I - 275 - noise and safety

I was cc'd this email from Janice Caldwell that was sent to Robin Rhinesmith of the Florida Department of Transportation and cc'd to the Metropolitan Planning Organization and Kathy Steele of the Trib.

There are 3 issues relating to the I-275
Safety (as noted in the email below)
Noise reduction
Beautification/Visual Pollution

Can things be done to deal with all 3 issues? Can we get a Wall? Or could we get a combination of dense forest of trees and bushes and improved fencing and maybe some sort of other barrier that would help deal with all 3 problems. Or may be get the wall and the trees and bushes. The trees could act as crash barriers, the bushes could help slow the vehicle down and at the same time look better and reduce the noise. Surely there are things that other communities have done. Could be also get more decorative fencing rather than standard chain link.

"On Sunday night, technically it was Monday, February 20th at approximately
1:20am, a car overturned off of interstate I-275 and landed directly in front of
my neighbors home on Cherokee Avenue (5700 block). Thank God the children
were not playing in the street because of the hour but that is in fact where
they normally congregate to play! I've copied several other people
in this email in the hopes of being pointed in the right direction - something
has to change! Seminole Heights residents deserve to be safe in their own
front yards! Please work with us to be proactive about the interstate
situation - noise levels aside."

This email was a reply to an earlier email chain from Robin in which the following was noted:

"The Department analyzes traffic noise level changes on proposed projects
that will increase capacity (for example the addition of lanes) or changesthe
vertical/horizontal alignment of a facility in the state highway system. The
section of I-275 that you reference has not been widened (capacity increased)
since it was built. Furthermore, it was built prior to the federal noise
regulations being put into place.

The only other thing I can suggest is that you approach your city officials
with your request. They may be willing to bring it up to the Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO) who could seek other funding sources that would be
willing to pay for a traffic noise study and the design and construction of
potential abatement opportunities. "

2 prior related blog stories
Interstate Wall and I-275

Puzzling Question

Who is this man and why is he reading the menu at Taco Bus?














For the answer to this read tommorrow's Weekly Planet.

Cappy's Pizza

The rumor floating around is that Cappy's Pizza is moving from South Tampa to Seminole heights in the building next to Covivant.

The new Antique District for Tampa - Seminole Heights

I would appear that Seminole Heights is or is becoming the new antique district for Tampa.

We have Now and Again II, Karen's Place and the antique shop that is replacing Ashley's, Sherry's Yesterdaze, 1908 Cash Register Company, Tampa Antiquarian Books Store, Greenshift (he has antique musical instruments and equipment) and Judy's Treasure Chest. After shoppers finish with the antiques they can keep shopping at Ophelia's Folly, Daddy Zero, Gott Glassworks, Bali Bay, Boca Bargoons, and on the weekend, Covivant.

I hear other antiques stores are planning on moving here due to the high rents in South Tampa.

Ashley's is closing

Ashley's on the Avenue is closing. They are having a 50% sale as part of the closing. Ashley's was one of the business that helped get those shops at Osborne and Florida on the maps. Sorry to see you go.

Moving into Ashley's spot will be another antique store.

Kill Bunny - another Seminole Heights blog?

I think this might be a Seminole Heights blog - Kill Bunny.

"I know that if its raining in Seminole heights, I can probably hit the mall in
Temple Terrace with out an umbrella, and vice versa. I know that just because it
looks like a beautiful day now, that does not mean it wont turn real ugly real
fast. I'm used to that.I know that if we have a flash flood, I'll be avoiding
Fowler, Daddy Zero, Bella's Italian restaurant, and a whole lot of other places
too. It floods a lot. I plan accordingly."

If you know her, let me know it she is a Seminole Heights person.

Bike Stories - a new Seminole Heights blog

Once more another blog has been started in Seminole Heights. This new one is called Bike Stories and is written by Alan Snel, a Hampton Terrace resident.

I've lost count but I think there are about 17 to 20 blogs written in Seminole Heights.

Between Running Through Tampa and Bike Stories we ought to be getting plenty of exercise. And with Cooking with Miklb we ought to be eating well.

Bert Wahl's Animal House torn down

Bert Wahl is or was one of our infamous Seminole Heights residents, running a wildlife shelter out his house. He was found guilty of animal cruelty. After getting closed down by the state, his house fell into disrepair, and recently you could see holes in the roof. No more. It's torn down.

City Boards and Commissions

One way to seek more influence for Seminole Heights is for residents to join some of the various boards and commissions the city has in place. There are vacancies on most of the boards.

Need a Job?

Stephannos Pizza is hiring delivery drivers. Call232-9486

BGOSH is accepting paid memberships

The Business Guild of Seminole Heights (BGOSH), is now set up to start accepting paid membership. Membership is $30. Associate membership is $15 (available only to those whose business is not located in the Seminole Heights area but who are supportive of BGOSH).

Checks must be made to: Business Guild of Seminole Heights. Due to Patriot Act rules they can not be made out to BGOSH. You can mail your checks to BGOSH c/o Sherry's YesterDAZE, 5207 N. Florida Ave., Tampa FL 33603.

Please include a business card if your check does not indicate your business/membership name.

Free trees for your right of way

From Susie of the Seminole Heights Bookgroup,

"The City of Tampa has a program going on right now where you can get a tree planted FREE in the city right-of-way (i.e., the curb/lawn area). My across the street neighbor, Drew, just had one planted and another is on the way. It looks like a live oak, about 6-8 feet high. A nice tree. Apparently the City has lots of excess trees and funds for this program.

If you are interested, call the City of Tampa Parks Department at 274-8615."

Here is text from the City website:

"Community Tree Program

The City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department in 1997 established the Community Tree Program. The program fosters the replenishment of Tampa�s valuable and gracious tree canopy. Trees are a community resource that provides tangible benefits, in terms of visual and aesthetic attributes, environmental assets, health benefits, and economic value.

The City of Tampa recognizes the benefits of its trees and is committed to the conservation and enhancement of its environment. The Community Tree Program is free and provides individuals and neighborhood associations with trees for planting on City land, greenways, and street right of ways.

The goal of the program is to plant 1,000 trees annually as a way to enhance the neighborhood and help sustain Tampa�s community forest and shade canopy. The program encourages community involvement at both the time of planting, and beyond � encouraging a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship in citizens across the city.

To request trees planted in your neighborhood go to the Community Tree Program application."

Van Gogh Signs

This is the third time I've tried to write this article since last night. Let's see if I can get it out before the computer crashes.

We have a new business in Seminole Heights. Actually South Seminole Heights. Van Gogh Signs. The business is being started by Jimmy Ciaccio who also owns Gaspar's Grotto Patio Bar and Grille in Temple Terrace. They are a graphics/sign business. One of their products will be images of old Tampa/Florida.

They have renovated the old gun shop gas station on Florida and Wilder just north of Covivant. They have done a very nice job with the remodeling and landscaping. They will be moving in their equipment on Monday but will not be open to the public yet. They also have a website address that is not ready for the public. www.vangoghsigns.com. I will be adding them to my sidebar once the site is up and running.

Starbucks Update 2-18-06

They have glass doors and windows now.

Code Enforcement Board Disposition Agenda's 1/25/06

CITY OF TAMPA
MUNICIPAL CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD
DISPOSITION AGENDA
January 25, 2006 at 9:00 a.m.

10. CASE #: 05-14404 COLTON PEDRO L
1401 E MOHAWK AV 1401 E MOHAWK AVE
170986.0000, FL 33604 TAMPA, FL 33604
ISSUED: 06/03/2005 INSPECTOR: Bill Davidson 274-5545
CODE SECTION : 19-49 and 19-231
DISPOSITION: Wilson Colson, son, was present. Board found
respondent Guilty of 19-231, with D/L of 03/01/06 Fine $20
per day if deadline

13. CASE #: 05-18714 CREATIVE HOUSING OF TAMPA INC
610 E NORTH ST 2911 W EL PRADO BLVD
163102.0100, FL 33604 TAMPA, FL 33629
ISSUED: 07/12/2005 INSPECTOR: LINDA PADRON 274-5545
CODE SECTION : 19-236, 27-238, 27-271, 27-294
DISPOSITION: Pastor Aubrey Shine present. Board found case
Guilty of 19-236, 27-238, 27-171 and 27-294, illegal change
of use and parking violations. D/L of 04/26/06 to allow
request for rezoning. Fine

15. CASE #: 05-22248 GALAXY FIREWORKS INC C/O
204 E MARTIN LUTHER KING BL 204 DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR B
166284.0000, FL 33603 TAMPA, FL 33603
ISSUED: 08/11/2005 INSPECTOR: LINDA COOMEY 274-5545
CODE SECTION : 27-133 (c)
DISPOSITION: Respondent was not present. Board found case
Guilty of 27-133 (c). D/L 03/01/06 Fine $50 per day if
deadline not met. Vote 6/0

16. CASE #: 05-22258 SCAGLIONE JOE A AND JUANA C
4500 N FLORIDA AV 4500 N FLORIDA AVE
165584.0000, FL 33603 TAMPA, FL 33603
ISSUED: 08/11/2005 INSPECTOR: MIKE WILLIAMS 274-5545
CODE SECTION : 27-133 (c)
DISPOSITION: Respondent not present. Board found case
Guilty of 27-133 (c). D/L 03/01/06 Fine $50 per day if
deadline not met. Vote 6/0

