Tampa Neighborhood's Websites

I chanced upon City of Tampa Registry of Neighborhood Associations. Included in this listing are their websites.

What surprised me was how many associations did not have websites.

Ballast Point - http://www.ballastpoint.org
Davis Islands Civic Association - www.neighborhoodlink.com/tampa/dica
Davis Islands Neighborhood Planning Task Force www.dineighborhoodplan.org
Gandy/Sun Bay South Civic Association www.sunbaysouth.org
Lowry Park Central Civic Association www.groups.yahoo.com/group/LPCCA/
North Bon Air Neighborhood Association www.neighborhoodlink.com/tampa/nbonair
Oakford Park Neighborhood Association, Inc. www.neighborhoodlink.com/tampa/oakford
Ridgewood Park CPCA, Inc. www.ridgewoodpark.com
South Seminole Heights Civic Association www.geocities.com/oursshca
Southeast Seminole Heights Civic Association www.SESHCA.com
The New Tampa Community Council www.newtampa.org
The Marina Club of Tampa www.marinaclubtampa.com
Wellswood Civic Association www.wellswood.net

I figure that the listing must be incomplete because Old Seminole Heights website is not there.

Here is the listing of rest of the 109 associations. Note there are some areas still without associations

Armenia Gardens Estates Civic Association
Bayshore Beautiful Homeowners Association, Inc.
Bayshore Gardens Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Beach Park Homeowners Association, Inc.
Beach Park Isles Civic Association, Inc.
Belmar Shore Civic Association
Carver City/Lincoln Gardens Civic & Homeowners Association, Inc.
Civic Association of FlorenceVilla/Beasley/Oak Park
Civic Association of Gray Gables
Civic Association of North Hyde Park, Inc.
Civic Association of Port Tampa City, Inc.
College Hill Civic Association
Cory Lake Isles Property Owners Association
Courier City/Oscawana Civic Association
Culbreath Bayou Homeowners Association
Culbreath Heights Civic Association
Culbreath Isles Homeowners Association
Davis Islands Civic Association, Inc.
Davis Islands Neighborhood Planning Task Force
Drew Park Alliance
East Tampa Business and Civic Association, Inc.
East Ybor Historic & Civic Association
FairOaks Manhattan Manor Neighborhood Association
Forest Hills Community Association, Inc.
Forest Hills Neighborhood Association
Forest Hills Village Homeowners Association
Golfview Civic & Garden Association
Grant Park Civic Association
Harbour Island
Highland Pines Community Task Force
Historic Hyde Park Neighborhood Association
Historic Ybor Neighborhood Civic Association
Hunter's Green Community Association
Hunter's Green Community Brookfield Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Cypress Ridge Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Deer Creek Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Esprit Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Fox Chase Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Hampshire Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Hampton on the Green Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Heather Downs Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Heritage Oaks Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Lakeside Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Laurel Ridge Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Lockwood Links Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Magnolia Chase Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Nathan's Court Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Oak Crest Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Oak Trace Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Osprey Point Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Parkside Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Pinnacle Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Quail Creek Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Stonebridge Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Waterforde Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hunter's Green Community Wynstone Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Hyde Park Preservation, Inc.
Hyde Park North Neighborhood Association
Live Oaks Square Civic Association
Lowry Park North Neighborhood Association
New Suburb Beautiful Civic Association
North Tampa Community Crime & Civic Association
Northeast Community Crimewatch & Civic Association
Northeast MacFarlane Crime Watch Association
Northview Hills Civic Association
Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Old West Tampa Neighborhood Association & Crimewatch
Palma Ceia Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Palma Ceia West Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Palmetto Beach Community Association Inc.
Parkland Estates Civic Club
Plaza Terrace Neighborhood Association
Rembrandt Gardens Apartments
Riverbend Civic Association
Rivergrove Civic Association, Inc.
Riverside Heights Civic Association
South Nebraska
South Westshore Neighborhood Civic Association, Inc.
Stoney Point Civic Association
Sulphur Springs Action League
Sunset Park Area Homeowners Association
Swann Estates Neighborhood Association
Tampa Downtown Partnership
The Channel District Council, Inc.
Tampa Heights Civic Association
Tampa Palms Owners Association, Inc.
The Kensington @Tampa Palms Owners Association
The Reserves @ Tampa Palms Owners Association
The Sanctuary @ Tampa Palms Owners Association
Temple Crest Civic Association
Terrace Park Civic Association, Inc.
The Virginia Park Residential Neighborhood Association
University Square Civic Association, Inc.
V.M. Ybor Neighborhood Association & Crimewatch
West Riverfront Neighborhood Crime Watch Association
Westshore Palms
Woodland Terrace

Rumors

Well, there are a rumors an Italian restaurant is supposed to open on Florida Avenue, perhaps in a bungalow and perhaps near the Front Porch Restaurant.

Also it may be that 2 buildings north of Front Porch a Car Wash in being built.

Youth Dance Club

South Seminole Heights President Gary Ellsworth sent its residents an email today about a Youth Dance Club that opened up tonight at Martin Luther King and Highland.

The email noted that: The business will operate as a juvenile dance hall and has been permitted by the Chief of Police, Fire Department and Zoning. It will be open Wednesday and Saturday nights from 8 P.M. until midnight. Their opening night is scheduled for this Thursday 5/26. They will have 4 uniformed TPD officers on premises during operation. The club will admit children ages 12-17.

South Seminole Heights seems to be pretty much on top of this and "will monitor this situation very closely". They have concerns about noise, loitering, littering and vandalism. The email further notes that " if you live in the area and experience any problems, it is strongly recommend calling the police immediately to report any incidents. " The Police Non Emergency Line is 231-6130.

The locations seems to have had a number of clubs and restaurants cycled through it. Lets see what happens.

Seminole Heights Book Group

My wife belongs to a book group that meets in Seminole Heights that is aptly titled Seminole Heights Book Group. Their first meeting was in the back room of Rigo's and then they moved out to meet in each other's houses. Books discussed are for the most part, fiction, but it is broad selection of fiction. This is a focused, well bonded discussion group. Each month a different person hosts the discussion. These hosts take their role seriously and each does significant research on the book. The rest of the group often also does their own research, depending on their interests.

As it worked out all of the members of the group are women, and I suspect it will remain that way. The women come from varied backgrounds and interests. However, common factors among all of them are interesting personalities, intelligent and creative minds, love of books and a good deal of passion.

I believe the first book read was appropriately Farenheit 451 (Rated Excellent).

Others among the many they have read are:
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant; Rating: Provocative,
A Widow for One Year by John Irving; Rating: Moving ,
Wish You Well by David Baldacci; Rating: Pastoral
Under the Tuscan Sun by Francis Mays; Rating: Curious
Lay That Trumpet in our Hands by Susan McCarthy; Comments: Excellent. A must-read for Floridians
Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunnat; Comments: Fun play on words and thought-provoking
Bluebeard by Kurt Vonnegut; Comments: An artistic, modern fable
Pattern Recognition by William Gibson; Comment: More mind-boggling, in a super-technical setting
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemmingway; Comment: Gritty


Here is an excerpt from the recap of the April 2005 meeting

Last night, we had the perfect setting. A scary month (income taxes, need we say more), a scary house (still much to renovate), stormy weather, and nature even provided a creepy crawler to tingle the spines. But alas, "The Awakening" was not a horror tale, although the title lends itself to the genre. It was a story about the emergence of a 19th century woman from her cocooned emotions into self-awareness and her desire for independence..........

"I am Tampa" goes to Iraq

Lt. Amanda (daughter of Retired TPD Sgt.) in Iraq is "Doing Her Part". Credit goes to those who sent the email that eventually got to me.

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Seminole Heights Geography

St. Pete Times Article about Starbucks in Seminole Heights

A Perfect Blend

However the writer needs to get her geography right. She described Old Seminole Heights as

"Old Seminole Heights lacks the commercial profile of South Tampa's Palma Ceia or Hyde Park. Bounded by the Hillsborough River on the north and west, 22nd Street on the east and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, there is no Renovation Hardware or Chico's. Seven-lane "racetracks" are instead jammed with Truly Nolen Pest Control and Chillura Auto Sales and Ace check cashing. "

Those boundaries are for the whole of greater Seminole Heights, encompassing all 3 Seminole Heights Neighborhoods. See Overall Map

South Seminole Heights is Martin Luther King to South, the river to the West, Hillsborough Avenue to the North and Florida Avenue to the East. See Map or Large Map

Southeast Seminole Heights is Martin Luther King Blvd to the south, I-275 to the West, Hillsborough river to the North and 15th Street to the East. See Map

Old Seminole Heights is the rest, sort of an oak tree design. The trunk is MLK Blvd to the South, Florida Avenue to the east and I-275 to the West. This opens up into the canopy bounded by the river to the West and North, 22nd to the East. See Map

"My Tampa Address!"

