South Seminole Heights General Membership Meeting

It will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at 7 p.m. at a a NEW location,

The Florida Avenue Baptist Church. The address is 4208 N. Florida Avenue, at the corner of North Bay street.

For a map to the new meeting place and for other Civic Association information please click on the link http://www.geocities.com/oursshca

Parking available behind the church, with additional parking is available on the other side of Florida Avenue, in front of the Berrell Electric Co. building.

The meeting will include a presentation, "Water Wise" by Master Gardeners Dawn Dickens and Virginia Overstreet from the Hillsborough County Extension office. If you are planning to attend, please pre-register by calling 813-404-5222. The speakers will provide handouts and "freebees", so they would like a fairly accurate count. (Even if you are unable to pre-register, please plan to attend.)

Gerber Baby Returns To Seminole Heights

Head Librarian Tina Russo at the Seminole Heights Branch Library brought the Gerber baby there today.


Well actually it was the woman who was the model for the Gerber baby, Ann Turner Cook. Ms. Cook came to talk about her book Trace Their Shadows.


Ms. Cook's other claims to fame is that she was an English teacher at Hillsborough High School and a local mystery writer. She sets her books in small towns in Central Florida.
Some of her titles are , Shadow over Cedar Key, and Homosassa Shadows : A Brandy O'Bannon Mystery. Ms. Cook was Tina's English teacher.

Opening of Starbucks

Due to dog issues (behavior) we missed the opening of Starbucks. However I drove by at 8:30 PM and observed the place to be packed. Later I came by at 9:10 and it was closed and still full of people.

Merino's Deli in the Times

St. Pete Times article on Merino's Deli. go to the second article inthe stories.

A Grass Root's approach St. Petersburg Times - St. Petersburg,FL,USA... KEEPING THE FAITH: Mike Merino knows Seminole Heights. ... And he knows what Seminole Heights needs. ...


"And he knows what Seminole Heights needs. So he's planning to open Merino's Seminole Heights Deli, tentatively by July. He intends to occupy part of Larry's Automotive service building at 6430 N Florida Ave. and perhaps eventually expand his restaurant and buy the entire building.

It's not a done deal yet but, "I'm 90 percent sure this thing is going to happen,'' he said. He plans to offer sandwiches, soups, salads and hot entrees for dine in, take out and free neighborhood delivery."

Tonigts events: Starbucks Opening and SE Sem Hts. Porch Party

Ribbon cutting today at 2:00 P.M.

Starbucks to open today with free drinks, pastries St. Petersburg Times - St. Petersburg,FL,USATo thank the Seminole Heights community for its support, Starbucks will serve free tall beverages and pastries until 9 pm Tips and donations will be given to ...

On the email list:
We're happy to announce that Susan Thurston, St. Pete Times "City Times" Editor, will be coming to our porch party! Please be sure to introduce yourselves to her, and welcome her to the neighborhood!Don't forget that Starbucks is having an Open House from 6-9pm and we will be meeting up there between 6:30 and 6:40 (prior to the porch party) to enjoy some coffee, tea and pastries before heading over to 910 E. North Bay Street for the "You Kill It ... We Grill It" porch party! Stop by Starbucks and give them a warm SE Seminole Heights welcome ... then make your way on over to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gutierrez (formerly just plain ol' Maria Garcia's). The grill will be red-hot and waiting for YOU!!!

Hey, Wayne Garcia, you are welcome to come to the porch party too! As are any Trib Editors who would deign to come to our neighborhood.

Art, Decor & More opens up in Seminole Heights

In the Trib:
Decor Store Has Something Old, New, Different

The Tampa Tribune Thu, 06 Apr 2006 6:27 AM PDT

OLD SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - Along the stretch of Florida Avenue unofficially known as "antique alley," a new shop is offering "something old, something new and definitely something different."

The owner is Joe Soutter. The store is located at 4709 N. Florida Ave and is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For information, call (813) 236-8942.

Transgenders

In a prior post the issues of transgenders came up. This is an emotional subject with many people for a variety of reasons.

Personally my perception of male to female transgenders is colored by my experience, of running into prostitutes who are transgenders, as this has been my only significant apparent contact with male to female transgenders. (I say apparent because who knows what contact I have had and have not been aware the person was male to female transgender.) I am only seeing this group in their street working outfit and street working behavior. This means my initial reaction upon seeing a black male to female transgender in Publix is to automatically think prostitute, whether that is true or not. I am not saying this initial reaction is right, but this is what can happen when your contact with a part of a group is only in one situation.

So we can talk more intelligently, here is some more info from the Human Rights Campaign:

Transgender Basics
Transgender is a broad term that applies to people who live all or substantial portions of their lives expressing an innate sense of gender other than their birth sex. This includes transsexuals, cross-dressers and people who simply feel like their biological sex fails to reflect their true gender

Transsexual: a person whose innate sense of gender conflicts with their anatomical sex. Some, but not all, transsexual people undergo medical treatments, such as hormone therapy or surgeries, to change their physical sex so that it is in harmony with their gender identity.