29. CASE #: 05-09254 LUGO JORGE D AND EVELYN
1320 E GIDDENS AV 1320 E GIDDENS AVE
171380.0000, FL 33603 TAMPA, FL 33603-2425
REDUCTION REQEUST
CODE SECTIONS: 19-47, 19-49, 19-56, 27-129
Case heard 11/02/05, D/L 11/23/05. Complied 12/17/05.
Fine $100 per day is $2,300.
DISPOSITION: Jorge Lugo present. Board voted to reduce
fine to $250. Must be paid by 03/01/06. Vote: 6/0

--------- Appeal Cases ---------
35. CASE #: 03-18383 CANTY PERSEPHONE
1230 E MOHAWK AV 1305 E SLIGH AVE
170949.0000, FL 33604 TAMPA, FL 33604
ISSUED: 08/21/2003 INSPECTOR: MILTON STIRRUP 274-5545
CHALLENGE MOTION
CODE SECTIONS: 19-49, 19-50 & 19-56
Case was heard 11/02/05, D/L 11/23/05, fine $100 per day.
Respondent is challenging that the violations were in
compliance.
DISPOSITION: Persephone Canty present. Board Amended
original order to find case still guilty but reduce fine to
$10 per day. Fine will still run from 11/24/05 until case
is complied. Vote: 4/2 with Brent and Hendrix voting no.

37. CASE #: 05-14606 MATHEWS ODICE
303 E NORTH BAY ST, A/B 402 W OAK ST
166194.0000, FL 33603 ARCADIA, FL 34266
CHALLENGE MOTION
CODE SECTION : 19-26 Case was heard 11/02/05, D/L 11/23/05,
Fine $50 per day if deadline not met. Respondent challenges
finding of violation dated 11/28/05.
DISPOSITION: Odice Mathews present. Inspection stated that
the case was in compliance, and that the case be dismissed.
Vote: 5/0 (Faulk absent)

38. CASE #: 05-20408 TAMPA CONSTRUCTION CO C/O
1503 E CAYUGA ST 1129 LEISURE AVE
157810.0000, FL 33610 TAMPA, FL 33613-1723
CHALLENGE MOTION
CODE SECTION: 19-46, 19-47, 19-49, 19-50
Case was heard 11/09/05 D/L 12/14/05, Fine $50 per day.
DISPOSITION: Hans Jasper, respondent, was present. Board
found that the case was now in compiance and voted to reduce
the fine to $625. Vote 4/1, Brent voting no, Faulk absent.

--------- Complied Cases ---------
CASE #: 05-09756 ROMEO RUTUCHADAVAN
1306 E NORTH BAY ST 1309 E NORTH BAY ST
172407.0000, FL 33603 TAMPA, FL 33603-4438
CODE SECTION : 19-47, 19-49 and 19-50

42. CASE #: 05-11649 HOLLOWAY GERALDINE R
803 W HENRY AV PO BOX 151783
162295.0000, FL 33604 TAMPA, FL 33684
REHEARING REQUEST
CODE SECTION : l9-26, 19-49, 19-231
Case was on 10/03/05 agenda and DCE continued it to
12/07/05. Respondent maintains that a request for NG plea
to be entered was made by fax (subsequently the fax was
produced, so the case is being placed before the Board as a
rehearing.) Case was heard on 12/07/05, and Not Guilty plea
was not entered. D/L established of 01/25/05. Fine $200
per day if deadline not met.
DISPOSITION: Geraldine Holloway present. Board dismissed
case as it had complied within deadline. Vote: 6/0

Insuring Old Houses

Another Seminole Heights resident makes it into the paper in a story about insuring old houses

Citizens Forced To Cover Old Florida Neighborhoods, Too
Tampa Tribune - Tampa,FL,USA
So she was stunned to learn that Citizens, created by the state, was the only insurer that would cover the bungalow she bought in Seminole Heights, a few miles ...

City says no to Seminole Heights buying the Garden Center

There's a story in the Trib about the city rejecting the offer by OSHNA to buy the Seminole heights Garden Center. I had heard that all 3 associations were getting otgether with the Central City CDC to try to buy it. I havve also heard they were looking at another property to use as a community center also. Let's see where that goes.

Well, lets see if the city keep their word and fixes up the Garden Center.

Magic Johnson and Starbucks

There is an article in the Trib about our Starbucks being co-owned by Magic Johnson's non-profit Johnson Development Corp. This is interesting because over the years at least 4 SE Sem Hts neighbors talked about Magic Johnson's urban Starbucks program and seeing if we could invite him to open up here. I don't know if anyone followed upon that idea, but I suspect some had, so perhaps they are responsible for the Starbucks coming here. Diane, Collins, Rohanna Chomick, Beverly Morrow, Betsy Heavey and Stacy McColley all expressed that idea.

The Tribune Issue Gets Another Dimension

There has been something new added to the mix regarding the Tribune yanking the Central Tampa Edition. I read in the Tribune that that on March 6, the St. Pete Times will be having its version of the Weekly Planet, the TBT* go to a 5 day a week format. Instead of using the TBT* initials, they will be calling it by its full name, the Tampa Bay Times. The Tribune has reacted by launching a suit against the St. Pete Times. The Tampa Tribune owns the rights to the name of the Tampa Times, a paper that was merged with The Tribune in 1982. There was a previous lawsuit on this issue several years back, when the St. Pete Times began calling it's Tampa edition The Times. That lawsuit was settled with the St. Pete times backing off.

How does this affect us and our battle over the Central Tampa Edition? It might put more pressure on the Tribune to consider renaming the South Tampa edition to something more inclusive like the Tampa Times edition, and thereby bringing that name out in front of the public.

Or it might give us Central Tampa residents a venue that we are lacking in the Tribune. This might tie in with the Nuclear Option. Canceling subscriptions and advertising.

I have heard many residents talk about canceling their subscription to the Tribune if they do not reach an accommodation with us. What would happen if we made that an organized effort? If we created a "Cancel The Tribune Subscription Day" and recruited everyone we know in Central Tampa to cancel their suscription?If we put it in our newsletters, on our websites and our blogs? Handed out flyers? And made this a year long campaign? If we pushed "Don't Advertise In The Tribune" campaign also all year long?

We could enter into talks with the St. Pete Times and the Tampa Bay Times to see if they would gives us back the recognition of the community identity the Tribune has discarded? What if we sought sponsorship for our neighborhood homes tours, fundraisers and other Central Tampa events from the St. Petes times and TBT? See the St. Pete Times balloon all over the place instead of the Tribunes? What if we could swing a deal where people who switch over to the St. Pete times as part of the cmapaign would get a discount on their subscription? Or if we worked a deal where as part of any membership in the Civic Associations you would get so many weeks free of the St. Pete Times. What if we could get a deal where would get some initial discount on advertising rates?

Why would the Times agree to such breaks? As loss leaders to improve the Tampa circulation figures for the Times. I'm looking at an ad in the Tribune that says 9 out of ten newspaper readers in Hillsboorough County read the Tribune? What if between such a newspaper boycott and the introduction of the TBT 5 days a week that changed to 8 out of ten or 7 out of ten? That would not look good to the Tribunes advertisers and would mean a cut in revenue. Advertising rates are based on circulation. So less circulation would mean they would have to charge lower advertising rates.

This type of boycott/buycott would have a good chance of succeding as compared to prior ones, because it is based not on politics but on local coverage. As a moderate to liberal Republican often I am more politically leaning towards the St. Pete Times, but it is that local coverage that keeps me with the Tribune.

By the way more and more people are planning on attending. I was told that the Seminole Heights Book Club moved its monthly meeting to Wednesday so they could go to the Tribune meeeting.

Fishing With Sharks Part II

The sequel to Fishing with Sharks. Today we bought a car. Actually all day today we bought a car.

After I wrote that blog article, Sondra Arnold wrote suggesting we try the auto buying service with whatever credit union we belong to. So online we go and found out that MacDill Federal Credit Union deals with Florida Auto Group on Florida Avenue across from Stephanos Pizza (old Rigo's). Susan checked out their website and found it was is really good. It lists the cars, gives lots of details including the price and includes a link to check out their history on Car Fax. Susan has done all the research (Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide) and knows the kind of cars she wants. She spots several cars that look good.

So having taken the day off today because it is Susan's birthday, we go car hunting again. We had a plan. Nikkos for breakfast. Then 9:00 AM. Florida Auto Group. 10:00 The Credit Union Presidents Sale at the Glazer Family Corporate Welfare Stadium (aka Raymond James Stadium) Afterwards CarMax again. At 9:00 AM sharp we hit Florida Auto Group. The man who greets us gives us a business card and brochure and leaves us alone. We find two cars that interest us. One we dismissed immediately because it belonged to a smoker. (We can tell if a smoker even breathed on a car) The other one, a 2003 Ford Focus, we liked well enough to take a drive. Not a bad little car. Only 30,000 miles on the odometer. We tell the salesman Frank Perez that we will be back (in our best Arnold imitation - actually not) and leave.