The City of Tampa has a lot of cool stuff on their website. The most recent thing I discovered is "My Tampa Address!". By putting in your address you can find out all sorts of things about where you live. Census Tract, City Council District, Evacuation Zone, Neighborhood, Tampa Police Grid with current calls for service and Crime Activity Map, Tampa Fire Rescue Grid and current calls for service, Street Sweeping Route, Zip code, link to property appraiser website and points of interest within 1 mile.

Go the City of Tampa Neighborhood And Community Relations webpage and enter your address in the fields on the left side of the webpage. Or else go to this site My Tampa Address.

Another neighborhood blog

tiny little dots.......

"We're actually in Riverside Heights but we eat, drink, work, play, and sometimes sleep in Seminole Heights. Our blog isn't particularly local in content but there's something here for everyone."

Art in Public Places

The Sulphur Springs Art I posted is part of the City of Tampa Art in Public Places. Check out Highlights from the Collection or Highlights by Artist for some more examples.

Girl, 15, Thwarts Would-Be Abductor

I want to highlight a quote in this article of this child who was abducted in SE Sem Hts.

"If they notice someone driving around the block several times or think someone is acting suspicious, immediately seek help by calling 911 or knocking on the nearest door, he said. "

When you live in an urban neighborhood any time you see something suspicious, call the police non-emergent line 231-6130 and report "Suspicious Activity" or at least make note of your observations to later refer to. If it appears to be an emergency call 911.


Girl, 15, Thwarts Would-Be Abductor

By VALERIE KALFRIN vkalfrin@tampatrib.com Published: May 21, 2005

http://tampatrib.com/floridametronews/MGBBNR2DZ8E.html

TAMPA - The 15-year-old girl walked home with friends from Middleton High School about 3 p.m. Friday, talking and laughing.

At North 15th and East Curtis streets, she left the group and headed off by herself.

Nearby, a man in a faded beige four-door sedan watched, Tampa police said.

In the 1200 block of East Curtis, he drove alongside the girl and stopped. He opened the passenger-side door to block her path, then reached across the front seat, grabbed the petite girl by her arm and yanked her inside, Lt. Mark Hamlin said Friday night.

The man drove off, clutching the girl's arm.

``He held on to her, saying he was going to have sex with her,'' Hamlin said.

About 2 1/2 miles from where the man grabbed her, the girl saw a chance to escape.

The man stopped for a red light at North Tampa Street and East Columbus Drive, and for a moment he released his grip on her arm. The girl flung open the passenger door and ran into the street, Hamlin said.

The man drove away, the girl's blue and black backpack still in the car.

``Only God knows what would've happened to this girl,'' Hamlin said. ``She kept calm. She saw an opportunity, and she got away.''

Hamlin did not know how long the girl was inside the car. After her escape, she phoned her mother, who left work to pick her up and called police about 4:40 p.m.

The teenager was traumatized, Hamlin said.

Police released a description of the man and car Friday night. The man is black with a light complexion, possibly in his mid-20s, with a muscular build, short hair and gold on his lower teeth.

The faded beige car resembles a Cadillac. The interior has tan cloth upholstery with tears or cuts on the headliner, passenger seat and passenger door. The driver's seat is missing the headrest, Hamlin said, and the inside passenger door handle is damaged.

He asked that anyone with information about the man or car to call (813) 231-6130.

To stay safe, Hamlin advised children to travel in groups and be aware of their surroundings. If they notice someone driving around the block several times or think someone is acting suspicious, immediately seek help by calling 911 or knocking on the nearest door, he said.

This is the second quick- thinking Tampa youth to confront a kidnapper in recent months. In March, a 10-year- old girl broke free from a man who dragged her into bushes at knifepoint and told her to pull down her pants, police said.

Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800.

Wall Art at the Sulphur Springs Pool by Artist Bruce Marsh "Sulphur Springs: Reflection of the Century" 2000 Glass Tile Mosaic

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As these children and parents play in the City of Tampa Sulphur Springs Park and Pool, what do they see across the street? A Strip Club, Tanga Rays! How did this come to pass?

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A strip club next to a church - how could this be? The church is the Abundant Faith Apostolic Church (A.F.A.B.) based in the back of the carpet business.

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Tanga Rays Admits it is a Strip Club

...previously... Arrest at Tanga Rays

It is official. First the arrests and now the sign. Tanga Rays is a Strip Club.

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New Neighbors

Links to two new blogs of neighbors have been added.

The Life of M "it's mainly my look at the world in photos, with some commentary, throughthe assignments I get, the people I meet and the things I see...... I'm also working on an update now" The Life of M just bought a house in Seminole Heights 4 months ago.

DaveDorm.com "I am just around the corner from Seminole Heights. I may even be in the hood, for all I know, I just moved over here a couple months ago."

Welcome neighbors!!

Larger view of the building. This is being fixed up and painted. It was a large electrical motor repair shop until they moved a few months ago.

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Here is the J.F. De Sear building at the SE corner of Nebraska Ave and Osborne. Is he related to the De Sear appliance people?

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What is this I do not yet know. It was on the south side of the bridge from the Paul H. Smith plaque

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A view from Riverside Academy, facing SW

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I discovered that the Paul H. Smith bridge was named after Paul H. Smith while I was taking photos of the corners of Seminole Heights. This bridge is where Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.crosses over the Hillsborough River. This photo is looking NE. The building in the photo is the former Charter Hospital property, now called Riverside Academy.

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Unknown Monuments

Who is Paul H. Smith? Who is J. F. De Sear? There are bridges, buildings, parks and other places with names on them of people with intentions of honoring them. However what honor is it when no one remembers who these people are or why they were so honored. I intend to try to find out who these people are and what they did. Over time my hope is that every memorialized name in Seminole Heights will have a history attached to it on this blog. You can help by telling me what you know about these people or by submitting you own entries that you observed as you go around town. Email me at Seminole.Heights@gmail.com.

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Wanted by Law Enforcement: Convicted Drug Dealer Willie Findley.

I received this information the other day.

"Willie has a warrant out for Violation of Probation (re. Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute). There may be additional warrants pending re. new drug charges. He also has a suspended driver license. He is often seen around 10th and Louisiana, along 15th near New Orleans or Louisiana and sometimes along Nebraska. He used to ride a BMX style bike but has been seen driving different cars and sometimes rides as a passenger. He is not someone I I would consider a threat but more of a nuisance. ............. He was arrested last summer and after a few months in jail he was placed on probation (again) in October. By January, his probation officer finally realized he was not complying with his probation and had a warrant issued. He's 25 but looks about 17. He usually wears a huge t-shirt and long baggy shorts. Most times he is seen wearing a white sweatband around his forehead. He's still in and around the neighborhood. If anyone sees him, please call TPD non-emergency at 231-6130. Tell them his name, his location, what he's wearing, that you know he has a warrant, what car and tag# if possible and direction of travel. Most of the patrol guys know who he is (some more than others) and QUAD definitely knows him. He's a runner and unfortunately gets away by the time the police respond or can turn around once they spot him. I think one of the reasons we "target" him is because he used to be such a constant presence and was so blatant in his activity. You would think since everyone knows who he is and what he's doing he'd go somewhere else but as of yet he's still running around out there. "

He has been most recently seen driving a small red compact car.

DOC info, HCSO arrest September 2003 wearing his trademarked white T-Shirt. HCSO warrant info AKA William, Willie WhiteBoy, Snowball.
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A Living Hominid and others

A Living Hominid has some more good postings about Seminole Heights. He writes and posts photos about the finding the house of noted animal activist Bert Wahl. Wahl was convicted of animal cruelty a few years back and also had many code enforcement issues. I wonder what he does know.

