Saturday, we participated in the semi-annual Yesterdaze neighborhood Rummage Sale. Cool items. Great crowd. There were some interesting antiques and vintage items there. We sold about 85 to 90% of our items. The next sale is in November. Great marketing idea, Sherri
Eeeech. Gross. What is this black and red mass that visits us every spring? Bugs that even creeped out our termite inspector?
They are the jadera bug, (Jadera haematoloma) or the scentless plant bug or the golden raintree bug. They are harmless bugs that feed on the fallen seeds of the Golden-Rain tree (Koelreuteria bipinnata).
It is official. The St. Pete Times has sent out it's special introductory rate for Seminole Heights residents subscribing to the Times. $9.99 for the first 13 weeks.
I have not recieved my letter yet, so I don't know if you have to say some special words or code when you subscribe.
We are subscribing.
Some interesting news about one of the major irritants in Susan's and my life and our dog's life. Irritants at least on every holiday. . . . and the days before and after the holiday . . . . and random days and nights in between. The people who cause hundreds of dogs to go on valium, or else face hiding under beds, running into closets and other panicked activities. The people who encourage thousands of Hillsborough County residents to engage in illegal activities.
The evil Galaxy Fireworks people. The people that the county commissioners kowtow to when it comes to enforcing laws against sales of such illegal goods.
Now it turns out they are a physical threat to Seminole Heights as storage depot for explosives.
"Last night the Variance Review Board denied Galaxy Firework's request for a variance to allow them to keep their Barbed Wire. It turns out all those
trailers they have at the corner of Florida and MLK are full of fireworks.
That is their storage location. It also turns out that it is against Code
for them to store fireworks. They are zoned only for a retail store, which
they have, and additional parking, which they have. Because they explained
about the storage under oath, Code and the fire department are checking it out."
Per an email:
"The Starbuck’s Coffee signs have just arrived. I saw the truck pull in this morning on my way to work."
Good, now I have some place to use the $5 Starbucks gift card TGH gave me for being a 15 year employee (actually 16 - and now USF)
Times for a clean SWEEP
St. Petersburg Times - St. Petersburg,FL,USA...
"Have old furniture you want to throw out? The city of Tampa's Solid Waste
Enhanced Environment Program (S.W.E.E.P.) picks up large household items as a
community service."
APRIL 8: Old Seminole Heights-West (area bounded by Hillsborough River,
Hillsborough Avenue, Interstate 275, Hillsborough River).
MAY 20: Old Seminole Heights-East (area bounded by Hillsborough River,
Hillsborough Avenue, 22nd Street, Interstate 275)."
Stolen truck crashes into house, man in woman's clothes arrested
Tampa Bay's 10 Thu, 16 Mar 2006 1:43 PM PSTTampa, Florida - A man stealing a white pickup from a gas station customer crashed into a house in Seminole Heights Wednesday morning. And, he was dressed like a woman.
Frito-Munching Man Arrested In Burglary
By HOWARD ALTMAN haltman@tampatrib.com
Published: Mar 16, 2006
"Efren Hernandez, a 42-year-old man recently released from jail on burglary
charges, had broken in to her home, police said, stealing jewelry, clothing, a
duffel bag, a towel, a Gillette Trac 2 razor and a big bag of Fritos, which he
was eating as he walked down East Flora Street . . . . . Officer J.R. Wilkinson
- responding to the theft of a white van whose driver smashed through the yard
of a vacant home, knocking down railroad ties, a fence and a well before
smashing into Jamal Kahn's house two blocks away at 1302 E. Sligh - spotted
Hernandez near Bravo's house. He matched the description of the man who stole
the van, which belonged to General Works, a Tampa construction company.
There was something else about Hernandez.
He was wearing a size 18 aqua blouse, gray slacks and a gray, reversible jacket.
His elbows were bleeding."
An email from the Tampa Tribune:
Dear Central Tampa readers:
At your request, we have brought back the Central Tampa page to TBO.com.
Please visit our Web site for the latest on your neighborhoods.
http://centraltampa.tbo.com
Ken Koehn
Deputy Managing Editor
The Tampa Tribune
• Centraltampa.TBO.com, covering the neighborhoods of Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, West Tampa, Ybor City, Lowry Park area and downtown.
The St. Petersburg Times has made some major offensives in the newspaper war with the Tribune.
First they have filed a countersuit against the Trib regarding the name Tampa Times saying that the Tribune abandoned the name.
"The Tampa Tribune is afraid of competition and is trying to hide behind the tombstone of a newspaper that has been dead for almost a quarter-century," said Paul Tash, Times editor and chief executive." and "The Times' countersuit says the Tribune abandoned the "Tampa Times" trademark by not using it and committed fraud by lying about its use in a trademark application."
Secondly they have begun forming partnerships with Central Tampa neighborhood associations, the neighborhoods that felt abandoned by the Tribune. In the March 2006 edition of the Southeast Seminole Heights Civic Association newsletter (due to be delivered this weekend) it is noted that the Times has agreed to sponsor the next general membership meeting. They will be providing refreshments and are providing a guest speaker, City Times Editor Susan Thurston. "Other neighborhood friendly ideas" will be discussed at the meeting. I have been asked not to reveal those ideas prior to the meeting, so stay tuned for more details.
I can say that the Times will be offering Seminole Heights residents a significant discount on the initial price of subscription. Also note on page 5 this blurb in the newsletter "Southeast Seminole Heights Civic Association welcomes the St. Petersburg Times 'In the know - In the Times. - TampaBay.com' to the neighborhood" This years Old Seminole Heights Home Tour is sponsored in part by the St. Pete Times.
It's funny. At the Tribune meeting, I suggested that the Tribune partner with the neighborhood associations to look at ways of increasing Tribune readership and ad revenues. Gil Thelen seemed very excited at these ideas. The Tribune leadership also mentioned that they planned to get the Tribune's editors out to the association meetings. Little did I know that the forward thinking Times had already begun planning in those directions, taking advantage of an opening the Tribune left when it withdrew the Central Tampa edition.
The Tribune has seemed to have made a series of recent missteps.
They dropped the Central Tampa Edition with essential no real notice to readers.
They changed the TV section, resulting in howls of anger from readers. This prompted an written apology by the Tribune and essentially a return of the section to the way it was.
They have yet to make a written apology in the paper to the Central Tampa readers.
They did not challenge the creation of the TBT - Tampa Bay Times when it first came out one and a half years ago, thus allowing the Times a beachhead with regards to the name Tampa Bay Times.
They were slow to realize the popularity and influence of blogs and were significantly second behind the Times in cultivating relationships with the bloggers. The TBT featured a cover story about area bloggers and the Times created a blogger section on the online edition that included regular features about the blogs. After a while the Trib finally created a Bay Area Blog Watch , however they do not feature any of the blogs. It's funny because one of my favorite blogs Side Salad comes out of the Tribune. (By the way the hip Weekly Planet also has paid attention to bloggers, even making it a category in their Best of the Bay)
It almost seems like the senior leadership of the Tribune is out of touch with the community, despite its very excellent efforts to make a community focus to the paper (More focus on community news, the slight moderation of its conservative bent, the creation of the community columnists and the Centro edition.) Perhaps if they paid more attention to the worker bees, those great Tribune reporters who are actually out in the community, then there might be less missteps. Dear Janet and Gil and Duke and etc. Get out of South Tampa and come visit us. Eat in our restaurants and shop in our stores. Learn who we are and what we want.
