a great place to live? How does it compare to other neighborhoods you've lived in? How does the quality of life compare to other historic neighborhoods in other towns?
Vote x on One?
With 5 days left until the election, I find myself with quite a few questions and not a lot of answers. As a registered voter with no party affiliation, I have exactly one issue to vote on; the dreaded property tax reform.
On one side, some relief is better than no relief. However the estimated $240 dollars in savings does little to relieve the 50% increase that I received this year. As opposed to other states, Florida does not have unreasonable tax rates, but when I've paid taxes this high in other states, I received much more for my dollar than I do here.
Another side is that this is only a state initiative, with local governments free to raise taxes, as necessary. So, is there really a fix here?
Side 3 is that this is merely a shift in the tax burden from home owners to businesses and renters, as well as non-homesteaded property. Along with the added tax burden for businesses, non-homesteaded snow birds add quite a bit of money to the state's coffers as it is, with higher taxes on
them, the option of owning a seasonal home here might go away - reducing tourism revenue.
But, is this our one shot? Is this the best that the state has to offer? If this is voted down, is it a signal to get back to the drawing board and give us something real, or is it a sign that we don't want this at all?
I'm quite undecided, what do you all think?
On one side, some relief is better than no relief. However the estimated $240 dollars in savings does little to relieve the 50% increase that I received this year. As opposed to other states, Florida does not have unreasonable tax rates, but when I've paid taxes this high in other states, I received much more for my dollar than I do here.
Another side is that this is only a state initiative, with local governments free to raise taxes, as necessary. So, is there really a fix here?
Side 3 is that this is merely a shift in the tax burden from home owners to businesses and renters, as well as non-homesteaded property. Along with the added tax burden for businesses, non-homesteaded snow birds add quite a bit of money to the state's coffers as it is, with higher taxes on
them, the option of owning a seasonal home here might go away - reducing tourism revenue.
But, is this our one shot? Is this the best that the state has to offer? If this is voted down, is it a signal to get back to the drawing board and give us something real, or is it a sign that we don't want this at all?
I'm quite undecided, what do you all think?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Stephen J. Gluckman Memorial Library
Kathy Steele has an article in the Tribune "Friends to Seek Renaming of Library" about a movement to rename the Seminole Heights Branch Library after Steve Gluckman. The OSHNA board supports such an effort.
"Longtime friend Suzanne Prieur said residents want Gluckman's work to be remembered.
"The name request will be made to the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System's board of directors at 4 p.m. Thursday at Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave."
"To comment on the proposed name change, e-mail board@thpl.org or write to: Library Director Joe Stines, c/o John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa FL 33602"
"Longtime friend Suzanne Prieur said residents want Gluckman's work to be remembered.
"Everybody wants the library named after him," she said. "It was one of his longest-running, biggest projects and greatest love."
Tell the Library what you think"The name request will be made to the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System's board of directors at 4 p.m. Thursday at Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave."
"To comment on the proposed name change, e-mail board@thpl.org or write to: Library Director Joe Stines, c/o John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa FL 33602"
Monday, January 21, 2008
designer/architect/builder
From a reader:
I live in Old Seminole Heights (though not part of the historic
district). My wife and I are considering adding on to our home (we
have the space). Can any of the blog readers suggest a designer/
architect/builder?
I live in Old Seminole Heights (though not part of the historic
district). My wife and I are considering adding on to our home (we
have the space). Can any of the blog readers suggest a designer/
architect/builder?
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Looking for Writers
The Seminole Heights blog is accepting new writers. Do you live or work in Seminole Heights and are interested in writing about life here? Email me.
Death Rattle?
Seminole Heights Eats has some interesting points about the possible final demise of Ybor Pizza and Subs. Link
Love 'em or hate 'em, they've been a Tampa institution for almost 20 years. I'm not going to drag up the old arguements pro or con. Some will cheer, some will mourn.
Love 'em or hate 'em, they've been a Tampa institution for almost 20 years. I'm not going to drag up the old arguements pro or con. Some will cheer, some will mourn.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Bungalow Bistro and Forever Beautiful
Restoration powered by persistence
old seminole heights A couple didn't take no for an answer with a bistro and spa.
By ELIZABETH BETTENDORF, Times Correspondent
Published January 18, 2008
http://www.sptimes.com/2008/01/18/Citytimes/Restoration_powered_b.shtml
Elizabeth Graham isn't one to let much of anything stand in her way. She holds a culinary degree, nursing degree, cosmetology degree and has even been to real estate school.
"I'm a very determined person - I won't take no for an answer," Elizabeth says. "I'm dedicated to having an outstanding, outrageous and wonderful life."
She'll be the first to tell you conventional thinking isn't her style: She and her husband, Michael, recently bought a 1930s fish camp along the Hillsborough River near Temple Terrace and are fixing it up as their home.
In December, Elizabeth and Michael opened Bungalow Bistro, a restaurant specializing in seasonal fresh global cuisine and nestled in their 1920s carriage house at 5137 N Florida Ave.
Elizabeth's mother, a culinary instructor and trained French pastry chef, taught Michael, a former construction worker, to bake cookies and desserts. Elizabeth's friend, the talented Seminole Heights designer Nikki Couture, decorated the interior in a soft, earthy mission-style look.