A Living Hominid also writes about a visit to the home of Steven Lorenzo who is suspected in the kidnapping, sexual assaults and drugging of several men. Read more about Mr. Lorenzo at the blog.

Other blogs I find interesting and read regularly are Midnite Culmination (hard to describe why I find this so fascinating- perhaps because she is so different than me), Sticks of Fire (good commentary about Tampa issues and event and politics), Its Recess Time Somewhere (I especially like her use of photos to make commentary.)

I'm curious to see if there are other neighborhood focused blogs here in Tampa. In Sarasota there is Sarasota Livin'.

Party for Pat Chamburs

Previously....Stories About Pat Chamburs .....Style Has Retired...

On Sunday, May 29th from 2PM to 5PM at the Globe Coffee Lounge there will be a potluck good luck party for just retired WMNF Radio Host Pat Chamburs. Globe Coffee Lounge is located at 532 1st Avenue North, Downtown St. Petersburg, phone 727-898-JAVA.

Arrest at Tanga-Rays

.....Previously...... So Tanga Rays is a Topless Bar ..... Tanga Rays Part-3 ......Tanga Rays Part-2.......Tanga Rays Part-1......

Some evidence that Tanga Rays may be an illegal adult use establishment.

According to the HCSO website, TPD made at least one arrest at Tanga-Rays, Tuesday night. 27 year old Tiffany Dawn Dasher was arrested for Offer To Commit Prostitution and Nudity Where Alcoholic Beverages Are Served. Her occupation was listed as being a......... Dancer at Tanga-Rays!

Looks like Torgo was right after all.

Tampa General Hospital Expansion Approved

At 1:00 AM, after a 7 hour meeting, City Council approved the expansion of TGH.

Connie Burton

According to reporter Sean Lengell, in a story in the Tampa Tribune, Connie Burton was evicted from her apartment yesterday, ending a long battle by the Housing Authority. She will be staying with friends. It will be interesting to see what happens now for her, what she does and where she ends up.

Daddy Zero

Well, there is a new store in Seminole Heights. It is Daddy Zero (www.daddyzero.com) located at the former Now and Again I site at 6605 N. Florida Avenue (232-0371). They have this really cool logo of a cat smoking a cigarette. They describe thmeselves as "having cool stuff for cool cats" "incense, jewelry, candles, shirts, shoes, stickers,patches, posters, hair color,vintage and new clothing and much more" I dropped by today and found it to be an interesting place with something for most everyone. Well, everyone who lives in Seminole Heights.


This means that on Florida Avenue we have many places to shop from (a bit north of Hillsborough) Ophelia's Folly (I have never been in there), then (just south of Hillsborough) Yesterdaze (vintage clothing and things - I have been there good place) , finally (corner of Osborne) Ashley's on the Avenue (soaps, candles, gifts and etc - good place I have been in), Now and Again I and II (both antique stores - good places also that I have been in.) Oops, I forgot Judy's Treasure Chest (North of Sligh - been in there- antiques and things - good place.)

Civic Association Meeting

Well tonight was the Southeast Seminole Heights Civic Association (SESHCA) meeting.

The mayor has put on hold any plans to rename Nebraska Avenue.

The restriping of Nebraska Avenue will continue, generally as planned, with the FDOT enginners to determine what is needed for overall safety. The City has worked out many of the concerns of the business community. Construction will start in Spring 2006

Civic Association President Beverly Morrow has decided to not run for office again, stating that 4 terms is long enough. She will be leaving behind many accomplishments.

Nominations for SESHCA officers will be taken in the July meeting.

SE Sem Hts. neighbors who are on the neighborhood email list will get a chance via email to vote for the artist's concepts for Giddens Park water feature. Pledges are being taken from neighbors to continue fundraising for the park.

SE Sem. Hts is part of East Tampa Community Revitalization Partnership where in 1 million in tax dollarshas been collected to use back into East Tampa in various projects. SE Sem Hts will not participate in the East Tampa Overlay as it is partof Seminole Heights Overlay.

The mayor has begun a litter control campaign in East Tampa that will spread to the rest of the neighborhood. The city will concentrate on medians, right of ways and Interstate corridors where much of trash and debris coming from.

TPD has begun some foot patrols in selected parts of SESH to deal with drug dealers.

Recuerdo's Wall Art - 4

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Recuerdo's Wall Art - 3

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Recuerdo's Wall Art - 2

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Recuerdo's Wall Art -1

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Recuerdo's Bar Sign

So you know where to look for the wall art

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Recuerdo's Bar - Wall Art of sorts

Recuerdo's has some interesting wall art on its exterior walls. It is framed out to look like you are looking in windows of the bar.

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Wall Art

More interesting sights from Seminole Heights. There is a lot of interesting wall art in Seminole Heights and I eventually will have a series on that. This is St. Francis Episcopal Church (Nebraska and Sligh.) I seem to be on some sort of church roll.


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A view from my porch one morning a couple of Saturdays ago. Life is nice.

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Code Enforcement

There has been a lot of activity on this front in the newspaper and in city council. The latest is an article in today's Trib, Fight Against Code Violators Ongoing. I have a lot to say on the matter and will do so tonight. Parot of my commentary will include the need for education, access to services and programs for the elderly, disabled, single parents and the poor and also coming down hard on eggregious violators, especially commercial properties such as the Illegal Boarding House. I dispute at least one part of the article.

"Code enforcement also is working with Tampa Homeowners, an Association of
Neighborhoods, to set up an advisory committee. Neighborhood groups, working
with the umbrella association, will select nine people to observe how code
enforcement customer service representatives handle phone calls and watch
officers carry out inspections."

It does not mention that SE Seminole Heights started a grassroots group called NICE - Neighborhood Improvement and Code Enforcement to deal with the city wide issue and that this group is composed of many neighborhoods. The article impies the City took the lead and instead it was the residents who took the lead.

Again, when I have time tonight I will add more to the complex issue

Roof Dogs

hard boiled wonderland has an interesting post on Roof Dogs in Seminole Heights.

Hillsborough High School

Don't know where Hillsborough High School is? Look for the carillon tower. This can be seen from I-275 between Martin Luther King and Hillsborough Avenue, just look to your east. I live on the other side of the interstate from the High School but I can hear the bells at my house when they play. Very nice.

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St. Paul's Lutheran Church - front

Just a shot to show you the front, the spire and the sign, to make it easier to find. This church is just a little bit north of Hillsborough High School, on the east side of Central.



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St. Paul's Lutheran Church - front door

I also like the front entrance to St. Paul's Lutheran Church - love that red front door!

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Interesting Architecture

I went to a neighborhood yard sale this morning at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on Central Avenue North of Hanna and I was reminded how much I find the architecture interesting. This spire especially. Very unique.

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Salvation for a Church?

Previously, first reported here .... Death of a Church and The Church Is Not So Dead....

Here is the rest of the story on New Orleans Baptist Church as found in today's Tampa Tribune. Essentially this story comes to tensions between people with a different perspectives. This difference in perspectives also exists in the neighborhood.

Church Seeks Divine Intervention
By KATHY STEELE ksteele@tampatrib.com
Published: May 14, 2005

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS
http://www.tampatrib.com/News/MGB6SGGZO8E.html

Almost seven years ago, the Rev. Samuel Kirkland happened to drive by the New Orleans Baptist Church on a Sunday.

Inside, he found about a dozen people. In the 80-year- old church's heyday as many as 600 worshippers would have filled the cavernous sanctuary.

"The faithful few that were here were worshipping, attempting to hang on,'' Kirkland said.

"They had no pastor.''

Congregants invited him to lead their church. The name was changed about two years ago to Faith in Christ Baptist Church.

Today, the church at 1109 E. Osborne St., rich in land but cash poor, struggles to survive. Its membership, estimated by Kirkland at not more than 40 people, reflects the community's racial and ethnic diversity.

And, again, it is without a pastor.

In a dispute with some members about the church's future, Kirkland has resigned. He had hoped - and believed most church members agreed - that church land should be sold to raise money for repairs to the sanctuary and to develop and build affordable housing in the community.

Instead, church members are waiting to learn whether Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon will step in and establish a satellite branch at their church.

Longtime church member Jeanelle Hires said she and others have no problem with affordable housing, but selling church property was going down the wrong path.

Hires, a member for more than 60 years, said she never misses Sunday services or prayer meetings. She taught Sunday school for nearly 40 years.