I predict the Times will end up with a significant presence in Central Tampa, unless the Trib makes a stronger counter attack. The Trib is on the ropes now in Central Tampa.
Over the years I have heard and read many stories about the Trib and its reporting and that they had such a big emphasis on the bottom line. I heard that back in the 1980's they were not satisfied with a 12% return and were seeking a 18% and so they let go many a good reporter. Did this this strong emphasis on a higher bottom line cut into the later relevance of the paper, thus making it easier for the Times?
Note the following coverage on the issue by Sticks of Fire and the Weekly Planet
In the news:
Viva La Frida owner relying on karma, not cops
St. Petersburg Times Tue, 14 Mar 2006 6:46 PM PST
The restaurant and gallery's co-ower, Angelica Diaz, is seeking the return of pieces of art that have been stolen over the past five years as she prepares to retire to pursue travel and art. (more)
Shame, shame, shame on the people who stole art pieces from Viva La Frida's. If you don't return them, the spirit of Frida Kahlo is really going to screw up your life.
Although there has been some controversy over the restaurant, Angelica has been supportive of the arts and artists. Perhaps as a going away present, artists could make some Frida tchotchke's to give to her to help replace the stolen art.
The Tampa Tribune's Friday Extra Series returns to Central Tampa.
One of the great benefits of living in Seminole Heights is the proximity of Friday Extra concerts at Lowry Park. Each Friday different musical groups play at the Lowry Park bandshell. Lowry park is at intersection of Sligh Avenue and North Boulevard
The series "kicks off on March 31 at 7 p.m. with rock/pop sounds of 360 and is followed by one of Tampa's favorite rock and roll acts Johnny G. Lyon and JGLB. "
The best part is it is free!
You can sit in the bleachers, the benches, or just bring your blanket or sling chairs. Bring food and drink and some friends.
We will be there, as will Tommy Duncan, Tampa's blogger laureate at Sticks of Fire. I will be watching and eating and drinking and talking, and he will singing on stage as part of JGLB.
"For more information or a complete line-up of performers, please contact the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department at 813 274-8615. "
Seminole Heights was the locale for this story about Florida's Move Over law, which requires motorists to move to a lane away from emergency vehicles stopped on the roadside or slow to 20 mph below the speed limit if they cannot.
Police Try To Ensure You Give Them A Brake
TAMPA - Tampa police Officer Ernest Sosa Jr. approached the driver's window of a Kia sport utility vehicle, a stack of pamphlets in his hands.
The driver, Casey Ackermann, 21, soon learned why. She had rolled past another patrol car on North Florida Avenue near East Lambright Street, its red and blue lights flashing behind a stopped car. Ackermann braked slightly, but police clocked her speed at 32 mph - too fast for the circumstances under Florida law, Sosa told her. (more)
There is a push for a County Mayor for Hillsborough County. The Tampa Tribune recently had an editorial on the subject Debate On Countywide Mayor Misdirected By Red Herrings.
Is this a good idea or bad idea? Is this good for Seminole Heights? There are many reasons people think a County Mayor is a good idea. The antics of 6 County Commissioners is one reason.
To me, it frankly depends on how many conservative voters there are in Hillsborough County. If there are more conservatives than moderate and liberal voters, I am concerned we could get a Ronda Storms as Mayor. If we could get a moderate in power, then it would okay. I don't know how many conservatives there are.
Tampa has a population of 321,772 (2004 statistics). Total Hillsborough County is 998,948 (2000 statistics). I don't know the breakdown of how many are registered voters.
There are more Democratic voters in Hillsborough County. But the No Party Affiliations, can tip the balance to the Republicans. Not all Democrats are moderates and not all Republicans are conservatives. (I am a moderate Republican)
The Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission invites public comment on a plan for single-member election districts for Tampa City Council 2007 elections. They are reviewed every four years to allow for changes in population. The purpose of the public hearing is for the Planning Commission to recommend and approve city election districts to the Supervisor of Elections following receipt of public input. The public hearings will be held at 4 locations. The closest to Seminole Heights is the College Hill workshop on 3/20/06 at 7PM.
This is the time to seek to have all of Seminole Heights placed in one City Council district, so that we have better representation in City Council. District 6 is the best choice.
If you can't make it email them or call 272-5940
TIME: 7:o31 p.m.
DATE: Thursday, March 30, 2006
PLACE: Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission, 18th Floor
601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
County Center Building
At the public hearing, the Planning Commission will receive the staff recommendation and public input. The Planning Commission can change the staff recommendation at the public hearing.
If any person decides to appeal a decision made by the Planning Commission with respect to any matter considered at a meeting or hearing, they will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose, will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, to include the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons with disabilities needing special accommodation to participate in this meeting should contact the Planning Commission at least 48 hours prior to the hearing.
The public is invited to attend the public hearing. A copy of the materials to be discussed at the meeting can be inspected beginning Monday, March 27, 2006, at the Planning Commission offices, County Center Building, 18th Floor, between the hours of 7:45 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., Mon. – Fri. or on the Planning Commission website at www.theplanningcommission.org. Inquiries should be directed to Robert B. Hunter, FAICP, Executive Director, Planning Commission, 601 East Kennedy Blvd., 18th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602 or call (813) 272-5940.
Susan's family has an Elvis story. Her father lived in Jacksonville for a while. His sister, Ann, won a contest in a teenage magazine and had a date with Elvis. After the date Elvis brought her home and kissed her. Hiding in the bushes was Susan's father, watching Elvis Presley kiss his sister, who happened to look like Priscilla.
An email from Ken Koehn Tampa Tribune Deputy Managing Editor
"Dear Central Tampa readers:
In our Feb. 28 meeting, we promised you an update by the end of this week on the possibility of resurrecting the Central Tampa section of your newspaper.
We took to heart your suggestions, and we’ve been working in recent days on a plan to bring it back. We now have a target date of April 6 for the Central Tampa section’s return.
As we discussed, the section will share some content with the South Tampa section, but the Central Tampa section will be customized to emphasize the news that’s important to your neighborhoods. We’re working out logistical details, but we feel confident we can meet the target date. In the meantime, we will continue covering your neighborhoods both in the South Tampa section and in the full-run sections of the Tribune.
Thank you for your loyalty and patience. "
Today was an interesting breakfast at Nicko's. I was taken off of probation from the bathroom incident and allowed to remove my ankle bracelet.
We got to discussing the fact that someone had commented on the blog they had a basement. I was invited to tour it.
I was taken into the garden room, (the room with the ATM and one booth), blindfolded and turned around 4 times. I was led into an elevator, that was behind a hidden panel. After a 5 minute rapid descent, I was led out into the basement. Covered under dust cloths was a a casino with all the trappings including baccarat table, a disco with a rotating glass ball, a 4 bedroom suite with a full wet bar, a hot tub and mini swimming pool and a 15 foor tall theatre.
Okay, so my imagination got away from me there.
Actually I was not blindfolded and just walked down some steps in the back of the kitchen storage area. The basement extends the entire width and breadth of the restaurant and is used for storage and machinery space. Who would have thought a basement existed there. Fascinating.
Then a few more stories were brought out. If you read the menu, you know that Elvis ate there. As you enter, turn left and it is the 2nd booth. Apparently there is going to be an Elvis festival coming up and the festival is going to feature Nickos.
Elvis Presley was just 20 years old when he took the stage at Fort Homer Hesterly Armory on May 8, 1955
The St. Pete Times did a story a few years ago on a Elvis Presley festival and from that article few facts were posted.