The restaurant, which the Grahams painstakingly restored themselves, was originally built to house horses and an upstairs living space. Next door, the Grahams also restored a historic bungalow to house Elizabeth's salon, Forever Beautiful Salon and Day Spa.
Both buildings were saved from demolition by the Grahams, who moved the bungalow and carriage house to their current location.
On a Thursday morning in January, Elizabeth and Michael laughed and remembered their ordeal while the comforting smell of baking bread wafted through the little restaurant.
The back story?
Back in 2000, Elizabeth Graham purchased the historic structures from the state, which needed to move or demolish them to make way for the Hillsborough Avenue expansion. She paid roughly $500 apiece for the buildings and $50,000 to move them onto to 21/2lots along Florida Avenue.
Buying the lots was another study in persistence, she recalls.
The property's owner, who lived in Winter Park, wanted $100,000 per lot - $250,000 total for the package
After researching the property's appraised value, she negotiated with the owner to sell them both to her for $60,000. As part of the package, he also agreed to finance the deal, Elizabeth says.
The Grahams, devoted preservationists and longtime Seminole Heights residents, restored the main bungalow first, paying close attention to historic details, including choosing traditional exterior colors for the buildings. Elizabeth, who has worked hard for redevelopment of the Florida Avenue business district, says she loves old buildings, both to live and work in.
"I fell in love with the idea that the bungalow had been someone's house," Elizabeth says. "I mean where would you rather go to work every day - an old house or a cubicle in an office building somewhere?"
Elizabeth and Michael preserved the original doors and hardware and painstakingly re-created missing woodwork. Though they chose to put down Brazilian cherry wood floors, they preserved the original sub floors.
The carriage house, though, had to wait.
Almost seven years.
"The salon really absorbed every bit of our money and energy," Elizabeth says.
Michael Graham, who met Elizabeth when he came to fix the air conditioning at her house in Seminole Heights 14 years ago "I was her handyman!" he likes to joke, provided the expertise needed to restore both buildings.
The carriage house needed extensive fixing up before they could realize their dream of opening a restaurant. They decided to add on to the original structure, and create a roof garden and upstairs dining area in what had been an apartment.
They could have opened any kind of retail business in the space but decided on a restaurant because, as Elizabeth explains, "I'm Italian; cooking is what I'm all about."
The restaurant, open Tuesday through Sunday, serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Elizabeth, who reads prolifically about cooking, developed the menu that includes Caribbean roasted half chicken and crab-stacked portabella.
Most days, though, you'll find Elizabeth next door running the salon and Michael overseeing things at the restaurant.
"I can fix the AC and bake her cookies," he says, laughing.
They're having a great time, too.
Says Elizabeth: "Remember, if someone tells you no, keep trying. Put out good energy and good energy will come back."
Elizabeth Bettendorf can be reached at ebettendorf
old seminole heights A couple didn't take no for an answer with a bistro and spa.
By ELIZABETH BETTENDORF, Times Correspondent
Published January 18, 2008
http://www.sptimes.com/2008/01/18/Citytimes/Restoration_powered_b.shtml
Elizabeth Graham isn't one to let much of anything stand in her way. She holds a culinary degree, nursing degree, cosmetology degree and has even been to real estate school.
"I'm a very determined person - I won't take no for an answer," Elizabeth says. "I'm dedicated to having an outstanding, outrageous and wonderful life."
She'll be the first to tell you conventional thinking isn't her style: She and her husband, Michael, recently bought a 1930s fish camp along the Hillsborough River near Temple Terrace and are fixing it up as their home.
In December, Elizabeth and Michael opened Bungalow Bistro, a restaurant specializing in seasonal fresh global cuisine and nestled in their 1920s carriage house at 5137 N Florida Ave.
Elizabeth's mother, a culinary instructor and trained French pastry chef, taught Michael, a former construction worker, to bake cookies and desserts. Elizabeth's friend, the talented Seminole Heights designer Nikki Couture, decorated the interior in a soft, earthy mission-style look.
The restaurant, which the Grahams painstakingly restored themselves, was originally built to house horses and an upstairs living space. Next door, the Grahams also restored a historic bungalow to house Elizabeth's salon, Forever Beautiful Salon and Day Spa.
Both buildings were saved from demolition by the Grahams, who moved the bungalow and carriage house to their current location.
On a Thursday morning in January, Elizabeth and Michael laughed and remembered their ordeal while the comforting smell of baking bread wafted through the little restaurant.
The back story?
Back in 2000, Elizabeth Graham purchased the historic structures from the state, which needed to move or demolish them to make way for the Hillsborough Avenue expansion. She paid roughly $500 apiece for the buildings and $50,000 to move them onto to 21/2lots along Florida Avenue.
Buying the lots was another study in persistence, she recalls.
The property's owner, who lived in Winter Park, wanted $100,000 per lot - $250,000 total for the package
After researching the property's appraised value, she negotiated with the owner to sell them both to her for $60,000. As part of the package, he also agreed to finance the deal, Elizabeth says.
The Grahams, devoted preservationists and longtime Seminole Heights residents, restored the main bungalow first, paying close attention to historic details, including choosing traditional exterior colors for the buildings. Elizabeth, who has worked hard for redevelopment of the Florida Avenue business district, says she loves old buildings, both to live and work in.