"That's been my life. I just believe [the church] is a mission of the Lord and dedicated land to the Lord,'' Hires said. "I could not participate in it being sold and destroyed for something else. I'd like to see it grow to what it once was.''

In a vote by members after a May 6 prayer meeting, the decision was to move forward with the proposal to Bell Shoals. Tom Biles, executive director of the Tampa Bay Baptist Association, served as visiting pastor for the prayer service and for the following Sunday's church service.
All 163 Baptist churches in the association operate independently, Biles said.

"We certainly hope it returns to being a strong, healthy church administration to the community,'' Biles said. "I know the people would support that.''

New Orleans Baptist Church once was among the premier churches in suburban Tampa, and has been a member of the Baptist association since 1924.

Bell Shoals representatives were expected to tour the property before reaching a decision. In an e-mail, the Rev. Forrest Pollock wrote, "We are open to considering the acquisition of any church property that might enable us to better reach people for Jesus.''

If Bell Shoals declines the offer, other churches will be contacted, Hires said.

Kirkland had a vision much different for the church, one he said came to him through prayer.

"We don't want to diminish the history of this church,'' Kirkland said. `"But we need to move forward. Look at what we have and how little we're using of it. This is also a war on poverty.''

Money from the land sale would pay for repairs to the sanctuary, which Kirkland said has ample room to accommodate growth. In addition to affordable housing, he wanted outreach programs, including tutoring, mentoring and free counseling. Job training workshops also would be possible, he said.

Though the county's property appraiser's office lists the value of the land and four buildings at more than $1 million, the church struggled to pay Kirkland's monthly salary.

"There is no tithing base,'' Kirkland said.

After last year's hurricane season, Kirkland decided the sanctuary was unsafe and moved church services into the education building. The roof leaks and there is mold in the sanctuary, he said.

The ceiling in a second-floor classroom in the sanctuary has collapsed. Electricity upgrades are needed, and there are problems with other buildings, including plumbing, Kirkland said.

Hires and other members say the buildings are salvageable.

"It needs repairs, but we don't have the wherewithal to do that,'' Hires said.

That's where Bell Shoals or another church can help, she said.

On both sides there have been accusations of unfair tactics in arriving at the proposal made to Bell Shoals.

"This is a hostile takeover,'' Kirkland said.

He said he was disappointed that the Baptist association seemed to take sides.

Church member Porfiria Ramirez, who served on a committee that considered the church's options, said she thought Kirkland's housing plan was a good idea.

"I'm very disheartened,'' Ramirez said. However, she said she plans to remain a member "and see this through to the end.''

Kirkland said he will take a break from preaching but plans to remain active in east Tampa and Seminole Heights.

"What endures is the true calling of the Christian church today,'' he said. "I wish them well.''

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 259-7146.

Porch Parties

One of the things that helps provide a sense of community in Seminole Heights are Porch Parties
Neighbors get together at each other's houses for potluck meals and BYOB and BYOC (Bring Your Own Conversation. Generally there is a core group of people who come to each porch party and as each porch party is held at a different house in the neighborhood, neighbors around the host house also come. Some of these neighbors then go on to participate in the succeeding porch parties.

Each Association in Seminole Heights has porch parties. Some on a monthly basis and some on a quarterly basis. In last year or so, as the 3 neighborhood associations have gotten closer together, people have been crossing boundary lines ands going to the other association's parties.

Southeast Seminole Heights has its porch parties the first Friday of each month. The next one is on June 3rd at 920 E. Shadowlawn at 7:00 P.M.

Next week is the Old Seminole Heights Porch Party.

Spring Porch Party
Friday, May 20th at 7:30pm
5306 N. Suwanee Avenue

Please bring a snack or beverage to enjoy!

In addition to the above the Lake Roberta area in Old Seminole Heights has its own porch parties/family dinners.

If you belong to the South Seminole Heights email group, you will be advised of their porch parties.

Working out of the box

Two articles in the both newspapers outline the kind of thinking that makes things work better in neighborhoods. Where people either team up to deal with issues out of the scope of one person's duties or there duties are expanded to deal with non-traditional issues for that job

The St. Pete Times had an article today about a multiagency efort to deal with issues in Ybor City. "Enforcers of rules crash the Ybor party"

".........."We need a better atmosphere in Ybor City late at night," Iorio said. "It's not a positive entertainment atmosphere."...........

"Several city and state agencies have teamed up to crack down on businesses violating rules for Ybor - from the noise ordinance to the ban on handing out advertising fliers. Police have always patrolled the area on weekend nights.

"Now city officials from code enforcement, business licensing and the Fire Marshal's Office and state liquor licensing agents have joined them on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights."

..........."Last weekend, police officers and other agency officials inspected 64 Ybor City establishments.

"Code enforcers issued 33 verbal warnings and impounded an A-frame sign. The fire marshal gave out two citations and one verbal warning. Police arrested two people on drug charges and 14 for underage drinking, and made other arrests for nudity and alcohol violations and solicitation for prostitution. State beverage officials gave four citations and two verbal warnings."


The Tampa Tribune had an article about officers who deal with quality of life issues

Policeman, Practitioner Focus On Quality Of Life

By VALERIE KALFRIN vkalfrin@tampatrib.com Published: May 13, 2005

TAMPA - Each morning, Tampa police Officer Greg Hattle slips through Sulphur Springs, Seminole Heights and other neighborhoods, scanning yards for sofas, chicken coops and other eyesores.

``When everything's really quiet, I'll drive around slowly,'' he said Thursday, braking his unmarked patrol car outside a sagging stockade fence.

``See that fence?'' he said, jotting down the address.

An encyclopedia of city code guidelines, Hattle is part of a two-person team that focuses on quality-of-life issues in northern and eastern Tampa. He and Lisa Timmer, a crime prevention practitioner, work with code enforcement, Hillsborough County Animal Services, the Florida Department of Children & Families, and others.
This week, Hattle arrested two people on felony animal cruelty charges.

``Sometimes you'll make a couple [of these arrests] a week and sometimes you'll go a couple of weeks without making one,'' he said.

He accused one dog owner of failing to take seven German shepherds to a veterinarian for three years after the dogs were diagnosed with mange. The other is accused of neglecting a husky named Nanuke that had a grapefruit-sized tumor in its jaw. Nanuke underwent surgery Thursday to remove the tumor and likely would be adopted, Hattle said.

``When I see this kind of abuse with animals, my next question is, `You got any kids here? Let me see 'em,' '' he said.

Hattle has worked for Tampa police since 1994. He loves animals. He also loves to hunt and fish. He spent time on a farm outside Memphis, Tenn., as a child and has a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Turk at home, along with his son's turtle and fish.

``They provide us with a lot of companionship and beauty and add a little grace to the world,'' he said.

His job involves more than four-legged friends. He and Timmer report inoperable and unlicensed cars in yards, graffiti, people tampering with utility meters ... anything that irritates law-abiding residents.

Sometimes they investigate one issue and find others, such as a woman with a malnourished dog who had no food for herself, or a woman keeping her elderly parents in a 5-foot by 10-foot room with no water or air conditioning.

``You never get callous,'' Timmer said. ``Just when you think you've seen it all ... ''

``Bam,'' Hattle interjected. ``It hits you in the face.''

Assistant Chief of Police Scott Cunningham tapped the two for this assignment in 2003. At the time, the department had eliminated its community-policing officers as part of a reorganization. Cunningham thought, however, that residents needed someone to handle problems the everyday officer did not have the time or tools to manage, Hattle said.

The pair networked with other city, county and state agencies. Within about four months, Hattle said, they had established such rapport in the police department's District 2, the department placed similar teams in its other two districts.

The two seek creative solutions, such as opening a county health department case on a woman who refused to remove more than 240 rabbits from her yard. The feces are about 6 inches deep, Hattle said. ``Every time it rains, it runs into the neighbor's yard.''

The work at times seems never-ending. They drove a visitor Thursday to an abandoned house at 1303 E. 99th Ave. they have been working to have boarded up since 2004. A rancid party place, its floor is strewn with glass, human feces, beer bottles, used condoms and other trash.

Seeing the outcome makes the headaches bearable. ``When you're on patrol, you see a lot of problems in the making but not a lot of resolution,'' he said. ``Hopefully, we can see a problem through to the end.''