On the way to the stadium we gird up our loins. As we were going to the Shark Tank to swim with the sharks, we needed to be at our best.

This event is occurring the the grass parking lots to the south of the stadium. We pull in and park. We barely get 10 feets from our car when we get assaulted be a shark. "Let me help you find what you are looking for" I bark out the line that became my mantra, "We're fine" while thinking in my mind, "bug off!" We wind out way through the gaunlet until we reach the safety of the credit unions tent. After finding out the how things work in this 4.59% sale, we tend out wounds and strike out to search in earnest. Again "We're Fine" spitting out of my mouth as we get approached. We know what we want, we just to see who has it. Most of the cars have big red tags that list the regular price and then the sale price. Easy to tell what cars are in our price range. Until we stumple into Brandon Mitsubishi. They do that cheesy game where there is no price, only a code that the shark knows and so you are forced to talk to them. Not for us though, we pass them buy and keep looking. Having looked at cars at Carmax and Florida Auto Group, we started to realize that we were at the Wrong Presidents Day Sale. I though this was the honest Abe Lincoln and George Washington Presidents' Day Sale. Instead we were at the lying George W Bush /Dick Cheney Presidents' Sale. The discounted prices were still high and it turns out the $5000 discount was a minimum $5000 trade in for our car. We leave the grounds and when we arrive at out car, we decomtaminate ourselves with handiwipes. We felt so dirty, just being surrounded by all those (fill in the blank with your choice of choice words.)

So off to CarMax we go. A saleguy meanders by, gives us his card and goes away. We check out the PT Cruisers which I love but those seats are hard and uncomfortable. We grab the sales guy and test drive a 2001 Saturn (52 k miles) which was also not bad. We head home to get some lunch as I did not want to make any decisions feeling lightheaded.

The decision. Let's Get Focused! So we trek over to Florida Auto Group. We meet Scott and Frank Cannella and tell them we want the car, we get our buyers form and go to the credit union to get our paperwork. We come back and at 5:00PM we own the beige 2003 Ford Focus. Zip over to Stephannos Pizza for one of their great Cobb Salads and home we go. For dessert we eat some very tasty Flan Con Coco from Magy's Dessert (3101 N. Armenia Avenue) that Ginny and Virginia brought over for Susan's birthday.

Now all we have to do is sell Caddie Beamer, Susan's 1990 Toyota Camry. (That car is named Caddie Beamer in a sort of a pun. We bought our first house in Forest Hills from an elderly lady named Caddie Beamer. And will Caddie short Cadillac and Beamer for BMW, well we could not resist. Yes we name all of our cars now. My red Ford Ranger is named Azi, short for Isaac Azimov. We don't know what the Focus will be called.)

So. My recommendations. Want to buy a car? Try Carmax and Florida Auto Group. The sales staff at both places are low key and leave you alone. Plus you can check out their inventory online and get all the details you need. However to buy at Florida Auto Group you need to be a member of a credit union. If you are not a member of a credit union consider joining the Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union. To join all you need to be is a member of one of the three Seminole Heights Civic Associations. Want a good Cobb Salad? Go to Stephannos.

Now someone might take me to task for buying a car from one of the used car lots in Seminole Heights. The problems is not some much that we have used car lots, but that we have so many and that most are ugly. Hey, they gave me the best deal with good service. I'd say keep them and get rid of the rest of those car lots. Maybe we can work on them improving the look of their lot. One other thing. They have a lot cat that lives in the office and hangs outside the front door, that seems to be well cared for. In the vestibule area outside the front door is has a bowl of cat food, a water bowl and even a cat house. Anyone who treats their lot cat that well has got to be good people.

More Bad Intersections

Henry, Idlewild, Jean and Powhattan. (each at the corner of Florida) These were all taken last night about 8:00 P.M.


Henry



Idlewild



Jean St.



Pocahontas

Death In Seminole Heights Due To Sight Obstructions

I received this email that was sent to Pam Iorio, Mary Alvarez, Kevin White, Linda Saul-sena, Rose Ferlita, Shawn Harrison, John Dingfelder, Gwen Miller, Roy Lamotte, Cynthia Miller, Thomas Snelling, Curtis Lane, Bill Doherty, Donald Skelton and Tony Garcia.

There are too many places in Seminole Heights where the sight is obstructed by grandfathered fences orby people parking on the right away. The worst offenders are car lots or car repair places. This letter is the sad result of this. This death was preventable!

Solutions:

1. TPD and Code need to cite every property owner who parks or has people parking on the right away.
2. Sight obstructions need to be modified, even if they were grandfathered in. Does a city ordinance need to be passed requiring these modification even for grandfathered places.

There are many places where this needs to be done. The fence for the cell tower at Giddens and Nebraska for example.

All,

I am the president of the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association. Yesterday I received the following email:

Randy & Others:
Mike's sister attends HCC and lives in our mother-in-law quarters. Her best friend dropped her off last night around 9:30pm. Her friend was struck and killed as she pulled out from the intersection of Florida and Powhatan. Mike and I visited Rose Ferlita this morning who promised to immediately call the transportation department for an investigation. It is our belief that she could not see past the fence to view oncoming traffic. The intersections along Florida on both the east and west side are so dangerous! I find myself in the same situation every week. Is there anything else we can do as a neighborhood to get the fences and parked cars moved back so this does not happen again?

Thanks.

Diana & Mike Massimini

I went to that intersection and, facing westbound on Powhatan, tried to peer around the corner to the oncoming northbound traffic on Florida. It is impossible to do. The used car lot on the southeast corner has a fence up along the sidewalk and minivans parked up to the fence. There is no space between the sidewalk and the road. There is also a utility pole on the sidewalk.

Powhatan is not alone. Up and down Florida Avenue there are line of sight issues from the local (city) streets onto Florida Avenue (FDOT). The majority of these are the fences and cars of used car lots. Meanwhile, traffic on Florida Avenue, flowing within an inch of the sidewalk, regularly exceeds 50 mph.

Are there any transportation requirements regarding visibility? Are there zoning requirements requiring setbacks of fences? If the obstructions are grandfathered, can it not be revoked if the city can show that there are legitimate issues of safety?

I have always felt that the first priority of government was to provide a safe environment for its citizens. Flora Revesz, the woman who died, was 32 years old, an honors student in forensics at HCC, had been accepted to continue her education at USF and was engaged to be married. Her only mistake was driving through our neighborhood. How many more will have to suffer the same fate before these intersections are made safe?

I would like to invite each of you to take a stroll down Florida Avenue during rush hour, or at 9:30 at night, when this accident occurred, so you can experience first hand the conditions that residents. their guests and pedestrians face every day. Please let me know your availability.

Thank you.

Randy Baron
President
Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association

11:08 PM Addendum - I took this photo about 8:00 P.M. tonight. This is Powhattan and Florida. I have photos of Henry, Idlewild, Jean and Pocahontas Street. However my computer iacting up and so I will have to post them tommorrow.

Illegal Dumpers at 12th and Idlewild

Yesterday, I received this email from Helen Harmon:

"This afternoon a dark grey or green, late model, Dodge pick up truck with a black trailer unloaded a large amount of yard waste and garbage in the driveway of 1201 E. Idlewild (at the corner of 12th and Idlewild). They dumped a number of tree stumps and branches along with a television set, steering column, and a chair. There was so much debris that it partially blocked the road.

These folks did not have permission to dump this material and probably hauled it away from somebody else’s yard. Please contact me if you can provide any additional information about this situation."

News Story on 3 Townhouses

Although not bungalow, these townhouses were acceptable due to their location. Multifamily residences along our business corridors is a good thing. More people to buy more things.

Construction On 3 Town Houses To Begin In Months
The Tampa Tribune Thu, 16 Feb 2006 4:19 AM PST
"Three town houses will replace a vacant two-story apartment building damaged in a fire about two years ago. "

"The parcel, east of Florida Avenue, is viewed as a buffer between the commercial-heavy avenue and a grid of tree-shaded residential streets."

"The three-bedroom, 2 1/2 -bathroom town houses will be $230,000 to $250,000. One-car garages will be built off an alley at the rear of the property; the dirt alley will be paved.

"It's the new urbanism philosophy," Umansky said. "If I don't have to put a driveway in a front yard, it looks so much better. That's what [alleys] were originally meant for, so let's use them."

Meeting with the Tampa Tribune concerning the loss of the Central Tampa Section

Let all your friends and neighbors know about this meeting. Lets see if we can get 500 people to show up like we did at the Town Hall meeting. Here is a flyer you can print up and hand out. Or email this to your friends by clicking the email link on the bottom of the post.

Meeting with the Tampa Tribune concerning the loss of the Central Tampa Section

Attendees: Janet Weaver, Executive Editor; Managing Editor Duke Maas; Ken Koehn, Deputy Managing Editor; Bayard Steele, Regional Senior Editor;

When: February 28th, 7 pm

Where: Tribune Offices, 200 S. Parker Street

What: If you wish to participate in the discussion between neighborhoods and the Tribune, you are invited to attend.