"I fell in love with the idea that the bungalow had been someone's house," Elizabeth says. "I mean where would you rather go to work every day - an old house or a cubicle in an office building somewhere?"
Elizabeth and Michael preserved the original doors and hardware and painstakingly re-created missing woodwork. Though they chose to put down Brazilian cherry wood floors, they preserved the original sub floors.
The carriage house, though, had to wait.
Almost seven years.
"The salon really absorbed every bit of our money and energy," Elizabeth says.
Michael Graham, who met Elizabeth when he came to fix the air conditioning at her house in Seminole Heights 14 years ago "I was her handyman!" he likes to joke, provided the expertise needed to restore both buildings.
The carriage house needed extensive fixing up before they could realize their dream of opening a restaurant. They decided to add on to the original structure, and create a roof garden and upstairs dining area in what had been an apartment.
They could have opened any kind of retail business in the space but decided on a restaurant because, as Elizabeth explains, "I'm Italian; cooking is what I'm all about."
The restaurant, open Tuesday through Sunday, serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Elizabeth, who reads prolifically about cooking, developed the menu that includes Caribbean roasted half chicken and crab-stacked portabella.
Most days, though, you'll find Elizabeth next door running the salon and Michael overseeing things at the restaurant.
"I can fix the AC and bake her cookies," he says, laughing.
They're having a great time, too.
Says Elizabeth: "Remember, if someone tells you no, keep trying. Put out good energy and good energy will come back."
Elizabeth Bettendorf can be reached at ebettendorf
Sherry's YesterDaze Vintage Clothing & Antiques
Shop owner deals in 'Hey, I remember that!'
By ELIZABETH BETTENDORF, Front Porch
Published January 18, 2008
http://www.sptimes.com/2008/01/18/Citytimes/Shop_owner_deals_in__.shtml
When she opened her shop nearly a decade ago, Sherry King had a hunch about vintage collectibles.
She still does.
"One half of my shop is home goods," says King, who owns Sherry's YesterDaze Vintage Clothing & Antiques along Florida Avenue.
As King prepares to celebrate the shop's 10th anniversary this spring, she's proving her hunch was right on the money.
A survivor in a town where many trendy antique and vintage stores last only a few years, King thinks she may know the secret: "People are drawn to things they remember from their families or childhoods," she explains, "long forgotten things that make you go: 'I remember that!'"
Even the shop itself.
The exterior of her shop, wildly painted in a pink, peach and sea-foam green theme, recalls the clothes of Italian fashion designer Emilio Pucci.
She displays artifacts in front, including a World War II-era trunk hand-painted with the image of a map from Peter Pan.
The whole experience inspires browsing - sometimes for hours. "I've considered charging admission," she says, half-joking.
King, a former accountant, Realtor and DJ for WMNF radio, moved to her current Seminole Heights location four years ago from her old shop on S MacDill Avenue in South Tampa.
Her business acumen may account for her longevity as a vintage dealer. "It means the bookwork isn't too scary," she says, laughing.
An innate ability to "recycle with style" helps, too.
Her eye for the design icons of decades past inspires an inventory that teeters somewhere between the 1920s and 1980s.
Much of what King sells has been handpicked by a brigade of 200 consigners.
It's hard not to linger and look.
What's hot?
Nostalgia.
There are original Coca-Cola "It's the Real Thing!" bellbottoms, suitable for framing; Danish modern furnishings; tiki bar accessories; paint-by-number art; a perfectly preserved box of flashcubes; and a black rotary-dial telephone.
Let 20 years pass, and ordinary objects from the era become interesting, King says.
Rachel Cole, 20, a student at Hillsborough Community College, shops for McDonald's The Great Muppet Caper drinking glasses.
She buys them for her brother's birthday.
"We had them in our house when I was growing up, and I broke a lot of them - I'm sure my brother did, too," Cole recalls.
Cole, who lives in the Egypt Lakes area, says she likes to decorate her home with "signature" vintage pieces mixed in with newer things: "I love the feel and designs of things from older times."
King says the secret to decorating with vintage items is to mix them in with the rest of your decor. Even items that you never plan to use, like old board games, can add visual interest.
"It was the shabby chic era that really gave people the freedom to mix worn things into their decor; before that, everything had to look new," explains King, who decorated her own historic Seminole Heights home in an appropriate 1920s theme.
"In my own house, I'm a stickler about keeping everything from the same era, even the linoleum in the kitchen," she says. "The guy from the flooring store showed up and said, 'Linoleum? What's linoleum?'"
By ELIZABETH BETTENDORF, Front Porch
Published January 18, 2008
http://www.sptimes.com/2008/01/18/Citytimes/Shop_owner_deals_in__.shtml
When she opened her shop nearly a decade ago, Sherry King had a hunch about vintage collectibles.
She still does.
"One half of my shop is home goods," says King, who owns Sherry's YesterDaze Vintage Clothing & Antiques along Florida Avenue.
As King prepares to celebrate the shop's 10th anniversary this spring, she's proving her hunch was right on the money.
A survivor in a town where many trendy antique and vintage stores last only a few years, King thinks she may know the secret: "People are drawn to things they remember from their families or childhoods," she explains, "long forgotten things that make you go: 'I remember that!'"