Elvis Presley passed through Tampa more than once, most notably at the beginning of his career and near the end. Here are some highlights:
- Col. Tom Parker, the former carnival barker who helped guide Presley to stardom, became the singer's manager in 1955. But before he became a promoter, Parker was the dogcatcher in Tampa. During that time he started the Humane Society Cemetery, the pet graveyard.
- Elvis first came to Tampa when he was 21, a month before he made musical history with his appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. He performed at Fort Homer Hesterly Armory on Aug. 5, 1956, and the Florida Theater in St. Petersburg two days later.
Here's what the Times wrote about his Aug. 5 Tampa appearance: "He was greeted with deafening screams from the audience . . . which oddly enough was sprinkled liberally with adults. . . . He rocked 'n' rolled his way through seven numbers, laughing, winking, pointing and wriggling. . . . Asked later what he will do when this rock 'n' roll "fad' passes, he said, "I'll probably sit back and think about what I once had - with no regrets.' "
- In 1961, Presley visited Weeki Wachee Springs during a break from filming the movie Follow that Dream, which was shot in Citrus and Levy counties.
- In 1977 Presley was back, performing at Tampa's Curtis Hixon Hall and St. Petersburg's Bayfront Center. He died a few months later.
Today, I ran into Vespa Man at Publix (the store where you meet everyone in Seminole Heights). He was parked next to me and was loading up his Vespa with his groceries as I was loading up my truck. I commented on what a cool Vespa he had. He told me he owns 3 of them and he and his wife use them in place of their car. He drives to work at USF every day on it. It gets 85 miles to the gallon and can go up to 70 miles per hour. He once made a trip to Atlanta on it. He belongs to a group called Tampa 2 Strokes. Every Sunday at 11:00? they meet at Nicko's and then go on a road trip. I remember reading about them in the Weekly Planet or TBT ( I tried to find the link but could not). There was a photo of them driving down Nebraska by the brick building near the old Eckerds. How cool. Vespa Man and Vespa Woman live down the street from Publix. One more set of interesting and cool Seminole Heights people.
I did find a St. Pete Times story about scooters in general.
From an email:
Do you know of a local locksmith who is sympathetic to those of us who want to keep our old, original locks? I need work done to and a key for an exterior handle/lockset.Anyone have the answer to that question?
I checked in at Citywide and the fellow there just basically said "get a new one". So he didn't get it. I was wondering if anyone had a positive experience with
someone close by.
Tonight was the social event for Southeast Seminole Heights. All the neighborhood paparrazi and gliterratti were there, as was several of the who's who of Southeast Seminole Heights, all for the wedding and reception of Maria Garcia (Princess Fiona) and Manny Gutierrez (Shrek). Maria is our one of our favorite sisters in our neighborhood family. The wedding was held in the beatiful backyard of Stan and Louie. The ceremony was performed in their wrought iron, vine covered gazebo. Many of the neighbors helped with this community wedding, including Sherry, Ellison, Erin, Kristina and many others. Sort of a Home Improvement Team gets married. Prior to and during the ceremony, neighbor John McColley played beautiful harp music
There was plenty of drinks and food and guests partaking of it all. The moon looked down on the wedding event while the music from the Buena Vista Social Club played in the background. Flickering lamps all over the backyard provided atmosphere, as did the running of the waterfall flowing into the blue tinted swimming pool and from fountains in two backyard ponds.
Some of the official drinks of Southeast Seminole Heights were served:
Latin Lover
1/3 buttershots
1/3 Baileys
1/3 milk
Havana Sunset
1/3 Malibu Rum
1/3 pineapple juice
Top with cranberry juice
Angry Ogre
1/3 Apple pucker
Dash of OJ
Dash of Cranberry Juice
Sprite
One of the central tampa neighborhoods that the Tampa Tribune has dissed is the 12th BEST neighborhood in the US to buy a home, according to Forbes magazine. Locally this was reported in the St. Petersburg Times today. South Tampa's Hyde Park and Davis islands were the 19th WORST in the nation. This was based on home appreciation. of median home prices from 2003 to 2005 for all the ZIP codes the U.S. Postal Service associates with each city.
Local reaction to the news was highlighted in the St. Pete Times article.
This shows that Central Tampa is the place to invest in Tampa. All you new money /entrepeneurs folks, abandon sluggish south Tampa and come here. Tampa Tribune, we will remember how we were treated.
From the Forbes article
Best
12. Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla.
ZIP Code: 33605
Neighborhood: Ybor/Watch Hill/Highland Pines
2005 Median Sales Price: $118,000
Total Price Appreciation 2003 to 2005: 93.1%
Appreciation for New Homes: 122.7%
Appreciation for Existing Homes: 74.5%
Pronounced EE-bore, this Cuban-influenced neighborhood was once a center for cigar production. Now the neighborhood is in the middle of a revival, with condos and residential lofts adding to the bungalows.
Worst
19. Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla.
ZIP Code: 33606
Neighborhood: Davis Islands
2005 Median Sales Price: $300,000
Total Price Appreciation 2003 to 2005: 16.8%
Appreciation for New Homes: 7.4%
Appreciation for Existing Homes: 32%
Appreciation is relative when it comes to Florida's western coast. Davis Islands, created by a developer in the 1920s, has waterfront estates and a yacht club. While prices have risen less here than in other ZIPs, they've still gone up nearly 17% in the past couple of years.
As part of the Seminole Heights Guiness Book of Records two readers posted about their trees:
"I *think* that my bungalow on 226 west fern has the tallest tree in Seminole Heights. It's a "monkey puzzle" tree and is estimated at 85'."
"Our house @ 303 E Jean St has an "Ear" tree (the national tree of Costa Rica, by the way) that covers at least 5 different yards. It may not be the "tallest" in the neighborhood, but it's got to be one of the "largest" around in terms of diameter."
I had to look. Here are some photos
Monkey Puzzle Tree
Ear Tree
From a good source, there is reliable information that Viva La Frida's is not closing.
"Angelica only is looking for someone to buy her half out. The other owner is John Ames. They will be open until further notice and have a very similar menu to Frida's. The name will be changing. So the good news is they are not closing!"
Interesting. Curious.
Susan was invited to show two of her pieces at this Sunday at the show put on by the Las Damas De Artes (Women of the Arts) called appropriately, "Sunday In The Arts".
Southeast Seminole Heights resident, Pat Benjamin is the president of Las Damas. She was interviewed by St. Pete Times Ernest Hooper in today's column.
From the Las Damas website:"Pat Benjamin says the local arts scene has grown immensely,
especially when it comes to women artists."Oh my, it's incredibly improved over the years," said Benjamin, president of Las Damas de Arte. "Do you realize how many galleries have opened in the past 10 years."
"The opening night for our yearly exhibition and fundraiser, Sunday in the Arts, will be held March 12, 2006 at the University of Tampa's new Scarfone/Hartley Gallery, from 5:30 until 8:00 in the evening. Sunday in the Arts is an art exhibit and sale featuring over 50 acclaimed women artists whose work includes paintings, drawings, ceramics, photography, sculpture, fiber, jewelry and mixed media. Original art by area artists surrounded by butlered gourmet delictables and wine tasting, silent auction, music by the University of South Florida Jazz Ensemble - LaRue Nickelson Trio, and Tampa Bay's most avid art patrons. Las Damas de Arte's annual goal is to raise money in order to provide funds for art scholarships in our local colleges and high schools as well as grant money for local non-profit organizations with art needs. Many of the "grass-roots" projects that we fund offer developmental art supplies to children who would otherwise not have access to such materials. We raise most of this money through sponsorship and ticket sales. The support of generous people and businesses is critical to the success of Sunday in the Arts."According to Ernest Hooper:
The contest entries will be judged by Ken Rollins, interim director of the Tampa Museum of Art, and Margaret Miller, executive director of Graphicstudio at the University of South Florida.