Background: On November 19th, 2005, the Tampa Tribune discontinued the Central Tampa section and transferred its coverage to the South Tampa section. Many communities and neighbors represented by this section, including Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Ybor City, West Tampa, and Sulphur Springs, are concerned by this move. While this consolidation may produce cost savings, we feel that long term this action will hurt the community and the Tribune itself. We feel strongly that the name of the consolidated section must be changed to reflect the true character of the area of coverage, or the Central Tampa Section should be returned.

When the Tribune began its local coverage of Tampa neighborhoods, the general boundaries of Central Tampa were already well known among the residents of Tampa. That identity was and is very distinct from what is commonly known as South Tampa. The Tribune has attempted to redefine these boundaries contrary to tradition.

Many Civic and Neighborhood associations within the Central Tampa area have worked diligently with the Mayor, City Council and the City’s departmental offices in creating policy beneficial to all neighborhoods in Tampa. Over the past decade, our particular communities have made great strides in creating a recognizable identity that is attractive to new residents and business investment. This move undermines years of effort and threatens our future development.

The Tampa Tribune is the paper for the entire city of Tampa and must be respectful of local identities. We feel that if the Tribune marginalizes Central Tampa, then it risks marginalizing itself and the city of Tampa loses a newspaper of record for all of its citizens.

Officers and residents from the following neighborhoods will be attending this meeting: Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association, Southeast Seminole Heights Civic Association, South Seminole Heights Civic Association, V.M. Ybor Neighborhood & Crimewatch Association, Northview Hills Civic Association, Historic Ybor Neighborhood Civic Association, Business Guild of Seminole Heights, Wellswood Civic Association, River Grove Civic Association, East Ybor Historic and Civic Association among others.

For more information, email Jeff Harmon

If you can't make the meeting, email the Trib leadership:

GThelen@tampatrib.com, JWeaver@tampatrib.com, and also SOtto@tampatrib.com.

History: Pollution Clean Up in Seminole Heights

Interesting history. Seminole Heights was the site of a pollution cleanup at 1919 E. Paris Street. This was the former site of the National Linen Service before it burned down. There were two other dry cleaners operating out of that site before National Linen moved in.

The following timeline is from the Tampa Tribune (10/23/95)

Dec. 1988: National Linen Service tells DEP an underground storage tank leaked diesel fuel at its property at 1919 E. Paris St.

March 1992: HRS Hillsborough County Public Health Unit identifies chlorinated solvents in private drinking wells located to the east and northeast of the business.
Sampling through September shows about 15 contaminated wells, as high as 15
times above state Safe Drinking Water standards.

May 1993: Kemron Environmental Services, consultants for National Linen Service, reports 47 domestic wells near the facility are listed in Southwest Florida Water
Management District permit logs without addresses.

Sept. 1993: DEP warns National Linen Service about potential violations and requires company to assess the contamination.

Oct. 1993: DEP meets with National Linen Service, which says it never used chlorinated solvents for dry cleaning.

Dec. 1993: Health department checks records, finds no sampling in area since September 1992. Kemron reports back to DEP that follow-up investigations show "no private drinking water wells were found to the south and west of the site."

May 1994: DEP technical review staff notes discrepancies in Kemron's assessment of private wells and groundwater flow.

Dec. 1994: Kemron contacts health department with news of seven additional wells. Four test positive for solvent contamination. Tainted well owners receive bottled-water vouchers and free hookup to city water system.

Jan. 1995: Kemron writes to DEP: "A more intensive well search may be required to identify all wells. ... It appears the magnitude and extent of contamination is larger than originally thought."

May 1995: Health department continues house-by-house well survey, samples wells a half-mile west of site and finds contamination seven times above Safe Drinking Water standards.

Oct. 1995: Lab results show 64 of 134 wells in area contaminated as high as 20 times above standards. Health department awaits results on 12 more tests.

An April 6, 1996 Tribune article noted:

"Soil samples on the property were contaminated eight times above state cleanup standards for tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a cleaning solvent that causes cancer in laboratory mice.

A monitoring well one foot north of the property pumped up groundwater samples of PCE 61 times above what the state considers safe for drinking.

As wells spread farther from the property, PCE concentrations decreased.

Neighbors -- including one man whose wife worked for the dry cleaners at the site -- said former operators dumped lint and sludge along the south of the property. A woman who lived next door said she often smelled strong solvent odors in her shower drain and outside her house."

And

"Officials also had trouble finding about 120 private wells in the area.

They did not know so many residents still tapped private water supplies in the old city neighborhood where water service has been available for half a century. Tests showed 64 wells were tainted with unsafe levels of PCE."

And

"For now, the investigation is bound by Sligh Avenue to the north, Hillsborough Avenue to the south, 24th Street to the east and 15th Street to the west.

But that could soon change, Phillips said. "Contamination has been found well beyond all four of those boundaries.""

Presumably everyone with well got hooked up and the problem was cleaned up.

The Federal Environmental Protection Agency has a listing for this site. Based on a 2003 entry regarding a reassessment visit, it seems to show that they are taking no further action on this case. Data from the Florida Department of Enviroment Protection website seems to indicate everything was completed.

Baby Things

Well, every day I learn more about Seminole Heights. Because I've set up the email group for the Seminole Heights Playgroup, I'm learning about things for little ones and parents in Seminole Heights.

There is the Pre-School Gymnastics Program at the Seminole Heights Athletic Center
Students are introduced to proper warm-up stretches and conditioning techniques; as well as fundamentals of parallel bars, balance beam, vaulting, and floor exercise. Ages 5 and under. Cost is $35 per 10 week session.

Then there is Baby Time and other activities at Seminole Heights Branch Library.

I wonder what else is out there?

Tampa Heights Tour of Homes

Tampa Heights Civic Association presents

11th Annual Historic Tour of Homes

Sunday March 12, 2006
12:00 to 5:00pm
at Phil BorQuardez Park
1810 N. Tampa St

Tickets $10 per person the day of the event or $8 in advance online at

WWW.Tampaheights.org

For more info contact Malina Spokas at 813-204-9420 or

More on Viva La Frida's

On 2/8/06 there was a column in the St. Pete Times by Sue Carlton about Viva La Frida's leaving. The article was titled "'Viva' brought life to neighborhood, but not vice versa"
Here is the abstract:

In the midst of this, a restaurant with a sign painted Viva La Frida! Cafe Y Galeria is like a bright, weedy flower poking through a crack in the sidewalk. On the patio, a stage is set for poetry readings, theater, music. A John Kerry fundraiser was here, a Fahrenheit 9/11 event, a parade of parties and exhibits.
Inside, art is everywhere, much of it homage to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

Angelica Diaz, she of the eclectic art and proud Mexican heritage, is mother of this place and one before it in Ybor City, with its $2.99 starving artist specials. A native of the town of Nogales on the Arizona-Mexico border, Diaz is a woman who radiates strength. Even her jewelry is bold and bright and hard not to look at.

No question, Tampa's get-tough stance on code enforcement is necessary, particularly in neighborhoods that suffer cars on blocks and mattresses on curbs. But there's an odd fact here: Some of Florida Avenue's uglier sights are exempt because they're grandfathered in. Second odd fact: The local historic district ends in the middle of Florida Avenue in front of Viva La Frida, meaning Diaz's business is subject to the rules while those across the street are not. (full article)

I have issues with the title of this article. It implies that the failure of the restaurant was strictly due to the neighborhood not supporting it.

"Last year, nearly 100 people showed up at a City Council meeting, some
waving coffee mugs, to rally for plans for a first-ever Seminole Heights
Starbucks.

Nothing wrong with being able to walk out your door and down the street
to a trendy spot for a latte. It's just too bad you won't be able to stroll over
to Viva La Frida for a little art and soul, as well."

There is more to the issue than that.

One part is I would hear complaints about the place that caused people to not return. This neighborhood will gladly support its local business and restaurants. However we would like certain things in return. Consistency is the primary problem, I see in many restaurants. Consistency in the food, both in the quality and the menu choices, and in hours of operation. Service is another issue. Owners, listen to your customers. Don't be a prima donna. Customers, its about time we get blunt with the owners so we can help them succeed.

I addressed this issue of restaurants failing in Seminole Heights in one of my earliest posts.

There was a point I agreed with: "If there is a lesson here, maybe it's that the city needs someone to help small business owners who don't have big money or big lawyers to find their way through the maze of bureaucracy. It's an especially good idea for those willing to risk opening in a spot poised to turn around - or not. Former Mayor Sandy Freedman suggests, sensibly, a city ombudsman for the mom and pops." The Business Guild hopes to address that to some degree for its members.

We do need to change zome zoning rules (that generally are for suburbs.) We need to find ways to increase the parking. Whether it is the city buying some car lots or empty lots and making them community parking or whether some businesses can get together and buy and share parking. (The later is what could occur at Ghost Town at Nebraska and Osborne.)

By the way, I would like the City Council to pass an ordinance delaring a 5 year moritorium on any new car lots and tire stores in Seminole Heights.

Here comes trouble

We received this email the other day on our emial list:

Yesterday morning, a neighbor called at 9am to notify us that there were two homeless people at the house across the street drinking beer on the porch. A few
minutes later she called back and said they were coming out the back porch.