Even the shop itself.
The exterior of her shop, wildly painted in a pink, peach and sea-foam green theme, recalls the clothes of Italian fashion designer Emilio Pucci.
She displays artifacts in front, including a World War II-era trunk hand-painted with the image of a map from Peter Pan.
The whole experience inspires browsing - sometimes for hours. "I've considered charging admission," she says, half-joking.
King, a former accountant, Realtor and DJ for WMNF radio, moved to her current Seminole Heights location four years ago from her old shop on S MacDill Avenue in South Tampa.
Her business acumen may account for her longevity as a vintage dealer. "It means the bookwork isn't too scary," she says, laughing.
An innate ability to "recycle with style" helps, too.
Her eye for the design icons of decades past inspires an inventory that teeters somewhere between the 1920s and 1980s.
Much of what King sells has been handpicked by a brigade of 200 consigners.
It's hard not to linger and look.
What's hot?
Nostalgia.
There are original Coca-Cola "It's the Real Thing!" bellbottoms, suitable for framing; Danish modern furnishings; tiki bar accessories; paint-by-number art; a perfectly preserved box of flashcubes; and a black rotary-dial telephone.
Let 20 years pass, and ordinary objects from the era become interesting, King says.
Rachel Cole, 20, a student at Hillsborough Community College, shops for McDonald's The Great Muppet Caper drinking glasses.
She buys them for her brother's birthday.
"We had them in our house when I was growing up, and I broke a lot of them - I'm sure my brother did, too," Cole recalls.
Cole, who lives in the Egypt Lakes area, says she likes to decorate her home with "signature" vintage pieces mixed in with newer things: "I love the feel and designs of things from older times."
King says the secret to decorating with vintage items is to mix them in with the rest of your decor. Even items that you never plan to use, like old board games, can add visual interest.
"It was the shabby chic era that really gave people the freedom to mix worn things into their decor; before that, everything had to look new," explains King, who decorated her own historic Seminole Heights home in an appropriate 1920s theme.
"In my own house, I'm a stickler about keeping everything from the same era, even the linoleum in the kitchen," she says. "The guy from the flooring store showed up and said, 'Linoleum? What's linoleum?'"
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Feels Like Home (With Better Food)
TAMPA - Get in your car and drive to the Bungalow Bistro of Seminole Heights.
Do it. Now.
Time is of the essence. It won't be long before more and more people realize this new gourmet eatery has opened in the heart of Seminole Heights, and the limited number of tables will be filled.
The Bungalow Bistro may still be a work in progress, but what a promising start.
Click here for full story.
Do it. Now.
Time is of the essence. It won't be long before more and more people realize this new gourmet eatery has opened in the heart of Seminole Heights, and the limited number of tables will be filled.
The Bungalow Bistro may still be a work in progress, but what a promising start.
Click here for full story.
Blog "Posting" Update
This is just a reminder to "posters" on the blog. When posting articles from any publication (i.e., Tampa Tribune, St. Petersburg Times, etc.), please be sure to include a link to the original article(s).
Not doing so can be interpreted at a copyright infringement.
Not doing so can be interpreted at a copyright infringement.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Publisher Going To New Heights
SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - There weren't many friends or near acquaintances Jay McGee didn't buttonhole for an opinion on why no one had launched a magazine about Seminole Heights.
It has it all: history, Craftsman bungalows, artists, kitschy shops and the nostalgic charm of an old-style neighborhood where everyone feels, well, neighborly.
"Someone better do it," McGee kept saying, and so often that he finally knew he would be the one.
"For a year I've been doing the whole research. I've been testing the waters," said McGee, who has more than 10 years of experience in public relations and marketing.
Writing, editing and graphics were familiar territory. But pulling a magazine together was a risk, and the first advice he got was to think beyond Seminole Heights to a broader market.
He followed Tampa's urban corridors - Florida and Nebraska avenues - and pulled in Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, Ybor City, downtown, West Tampa and the Channel District.
Click HERE for full story.
It has it all: history, Craftsman bungalows, artists, kitschy shops and the nostalgic charm of an old-style neighborhood where everyone feels, well, neighborly.
"Someone better do it," McGee kept saying, and so often that he finally knew he would be the one.
"For a year I've been doing the whole research. I've been testing the waters," said McGee, who has more than 10 years of experience in public relations and marketing.
Writing, editing and graphics were familiar territory. But pulling a magazine together was a risk, and the first advice he got was to think beyond Seminole Heights to a broader market.
He followed Tampa's urban corridors - Florida and Nebraska avenues - and pulled in Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, Ybor City, downtown, West Tampa and the Channel District.
Click HERE for full story.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Call for Articles: New Heights’ mid-March/mid-May 2008 issue
It’s that time again! Have your writings considered for publication in New Heights Magazine by emailing them to editor@NewHeightsMag.com by Friday, Feb. 1, 2008.
Reoccurring Article Word Count: 600-1,200
Heights Heightlight Word Count: 1,200-2,000
Article Guidelines:
1. Topic(s) must be relevant to Tampa; specifically one or (preferably) more of Tampa’s historic Urban Corridor neighborhoods.