Susan (aka the Blogger's Wife) has work in two art events this weekend. I actually have work in one of the shows myself.
The first is at the The Beck Gallery. They have a show they are calling "The Square Foot Art Show A Go-Go"
March 11 to June 9, 2006
Opening Reception: March 11 from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M.
Silent Auction: March 11 to March 17
The Beck Gallery
1720 Land O' Lakes Blvd.
813-949-6557
Artists purchased 12 x 12 inch canvases, on which they could put anything they want. Sculptors and photographers were also invited.
Each artist can show up to 9 artworks in the exhibit. For one week beginning on March 11 a silent auction will be held with minimum bids starting at $100. Bids will increase by $10 increments. Any work not sold during this time will have fixed prices set by the artists not to exceed $500." The exhibit will run through June 10.
As all of of the artwork in this show is 12" x 12", if you're looking to start collecting art, this is a fun way to do it. They're the perfect size for kitchens and small spaces. You can check out the rest of the show's work (after March 11) at their website above.
Susan has 5 paintings in the show.
"Untitled"
"Safe Harbor"
"Joy Unbridled"
"Focus"
"Nocturne"
"Racetrack Orphan"
"Flight"
If you are interested in bidding on any of Susan's paintings and can't get to the gallery, you can email bids to Tana.
I have a mixed media piece in the show. Yes me. I am actually a serious amateur photographer. I used to take photos at quarter horse shows and photographed Susan's clients for when she used to do portraits. The is the first time I ever exhibited anything.
The second show Susan is in is Las Damas De Arte "Sunday In The Arts" show. More on that in the next post.
Dressing Rite
Skip directly to the full story.
By MARILYN BROWN mbrown@tampatrib.com
Published: Mar 10, 2006
TAMPA
"Some years it's flip-flops. Others, the messages on T-shirts.
This year, too much flesh is driving some Hillsborough County school board members nuts.
"I don't want to see no bellies, no boobies, no butts," said Susan Valdes, a school board member pushing for changes in both the student dress code and in enforcement. "
However despite some dress code changesd last years banning certain types of footwear, kids kept wearing them because of lax enforcement.
Students wore the supercasual shoes at some schools anyway, and school
administrators were told to step up enforcement of the code in a consistent,
countywide effort.
That hasn't happened, but Superintendent MaryEllen Elia vows things will be different when a new school year begins in August.
"We're not going to let this go," Elia said. "This will be more formalized. We're going to get this settled before parents have already gone out and bought their kids' clothes."
Tough To Enforce
Parents may be informed earlier, but school administrators said that doesn't mean they'll take note. It's also tough to monitor between 1,000 and 2,000 students at each middle and high school, where most violations occur.
Solution: Let them wear uniforms.
Head south down Westshore, keep going, keep going, keep going, until you can't any more. Congratulations, you have arrived at the deep south Tampa, otherwise known as Port Tampa.
That area, home of the Civic Association of Port Tampa, now has its own blog, called "Port Tampa".
This area is more like Seminole Heights than "South Tampa." They used to have a home tour years ago.
Port Tampa should not be confused with the Port of Tampa, which is located near 22nd and Adamo area. Port Tampa used to be a city in it's own right, just like Ybor City was.
So take your mouse for a drive down there and then sometime, take your car for a drive down there. It's a nice area with an active civic association leadership. I am always reading about the President, Jill Buford in the paper. One of the cool places in Port Tampa is the library building, a restored old bank building.
Port Tampa blog, welcome!
She also has a second blog, Let's get Serial, where she is writing her novel.
This was found on craiglist
$1000 - Seminole Heights House Wanted for Summer Rental
Reply to: hous-137207995@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-02-26, 3:11PM EST
Are you looking to leave Seminole Heights behind this summer, and vacation
somewhere else? Well, we want to leave our place behind, and spend the summer in Tampa, Florida, specifically, Seminole Heights! We (two adults, one child, and
one fat, declawed cat) are looking for an affordable ($1,000)two bedroom house
located in a safe, nice Seminole Heights neighborhood for the months of June,
July and August. Our good friends already live in the neighborhood, and will
check out the place for us, so please include an address if you respond to this
ad.
On those days when you are in your barca lounger, watching the exciting County Commission meeting on TV, and you feel the need to fortify yourself with some food, you no longer have to miss Ronda Storms latest hissy fit.
As I picked up my Cobb salad tonight at Stephannos, Paul told me he will start the delivery of his food, next Wednesday, (3/15/06).
The area he will deliver to is MLK to Broad Street, 15th Street to Rome.
Phone is 232-9486. Deliveries from 4PM till closing. He is open Wed to Sun.
From Frank Roder:
A special Thank You to the neighbors who showed up tonight for the City Council meeting. Your presence was appreciated and very effective. Council members Rose Ferlita and Kevin White were very supportive and very complementary towards
Southeast Seminole Heights. This might be the year! For the first time in CDBG
history, council agreed to award $50,000 to each of the 9 block areas. In our
block area, area 3, only one neighborhood besides SESHCA made a request so we
know that we will defiantly receive some $$$. Great Job Neighbors!!
Brad Hissing of Riverside Heights add his commentary about the loss of the Central Tampa section in a letter to the editor in the Weekly Planet.
By the way, John Sugg, big time writer of the Weekly Planet, who went corporate and moved to the Atlanta offices, used to live in Seminole Heights. We and thousands and thousands of other people met him when his house was on the home tour. If you wanted a poster boy for the attitude of a Seminole Heightsian, he would be it.
There is an article in todays TBT* (page 8) about the high pollen counts we see (yes literally see) on our cars and sidewalks. It features a photo of pollen sitting on a leaf in Seminole Heights. (Way to go leaf!)
This is the time of the year when cars, porches,sidewalks need daily bathes. What can be done per the article? Stay indoors and take antihistamines. If you jog, do so late in the afternoon after the trees have stopped blooming.
We use an herbal tea called Yogi Tea that seems to help.
Added note: I did not really believe in herbal teas until my last cold. Everyomne around was sick. sick, sick. I started coming down with the usual symptoms. Susan recommended for the nth time (I'm a little dense at times) that I try the teas. End Result, I had the mildest version of the cold I ever had. Maybe it was only a placebo effect, but it worked for me. Oh and I also handwashed alot. A great deal of handwashing.
I used the Cold Season Tea Sampler
Breathe Deep — Respiratory Support
Breathe Deep comforts and clears the mucous membranes and relaxes the muscles of the respiratory tract-benefiting your complete respiratory health. This safe and effective formula also helps counter many of the negative effects of stress and pollution.
Cold Season — Nasal and Bronchial Aid
Cold Season is safe, seasonal support for chilly weather, promoting free breathing as well as sinus, nasal and bronchial function. It's the perfect way to gently soothe membranes of the respiratory tract and encourage better adrenal function.
Echinacea Immune Support — Immune System Boost
Echinacea Immune Support assists your body's natural defense system by enhancing normal immune response. This healing formula is the natural path to a healthy immune system, while promoting efficient respiratory function.