Later in the day, we were in the house working when the girl tried
coming up to the back porch. Louie asked her if he could help her with
something. She said she was looking for someone. He told her to leave and if she
came back on the property he would call police.

Two hours later, she was back. I stopped her and questioned her about the break-in last week.She said it wasn't her... "If I need a beer, I will ask". After a few minutes, she cracked and said that "it was George that stole your tools!" I asked her what he took, she named every item, one by one, She mentioned items I did not realize were stolen until then.

Later Al saw George and Cathy walking Nebraska. I called police. When police arrived, she changed her story to "I didn't see... to a friend told me he stole him." Unfortunately there was nothing the police could do since she would not admit she saw them.

These two people have been arrested SO MANY times in this neighborhood. They are nothing but trouble.

George Schwoerer - has been arrested for petit theft, twice for prostitution, drugs and most importantly battery (domestic violence.)

Kathy Crigger - has been arrested for prostitution, two times for open container, disorderly conduct and lewd and lascivious behavior.

The officer said he knew they broke in, but could do nothing. Kathy said she lived
at 919 E. McBerry. (not sure if it is true) George said he lived at 11th and Louisiana, later he said he lived on the street. These two have been around here for years, always in trouble, always causing trouble. It was this couple that move in UNDER our neighbors house for months. They pulled off the lattice and would crawl under his house and sleep. They are constantly drinking beer, or cracked out. Please watch your stuff. Do not leave anything laying around. The officer said they steal and sell the items for money to buy more drugs and beer.

Here are their photos



















George Schwoerer DOB: 02/16/62 43 years old
Kathy Crigger DOB: 04/29/62

George sometimes does odd jobs around the neighborhood. I do not recommend anyone do that. It just makes you more at risk that he will steal something from you and all you are doing is feeding his drug and alcohol habit.

Fishing with Sharks

Sunday, Susan and I went to look at used cars.

Buying a used car is not one if my favorite things to do. The biggest reason is the sharks aka used car salesmen. Have you ever watched them when you pull up to the lot? Like a pack, they mill around the front of the car lot building and then one of them cuts out straight to us, the latest victims. Usually my role is to fend off the shark so Susan can look at the cars in peace. I often wish I had a bang-stick with me.

As a consequence we have discovered the virtues of Carmax. Beffiting their lower key, lower pressure method of operating, they don't have sharks. They have zombies. When we come in the door they sort of amble over to us, giving us plenty of time to escape out into the car lot. (You have to go into the building to get to the cars.) If you stand in one place one will eventually catch you, but by that time you are ready for their help. Another benefit of Carmax is I can look at the cars online. We've bought two vehicles there and have been happy.

So we started off at Carmax and got some ideas of the cars we wanted but still wanted to see more. We then drove down Florida Avenue, south of Fletcher to all the dealer used car lots there.

This time I had a method of dealing with the sharks. We did not get out of the truck! I was using my truck as a shark cage.

The first stop was Bob Wilson Dodge and see the sharks get a little agitated there, but no real movement.

So next we hit University Chevrolet. They have some good signs making it easy to find the used car section. Not a lot of cars though. The sharks must have been feeding off another customer.

Then next was Hondaland where we had a close encounter with a shark. I entered their maze of used cars and saw a shark eyeing me. I avoided eye contact, as eye contact just encourages them. I had to back up the second aisle I went into and I see the shark headed my way. Again I avoid I contact and keep going. However I must have been bleeding somewhere because he kept coming. I reach the last aisle and have to turn around. (Again a Mini Cooper would have been very useful) The shark comes nearby and actually bangs on my shark cage ( I mean truck) as I pass. I go into the third asle and he circles again for another attempt saying something. I figured I have been rude long enough and barely crack open the window and hear him say that the way out is the next aisle over. I tell him I'm just looking before I shut the window tight and keep driving. I know this was a ploy to engage me in conversation, and then get me out of my car. Fortunately we escape unharmed.

Next we hit Ferman Chrysler, which is easily marked as to where the used cars are and easy to drive through. We head back home to safety, passing by Ernie Haire Ford, where we did not even attempt to look. We ruled that out because the sharks there are so bad, so eager to feed, that they are creepy. They are oily. Gives me nightmares just thing about it.

Arts and Culture Town Hall Meeting at Covivant

Well, we seem to be full of Town Hall meetings. I received this:

The Arts Council of Hillsborough County
Artists Advisory Committee (AAC)
ARTS & CULTURE TOWN MEETING
Visual, Performing, Literary Artists
and neighboring Art Supporters

Monday, February 27th, 2006
6:30pm - 8pm
Covivant Gallery & Studios
4906 N. Florida Ave.
Tampa, FL 33603
http://www.tampaarts.com/

Interested artists, citizens, and arts supporters living in Seminole
Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, Sulphur Springs, and surrounding
regions as well as the general public are invited and encouraged to attend.

Discussion at the meeting will center on the cultural needs and concerns
of the area gathered from questionnaires available at the meeting and
audience input.

For more information, contact Jenny Carey at the Arts
Council (813) 246-8250

I went to the Arts Council's website at found this:

Help us with our Community Cultural Plan. Please complete the survey at http://www.americansforthearts.org/survey/hillsborough/survey.htm. It is anonymous and you will help to shape the future of Hillsborough County.

We Have A New Resident In Seminole Heights!

Well, I just learned that Trib reporter and Seminole Heights resident Sherry Ackerman gave birth to a 7 pound boy, William, on Friday. Congrats to her and her husband, Steve Newborn. Maybe she would be interested in the playgroup.

The Perfect Storm - Meeting about Hillsborough River

SeminoleHeights.com has an article about a Townhall Meeting for the Hillsborough River.

"Now, we need your help to continue to bring attention to the River's health, and hold officials accountable to the ongoing care of the river. We are holding a community Town Hall Meeting and you are invited!"

Saturday, February 18 - 10 a.m. - Noon Sulphur Springs Harbor Club- 915 E. Grant St. on the Hillsborough River (Just East of Nebraska Ave. & I-275, Turn at red light at Nebraska and Sitka) Free coffee, donuts and River displays from 9 - 10 a.m. Refreshments after the meeting at noon"

This "Perfect Storm" is a convergence of three main issues:
How much water will be allowed to flow down the river at the Rowlett Park dam near Busch Gardens? That "minimum flow" maintains the health of the river as it flows
through the City and Downtown to become Tampa Bay.

Where will that water come from? What type of water will it be? How clean and fresh will it be? Tampa Bay Water proposes to use treated waste water to replace water they now take from the river. Treated waste water is what comes out of the sewage treatment facility. Even after they filter it, it still has 27 contaminating chemicals. Is it safe? No one knows!

Do we lower the environmental quality of the river by cutting the amount of oxygen required in the river in half? Cutting oxygen hurts life. Think algae bloom! Think red tide! Think more smelly dead fish floating in the river and bay! "

Seminole Heights Playgroups

Are you a parents or parents who would like to meet other parents and have your kids meet other kids? Are you a stay at home mom or dad who would like to meet other stay at homes?

Seminole Heights resident Renee King wanted to do so, but could not find any playgroups in Seminole Heights. "I am looking for our neighborhood's play groups, mommy groups,
and baby sitting co-ops, etc. I can't seem to find any!" She sent me an email that resulted in a blog article resulting in a pretty good response.

As a result Seminole Heights now has a playgroup called "Seminole Heights Playgroup." This group had its first play session today, I hope. It was to be at a local park, although I suspect it might have ended up indoors with today's weather.

To create a venue for other parents to join this playgroup we have created the Seminole Heights Playgroups Yahoo Group. If you are interested in becoming part of this playgroup, click on the email subscription link and include your name, address, and email address as part of the sign up process. To join the Yahoo Group requires moderator approval. This is to ensure a certain measure of safety for the members of the playgroup. If you need more information about the play group email Renee King. If you are having problems subscribing to the Yahoo Group email me. Although not required, to get the most out of a Yahoo Group it is best to get a Yahoo ID. Without it you can get emails from the group. With it you can access other features on the Yahoo Group website.

As I become aware of interesting things they are doing I will post them on the blog. There will be a link to the playgroup on the sidebar, when I can get to it.

If you are finding an activity or group lacking in the neighborhood, and want to get one organized, let me know and I might publicize it on the blog.

Tampa Bay Muse - Arts and Cultural Event Listings

Here is an interesting site I came across thanks to a text ad on Sticks of Fire.

Tampa Bay Muse, promoting Art and Culture in Tampa Bay one link at a time.

"tampabaymuse.com is a webpage devoted to promoting local art and cultural events in the Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties, through our Event calendar and artisan listings."

"The Event Calendar is a monthly listing of local art and cultural events. The calendar is quite versatile and you can view it by day, month or year. Each type of event is color coded and is sortable by clicking on the event type at the top of the calendar. An easy to view printer friendly calendar is avaliable by clicking on Print Calendar in the Main Menu."

Arts and Crafts Home - Field Trip

Want to know more about the Arts and Crafts movement? Here is a great event planned by OSHNA.

The Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association Preservation Committee

Field Trip

The American Arts and Crafts Home - 1900 -1915
a sampler of articles, typically found in the American domestic environment, featuring furiture metal work and pottery.