2. Must fit in one of the magazine’s main sections: Health & Beauty, Home & Real Estate, Food & Drink, Arts & Events. Broad topic feature stories for the Heights Heighlight section are also requested.
3. Include quote(s) from Urban Corridor resident(s). One (1) minimum, but aim for 2-4.
4. Include supporting high-resolution photos, illustrations, maps and/or graphs. (See below for image guidelines.)
5. When possible, identify (within the article) sources of statistics and facts.
6. List contact information for the writer, quoted participants and photographer/artist.
7. Include a short bio of the author, describing his/her experience with the topic. Also provide a photo of the author, when available. (See below for image guidelines.)
Other Suggestions:
* Use a clear, friendly and non-technical style.
* Avoid jargon and explain acronyms on first reference.
* Divide the article into shorter "chapters" for easier reading.* Include the importance or timeliness of the topic (somewhere in the article’s opening paragraphs).
* Emphasize the positives of the article’s people, places, things and/or events. Be thorough and descriptive.
* Include any relevant information you’d like to have accompany your article.
Photo/Image Guidelines:
* Submit each image separately, with a brief text caption that explains what the reader is seeing.
* Supporting Graphics (charts, graphs, maps, etc.): Send in high-resolution pdf or jpg format.
* Photographs: Submit as pdf or jpg files no larger than 500x300 pixels. Resolution must be 300 dpi of higher.
* All images must be accompanied by artist’s name and contact information (phone and/or email).
Permissions: Accuracy and proper attribution of sources are essential. Authors are responsible for fact-checking articles prior to submission, noting all sources and obtaining written permission to use any copyrighted material.
Please do NOT submit articles that have either been previously published or that are scheduled to be published in any city of Tampa serving publication.
For more information about submitting articles, contact Jay McGee at (813) 389-8116 or editor@NewHeightsMag.com. For advertising information contact ads@NewHeightsMag.com.
Reoccurring Article Word Count: 600-1,200
Heights Heightlight Word Count: 1,200-2,000
Article Guidelines:
1. Topic(s) must be relevant to Tampa; specifically one or (preferably) more of Tampa’s historic Urban Corridor neighborhoods.
2. Must fit in one of the magazine’s main sections: Health & Beauty, Home & Real Estate, Food & Drink, Arts & Events. Broad topic feature stories for the Heights Heighlight section are also requested.
3. Include quote(s) from Urban Corridor resident(s). One (1) minimum, but aim for 2-4.
4. Include supporting high-resolution photos, illustrations, maps and/or graphs. (See below for image guidelines.)
5. When possible, identify (within the article) sources of statistics and facts.
6. List contact information for the writer, quoted participants and photographer/artist.
7. Include a short bio of the author, describing his/her experience with the topic. Also provide a photo of the author, when available. (See below for image guidelines.)
Other Suggestions:
* Use a clear, friendly and non-technical style.
* Avoid jargon and explain acronyms on first reference.
* Divide the article into shorter "chapters" for easier reading.* Include the importance or timeliness of the topic (somewhere in the article’s opening paragraphs).
* Emphasize the positives of the article’s people, places, things and/or events. Be thorough and descriptive.
* Include any relevant information you’d like to have accompany your article.
Photo/Image Guidelines:
* Submit each image separately, with a brief text caption that explains what the reader is seeing.
* Supporting Graphics (charts, graphs, maps, etc.): Send in high-resolution pdf or jpg format.
* Photographs: Submit as pdf or jpg files no larger than 500x300 pixels. Resolution must be 300 dpi of higher.
* All images must be accompanied by artist’s name and contact information (phone and/or email).
Permissions: Accuracy and proper attribution of sources are essential. Authors are responsible for fact-checking articles prior to submission, noting all sources and obtaining written permission to use any copyrighted material.
Please do NOT submit articles that have either been previously published or that are scheduled to be published in any city of Tampa serving publication.
For more information about submitting articles, contact Jay McGee at (813) 389-8116 or editor@NewHeightsMag.com. For advertising information contact ads@NewHeightsMag.com.
Found Stray Beagle
FOUND: Male Beagle Unneutered Tri Color on Tampa Street on 1/15/08.
Please call Ginny Powell at 393-0033.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Seminole Heights Bicycle Club
During the next few weeks, I would like to gauge the level of interest in forming a Seminole Heights Bicycle Club.
The goals would be to have scheduled rides on the streets in Seminole Heights; start bike rides from inside Seminole Heights of about 15-30 miles to other locations; to generally promote bicycling in Seminole Heights and Tampa; and to hold occasional bicycle events and festivals in Seminole Heights to enhance community spirit. A local Seminole Heights Bicycle Club would NOT duplicate any efforts of other bike clubs such as the Tampa Bay Freewheelers, which does a great job at sponsoring rides in the area.
Seminole Heights resident Mike Limerick contacted me about the concept of a bicycle club, so we decided to put the word out on the street to see the extent to which people here in Seminole Heights would like to form a club.
I have held several local bike rides in Seminole Heights and 15-30 people have participated in these local neighborhood bike rides. We have some of the biggest bicycle advocates in the Tampa Bay area living right here in Seminole Heights. I know there is interest in bicycling in our Seminole Heights neighborhoods -- and now I am curious as to the level of interest in creating a Seminole Heights bike club.