Throat Comfort — Throat Health Support
Throat Comfort is soothing relief for minor irritations in the mucous membranes of the trachea and throat. This safe and beneficial formula also warms the respiratory tract, and helps suppress spasms of the muscles lining the bronchioles.
According to our intrepid Kathy Steele, more action has occurred regarding those car lots that block sight lines. One fence is being ordered to be relocated.
Fatality Brings Out City Code Inspectors
The Tampa Tribune Thu, 09 Mar 2006 3:56 AM PST
SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - City code inspectors say they have found numerous
intersections on Nebraska and Florida avenues where chain link fences, signs,
shrubbery and parked vehicles block motorists' view of traffic.
"In the past week, they have put more than 60 businesses, most of them car
lots, on notice to clear the obstructions. Among them was R & J Auto Sales,
7430 N. Florida Ave., which was told to relocate a portion of chain-link fence
at a used car lot it owns at 5607 N. Florida Ave."
The Weekly Planet has a blog called Blurbex
Blurbex is our place for the weird, the informative, the breaking news that otherwise doesn’t make it into each award-winning issue of the Weekly Planet. There are no rules; each writer has his/her own interests, just like you. Want to know the latest concert announcement? Read Blurbex. Want to know the inside
scoop on local politics? Read Blurbex. Want to know how the City Council voted
in zoning last night? Read the freakin’ daily newspapers.
An eagle eyed reader sent me a flyer on this.
The New Orleans Baptist Church (aka Faith Baptist Church) at 1109 E. Osborne Avenue is getting a new lease on life. This church, that came close to shutting down is now involved in Personal Energy Transportation (PET) Project. This project builds and delivers PETs wheeled, hand cranked transportation devices for those in developing countries who have mobility needs.
"The Personal Energy Transportation (PET) Project's mission is to provide mobility for all of God's children in need. We seek to provide mobility first for those in greatest need and with the least resources. Many of the people we serve have less than $100.00 a year cash income. "
"The PET is designed for rural areas where trails and roads are rough and where the driver will often need to carry a load.
Wheelchairs are very difficult to move over rough terrain and will soon fall apart. In rural areas many streets are cobblestone or dirt or simply foot paths or bicycle trails. People have a terrible time trying to maneuver a wheelchair over them but PETs scoot right along on the sarne terrain. "
The PET's are built in 8 workshops in the US and sent to 55 different countries.
The Tampa Director is Jeff Sukup who can be reached at 625-7789. If you want to get involved their workshop is open on Thursdays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.M. and Saturdays 9AM to 3PM.
For more info go to the South Florida Website. There is a Tampa Website but it does not seem to be completely finished.
1. Wait by your mailboxes! A direct mail offer is being mailed to all Seminole Heights residents this week for a special subscription offer to the St. Pete Times.
2. At the next meeting of the Southeast Seminole Heights Civic Association on March 21, the Speaker will Susan Thurston, City Times Editor from St Petersburg Times.
3. Susan Thurston has written a letter to Randy Baron. A well researched letter.
"If it happens in Old Seminole Heights, it happens in the City Times, the weekly section of the St. Petersburg Times. that's our mindset when it comes to covering your community. . . I write you this letter to reiterate the St. Pete Times commitment to Seminole Heights, past present and future. in light of the Tampa Tribunes' decision to end it's Central Tampa section, I'd like to emphasize you have a great alternative in us. . . We at the Times live and breathe our community, which has and will continue to include Seminole Heights." In the letter where the . . . is she outlined the coverage the Times has done of Seminole Heights by Michael Canning, Sherry Day, Elizabeth Bettendorf and that several writers and freelancers live in Seminole Heights including Mike and Shannon Van Sickler. Reporter Sandra Amrhein had her wedding reception at Viva La Frida.
4. There are some other things going on regarding the Times that I will share after the SE Sem Hts. Civic Association meeting
5. Susan and I have not made up our mind yet, whether we will continue with the Trib or not. Depends on what the Trib does and further interaction with the Times.
6. Interesting enough the Trib has made several recent misteps. Yanks the Central Tampa edition from us. Changes the TV guide and pisses off the entire TV Guide reading public, resulting in a written apology from the paper. Suggests in an editorial that we need a memorial to those of the military killed in the Irag and Afganistan wars, when one exists at Joe Chillura Park. (Also see the Sticks of Fire comments)
(However they did note today the made and error but pointed out that is is not much of a memorial. I agree with them)
Susan, and our friend Virginia and I will be going to this.
If you have never been to the Tampa Theatre you are missing out on a great experience. This is one of the advantages of living in Seminole Heights is how close so many great places are.
MUSIC FROM THE INSIDE OUT
TAMPA THEATRE
One Night Only!
Wednesday, March 8
Doors/Bar @ 7:30 pm | Show @ 8pm
"(This) profound and moving documentary captures the power of the creative process in an uncommonly perceptive and inspiring way. A crowd-pleaser, emotionally, musically, and intellectually." -Laura Kern, New York Times
Filmed over a period of five years on three continents, Music From the Inside Out is the result of a unique collaboration between the filmmaker and the 105 musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra. The film breaks down the barriers that have long separated orchestra musicians and their audiences, and gets to the essence of the magic and the mystery of music itself. Incorporating a blend of well-loved musical works - including classical, jazz, bluegrass, salsa, and world music - the film features one of the most eclectic soundtracks of any recent documentary.
Built in 1926 as one of America 's most elaborate “movie palaces”, the Tampa Theatre today is a fiercely protected and generously supported landmark. Designed by famed theatre architect John Eberson, the Tampa is a superior example of the “atmospheric” style of theatre design. Inside the Tampa , audiences are transported to a lavish, romantic Mediterranean courtyard replete old world statuary, flowers, and gargoyles. Over it all is a nighttime sky replete with twinkling stars and floating clouds.
Like other new movie palaces around the country, the Tampa Theatre was enormously popular. For the first time in history, the common person had access to opulence on a scale never before imagined. For 10 cents, they could escape into a fantasy land for two hours, see first class entertainment, and be treated like royalty by uniformed platoons of ushers and attendants. By the end of the 1920's, over 90 million Americans were going to the movies every week.
For several decades, the Tampa remained a jewel and the centerpiece of Tampa 's cultural landscape. People grew up, stole their first kisses in the balcony, followed the weekly newsreels, and celebrated life week after week by coming back to the Tampa .
But by the 1960's and 70's, times had changed. America 's flight to suburbs was having a damaging effect on downtown business districts across the country. Hardest hit were the downtown movie palaces which dotted America's urban landscapes. Audiences dwindled and costs rose. Many of our nation's finest movie palaces were quickly demolished before anyone noticed because the land beneath them became more valuable than the theatre operation.
In 1973, the Tampa Theatre faced the same fate. But in Tampa citizens rallied. Committees were formed. City leaders became involved, and soon a deal was reached to have the City rescue the Tampa by assuming its leases. The Arts Council of Hillsborough County agreed to program and manage the Tampa with films, concerts and special events. By the time the Theatre reopened in early 1978, the Tampa had become something of a national model on how to save an endangered theatre.
Today, Tampa Theatre is a remarkable success story, presenting and hosting over 600 events a year. With a full schedule of first run and classic films, concerts, special events, corporate events and tours, the theatre is one of the most heavily utilized venues of its kind in the United States.
Since its reopening, over 2 million guests have enjoyed film events, over 800,000 have attended concerts, and over 700,000 elementary children have enjoyed professional touring theatre productions in the context of one of Tampa 's largest historic preservation projects.