Tampa residents with quality-of-life concerns can call (813) 354-6692 in District 1, (813) 931-6541 in District 2 and (813) 276-3317 in District 3. Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800.

http://tampatrib.com/floridametronews/MGB0IVTWN8E.html

A.F.A.B Catering - photo 4

Posted by Hello

A.F.A.B Carpet - photo 3

Posted by Hello

A.F.A.B - Abundant Faith Apostolic Church - photo 2

The "B" used to stand for something that I can no longer remember

Posted by Hello

The Carpet Church - A.F.A.B.

One of the interesting curiosities in Seminole Heights is the Carpet Church.
Located near Bird St. and Nebraska Ave next to Tanga Rays and across from the Sulphur Springs Pool, it is officially known as A.F.A.B or Abundant Faith Apostolic Church.

We first encoutered this church several years ago when it was located at Martin Luther King Blvd and Nebraska in the 2 buildings next to the door store. One building was the church and the other the capret business. On Wednesday evenings the Pastor would put a set of big speakers just outside the door and allowing those driving down Nebraska to get a sound bite of the sermons, praises and the singing. A couple of years ago ago he moved twice, finally ending up at this location.

As you can see from the signs in the following posts, this is not a church that relies just on tithing. An enterprising pastor who has a carpet business out front and a BBQ stand next door. I find this admirable.

Posted by Hello

Mother's Day

Susan and I have started a new spur of the moment tradition for us on Mother's Day.

Last year, on Mother's Day, we were sitting on our porch when our neighbors Stan and Louie walked by and wished Susan a Happy Mothers Day. It made her feel real good. (We do not have children, unless you count our two Jack Russell Terriers)

So this year we decided ot share the nice feeling. We gave flowers to our friends who are not necessarily mothers (some are men). We went to the coner flower stand at Hillsoborugh and Florida Avenue and bought 3 bunches of gladiolas. We attached little cards that said Happy Nurturers Day (to the men, or to women without dogs or cats top those women who just nurture the neighborhood) or Happy Mother Of Dogs Day (self explanatory) or Happy Mother of all Animals day (even more self-explantory.)

We left the flowers (in little containers of water) by the front doors of these friends. Most were not home so they did not know who left the flowers, which made it more fun.

However everyone figured out who did it because those who were home told those who were not home. This was a great way to spend mother's Day morning.

Don't know if we are going to do this for Father's Day. We would have to figure out what trait to associate with Father's Day s owe can include the women. Susan suggested Guidance.

The Church Is Not So Dead

Previously I wrote about the New Orleans Baptist Church closing down and selling the property.

I've received some different information.

Reportedly there were some plans to sell the church and put in low income housing. However, on April 29, 2005 the Church voted against selling the property because they would prefer to continue to have a church serve the community. They are looking for some other church to take over operations.

The church was originally known as The New Orleans Avenue Baptist Church. The church first started in 1924 in a building at New Orleans Avenue and 17th Street. Currently at that corner at 1609 New Orleans Avenue a church still exists in a building built in 1925 (per the property appraiser.) Don't know if it is the same building.

New Orleans Baptist Avenue Church moved to its current location at Osborne and 12th Street in 1943. At that time they dropped Avenue from the name.

At some point a daycare was started. In 1959 a Kindergarten was established. The school eventually expanded up to 9th grade.

In 1983 the daycare closed and in 1986 the school closed.

At some point the county put a Adult DayCare in the facilty. That was closed down by request of the church several years ago.

In 2003 the Church changed its name to Faith In Christ Cathedral.

The decline of the church was atributed to people moving away and also attendance in the mega churches.

New Orleans Baptist Church is not the only church to face these issues. St. Paul Lutheran Church on Central Avenue near Hillsborough High School has a declining membership. Reportedly they have about 70 members and a average church attendance of 35-40. There is a church off North Boulevard in South Seminole Heights that was facing the decision to close down. I'm not sure what happened there.

Reportedly there is some hope because some mega churches are starting to go back in the urban areas and help revitalize these declining urban churches.

My opinion? A church is a community of believers. The best community is your neighborhood. Why drive out to these suburban mega churches, wasting gas, doing harm to the environment that we are tasked to be stewards. Instead join a local urban church. If you are a Baptist, join the New Orleans Baptist Church. If you are Lutheran join St. Paul Lutheran.

If anyone has pictures of the New Orleans Baptist church in its early years or more information I will post that on this blog.

Burned Out Bungalow

Last month this place caught on fire. It's on Giddens between 17th and 19th Streets. I find it sad every time I see an old wood frame house burnt. What a waste.


Posted by Hello

Nebraska BBQ

There is a new BBQ place that has opened up on Nebraska Avenue, called Nebraska's BBQ and Sandwich shop. (7311 N. Nebraska Avenue between Sligh and Broad St 231-5090) Easy to remember.

Susan and I decided to do our neighborly thing and check it out. We are not BBQ gourmets but we liked the food. I had the pork chop dinner with a side of corn on the cob and baked beans ($6.25 plus tax.) Susan had the white chicken dinner with a side of potato salad and green beans. (Also $6.25 plus tax) All of it tasted good to us. The green beans had plenty of hams seasoning it up and there was plenty of bacon in the baked beans. Susan described the food as real southern cooking like she used to grow up on. I had to get used to baked beans that were home cooked and not Bushes Baked Beans modified. (as I cook them) They were good though. I never had a BBQ pork chop before. Not bad. Next time I need to try the ribs and see how they are. We will return.

The place is at the site of an old Farm Store that was the site of many other businesses, most recently a car detail business. No eating-in, although I imagine a picnic bench might go up at some point.

Slashing At Publix

At first I thought the story below was simply a case of shoplifting gone awry wherein one of our beloved Publix staff was assaulted. However it turns out Mr. Casey has a bigger history, according to news stories at the Tampa Tribune.

He used to live in the neighborhood in the 400 block of Jean Street. He previously was a therapist/counselor at ACTS (Agency for Community Treatment Services). He has an extensive criminal history.

While at ACTS he was accused of suppling a client "with Xanax, steadily increasing her dependence until she provided him sex in exchange for the drug. She accuses the Agency for Community Treatment Services of negligence for hiring Casey, who had a 25-year criminal record. The lawsuit accuses Casey, who counseled Holland from January to March 2002, of taking Holland to his Temple Terrace apartment and introducing her to other illegal drugs before raping her. The suit said that Casey eventually got Holland a job at an adult bookstore and theater, where she participated in pornographic videos. "

I'm glad he moved out of the neighborhood. I wish he would shop (steal) somewhere else. I wonder what type of pills he tried to steal. Hopefully, it was something like Immodium AD, so he would be experiencing some discomfort until he was medically treated at the jail.

Man Charged In Attempt To Knife Grocery Manager
Tampa Tribune
Published: May 9, 2005

TAMPA - Police arrested a man suspected of trying to slash a Publix manager who confronted him about stealing batteries and pills Sunday afternoon.

The incident happened at the store at 6001 N. Nebraska Ave. about 2:10 p.m. An assistant manager, Paul Winn, 52, noticed a man shoving batteries and pills into his pockets, Lt. Chuck Stanbro said.

Winn confronted the man at the front of the store. The man pulled out a hunting knife, which Stanbro described as a 6-inch folding knife, and tried to slash Winn.
Winn ran back in the store, and the other man fled.

Officers caught up with Corby Casey, 61, of 12110 N. 27th St. Casey refused an officer's orders to get on the ground and was threatened with a stun gun.

Casey relented and was taken into custody without resisting. Stanbro said officers found some of the stolen items.

Casey was being held at the Orient Road Jail on Sunday night without bail on aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and robbery charges.

http://tampatrib.com/floridametronews/MGBNGVP7I8E.html

Stories from Nebraska Avenue - part 3

previously..... Part 1 ..... Part 2 ......

So what did residents do about the prostitution problems? They took down tags and called or wrote the owners. They demonstrated and picketed. They confronted prostitutes and the johns. They called on city government with petitions.