Please contact me at alansnel@yahoo.com and Mike at mlimerick@floridaortho.com to share your comments.
I will return a summary of the responses in several weeks down the road.
--Alan Snel
The goals would be to have scheduled rides on the streets in Seminole Heights; start bike rides from inside Seminole Heights of about 15-30 miles to other locations; to generally promote bicycling in Seminole Heights and Tampa; and to hold occasional bicycle events and festivals in Seminole Heights to enhance community spirit. A local Seminole Heights Bicycle Club would NOT duplicate any efforts of other bike clubs such as the Tampa Bay Freewheelers, which does a great job at sponsoring rides in the area.
Seminole Heights resident Mike Limerick contacted me about the concept of a bicycle club, so we decided to put the word out on the street to see the extent to which people here in Seminole Heights would like to form a club.
I have held several local bike rides in Seminole Heights and 15-30 people have participated in these local neighborhood bike rides. We have some of the biggest bicycle advocates in the Tampa Bay area living right here in Seminole Heights. I know there is interest in bicycling in our Seminole Heights neighborhoods -- and now I am curious as to the level of interest in creating a Seminole Heights bike club.
Please contact me at alansnel@yahoo.com and Mike at mlimerick@floridaortho.com to share your comments.
I will return a summary of the responses in several weeks down the road.
--Alan Snel
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Very Sweet Stray
She was found Tuesday 1/8/08, White and tan, Approx 25lbs, No Chip. She was found near the corner of Henry and Nebraska. She is being well cared for in the Hampton Terrace area. If you have lost this lovable, sweet little girl please email us at alhaddad1@verizon.net so she can be returned to you.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Lost Baby Cat in Seminole Heights
From an S.H. neighbor:
I have recently lost a wonderful and loving cat. He escaped through my screen window on Christmas Eve night. His name is Baby because that's just what he is to my family. He's very loving and sweet and vocal...he calls me EL.
I know that may sound funny, but if you've ever owned a vocal cat they call in their own sort of diction of cat language.
He was born in my home almost two years ago. He was a sweet little thing and even though males are territorial he never wanted to fight with the other males. He has a few battle scars around the back of his neck due to his resistence to fight with other males.
He would sit with me for hours rubbing his tummy and his chin. He is the most loving cat that I have ever owned in my life. When you lose a special animal I can't tell you of how you feel with frustration and hurt. They become part of the family and part of your life. I miss him terribly. It's so sad to think that Baby will not come back to his home.
I am trying every avenue that I can to help in my search to find him and bring him back home where he belongs. He is very special to me and I know those animal lovers out there will know exactly what that means. A part of my family is missing and I remain hopeful in my search that I someday soon will find him.
Baby is an un-neutered male cat, around 14 pounds, stripped and spotted, white mouth, alot of orange in his coat and was lost with a flea collar on his neck.
I hope that anyone that finds him will also find it in their heart to contact me at janicebergin@aol.com. Thanks so much for your help!
Smiles,
Janice E. Bergin
I have recently lost a wonderful and loving cat. He escaped through my screen window on Christmas Eve night. His name is Baby because that's just what he is to my family. He's very loving and sweet and vocal...he calls me EL.
I know that may sound funny, but if you've ever owned a vocal cat they call in their own sort of diction of cat language.
He was born in my home almost two years ago. He was a sweet little thing and even though males are territorial he never wanted to fight with the other males. He has a few battle scars around the back of his neck due to his resistence to fight with other males.
He would sit with me for hours rubbing his tummy and his chin. He is the most loving cat that I have ever owned in my life. When you lose a special animal I can't tell you of how you feel with frustration and hurt. They become part of the family and part of your life. I miss him terribly. It's so sad to think that Baby will not come back to his home.
I am trying every avenue that I can to help in my search to find him and bring him back home where he belongs. He is very special to me and I know those animal lovers out there will know exactly what that means. A part of my family is missing and I remain hopeful in my search that I someday soon will find him.
Baby is an un-neutered male cat, around 14 pounds, stripped and spotted, white mouth, alot of orange in his coat and was lost with a flea collar on his neck.
I hope that anyone that finds him will also find it in their heart to contact me at janicebergin@aol.com. Thanks so much for your help!
Smiles,
Janice E. Bergin
Field of Flags
This past weekend our congregational church grounds were transformed into a field of American flags. The flags represent the Americans who have sacrificed their lives in Afganistan and Iraq. There is a flag for 
each of those who have died. The display came our church grounds from another United Church of Christ. It will be on our grounds for a month before moving to the grounds of another church. While displayed, additional flags will be 
added for any who die while the exhibit is on our grounds. The section nearest the sanctuary are those from Hillsborough County and Florida. Just inside, to the west of the parking lot is a blue board with the names of each individual. Nearly 5,000 flags cover the church grounds. This weekend members of the congregation will be reading the names of each soldier.
For more information please visit the church link that goes to a page about the Field of Flags. The church grounds are located on Fowler Avenue just west of the Hillsborough river.
First United Church of Tampa, UCC ·
7308 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa, FL 33617 ·
813-988-4321
Saturday, January 05, 2008
100 things that make you go mmmmm
From a recent St. Pete Times article. Hooray Bistro!