Private support is critical to the Theatre's continued success and service to the community. In spite of its successes, the Theatre only earns about 65 % of its annual operating budget through earned income. The non-profit Tampa Theatre Foundation helps to make up difference by through memberships, special fundraising events, sponsorships and planned giving programs.
Tampa Theatre was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, is a Tampa City Landmark, and is a member of the League of Historic American Theatres."
Today the Verizon neighborhood Yellow Pages was delivered to my house. What's it called?
You guessed it "South Tampa"
"Includes listings for Ballast Point, Beach Park, Davis Island, Downtown Tampa, Harbour Island, Hyde Park, Interbay, MacDill AFB, Palma Ceia, Port Tampa, Sunset Park, TIA, West Tampa, Westshore."
Siiiigh......
Seminole Heights is fortunate to have a good amount of websites for people to learn more about the neighborhood.
SeminoleHeights.com is one of those websites. It has a lot to offer. It is run by Michelle Geisler, another Seminole Heights resident.
I went through the site and cut some descriptions to share:
About Seminole Heights: Whether you’ve lived here 20 years, just a few
months, or are contemplating moving to our neighborhood, here is where you can
find all the facts and history of our unique neighborhood. Click on the buttons
below to explore more!
"Research your house history- Free!"
"About Seminole Heights: Interesting Facts"
"Archival Record: We are building an archival database of information about
Seminole Heights. Our goal is to gather as much information as we can about the
entire history of our neighborhood - from 1910 to today! We know there are
thousands of stories out there, and would love to hear what you have to say. If
your grandmother grew up here, her story is priceless. Collecting oral histories
of a neighborhood are vital to capturing the true spirit of living here in a
particular space in time.
If we don't take a few minutes today, this information could be lost
forever. Together we can help preserve Seminole Heights' rich history for
posterity. Thank you for your generous participation!"
"Welcome to your community Resources Center. This space belongs to the
residents of Seminole Heights. It's a perfect place to share information with
others, or search for topics you need help on or an interest in learning more.
Explore below to find and benefit from helpful "how-to" information shared by
your neighbors. Share your own knowledge! "
Want a web presence? Try one of their store fronts.
"Your business' exclusive StoreFront within the Commerce and Business
Channel of SeminoleHeights.com
Free listing in general business directory, with StoreFront icon
Up to three pages within StoreFront
Unlimited changes to storefront via administrative tool
Unlimited images (Total image size limited to 1MB per StoreFront)
Flexibility to change content easily and quickly
Monthly activity reports to track your store traffic
Distinct presence: Customizable through the use of many layout templates
"Ride-along" boost from SeminoleHeights.com general site marketing efforts, including indexing at major search engines, site-wide promotions & opt-in
newsletters"
In my prior post I talk about the tbt* going daily.
These are not the only changes made by the Times. Today they
launched tampabay.com "Welcome to the new St. Petersburg Timesand tbt*/Tampa Bay Times homepage You've landed on tampabay.com, the new home page for the St. Petersburg Times and tbt*/Tampa Bay Times. We've combined our sites into this central starting point to create the most comprehensive news and information portal for the Tampa Bay region. Read full story"
At lunch time, I have just finished reading the first issue of the 5 day a week tbt*.
I like it.
The tabloid format makes it easier to read on the run that normal daily format. Seemingly there is more color (photos/ads) than a daily. This paper ads more comics to my daily read, ones I had never seen before. This format is an improvement on the oncee a week tbt* format because it fills in the gaps between the articles. It is hard for me to explain, but it flows better than the once a week version did, basically because there is more to read.
There are rumors that in the future there may be a Central Tampa or Seminole Heights page/section included.
This 5 day a week news tabloid is free. So if you are a regular Tribune reader (as I am) and want to get daily taste of the Times for free. Try the daily tbt*
I believe at least one of the tbt* staff lives in Seminole Heights. Here are photos of the staff members to see if you can pick out who it is.
So where can we get the tbt* in Seminole Heights? I believe there may be a rack outside of Nickos. Maybe we could get it also placed at the library.
Most of Seminole's Heights focus tends to be on Nebraska and Florida Ave. However most Seminole Heights goes all the eay over to 22nd street. That section tends to get ignored. Example: Blue Sea is not the only seafood restaurant in Seminole Heights. On Sligh just before 22nd is the Crab Shack. Never been there but it always seems to have a good crowd. No one ever talks about it on the blog or in the email groups.
At the SE Seminole Heights eastern border of 15th Street (at the corner of Ellicott is the Caribbean Store with a take out restaurant in the back. That too is not talked about .
Who has the oldest house in Seminole Heights?
Who has the largest?
Who has the smallest?
Who has the tallest? In height and stories.
Who has the most unique or oddest house?
Who has the longest?
Whose house sticks over the river the most?
I will start things off with my house. I lay claim to oldest and smallest. My house is a 1922 bungalow, 905 square feet. Go ahead, knock me off the list.
3/6/06 Note: Suggested by Anonymoose
Without violating anyones privacy, how about some other categories.
Oldest resident:
Resident of the neighborhood the longest:
Lived in the same home in the neighborhood the longest:
Oldest business:
Building thats had the most businesses in and out:
Largest tree:
Narrowest street:
So you are looking for someone to do something for you like landscaping. There are a few lists around to help you.
Seminole Heights resident and Realtor Rich Guagliardo has a list of vendors/service providers he recommends.
Southeast Seminole Heights has a What's Your Recommendation List
I have a list on my unofficial website based on reccomendations a neighbor collected from other neighbors and from our email list.
If you are looking for a mechanic, I highly recommend John's Import Auto on Nebraska just north of Hillsborough. He works on both of our cars. They are great people
So your kid needs some school testing to see if they are gifted or have some learning issues, but the school system is woefully backed up. What do you do?
You march on down to Keith Clower's Sports and Physical Therapy of Seminole Heights and speak to Abby R. Hill.
Abby and her husband recently moved to Seminole Heights. She is a full time school psychologist, practicing in our school system. She has decided to open up a part time private practice. She has a doctorate in Counseling Psychology, is a Licensed School Psychologist (FL Lic. # SS 850) and also a Certified teacher. In her private practice, she is available for psycho-educational evaluation and testing, as well as counseling. Children, adolescents, and adults, individual and group settings. After school, after work, and on Saturdays.
The address for Sports and Physical Therapy of Seminole Heights is 5803 N. Florida Avenue, 33604. Her phone is: (813) 236-2730.
Today, about 7:30 AM, as usual for the weekend, Susan and I are eating breakfast at Nicko's ( I am having the 2-2-2 special), along with our friend, Sherry Simons. I go into the bathroom to take a picture, so as to follow up on my prior post about places to explore in Seminole Heights. However, someone was using it, so I don't take the picture. As I walk out of the bathroom with camera in hand, one of the waitresses, Karen (and Nicko's fiancee), sees me with the camera and essentially asks me what I am doing. I tell her, and she proceeds to tell me that she was at the Front Porch last night and someone told her about how Nicko's bathroom was mentioned on my blog. Uhoh. I quickly explain that I found the bathroom to be interesting, and tell her how much people have raved about Nicko's on my blog as being one of the best eating places in Seminole Heights. I hope that I have not made my self persona-non-grata there because as really I enjoy my 2-2-2 (2 eggs, 2 pancakes, 2 pieces of bacon) breakfasts.