Residents fight crime their own way
DAVID BRACKMAN - St. Petersburg Times
June 5, 1989 TAMPA - Rather than rely on an overburdened police department to rid Nebraska Avenue of prostitutes and illegal drugs, homeowners and renters in north Tampa have employed a few tricks of their own to take their streets back from the streetwalkers. For one thing, they're taking numbers - license plate numbers of strange cars and vans they see in their neighborhood. But the residents won't stop there. They consult public records to find out who is registered to a specific plate, then place a telephone call or mail a note warning the owner that the vehicle has been spotted in their neighborhood, possibly engaging in illegal activity. ''We're doing this because the problem is more serious than plain old prostitution,'' resident Jane Ridolfi said. ''There's drugs, too. And the problem has been escalating recently. ''It's like a cancer. They control our streets now. But we're going to take control back.'' Miss Ridolfi recently put up a homemade, hand-lettered sign in the 7400 block of N Nebraska. It warns passersby that people living in the area will be ready with pen and paper to take tag numbers. ''People are finally getting to the point where they're not going to take it anymore,'' said William Cook, who works at the Alpine Barber Shop across the street from Miss Ridolfi's sign. ''Public sentiment, that's the one thing you cannot defeat.'' Miss Ridolfi is the spokeswoman for the Citizens of Evelyn City, a neighborhood watch group made up of people living east of Nebraska between Sligh Avenue and the Hillsborough River. Evelyn City comprises the northern portion of Tampa's Seminole Heights neighborhood. ''As a homeowner, I don't want to see scantily dressed women hanging out in front of my house,'' Miss Ridolfi said. ''As a real estate agent, it's difficult to sell the neighborhood. Their activity is detrimental to the neighborhood.'' Thursday about 75 Evelyn City residents and business owners attended a Neighborhood Watch meeting. Miss Ridolfi said they logged about 30 specific complaints, most of them related to prostitution and drug dealing along Nebraska and its side streets. Evelyn City isn't the only north Tampa community newly committed to battling prostitution and drug use along its streets. Just north of Evelyn City in Sulfur Springs, residents are attempting to reorganize a Neighborhood Watch. ''We've been intensifying our efforts in the last few weeks because Sulfur Springs also has a problem with prostitutes and crack cocaine,'' said Linda Hope, president of the Sulfur Springs Action League, the area civic association. Robert Lutz, an association member, has been canvassing the neighborhood for weeks, looking for trouble spots and talking with residents. The police recently raided a nearby crack cocaine lab and Lutz has noticed that illegal activity has since declined. ''But in the warm weather, the streets start getting busy again,'' Lutz said. ''I'm trying to get people motivated to reorganize the Neighborhood Watch because if we lie down and don't do anything about it, (the dealers and prostitutes) are going to be back.'' Lutz said he hopes the Neighborhood Watch is up and running by the end of June. ''We're at an infancy stage now, but eventually we'd like to have patrols with CBs (citizens band radios),'' he said. ''That way, we would have intimidation by visibility.'' The Evelyn City residents believe that by targeting the customers of the drug dealers and hookers, the illegal activity will diminish. Miss Ridolfi said she alone has placed a few dozen phone calls based on tag numbers. ''It's strictly informal,'' she said. ''Only a few of us are making the calls. But as a group, we will pull this cancer out of this neighborhood.'' The residents say they are desperate, and are not dissuaded by the possibility that someone may find the phone calls accusatory and a violation of their rights. Tampa Police Capt. Keith Linton said the department has had no complaints from anyone who has received a call or a note from the residents. Linton said the residents have not forwarded the list of tag numbers to the police. ''Civil rights violations are usually brought against governmental entities, not private citizens,'' said Gary Betz, a Tampa attorney who specializes in civil rights cases. By making the calls, the residents ''could be treading on thin (legal) ice if they use obscenities or threats, but it sounds like an ingenious approach to community action.'' Linton said that in the past three weeks, the police department has responded to numerous citizen complaints about prostitution by periodically sending two squads of plainclothes officers out along Nebraska. On June 1, police arrested 13 people on solicitation charges, all along Nebraska between Hillsborough and Fowler avenues, Linton said. On May 21, two were arrested for soliciting in the Evelyn City area. Earlier in May, the sting operations netted 54 arrests, Linton said, about one-quarter of them in the Evelyn City area. ''It's not very difficult. All a woman has to do is be on Nebraska Avenue, and they're going to get propositioned,'' Linton said.


2. 100 picket to protest prostitution
SUE CARLTON - St. Petersburg Times
March 4, 1990
Between Saturday-morning appointments at a Nebraska Avenue hair salon, hairstylist Tom DeForest had about 15 minutes to make his views known. So he stepped outside, grabbed a picket sign and joined dozens of residents and business owners who were protesting the prostitutes they say have given this busy thoroughfare a bad name. ""We've got a nice shop here, and you've got prostitutes out front and it just cheapens it,'' DeForest said. ""To look out and see all these people with their signs, it's just magnificent.'' About 100 people, mostly residents of the Sulphur Springs and Seminole Heights neighborhoods, gathered along several blocks of Nebraska Avenue for several hours Saturday, carrying signs and yelling to motorists. Some brought dogs, some brought children, and some even dragged folding chairs curb-side for a more comfortable protest. Neighbors around Nebraska Avenue say they are tired of living with the notorious reputation Nebraska Avenue has gained as the place for prostitution in Tampa. While they doubt it can be eliminated, they say they do not want it in their back yard. ""It's kind of disgusting, when you're trying to take your girlfriend home and there they are,'' said 16-year-old Ian Smith. ""My kids see them,'' said resident Richard Bush as he waved his sign. ""They want to know what those ladies are doing on the corner.'' Thom Lewis said the situation has interfered with his job as a real estate agent. ""I had prostitutes on more than one occasion solicit the customers I was trying to sell a house to,'' he said. The reaction from passing cars ranged from apathy to enthusiastic honking, clapping, yelling and thumbs-up signs. There was an occasional obscene gesture. The group seemed to have the support of surrounding businesses. ""It's about time somebody did something, because it's bad,'' said Lora Hollbrooks of Hollbrooks Car Repairs, Sales and Service. ""You ask them to move and they say "It's a free sidewalk.' The law chases them off but an hour later they're back.'' Tampa police officers, who monitored and supported Saturday's protest, also contributed a taped-together roll of prostitution-related arrest reports made since October - 121 arrests that protesters turned into a 100- foot-long banner. ""I call that my scroll of shame,'' said Sgt. Rick Duran.

Death of a Church

New Orleans Baptist Church is on its deathbed. In 10 to 15 days the plug will be pulled.

This church, located at 1103 E. Osborne Ave has been in the neighborhood for years. One of the buildings was built in 1952 and the corporation has existed since at least since 1968. It apparently was a large church in its heyday. It sits on at least 2 acres, not including the outlying lots it owns for parking. It has 3 large buildings and a house. It looks like it could have had a large Sunday School or a small private school on premises at some point. The tax appraiser valued the 25,000 square feet of buildings and the land at more than 1 million dollars.

So what happened? I don't know for sure. I really do not know much about the history of this church. I believe that when the neighborhood deteriorated the church followed suit. There may have been some controversy that split the church too.

We all had high hopes with the arrival of the current Pastor, Rev. Samuel Kikland. He and his wife, Katie, tried to up the membership and improve the church facilities. Just last year they changed the name to "Faith In Christ Cathedral", I presume as part of the turnaround effort.

Apparently to no avail.

The church is closing and the property was sold. This is so sad. A part of the history of Southeast Seminole Heights will be gone forever.

However, paralleing Christian beliefs, there is hope in the death of this church.

Because the new owner is another church.

This will be a resurrection of sorts. Any church that can afford to buy this large church property must be a thriving, growing, energetic church. This bodes well for the neighborhood. More people will be coming into the neighborhood to go to this church at different times during the week, and they will spend money on gas, food and other items. As most new owners do, they will likely start rehabilitating the place. Perhaps some of these people many decide they like the neighborhood and move in themselves. Perhaps this church will offer programs neighbors can find beneficial or interesting. These new owners take over in 10 to 15 days. We shall see where things go.

P.S. It would be good if some of the histories and memories of this church could be written down added to the official history of the neighborhood. Some may ask why is it called New Orleans Baptist Church when it is on Osborne? Originally I believe the church was on New Orleans in a smaller place and expanded to this location.

So Tanga-Rays is a topless bar

So Tanga Rays is a topless bar. According to Torgo the name apparently is a wordplay of Tanqueray Rum.