We are offering a private, docented tour, leacture and afternoon tea and panel discussion on the Arts and Crafts movement.

Leepa-Ratner Museum of Art.
St. Petersburg College, Tarpon Springs Campus
600 Klosterman Road

Saturday, March 11 2006
Leave from 5306 N. Suwanee Ave at 10 AM. return around 5 PM.

The cost for the event is $12 per person, which includes admission to the museum, lecture, tea and panel discussion. Reservations are required by the museum, so please contact Suzanne Prieur at 610-5255 to reserve your place.

Keep up the good work Suzanne!

Blue Sea Seafood Market and Restaurant

Well today, I finally had a chance to visit the Blue Sea Seafood Market Restaurant located at 7110 N. Nebraska Avenue. Phone 234-5085. Fax 234-5690. Hours Mon - Sat 10 AM to 8PM



Here is their menu. As you can see the food is very reasonable.


In the previous post everyone had good things to say about the food. I have not had a chance to eat there yet but will do so soon. As I don't really eat fish, what would someone recommend
I try?

This restaurant will be a good unique complement to the other restaurants we have. Please recommend it to everyone you know.

Starbucks Update 2-11-06

Seminole Heights Bungalow on HGTV

Finally. SE Seminole Heights Stan Lasater and Louie Olivarez's 1920's bungalow will be featured on HGTV this Sunday at 6:30 p.M. in the program Generation Renovation. There was something in the Tribune on it but I can't find it online. HGTV came out sometime last year to film their house and we have been waiting for a long time for it to come out. Their house was featured in the news stories on our first home tour (December 2004)

The Flyer reaches Seminole Heights

I received this email on our email list:

I know the Tampa Tribune may be pulling out of Seminole Heights, but not sure if you noticed The Flyer has finally decided to start circulation in our area. For
many years, the Flyer would not circulate in this area citing lack of advertisers/money. Last week was the first issue to be mailed to the area. They
are now sending a "Seminole Heights/West Tampa" edition each week to every home in the area.

It's kind of strange how one cites money issues as the reason for pulling out and the other finally feels like there is enough money to pick us up...

February 17 Porch Party

Old Seminole Heights Porch Party

Join your friends and neighbors for a Porch party!

Friday, February 17th @ 8:00pm311 West Henry Ave.
Hosted by Alex Spassoff & Denise Moore

Please bring a snack or beverage to share.

Parking available @ Henry & Ola Park (across the street)

Starbucks on Davis Islands

As I was walking through the hospital, I passed by our Starbucks. Then a dim thought struck me? Didn't someone say something in one of the comments about Starbucks that there was no Starbucks on Davis Island?

On the other hand, places like Davis Islands - which, as it were, is pretty
loaded - is a relatively good model of "community." Everyone there knows the
name of the guy who owns the neighborhood ice cream/coffee joint Java &
Cream(Dennis), the man who owns Davis Islands Pharmacy actually works the
counter, Tate Brothers is not some multinational chain headquartered in Detroit
or Seattle or Singapore. There are generations of families who have lived there.
There are block parties dedicated to donating toys for needy children during the
holidays. These are certainly conscious residents who have carefully navigated
DI's path for decades. I love seeing Davis Boulevard lined with mom & pop
shops, eateries, etc. It's refreshing to be on a little island bereft of
Starbuck's, McDonalds, Wal-Mart, etc. Dale Mabry is more of an eyesore than any
used car lot could ever be!

Well, technically Davis Islands does have a Starbucks. And a McDonalds. And a Sbarro Pizza, Subway and a Taco Bell. Just go to Tampa General Hospital. It's a full blown Starbucks, not just one of those little kiosks or cart you see at other hospitals. I do not remember any Davis Island residents getting upset about it.

I say technically it is on Davis Islands, because it's not obvious that it is there. There are no signs on the side of TGH that say Starbucks. But is is there. And I imagine some money from the Island goes there. However, I would agree it is not the same as a Starbucks on downtown Davis Blvd.

(I often wonder how many residents walk up to TGH and go there to get something to eat or drink from the corporate chain stores we have. )

This caused me to think, why is Starbucks so demonized by some? Is it simply because it is a large corporation or is there something specifically evil they do? Inherently are all large corporations bad?

As large corporations go, are they not a more socially responsible one? I went to their website and read their PR on corporate social responsibility. Sounds pretty good to me.

As I read some of the comments, someone said something about Starbucks essentially being lousy coffee. Hmmm. I would not know because for me essentially coffee is coffee. I do enjoy a strong cup of cuban coffee. 2 of my co-workers love Starbucks coffee. They buy the Starbucks beans and grind their own coffee to drink at the office. I don't care and usually drink the generic stuff we get from our coffee service. Bland Poison as it is know around here.

I wonder if there have been blind taste tests to see if Starbucks is as bad as some say?

By the way there is a Starbucks Gossip Blog.

Where is Mary Carol Hill (Frederick)?

The case struck a nerve with me because I used to work for the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services and had met Mary Carol Hill. A co-worker in my current job knew her well and we often wonder what happened to this Seminole Heights resident.



The last Time Mary Carol Carol Hill was seen was 9:30 P.M. on June 3, 1994.

"Authorities are investigating the disappearance of Mary Carol Hill, a 37-year-old mother and a student at Stetson University College of Law. Hill was last seen by a neighbor about 9:30 p.m. Saturday, standing in front of her home at 1601 E Powhattan Ave. in the Seminole Heights section of Tampa. Her sister reported her missing Monday. Tampa police Detective Gary Saunders said Hill's house was locked and her car was parked in front. "There's nothing at this point to indicate she was abducted," Saunders said. Hill is 5 feet 3 and weighs 125 pounds. She has curly red hair and blue eyes. "She was tremendously excited by beginning law school, where she hoped to continue her work as a child advocate," said her husband, Ken Frederick, who was camping in Colorado with their 5-year-old son when his wife was reported missing."
St. Pete Times

Mom's disappearance still baffling a year later

The Tampa Tribune
June 3, 1995
Author: DIRK LAMMERS; Tribune Staff Writer

Estimated printed pages: 2

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS -- The people closest to Mary Carol Hill say she wouldn't just walk away from her life.

Hill, 37, appeared to have everything going for her a year ago today when she disappeared without a trace.

The Seminole Heights woman recently had taken a leave of absence from her job with the state Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services to attend Stetson University Law School, a lifelong dream.

She enjoyed a 14-year career working to help underprivileged children, and she looked forward to returning to the state agency after earning her law degree.

Most importantly, she cherished her son, Will, now 6.

The career and most everything else possibly could have been left behind, "but not her son," says her husband of a decade, Ken Frederick, 46.

"She didn't walk away," declares one of her four sisters, Diana McCumber of Temple Terrace. "She had too much going for her."

Hill has not been seen with certainty since the afternoon of Friday, June 3, at Stetson's Pinellas County campus in Gulfport, although others may have seen her later that evening, according to Detective Jerry Keith of the Tampa Police Department.

Keith reports no unusual activity on her financial accounts or anything else bearing her name or Social Security number.

Family first began realizing something was wrong that weekend. McCumber tried to call her sister Saturday morning, "which is a ritual," but there was no answer. A second call Sunday from her parents' house yielded the same results.

Frederick, who was vacationing with the couple's son in New Mexico, says he also tried to call over the weekend. No answer. Will, missing his mother, who normally comes along for the family vacation out West, left a message on the answering machine.

The family's suspicion proved greater than a hunch a year ago Monday when Hill didn't show up for classes at Stetson.

"She wouldn't skip high school, let alone law school," McCumber recalls. She sent police to her sister's home.

"Her car was there. The house was locked. No Mary Carol," says Frederick.

Hill's law books sat opened on the table as if she had been studying. The outside light was on. Her purse and a gun were gone from the house, according to Keith.

Tampa police continue pursuing several leads and plan to reinterview several people close to Hill. McCumber says she, like her sisters and parents, is holding onto hope that Mary Carol will return one day.

Frederick is less optimistic. He fears something terrible has happened to her.

In a prepared statement, Frederick wrote that he doesn't believe Hill is alive and suspects a person "known to us, who took her from our home."

Without elaborating, Frederick maintains he has "information [that] further indicates the manner of her death and the reasons why that person, in spite of the extreme suffering of so many others, chooses not to speak the truth concerning his involvement.

"His is an act of absolute cruelty, betrayal and cowardice," the husband wrote. "I will never abandon the search."

Frederick says at this point he wants some type of closure.

"For all the good that Mary Carol has been in this world," he wrote, "she deserves, at the very least, a respectful burial."

Interestingly enough I found this on the Charley Project Website
"Fredrick was last seen at her residence in the Seminole Heights neighborhood of Tampa, Florida on June 3, 1994. She was in the company of Louis Joseph Hlava, who is described as a Caucasian male and 40 years old at the time of Fredrick's disappearance. Hlava's date of birth is July 1, 1953. Neither Hlava nor Fredrick has been seen again. She left behind her burgundy Subaru station wagon, but took her purse."

So is Louis Hlava a person of interest, or a victim? The next story raises more questions.