If you are a blog reader and are in Nickos on Saturday or Sunday around 7:15 - 7:30 AM or so, say hello. Susan and I eat on the south side of the restaurant. I usually wear a blue TGH ball cap.
bootsgt posted on his blog some commentary about the no, no no signs that were posted on the Starbucks sign a bit back. One line I found great was "Look at me! I'm a cool counter-culture protester getting my anti-corporate merit badge."
On November 18, 2005 the Tribune wrote up a community profile story for SE Seminole Heights that appeared in the real estate section. These profiles are then put in the homes section of TBO.com. Except for us. I have been checking the site since then and even compained to the tbo.com people. There are listings for New Tampa (10 profiles) , South Tampa (4), Brandon & South Shore(28), Pasco (11), Northwest (13). None for Central Tampa.
Is this a snub? Or is it very lax management in that section of the TBO.com?
Residents Pursuing Federal Grant
By KATHY STEELE
Published: Mar 4, 2006
SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - City officials say Chelsea and 12th streets haven't passed the test to qualify for speed tables.
So residents are taking another route to slow what they say is a heavy load of speeders in their Southeast Seminole Heights neighborhood - a federal grant. (more...)
I am starting a series called VOTE SEMINOLE HEIGHTS. In order for Seminole Heights to get it's issues taken care of we need to be listened. In order to be listened to we need power. We will get power by being organized. We will get power by being on local boards and commissions. We will get power by running for office. We will get power by expression our concerns and opinion to our leaders as groups. We need to vote for things on how they will affect Seminole Heights
Tonight at the SE Seminole Hts porch party, I was speaking to Randy Baron, preaident of Old Seminole Heights. He has a couple ideas.
The first was Seminole Heights needs to be in it's own City Council district. His idea was to get us moved to District 6, carving out some from District 5 and 7. I agree. I don't know what the process it to get that done but will look into it. We may need to have a signature campaign.
The second is to have some an organized dialogues with state elected officials on issues with broader focus than the narrow neighborhood focus.
In my inbox:
We didn’t know if this was for Miss Manners or Dear Abby, so we thought we’d ask
you since your blog has been so helpful since we moved to Seminole Heights last
month.
How do you throw away a garbage can?
When we moved in, a ratty, old, cracked 50 gallon plastic can was parked by the porch. We use two new garbage cans and have placed he old one next to them for
pick up. We’ve put it right side up, upside down, on its side…Our trash is
picked up very early, so we sleep through speaking with the sanitation workers
directly. Or current options include: cutting it up into little pieces and bagging it, spray paint “this is trash, please take” and learning to love it as a quirky feature of our home.
Any thoughts?
The Weekply Planet written one of the coolest stories I have seen, ever. They have gone where no man has gone before, well ......actually, where most of us can't go.
"Where have you always wanted to go but figured you wouldn't be able to get in -- at least not without a press pass, a VIP invite or a death wish?
That's the question that drove this year's UrbanExplorer's Handbook.
In our inaugural edition ofthe handbook in 2005, we focused on neighborhoods -- areas that balance urban complexity with small-town character in ways unique to Tampa Bay. Places, in other words, we hoped you would explore, too, if you hadn't already."
"Landmarks loomed large: the Sulphur Springs water tower, the UT minarets, the top floor of AmSouth. Anything that was way up high or way down under: the top of the Trop, that bomb shelter behind Al Capote Dry Cleaners. Closed doors were a temptation, too: a police evidence locker, the Lightning locker room and the
dressing (or un-dressing) room at the 2001 Odyssey strip club."
Timothy Schroyer has started a mypsace called Mid Tampa Artist Collective.
"A group for artist in Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Ybor and Ybor Heights, Sulphur Springs and Tampa in general. This means Painters, Musicians, Sculptors, Writers, Film makers, thinkers, Photographers, supporters of the arts. People who just want to be involved and be apart."
Myspace is "an online community that lets you meet your friends' friends.
Create a private community on MySpace and you can share photos, journals and interests with your growing network of mutual friends!"
I like the Name Mid Tampa.
This means there is now two online venues for Central Tampa/Mid Tampa artists.
We have a slew of stories about Seminole Heights or that mentioned Seminole Heights residents.
The first is about the various business changes we have had.
Seminole Heights loses, gains stores
St. Petersburg Times Thu, 02 Mar 2006 10:11 PM PST
Seminole Heights' fledgling commercial lineup is showing signs of last-minute shifting before what could prove to be a neighborhood turning point, the mid-April opening of Starbucks at Hillsborough and Central avenues.
Madison Bickel of Seminole Heights is mentioned in this article about the Source Teen Theatre
Issues, answers, controversy
St. Petersburg Times Thu, 02 Mar 2006 10:13 PM PST
Students in the Source Teen Theater hope to change, or even save, lives with their message on sex. They're learning a few lessons, too.
"Through educational sessions, meetings and theatrical performances, the teens support each other and try to help their peers with life choices regarding sex, family issues and peer pressure."
Angelica Diaz of Viva La Frida's write a letter t othe editor about the saferty along Florid Avenue and misfocus code enforcement. It's the 3rd letter in the column. Of note is the second letter about Tampa never having a vibrant art scene
Grocery's parking lot anything but a pleasure
St. Petersburg Times Thu, 02 Mar 2006 10:11 PM PST
"City should do more to make U.S. 41 safe". . . . What is perplexing is the strong-handedness the city of Tampa's Code Enforcement is exercising with regard to what they consider code violations, such as xeriscaping and other minor, vague cosmetic violations." . . . ."Get these businesses to remove their obstructing fences, enforce speed limits and discourage auto racing on U.S. 41. I'd like to see my overtaxed dollars used to make my neighborhood a pedestrian-friendly one."
The eighth blurb down in this story is about an award to a MHC program manager
Notebook: Group needs help for cleanup
St. Petersburg Times Thu, 02 Mar 2006 10:12 PM PSTTAMPA
The Homeless Coalition awards first hero award
"OLD SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - The Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County has awarded the first Homeless Hero Award to Jenine La Coe, program manager of homeless services for Mental Health Care Inc."
From an email:
"I have been having problems finding a reliable landscaper to come out and take a look at my yard when they say they will. I should say I am having problems finding a landscaper to come out at all. I am in need of some grading and possible sodding afterward. I am ready to start the project now so I thought I would ask you if you know of anyone local, or if not local, someone that would be recommended. I appreciate any help you can pass my way"
When you live in an urban neighborhood, you will likely encounter visits from some of our residents who have different priorities in life. They will come up and see if there are any odd jobs they can do for you. Sometimes they ca nvery helpful. Sometimes not. Sometimes they are just there to scam you. They often have arrests of minor or petty crimes. Sometimes not so petty. One example is George. Another is Jeff Burgess.
I don't recommend you utilize their services. If you do so, be smart. Don't let them in your house. Pay them only after the work is done to your satisfaction. Be clear as to what work gets what pay. You may need to stand around and supervise. Get their name and run a quick background on the HCSO (only goes back 5 years but has photos) or on Clerk of Circuit Court (goes back longer but no photo) websites
Here is another odd job man who every so often pops up in our email group.
Name: SIMMONS,TENNIE JR
DOB: 10/22/48
"This man has visited my house many times begging. When I tell him that there are organizations to help him, he runs off. But, He still returns at least once
a month."