N (new)
Just open:
Bungalow Bistro, 5137 N Florida Ave., Tampa, (813) 237-2000. The new Seminole Heights joint serves a serious burger.
N (new)
Just open:
Bungalow Bistro, 5137 N Florida Ave., Tampa, (813) 237-2000. The new Seminole Heights joint serves a serious burger.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Ella in Lutz
(Click on photo for more photos)
The creator of this blog was enjoying a holiday party at the home of an infamous Seminole Heightsian, when another well known local requested that an update in the life of Ella, the dog, be posted. Most of you know, that the blogmaster, his wife and dogkids moved to Lutz from Southeast Seminole Heights in March of 2007. Ella is a Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Hound mix who we adopted from a rescue group when she was six months old. You can read archived blog articles about her starting in April or May of 2006. She was a feral dog found on the streets as a pup and picked up by animal control. When we got her, the only thing she knew about humans, was that they put you in cages, poked and prodded, cut and snipped and dipped you in bathing tanks. Gaining Ella's trust and teaching her to adapt to life with humans has been a powerful experience.
Ella turned two years old last October. The move was as stressful for her as it was for us. She regressed some, finding cave-like places to hide inside and out. But life here in a semi- rural, dead end, small subdivision has been good for her. She had two bad experiences in the city before we moved. One dealt with children teasing her through our fence and the other, people throwing fireworks in our yard while she was in it. It is consistently quiet here. We walk her down a winding scenic road. There's a new dogpark that wraps around a small pond. She loves to go there and run. Well, some might say she's flying, all four feet off the ground and sailing through the air. Her tail has finally assumed its natural position, straight out, curving up at the end and she's learned to wag it vigorously.
In June, we took in my friend's standard poodle for the summer. Two weeks later, a friend who works for our vet called and said they had a Jack Russell pup that needed a home. He had been found wandering on 50th and Hillsborough. Suckers that we are, we brought him home. So, Ella had two new dogs to get used to. The poodle was large and black, so he intimidated her. The JR pup was pesky, even obnoxious with an E-collar on from his recent neuter job. Our timid, passive Ella, took on the role of protector to our 18 year old Jack Russell, Siggy. Eventually, she adjusted to the new dogs. Royal, the poodle was madly in love with her by the end of the summer. He taught her to chase squirrels ( arrgh!). Hobbit, the JR pup is her favorite toy. She nutures him and wrestles with him. He tries desperately to keep up with her at the dogpark and never lets her out of his sight.
The poodle went home in August and we've all settled into our new life in Lutz. We take Ella and Hobbit to classes at Courteous Canine, who helped us get Ella through the first few months at our house. Their facility is just a couple miles down the road. Ella just finished a class called Control Unleashed for fearful and reactive dogs. She was most improved dog at the end of the 8 weeks. She now looks forward to every class we do at the school and is disappointed if we don't go to class on scheduled days. She and Hobbit sit at the window here in the office while I type. They look out and daydream about chasing the squirrels and rabbits along the creek that runs across the street.
Ella turned two years old last October. The move was as stressful for her as it was for us. She regressed some, finding cave-like places to hide inside and out. But life here in a semi- rural, dead end, small subdivision has been good for her. She had two bad experiences in the city before we moved. One dealt with children teasing her through our fence and the other, people throwing fireworks in our yard while she was in it. It is consistently quiet here. We walk her down a winding scenic road. There's a new dogpark that wraps around a small pond. She loves to go there and run. Well, some might say she's flying, all four feet off the ground and sailing through the air. Her tail has finally assumed its natural position, straight out, curving up at the end and she's learned to wag it vigorously.
In June, we took in my friend's standard poodle for the summer. Two weeks later, a friend who works for our vet called and said they had a Jack Russell pup that needed a home. He had been found wandering on 50th and Hillsborough. Suckers that we are, we brought him home. So, Ella had two new dogs to get used to. The poodle was large and black, so he intimidated her. The JR pup was pesky, even obnoxious with an E-collar on from his recent neuter job. Our timid, passive Ella, took on the role of protector to our 18 year old Jack Russell, Siggy. Eventually, she adjusted to the new dogs. Royal, the poodle was madly in love with her by the end of the summer. He taught her to chase squirrels ( arrgh!). Hobbit, the JR pup is her favorite toy. She nutures him and wrestles with him. He tries desperately to keep up with her at the dogpark and never lets her out of his sight.
The poodle went home in August and we've all settled into our new life in Lutz. We take Ella and Hobbit to classes at Courteous Canine, who helped us get Ella through the first few months at our house. Their facility is just a couple miles down the road. Ella just finished a class called Control Unleashed for fearful and reactive dogs. She was most improved dog at the end of the 8 weeks. She now looks forward to every class we do at the school and is disappointed if we don't go to class on scheduled days. She and Hobbit sit at the window here in the office while I type. They look out and daydream about chasing the squirrels and rabbits along the creek that runs across the street.