Divers call off search for woman's body
The Tampa Tribune
June 9, 1995
Author: BRIAN K. BISHOP; Tribune Staff Writer
Estimated printed pages: 2

EAST LAKE -- Authorities threw in the towel Thursday after a tip led them to spend the morning and all of the previous day searching a lake for the body of a woman missing for a year.
Detectives wouldn't identify the source of their information that Mary Carol Hill of Seminole Heights may have been in a watery grave at East Lake No. 2 near Orient Road and Hillsborough Avenue.

But the Tampa Police Department and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office were summoned to the scene at 10 a.m. Wednesday to scour the lake both with divers on the murky bottom and a cadaver-smelling dog riding a boat on the shimmering waters.

Both agencies returned Thursday before the search was called off at midday.

"We've terminated the search at the lake," said police Detective Jerry Keith, the lead investigator in the case. "We still have a lot of leads to follow up."

The renewed investigation came about after discrepancies in early investigation testimony were exposed, Keith said without elaborating. When asked whether police thought Hill was dead, he said, "I have to look at all of the options."

When Hill disappeared without a trace June 3, 1994, she had recently taken a leave of absence from her job with the state Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services to attend Stetson University Law School.

Going to law school had been a lifelong dream, and she planned to return to the state agency after earning her degree. Those closest to her doubt she would walk away from that life -- and surely not from her son, Will, now 6.

The last time she was seen with certainty was at Stetson's Pinellas County campus, although others may have seen her later that evening. Her car and home were undisturbed when police arrived two days later after being alerted by her sister.

Anyone having information about Mary Carol Hill is asked to contact the Tampa Police Department Missing Persons Unit at: (813) 276-3516 or E-Mail Missing Persons

Marriage Protection Amendment

I received this email from Rick F.

Anti-gay groups are reigniting the battle in the Senate
over the so-called Marriage Protection Amendment. Please, stand with me
and millions of other Americans in rejecting efforts to write
discrimination into the Constitution.

Take action today to let your Senators know that you oppose the
radical right's attempts to use Congress and the Constitution to
harm same-sex couples and their children. Click here to take
action now:

The Bungaleer Crewe of Seminole Heights

I found this article in July 27, 1992 in the Tribune about the Crewe. What ever happened to that Crewe?

The heights of absurdity: Yet another krewe - make that ""crewe'' - is forming to take a piece of the Gasparilla action.

This one is strictly a neighborhood affair, though, and very exclusive.

To join the Bungaleer Crewe you must either ""live in Seminole Heights, know somebody who lives in Seminole Heights or once drove through Seminole Heights,'' says Judy Breuggeman.

Breuggeman says she got the idea after spending a few days in Tallahassee.

""And you know what a few days in Tallahassee can do to you,'' she said. ""It makes you go nuts.''

She talked it up with neighbors and got a commitment from about 25 people.

The plans are still fluid, but the group does not plan to take part in the Gasparilla invasion or parade. Instead, it wants to have its own parade through the neighborhood on the same day as the Illuminated Night Parade in Ybor City, which traditionally closes Gasparilla festivities.

The crewe - the group refuses to use the traditional spelling - also hopes to have a ball the night before the parade.

""We think it's the most wonderful idea,'' she said. ""Everybody should do this in their neighborhood.''

And why not? Gasparilla is loosely based on New Orleans' Mardi Gras, where social clubs, or krewes, of all shapes and sizes take part.

The Bungaleer Crewe - the name comes from all the bungalows in the neighborhood - is the third social group to start up this year.

But this is the first one that doesn't take all this krewe business too seriously.

And that's the idea, Breuggeman said. ""We're trying to be socially unprominent.''

That shouldn't be too hard. "

Sunday Events

The scene last Sunday at my neighbor's house. Kids playing. riding bikes, doing the hula hoop, running around and enjoying themselves. Adults chatting and ejoying each other's presence. The smell of some great food cooking in the air. This is repeated most Sunday's when my neighbor has a get together with her friends. It gives my street a real 1950's Ozzie and Harriet feel that I enjoy. One slight difference is that she and most of her friends are Muslim and are wearing the appropriate clothing, as are some of the kids.

I could not help but contrast that pleasant, bucolic scene with what we have been seeing on the TV regarding the violent reactions by radical Islamic militants to the cartoons published in the European press.

Interesting how events half way across the world can hit home.

2006 GASPARILLA LIBRARY BOOK SALE

REMINDER…..

2006 GASPARILLA LIBRARY BOOK SALE

Friday, February 10, 2006 (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm)
Saturday, February 11, 2006 (9:00 am - 2:00 pm)

At the Seminole Heights Branch Library at 4711 Central Avenue (corner of Osborne & Central Avenues). Please donate books (new or used, hardback or paperback), records, CDs, DVDs, VHS videos, computer software/games, quality magazines (if you wouldn’t buy it, we probably can’t sell it) children’s books and learning materials to the library during regular operating hours. Donations welcome up to the day of the sale. All proceeds benefit the library.

For more information call Steve Gluckman at 238-9115.

Meeting with the Tribune

Let's pack the house like we did with the Townhall meeting

Received this via emial:

Important!
All of you who expressed your opinion on the discontinuation of the
Central Tampa Section of the Tampa Tribune!
Express your self directly to the Tribune.
Pack the hall!!
Come and show them that this section matters!

Attend a meeting:
Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m.

They have reserved the large auditorium at the Tribune Building.

Come put your comments where they might count!

Hurricane Shutters, Heart Pine, Insulation and a banner

A potpouri:

I received this email:

A couple of suggested topics for the blog, the first has to do with hurricane shutters for these wood frame houses. I have heard ¾ in plywood sheets or sheets of lexan plastic. Either works; the question is how to mount them without damaging the wood frames around the window.

The second item, we need a Seminole Heights house banner. Tampa Heights has one. It can be seen at http://www.tampaheights.org/images/bannerLg.jpg

Also on our email list were these 2 questions

"This cold weather is driving me nuts. It costs a fortune to heat the
place b/c the walls and floor don't retain the heat.

I know the attic is the most important to insulate as that is where
most of the heat loss takes place. I am going to replace the existing
insulation on the attic floor.

Has anyone insulated their walls? Has it made a difference? Has anyone
insulated their floor from below the house or added additional
insulation in the rafters of the roof?"

"I will need a bunch of heart pine. Where can you buy it? Is there a
local place?"

Tampa's Crime Fall to an low not seen since 1997

Today TPD held a press conference to announce that for 2005 the number of UCR Part I (major) crimes reported is 24,976.

Over the last 3 years, Tampa's crime has decreased 29% or 10,404 fewer crimes. For 2005 crime has reduced 16. 8 % (5,037 crimes), 2004 12.2% (4,169), 2003 3% (1,198 crimes)

The last time the crime rate was this low was 1977 with 24,057.

Comparisons:
2005
Population 333,040
Police officers 1,006
Officers per 1000 residents 3.02
Land area 112 sq. mi

1977
Population 273,500
Police officers 587
Officers per 1,000 reisdents 2.14
Land Area 84.4 sw. mi.

In 1981 there were 46,807 crimes
1987 56,468
1994 51,510
1996 42,871
2002 35,380

There were several reasons attributed but closer working relationships between residents and police was one. Decentralizing the community policing and making every officer responsible for crime reduction in thier neighborhoods. Crime Analysis was another. Being able to see crime hotspots quickly and act accordingly.

Road to Slainte

Another blog comes out of Seminole Heights!

This one is focused on Women's Health and is called Road to Slainte

It is written by Molly Miller, wife of Seminole Heights Handyman.

"I graduated with a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from Barry University in 1995. Prior to that I had accumulated 5 years of experience as a PT assistant, and 10 years as a licensed massage therapist. In 1999 I openend Slainte Physical Therapy in Tampa, Florida. At Slainte PT we look at rehabilitation as a partnership. My goal is to empower my patients with information and understanding, to guide them on their road to wellness. Although my background is in Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, over the last 6 years my practice has shifted towards the treatment of chronic pain, TMJ (jaw) disorders, pelvic pain and uro/gynecological dysfunction. I believe that women that suffer from these conditions need all of the information and resources available. Vulvodynia, Interstitial Cystitis (IC), vestibulitis, vaginissmus, anissmus, and various other chronic pelvic pain syndromes are underdiagnosed and misunderstood in the medical community, I hope to be able to sort through some of the information available, and help these women (and some men) find the resources they need. "

Tampa Tribune's Central Tampa Edition - Next Round

The Central Tampa (or as the Tampa Tribune calls it - South Tampa) neighborhood associations have sent a letter to the Tribune regarding the loss of the central Tampa sectin of the Tribune. Some conversations have already occurred and a meeting is planned.

Here is an excerpt from an email:

"The issue is one of dollars. The central Tampa section does not generate enough ads to support the section. I pointed out that A) the Trib has never really tried to put much effort into the area and B) many of the businesses in the area, being in a central metro area, want to appeal to all of Tampa C) Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights are growing each day and the Trib does not want to miss out of that. "

". . . we can present more than just a stream of complaints. I think it would be important to point out what businesses do advertise in the Trib, perhaps not just in the local section."