"I was talking to a neighbor, who knew him and called him, "Mr. Simmons." She said he was nice, etc.. He was very persistent in raking my front yard and he did appear to be homeless. I never really answered yes or no before he had started. After his outlandish $ request for raking 6 -7 piles of leaves, I paid him what I had on me, lower than what he wanted, and he left. I
do need to say, however, because this could be very helpful to police should anything further happen, he had a gunshot wound on his stomach. Bobbie had
brought it up and he so graciously showed me. He said he was shot by police. I
wanted no details. The worst part of this is, he came back 2 nights later around
10:45 saying he had no $ to get back to his shelter in S. Tampa (which he did
tell me the previous time that he lived) and that he had no way to get back. It
was projected to get to freezing temps. this particular night and I didn't want
him staying at our house, so my husband gave him $ (very unlucky for us, $20 is
all we had on us at that time) and needless to say, although it's probably
helped keep him away from us, we never saw him again after his 'promise to
repay' the next day."
"I know Mr. Simmons has taken money in small denominations from anyone who will give it to him for the four years I have lived here. I personally have experienced him coming to the door late at night asking for money. . . .I don't think he's dangerous. I do feel he needs to be discouraged from his door to door activities, but I don't know what the solution is. He's been in jail several times and I believe his drug and
alcohol addiction lead him back to people's doors as soon as he gets out."
"He's been a fixture in this neighborhood since we moved here and has
never done more than panhandle that I know of. He is often seen with a rake in
his hand offering to do yard work for money and while he's not the best worker
for your money, he will work if you keep your eye on him."
"This is also the guy who did some yard work for me a couple of years ago, and when he had a big pile in the back yard, he said he'd go get his truck to pile it all in. I
foolishly paid him in full, never saw him again and he took my best rake!"
"This sounds like the guy that we encountered when we first moved in one
year ago. He said he lived down the street from us and needed to get to the
hospital to see his wife, whom we must have seen in the area before in her wheel
chair (which, of course, we hadn't). He asked for money for gas. My husband
instead gave him the gas we had just bought for our lawn mower. He promised to
return the container in the morning. Of course, he didn't. He came again, by
which time we had learned our lesson, and we sent him on his way. He's been
doing this for a good long time!"
Kathy Steele did an article on the Monday night arts meeting. The google group http://groups.google.com/group/Central-Tampa-Artists has 17 members. On that group there has already been posted some commentary on the meeting, a call for artists and a request by a gallery owner seeking artists "I am opening a retail frame shop/gallery in Largo near Bellair Bluffs. I am interested in artists, to show their work, sell it, and possibly arange shows for the public and design trades. "
If you have problems joining the group, email me
Artists Painting Picture For Their Future
By KATHY STEELE ksteele@tampatrib.com
Published: Mar 2, 2006
"Artists may have taken the first step toward forming an arts league after a town hall meeting this week at Covivant Gallery.
More than 40 artists discussed their wish list for a brighter cultural future for such neighborhoods as Tampa Heights, Ybor Heights, Seminole Heights and Sulphur Springs. The meeting was sponsored by the Artist Advisory Committee of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County." more...
We are selling our blue 1990 Toyota Camry DX. $1500. 147k miles. A/C, Power windows and locks. Sony removable face plate AM/FM cassette. Runs well. We have records of all the maintenance done on the car. Email me or if you know my phone number call me. The car is at the side yard of my house.
I can't take credit for this creative work. This is what was sent out. All are welcome to join the party. Those from Old and South Seminole Heights, drop on by and meet your Southeast neighbors.Time to Shake Up The Hood! FRONT PORCH PARTY! Come to our Front Porch Party This Friday, March 4@ 911 E. Shadowlawn We are going to have a FRONT PORCH and yard party! Come and help us make everyone who lives in the hood, and drives by wonder why they didn't come! Bring a neighbor, your beverage of preference and a dish to share.
The owners of this business run the business out of their home in Seminole Heights. Many times on our emails groups people ask "can anyone recommend. . . ." when they need something done for their house. This seems to be one way of getting reliable recommendations.
HOCOA Service Offerings Grow with Membership
Home Repair Contractor Referral Service Announces First Year Benchmarks
TAMPA, Fla., March 1, 2006 – Over the past year, more than 2,000 Hillsborough County home owners were spared the dilemma of mistakenly hiring incompetent, unethical home repair contractors by utilizing their member benefits with Home Owners Clubs of America Inc. (HOCOA) – Greater Tampa Bay; a Tampa-based home repair and maintenance contractor referral franchise that has rapidly grown in membership and service offerings since it began business in March 2005.
“Each of our contractors undergo meticulous screening for proper insurance, licenses and performance references before they are accepted into our Home Repair Network,” said Brian Deacon, president of HOCOA – Greater Tampa Bay. “No longer having to guess which contractor can repair or maintain one’s property – correctly and at a fair price – is an idea that’s struck a positive cord with Tampa Bay’s home owners.”
“Plus, the services of our Home Repair Network are available to HOCOA members 24/7 with only one phone call,” added Chris Snyder, vice president of HOCOA – Greater Tampa Bay. “This simple, win-win arrangement between our members and our pre-approved contractors has resulted in a 30% boost in membership and has helped us expand from 12 service offerings to over 32!”
Throughout the past year, HOCOA – Greater Tampa Bay has served home owners, realtors and property management agents throughout Hillsborough County and has recently expanded its services to Pinellas County (as of March 1, 2006). Today, HOCOA – Greater Tampa Bay has more than 2,100 members and continues to grow; while its Home Repair Network now includes over 60 pre-qualified contractors ready to deliver an abundance of high-demand services including: air conditioning and heating, electrical, handyman and landscaping. For a complete list of HOCOA – Greater Tampa Bay’s services, visit www.hocoafl.com.
HOCOA – Greater Tampa Bay Area is a franchise of HOCOA Inc. and was founded in March 2005. It is headquartered in Tampa, Fla., and serves Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, with immediate plans to expand its services (and open offices in) the counties of: Collier and Lee (April); Lake (July); and Sarasota and Manatee (September).
HOCOA – Greater Tampa Bay Area is a member-based home repair and maintenance contractor referral service that matches its members needs with contractors that have been pre-screened for proper insurance, licenses, experience and performance records. All contractors, once approved by HOCOA – Greater Tampa Bay Area, become part of HOCOA’s Home Repair Network.
HOCOA – Greater Tampa Bay Area’s service offerings are vast and varied and include A/C and Heating, Carpentry, Concrete, Electrical, Fencing, Handyman, Landscaping, Masonry, Painting, Pest Control, Plumbing, Roofing and many more. For more information on HOCOA – Greater Tampa Bay and its many services, visit www.hocoafl.com.
This occurred just outside the SE Seminole Heights borders across 15th Street. That area is part of East Tampa, although I understand in the past, residents of the section have asked to become part of SE Seminole Heights.
Brothers held in attack on teen
St. Petersburg Times - St. Petersburg,FL,USA
TAMPA - A teenager was knocked unconscious and slashed in the face during an armed robbery in his backyard near southeast Seminole Heights Monday afternoon ...
A celebration of Hillsborough High Schools's newly renovated main building will take place on Saturday, April 1, 2006 on our campus. There will be an Open House from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM with a ceremony and concert in the auditorium at 1:00 PM. MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent of Schools will be joined by School Board members, County Commissioners, and City Council members as well as many other invited guests. Light refreshments will be served by a partnership of Hillsborough High School Culinary Arts students, HHS lunchroom staff, Hillsborough County food service staff and Starbuck's.All residents of all parts of Seminole Heights are invited. Please park where space is available and follow directions of JROTC and Student Government students.