The property is owned by Charo Inc with a nailing address of 5305 N. Armenia. The property is zoned CI per the property appraiser’s website. The Div. Of Corporations list Charo Inc as having as its registered agent and officer/director as O'STEEN, EUGENE of 5305 N. ARMENIA AVENUE

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation lists the license for the location:
Name: 8123 NORTH NEBRASKA AVENUE INC (Primary Name)
SPRINGS BAR (THE) (DBA Name)
Main Address: 5305 N ARMENIA AV TAMPA Florida 33603
County: HILLSBOROUGH
License Information
License Type: Retail Beverage
Rank: 4COP
License Number: BEV3908611
Status: Current,Active
Licensure Date: 07/17/2000
Expires: 09/30/2005

The Div. Of Corp. lists 8123 North Nebraska Inc. as having an officer/director PITISCI, OLGA of 8123 NORTH NEBRASKA AVENUE and the registered agent is DIAZ, JOSEPH L of 2522 WEST KENNEDY BLVD.

The property is zoned CI per the Property Appraiser’s website. Per City of Tampa Website, Adult Use at a CI Zoning is permitted only with a Zoning Administrator Review. Do they have that? And are they allowed to be so close to a City park and a Church?

Tanga Rays Part 3

(previously Tanga Rays Part 2 )
Tanga Rays - notice the 18+.

I debated whether to post this image taken from the website for this group as this would be an offensive image for many people. However this may be possible supporting documentation that Tanga-Rays is an adult use establishment.


Posted by Hello

Tanga Rays continued - An Adult Use Establishment?

(previously Tanga Rays part 1 )

Well, lookee here at what I found hanging on the front of Tanga Rays - Girls, Girls. Hmmm Could this be a strip joint or adult use establishment of some kind?

This place is right next door to a church and across the street from the Sulphur Springs Pool and Park. I don't think adult use establishments are allowed next to churches and parks.

Dear TPD Major Castor. What do you think?

As a side note: When I did a Internet search on Tanga Rays I found that BigBadWolf had an interesting post on the alt_central_fl blog about Tanga Rays:

"This Sunday, April 24th is Repentance Sunday. Sodom and Gomorrah will be having it's now monthly fetish party on the last Sunday of the month. With the
exception of May, which we will be down partying it up with Fetish Factory to
celebrate their 10th Aniv. May will be held on May 22. Which is incidently my
birthday, so I will be making allowances for spankings. Tanga Rays is located
just South of Bird St/Waters Ave. across from the dog track on Nebraska Ave. The
cover is only 5.00 and there will be tons of 2 for 1 drink specials all night
(Guinness, Jager, Goldschager, and the rest of the Irish and German family of
liquor!)For more information visit www.sandgfetish.com"

This led me to the next photo --->

Posted by Hello

The Emperor (or Empress) of Seminole Heights

Several communites in the area has honorary ceremonial leaders. The two most famous is the Alcalde (that's spanish for mayor) of Ybor City and the Guv'na of Lutz.

(Not to forget, as frequently mentioned by Tom Henderson of the WMNF Radio Show "This is Bluegrass" the attendees at his weekly bluegrass breakfast is a whole host of Mayors from east Hillsborough such as the Mayor of Mango and Mayor of Seffner and etc .)

The Alcalde does something with the Gasparilla thing. I forget. Is it to throw the first loaf of Cuban Bread at the Navy ship?

The Guv'na of Lutz presides over ceremonial events. Hands out awards at the Lutz Arts and Crafts festival and etc. The way to become the Guv'na is to buy your way in by raising the most money. The money is then donated to charities by the Lutz Civic Association.

I suggest Seminole Heights get its own ceremonial leaders. The three civic associations and the Business Alliance could be the sponosring organizations The money raised could be spent on promoting greater Seminole Heights, imporving some of our parks and be given to local charities such as Francis House. The ceremonila leader could participate at grand openings and other events.

I first tried to think of a ceremonial title actually historical to Seminole Heights. ..........okay I'm still thinking. Hmmm. Well perhaps maybe the General of Seminole Heights. (Only because my subdivision was developed by a Civil War General )

So other names I have come up with are the The Grand Poobah, The Big Cheese, and The Chief Muckity Muck.

Any ideas?

Stories From Nebraska Ave - part 2

For many years residents and business owners in the neighborhoods along Nebraska Avenue have had to deal with the problems of prostitution.

On the way to their church or temple or mosque, school, work or shopping, families have driven by prostitutes dressed in skimpy outfits trying to flag down vehicles. There are times the prostitute will flash their breasts or buttocks to passersby. Street corners have been shared with prostitutes while residents wait for a city or school bus. Many female residents, walking to store, going to visit a neighbor or walking a dog, have been approached by Johns trying solicit sex. Prostitutes have banged on doors in the middle of the night asking for help because they were just robbed or assaulted by a John.

Prostitutes and Johns have been found engaging in sexual activity behind the back of a churches and businesses, on porches of occupied homes, in vehicle driving slowly down a residential roads and other locations on and off Nebraska Avenue.

The trappings of prostitution; used condoms; panties and other articles of clothing; syringes, crack cocaine baggies and other drug paraphernalia; and empty alcohol beverage containers; have been found on business parking lots, sidewalks, yards, alleyways, church daycare playgrounds, porches and even on or in people's vehicles. Prostitutes have urinated and defecated on the side areas of homes and businesses.

Many of local motels on Nebraska Avenue and nearby streets seemed to either ignore the activity or actually cater to the prostitutes. One motel owner has stated "prostitutes are my best customers".

Compounding the problem was the attitude of some of the Tampa Police Department (TPD)police officers that were assigned to the area. Once an officer asked a group of residents who were patrolling Nebraska Avenue when the patrolling was going to be finished, so he could let the prostitutes know when they could return. At times some of these select officers seem to blame the residents. On several occasions officers have told residents who were complaining about prostitution activity "You knew what it was like when you moved here, so why complain?" The poor attitudes of these select officers detracted from the efforts of the Tampa Police Departmant officers who cared.

to be continued....

Previously... Stories From Nebraska Avenue - part 1

Snipe Signs

The Trib did an article today on the city of Tampa cracking down on snipe signs in the right of way.

Good.

I regularly pull up snipes signs on my way to work or around the neighborhood. I got 3 this morning. My rules on snipes signs are: I do not remove current yard sale signs. I do not remove political signs during political season. I do not touch roadside memorials. I do not touch signs for a specific house for sale. Every thing else is up for grabs.

(I want to know why are they called snipe signs? A snipe is a long legged wading bird.)

One of the worst offenders has been K-mart. In the last few months they were posting percent off and sale signs every weekend on the rights of ways in surrounding streets, both at the store at Waters and Florida and in Carollwood.

Of course there are websites for people fed up. http://www.stopsnipesigns.com/ and http://www.causs.org/

Stories from Nebraska Avenue - part 1

One of the problems we have faced in Seminole Heights is prostitution, especially along Nebraska Avenue. This series of posts will explain the problem and how we dealt with it.

I collected stories from neighbors to give a better sense of what it is like to live with street level prostitution.


1. "I have always known that Nebraska Ave. had this reputation. Want a prostitute? Head to Nebraska Ave. The first time it really angered me was when a girl was negotiating with her john on the street leading to my daughter’s elementary school. I was driving down Hamilton Ave from Nebraska toward Cleveland Elementary School when I saw a car blocking the road in front of me just half a block from the school. This is at 7:15 a.m. mind you, I stopped and waited thinking the driver would pull forward. Then I noticed the girl leaning into the car and talking with the driver. She was obviously a prostitute, do not ask me how I know, you live here long enough and you just know. I waited then tapped the horn, the girl looks up flips the middle finger at me and continues on with her negotiations. I then witness the john reach out and begin to fondle her from inside the car. Alright, that’s enough, I lean on the horn and stay on the horn for about thirty seconds until he finally decides to move on. As I drive by where the girl is standing, she tries to reach over and strike the hood of my car with her fist. Needless to say, myself and my daughter were a bit shaken up by this. Let me remind you, this was at 7:15 a.m. one half block from Cleveland Elementary school." - K. K.