Here is the letter:

To:
Gil Thelen, Publisher and President
Janet Weaver, Executive Editor and Vice President
Tampa Tribune
200 S. Parker St.
Tampa, FL 33606

CC:
Pam Iorio, Mayor
Gwen Miller
Rose V. Ferlita
Linda Saul-Sena
John Dingfelder
Kevin White
Mary C. Alvarez
Shawn Harrison

From: Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association, Southeast Seminole Heights Civic Association, South Seminole Heights Civic Association, V.M. Ybor Neighborhood & Crimewatch Association, Northview Hills Civic Association, Historic Ybor Neighborhood Civic Association, Business Guild of Seminole Heights, Wellswood Civic Association, River Grove Civic Association, East Ybor Historic and Civic Association

On November 19th, 2005, the Tampa Tribune discontinued the Central Tampa section and transferred its coverage to the South Tampa section. Many communities and neighbors represented by this section, including Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Ybor City, West Tampa, and Sulphur Springs, are concerned by this move. While this consolidation may produce cost savings, we feel that long term this action will hurt the community and the Tribune itself.

When the Tribune began its local coverage of Tampa neighborhoods, the general boundaries of Central Tampa were already well known among the residents of Tampa. That identity was and is very distinct from what is commonly known as South Tampa. The Tribune has attempted to redefine these boundaries contrary to tradition. We feel strongly that the name of the consolidated section must be changed to reflect the true character of the area of coverage, or the Central Tampa Section should be returned.

Many Civic and Neighborhood associations within the Central Tampa area have worked diligently with the Mayor, City Council and the City’s departmental offices in creating policy beneficial to all neighborhoods in Tampa. Over the past decade, our particular communities have made great strides in creating a recognizable identity that is attractive to new residents and business investment. Your move undermines years of effort and threatens our future development.

The Tampa Tribune is the paper for the entire city of Tampa and must be respectful of local identities. We feel that if the Tribune marginalizes Central Tampa, then it risks marginalizing itself and the city of Tampa loses a newspaper of record for all of its citizens.

Fountain of Figurines

Seminole Heights is full of what I call mini tourist attractions. Interesting places, curiosities. Here is one. A little fountain of figurines at NE corner of 11th Street and Mohawk or Comanche.

Burglar Caught

Was your house burgled recently? Maybe it was this guy that TPD caught, thanks to an alert neighbor.

Here is the TPD Press Release:

Alert Neighbor Identifies Burglar

Tampa, FL February 6, 2006 -


DATE/TIME: 02/05/06, 9:57 a.m.

LOCATION: 1010 E. Chelsea Street, Tampa

VICTIM: W/M, Mennie Graham, 05/03/70

DEFENDANT: B/M, Cedric Bernard Huey, 10/15/63, 2633 Jefferson Avenue, Tampa

DETAILS: Cedric Huey broke into a residence under renovation at 1010 E. Chelsea Street. He broke a rear window and entered the house. Once Huey was inside, the alarm activated. A neighbor hard a noise coming from the rear of her neighbor’s house and saw someone climbing into the rear window. She called police and gave a description of the suspect. Huey fled the scene but was taken into custody a half mile from the crime scene about twenty minutes from the time the eyewitness saw him. Huey was identified as the burglar by his clothing and boot prints that he left at the scene. He was transported to the Hillsborough County Jail and charged with Burglary of a Structure. He has been arrested numerous times for burglary and is currently on probation.

Starbucks Status

Rapping and Rollin'

Susan and I are getting ready to go out to get some dinner (take out Chinese from Hong Kong restaurant) when we get a call from members of the Blog patrol, telling me of a photo op at the New Orleans Baptist Church. I get my camera and zip down the street and find Fenton practicing his rapping and dancing, rolling on his unicycle. I was very impressed. He also juggles apparently. He does not do this professionally, but is interested in doing so. I have his phone number if you got an event you might like him to come to. He might be interested.

50,000 Page Views

Today, I made it to the 50,000 page view mark since I started this blog in April 2005.

Taking a page from Tommy: From January 1 to 31, 2006 I averaged about 296 page views a day and an average of 56 returning visitors each day. My monthly total was 9,163. I once got up to 602 page views (January 5) and up to 73 returning visitors on several other days.

For a little blog whose focus is hyperlocal, I am quite pleased.

Thank you to all who read, comment and send me emails, and especially to those 56 regular visitors.

Urban Art - Real Art in Public Places

Well something I wrote about in prior posts has made it to the front page of the Tribune. We talked about this or related issues several times. Very significantly regarding Starbucks. Most recently Political Paper Grafitti , and the first time in Iron On Resistance.

I like guerrilla art. I don't like spray paint because it is permanent and causes more harm. I don't tend to have a problems with wheat paste posters, escpecially when placed on plywood or metal. It does not last long and easier to clean off. I like the discusions it engenders, the feathers it might ruffle in the staid art community. I like art being out in front of everyone, real public art. Art not inhibited by bureaucratic procedures.

I've been exposed to guerrilla art before. A famous group is Guerilla Girls. One of guerrilla art activity I really liked was a USF Art student who put up fake plaques around St. Petersburg, honoring things not not usually honored.

Blog Problems

Is anyone having problems reading my blog? When I go to read it I can only see some of my entries. It should show 21 days worth and I am only seeing up to January 29 and it is a partial entry.

New Seminole Heights Blog

We have another blog coming out of Seminole Heights. This one is Seminole Heights Handyman.

Is there a Cheers in Seminole Heights?

I received this email today.

"I just moved to the neighborhood in August. I wondered if we had any decent neighborhood bars. You know the kind where only locals go and everyone knows who you are? You would think Seminole Heights would have at least one by now. But I have met more people from SeminoleHeights hanging in the bars in Ybor City."

Although I have never been there, I think perhaps the Corner Club at Sligh and 15th Street might be what you are looking for. (It was featured in Weekly Planet or TBT in one of the most recent issues.)

The other bars we have are Recuerdo's on Florida across from the Metro Center, and Leo's on Hillsborough near 22nd. Front Porch Grill has a bar in the restaurant.

The Seminole Heights Brick Oven

Tonight was the monthly SE Seminole Heights porch party. I always find out interesting things when I go to these.

Tonight I discovered that SE Seminole Heights is home to an outdoor brick oven that resident August Vanderdonckt built.

"In August 2004 I decided I wanted to build a wood fired brick oven in my backyard. I bought Alan Scott's book "The Bread Builders" and started planning shortly after. I had zero building experience so I thought it would be interesting if I challenged myself to have a working oven by December 31st 2004. I was going to start in September but because Hurricane Season was particularly spicy around that time (we had hurricane Charley, Frances, Ivan & Jeanne), I was unable to start the actual building until October. What follows is photo diary of the endeavor."

Why an outdoor brick oven? So he can bake bread with good crusts and make pizza without overheating his house.

According to the World Brick Oven World Map, there are only 4 brick ovens in Florida. This one and one in Lakeland, Miami and Jacksonville.

August, with this hot oven you are one cool dude!

Viva La Frida is for sale

A rumor I heard has been confirmed. Viva La Frida's is for sale. A sad day for Seminole Heights.

Bohemians, diners dread this news
St. Petersburg Times Thu, 02 Feb 2006 10:17 PM PST
Viva la Frida, an arty jewel in Old Seminole Heights, is for sale. Its owners are just worn out.

Tampa Tribune To Meet With Seminole Heights About Death of Central Tampa

I have heard that some of the editors of the Tampa Tribune are planning on meeting with some folks from Seminole Heights to explain why the Central Tampa Section was killed and to hear complaints.

Tampa City Council, Tampa Tribune and South Tampa

Finally the City Council meeting Transscipts were put up fo the 1/19/06 meeting

My name is Randy Baron.
. . . . , president of the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association which according to the Tampa Tribune now resides in South Tampa.

You heard earlier details about the heights project, in Tampa Heights. That according to the Tampa Tribune is in South Tampa.

You are going to hear later about a project that's going on in CRA district in New Tampa. That resides in South Tampa.

And you are going to hear about our Seminole Heights strategic business plan which also, according to Tampa Tribune, is in South Tampa.

Now, I know that the Tampa Tribune is a private entity. However, it creates a public perception. And when the Tampa Tribune discontinues the central Tampa section and moves into a South Tampa section, it creates the perception that central Tampa, Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, East Tampa, West Tampa, all those neighborhoods are not important.

>>MARY ALVAREZ
>>> And Wellswood.

And I just want you to know that as neighborhood association president, I received numerous complaints that we no longer have our own section. And I just want to pass that along to council. Councilman Alvarez, you represent Wellswood and West Tampa. Councilman white, you represent Seminole Heights and East Tampa. The other council people represent all of that section. And I'm just wondering whether or not council can take recognition of the fact that this will have an impact on the ability of these areas to attract businesses, to have redevelopment projects, and I just wonder if anything can be done about that. If it can be said, let the Tampa Tribune know of the impact of this decision.

>>MARY ALVAREZ
We will certainly do our best to get to the Tribune editors or whoever the powers may be there to make this correction. They've done this once before. So they just need to be educated. But thank you.

A further note: According to the Tribune, Tampa City Council and Downtown Tampa is in South Tampa.