Rumors About The Blogmeister
I heard there were rumors floating around about David Scott Banghart's new life in Lutz, so I thought why not give you an update from someone close to the source. The rumor about Scott now being president of our neighborhood board is true. And yes, that happened at the first meeting he attended. How does a person manage this, you may ask. First you have to find out when these semi-secret meetings take place, which took some doing. Then, you show up, sit down and try to figure out what's being discussed and how the heck a taxing district operates. Finally, as the meeting winds up, the long time president resigns and amid body squirming and total silence, you volunteer to take his place. Where did Scott get the audacity to take on such a challenge? Why, from the feisty neighborhood of Seminole Heights! He was a baby activist when we moved to Southeast Seminole Heights in 2000. He considers his seven years there a training camp for community activism.
The weekend after his new role as head scapegoat in Windemere started, we gathered at the front entrance to clean up the neglected landscaping and decorate for the holidays. While we were busy hanging lights on a wall, some enthusiastic volunteers wiped out years of undergrowth, including ferns, plumbago, and groundcovers. It was unhealthy and scraggly, but where once was a thick, overgrown garden, was now dirt under an oak tree, a small palm and two leafless crepe myrtles. When a concerned board member roared up and informed Scott that not only was removing landscaping against the taxing district rules, but the plants that were taken out were planted years ago to prevent runoff, Scott had no problem taking full responsibility, because bless his heart, he had faced angry transvestites and belligerent drug dealers in the hood. What was one angry neighbor and missing landscaping compared to that?
Despite that calamitous start, he's busy listening to neighbors who are excited about making this community a more desirable place to live. They want community building activities and they want a voice to discuss issues. He's prepared to help that happen thanks to all the fantastic people he met and the things he learned in Seminole Heights. Besides his involvement in the subdivision. we've applied to be "Friends of the Lutz Dogpark". That way, we'll be official when we pick up dung and trash. Scott's been gathering names and emails from a hoard of enthusiastic dog lovers at the park, so who knows where this will lead. We learned dogpark etiquette at the Giddens dogrun, which was a project instigated and pushed through by people like Sherry Simons and Maria Garcia Guiterrez.
So there you have it. David Scott is following in the footsteps of his Seminole Heights mentors. You can be proud of the education you gave him. Just don't show up in Windemere until the landscaping's been replaced!
The weekend after his new role as head scapegoat in Windemere started, we gathered at the front entrance to clean up the neglected landscaping and decorate for the holidays. While we were busy hanging lights on a wall, some enthusiastic volunteers wiped out years of undergrowth, including ferns, plumbago, and groundcovers. It was unhealthy and scraggly, but where once was a thick, overgrown garden, was now dirt under an oak tree, a small palm and two leafless crepe myrtles. When a concerned board member roared up and informed Scott that not only was removing landscaping against the taxing district rules, but the plants that were taken out were planted years ago to prevent runoff, Scott had no problem taking full responsibility, because bless his heart, he had faced angry transvestites and belligerent drug dealers in the hood. What was one angry neighbor and missing landscaping compared to that?
Despite that calamitous start, he's busy listening to neighbors who are excited about making this community a more desirable place to live. They want community building activities and they want a voice to discuss issues. He's prepared to help that happen thanks to all the fantastic people he met and the things he learned in Seminole Heights. Besides his involvement in the subdivision. we've applied to be "Friends of the Lutz Dogpark". That way, we'll be official when we pick up dung and trash. Scott's been gathering names and emails from a hoard of enthusiastic dog lovers at the park, so who knows where this will lead. We learned dogpark etiquette at the Giddens dogrun, which was a project instigated and pushed through by people like Sherry Simons and Maria Garcia Guiterrez.
So there you have it. David Scott is following in the footsteps of his Seminole Heights mentors. You can be proud of the education you gave him. Just don't show up in Windemere until the landscaping's been replaced!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Get Your Event Published in New Heights
Please send us ASAP news about any event in your UC* neighborhood that will take place between Jan. 21 and April 30, 2008.
Those relevant and received by Jan. 7 will run in the first issue of New Heights Magazine, which is due out the week of Jan. 21.
To be included, email the event's name, location, date(s) and hour(s), admission charge - and any other info you see fit - to editor@newheightsmag.com.
*Remember, the UC means Urban Corrdior and includes Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, downtown Tampa, Ybor City, West Tampa and surrouding areas.
Thanks,
Jay M., editor
New Heights
Those relevant and received by Jan. 7 will run in the first issue of New Heights Magazine, which is due out the week of Jan. 21.
To be included, email the event's name, location, date(s) and hour(s), admission charge - and any other info you see fit - to editor@newheightsmag.com.
*Remember, the UC means Urban Corrdior and includes Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, downtown Tampa, Ybor City, West Tampa and surrouding areas.
Thanks,
Jay M., editor
New Heights
Found a very nice dog
From neighbor Mike Handley ...
We found a Pit Mix dog. He's just over a year old probably and neutered.
He has been seen by folks all around South Seminole Heights (bakery, park, Frierson, Crest, Giddens) today (12/30).
He has been seen by folks all around South Seminole Heights (bakery, park, Frierson, Crest, Giddens) today (12/30).
No collar but recent signs of one. He is well fed and healthy.
Very sweet, friendly to dogs, cats and people.
Very sweet, friendly to dogs, cats and people.
We can't keep him. We already have 2 dogs, a cat, a rabbit and a lizard.
So we are looking for:
#1 his owner
#2 a good home
Contact Mike: Mike@mhandley.com