2. "One day, J. and I were driving west along Hillsborough and turned south on 12th Street (I'd say it was around 6:00pm or so). We had our neighbor's kids in the backseat with us. One was fifteen years old and the other was seven...both girls. As we turned onto 12th we saw a woman (a real woman) walking and she turned to look at the car. The fifteen-year-old says "She's out hookin' early, that hoochie". Then the seven-year-old pipes up and says, "That's not a hoochie". I asked her why she said that and she replied (with all seriousness), "Because hookers don't wear pants. They wear short skirts with no underwear". I asked her how she knew about hookers and "hoochies" and she basically said, "Duh, I grew up here and I've seen them all my life". " - E.S.

3. "Not knowing who was exiting the street because we weren't close enough yet or there was a glare, a prostitute turned around and lifted her skirt to show her naked butt. Besides me in the car was my 13-year-old stepson and 3 year old daughter. " - G.T.

4. "We used to park our pickup truck in our side yard. It was used periodically for trips to the dump or taking the dogs for a ride, and in it we've found underwear, syringes, and condoms" - G.T.

5. "There was another incident when a hooker banged on the P's door in the middle of the night after being chased by a john. Seems she tried to grab and his money and run from the car and he chased and beat her up. Mind you this took place in the middle of the neighborhood. The hooker was running around the streets yelling and pounding on doors. D. said she had a bloody nose and looked awful. Obviously they wouldn't let her in the house and told her to get off of their porch. They called the police and the hooker got mad at them and said she would be back to beat their asses. Of course, all of the commotion woke up their little girl who was pretty young at the time and freaked her out. She was afraid for weeks and would ask Mom and Dad every night if that lady was coming back to yell at them." - E.S.

6. "My 22-year-old daughter was walking 3 blocks to her friend's house. My daughter had on jeans and a t-shirt. A man stepped up to her and asked her how much? She stated that she didn't do that and he needed to go away. He said he didn't care what it cost, he'd go get his money and be right back. She went to her girlfriend's house and never saw him again. Fortunately for her she is 5'10" and stocky and he was 5'6"and skinny. She figured she could deck him if he got aggressive." - S.L.

7. "I was sitting in my car across the street from the El Rancho Motel at Flora and Nebraska one afternoon when I saw a girl come out of one of the rooms there and walk to the corner of the street. She began walking up and down the street in front of the hotel and trying to make contact with people as they drove by. She would occasionally go back to the room for a few minutes where she was met at the door by a man and let in. The man looked familiar to me then I realized that he was the “custodian” at the motel. I saw him cleaning the rooms out there on many occasions. During the rest of the afternoon I found that there were at least two girls using the room and with the same man there. The girls would get picked up and come back a half our later, go to the room for a few minutes and then be back out on the street. By the way, the owner of the motel was witness to these incidents, he was usually outside sitting on a chair in front of the motel." - K. K.

8. "Concerned for my older neighbor, I looked out after hearing a noise and saw the legs of a prostitute hanging out a car door. After I flicked the light, she shut the door and her big butt was up against the window as they passed by. The police responded three days later and ended up saying "I wouldn't live in this neighborhood. I live in Valrico". (Another huge issue of mine that law enforcement would be passionate about their work if they patrolled in a community they lived in or lived nearby) " - G.T.

9. I went to take the trash out one evening and as I walked around my garage, which is next to an abandoned alley, I saw a car was parked just inside the alley from the street. I kept an eye on the car as I put my trash away and as I walked back towards my house I looked back one more time and saw a man’s face in the window of the car. When I did not recognize him, I walked over to where the car was parked. The alley directly abuts my property line, so he was not even five feet from my garage, and when I got closer I saw a head bobbing up and down in his lap. Not caring to get any nearer I grabbed a crowbar from inside my garage and went around the back of the garage and walked toward the front of the car with it in my hand. His windows were down and as I approached the car I was politely (not really) asking the man to leave the area. I made sure to stay to the side of the alley and when he saw me he went tearing by me down the alley. I reported the incident and went to bed thinking he would never be back. The next morning when I went to drive my daughter to school I found his (Presumably) used condom draped across my drivers’ side rearview mirror."

10. "I had a prostitute drive her car straight at my car on one of our early nights a couple of years ago. This is when we were trying to push the boundary of our patrol past the Swan/Casa Loma/Loma Linda Hotel group at Lambright and Nebraska. Two prostitutes suddenly cornered three of our hooker patrol cars in the John Calvin Presbyterian parking lot, blocking the exits with their bodies. They had sticks and rocks and were slowly approaching us with the clear intent to do harm. It was crazy that two people would attempt to take on moving vehicles on foot but I figured later that they put their bodies in harm's way on a regular basis by engaging in prostitution. Things got pretty tense. A truck in our patrol went over the rail road ties to get away, the two smaller vehicles had to fend for ourselves as 911 would not have enough time to stop this. We waited until they got closer and then we sped around them. It was very dangerous. One missed our car with the rock but the other car took damage from a stick. The two transvestites then jumped into a brand new white Acura and ran their car straight at us. We had to roll into the ditch to avoid a head on collision. We were just trying to get away but they pursued. Finally, we went to the post office parking lot where we radioed to our fellow patrollers who met us there. TPD arrived and handled the situation. Ofc. J. N. was able to get them to admit to what they had done and he arrested them. As the cuff's were being locked on their wrists, one started crying and said he/she didn't blame us, that it was our neighborhood and that they weren't even from Tampa. We then discovered that the driver of the Acura was a manager at a MacDonald's in Ocala. He/she begged to be let go so they could make it to work on the next day. "You should have thought of that before. Now it's too late." said N. and closed the door." - J.H

to be continued.......

Hidden Curiosities in Seminole Heights

There are many places in Seminole Heights that are off the beaten track that even residents of Seminole Heights might not be aware of. I will periodically feature them.

The first place is tucked away in the west side of Old Seminole Heights at the end of Jean Street, appropriately called Jean Street Shipyard. (From Hillsborough Avenue, north on Florida, west on Jean Street Streets.) It is reported to be the oldest marina in Tampa dating back to 1843. It is also a fully functioning shipyard. When you look at the photo on their website of the sign, note the Evinrude motor that acts as their mailbox. All sorts of shipyard items are used as decorations at their entrance and inside the facility.

According to the online search at St. Petersburg Times they have not done a story on this place. (since 1987) The Trib's archive site was not working. Aside from commerical listings the only place that mentions them is a website by a neighbor http://www.ginafromtampa.com/jeanst.htm

Pops in the Park in East Tampa

Well, a significant event is occuring on May 5 at 7:00 P.M. The Florida Orchestra is performing at the Middleton High School Stadium. Why is this significant? Because East Tampa historically was ignored by the city and everyone else. Look at where look at where the prior concerts were: Lowry Park, Al Lopez Park, Plant Park and the grounds of Grace Episcopal Church in New Tampa. The usual places for these kinds of things. I'm sure City Council Kevin White had a great deal to do with this.

"Among the classics are the Overture to Rossini’s Barber of Seville, the Scherzo movement from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2, the Finale movement of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, among other works. The program also includes a medley of Duke Ellington hits, a tribute to the Beach Boys, and music from Star Wars, Fiddler on the Roof and The Sound of Music. "

Philanthropist Sykes considering mayoral run against Saint Pam

According to the Tampa Tribune, local businessman and philanthropist John Sykes is considering a mayoral run against Pam Iorio. He and other wealthy Tampa residents are upset with Mayor Iorio because the proposed godawful "Bus Terminal" art musuem was axed. Mr. Sykes apparently is a good buddy with former Mayor Dick Greco, who originally approved the monstrosity.

My initial reaction to the news: " Is he nuts?" He wants to run against Pam Iorio, who is the patron saint of neighborhoods. The neighborhoods have seen a lot of good changes since Dick Greco, the patron saint of the good old boys, left office. People in the neighborhoods like Saint Pam and consider Greco to be a bad word and those associated with him similarly tainted.

Over the years the neighborhoods have grown in organization and power and can easily mobilize many people, as witnessed the 400-500 people who came to the Seminole Heights town hall meeting 2 years ago, or the mulitudes who supported Starbucks. Through newsletters, email lists, websites and blogs the neighborhoods can quickly spread the word to its residents.

Sykes and his wealthy friends may have the money but Saint Pam has the people.

(Cue John Lennon- singing softly in the background with orchestral violins and guitars........Power to the people.......)

Sykes does not stand a chance.