Transvestite: an outdated term that refers to people who sometimes cross-dress, or dress in clothing typically associated with the opposite sex. Many cross-dressers are heterosexual and typically present themselves in a manner consistent with their birth sex.

... (more)

Trangender 101

Whether or not they identify as transgender, many gay, lesbian, bisexual and straight people transgress traditional gender roles. A straight female with short hair who is often called "sir" in public, a boyish-looking lesbian who is questioned in the women's bathroom, a gay teen-ager who is reprimanded for "not acting like a man" — all face bias based on preconceived notions of gender. The more people see how gender varies, the more people will embrace laws that treat people equally regardless of their gender exhibition. . . . (more)

Following the above definition, we in Seminole Heights and in Tampa are Berkeley in that we have many people who transcend traditional gender roles in variety of different ways.

Before you respond to this post, stop and think and try to move beyond gut reactions (this applies to everyone who responds).

Rebuilding a Shed and Variances

From the email list: (*Note this is property is not in the Historic Distric so ARC is is no concern, only the Overlay applies.)

We have an existing concrete slab on our property where the original shed was built (according to the neighbors the shed was condemned by the city a number of years ago and had to be torn down). We would like to rebuild the shed using the existing slab and match the style of house. Problem is the slab is on the property line but current building codes says it must be several feet in. Thus was need to apply for a variance – two of our neighbors have their original sheds on the property line and we are hoping that variance will be granted because we are restoring the house and property back to its original state. If not, it would render the slab useless and cost lots of money to rip up and repour!


My husband . . . understands building codes and how to draw the plans etc. But we were wondering has anyone ever done this? Any words of advice or know of someone we should talk to?

Jean Street Shipyard

History Is A Solid Anchor
Skip directly to the full story.
By KATHY STEELE ksteele@tampatrib.com
Published: Apr 6, 2006

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - Tucked away at the end of West Jean Street is a dirt
driveway, a portal that opens to a wide swath of land sloping to the
Hillsborough River.

Interesting story. However in contrast to what is said in the story residents around the shipyard have told me that there were plans by the owners to build condos there but the enviromental cleanup costs were too much.

Central Tampa Section Returns

Welcome Back To Our Readers In Central Tampa
Published: Apr 6, 2006

You spoke. We listened.

This morning marks the return of the Central Tampa section for some of the city's most established neighborhoods.

Since the section was discontinued in November for economic reasons, we heard from a host of readers who depend on us for their neighborhood news.

Your voices were heard.

We will customize the section front to highlight stories important to Central Tampa readers.

Thanks for speaking up. We hope you enjoy the section.

Janet Weaver, executive editor

Actually I believe we more than spoke up, we yelled and screamed and had a hissy fit.

I however, now read the St. Pete Times, for the next 13 weeks.

Central Tampa Artists Group formation

This went out on the Central Tampa Artists Group email:

"We'd like to get together to discuss forming an artists' group for the
area. If you're interested attend next Monday, April 10, 7p.m. at the
new Seminole Hts. Starbucks, corner of northeast Hillsbourough and
Central. If you can't make it, but want info from the meeting, let me
know and I'll email you."

Searching for as-needed office space

I have had this request:

I'm trying to have a place to house my
(very) part-time practice (therapy/psychology) . . . in Seminole Heights.


I'm just wanting to get any suggestions you might have for places for me to
look in the area. Anyone with a small business site that might like a
little extra income for me to rent space on an as-needed basis.

Of course as Keith is selling his place, he is out.

Prostitution Activity

From an email:

"As many of you know, diligent efforts by our neighborhood watch groups and the Tampa Police department have virtually eradicated the prostitution activity along Nebraska Avenue.

Unfortunately, we have seen a few prostitutes in the early morning hours of 4:30 to 5:30 along Nebraska between Clifton and Henry Avenues. One is a black transvestite prostitute and the other is a white female with a blonde ponytail. One of our neighborhood watch vehicle patrol members witnessed the blonde female being picked up by "john" just this morning.

If you see any individuals fitting this description, or anyone else who appears to be a prostitute, please call the TPD non-emergency number 231.6130 and they will deploy an officer. Be sure to ask for an event number when you call so we can be sure that your call is logged into the system.

We've been very diligent in reducing this problem and have received amazing results for our efforts. If we can spread the word about calling in prostitution activity, we can completely change the reputation of Nebraska Avenue!. We are almost there already!"

Personally, last week I went to work earlier and around 6:30 AM saw an tall black transgendered prostitute in bright lime green very short shorts on Nebraska and Louisiana. I called TPD who as I later learned from a lieutenant was busy dealing with the man on the steeple at Seminole Heights Baptist Church. When they had time to look for him/her she/he was off her/his shift. So keep calling if you see him/her so they can arrest him/her.

OSHNA’s Preservation Committee

If seeing an old building has ever made you feel happy…

OSHNA’s Preservation Committee will be meeting at 7 p.m., on Monday, April 10,
at the home of Suzanne Prieur, 5306 N. Suwanee Ave.

We are going to be starting some exciting projects & invite you to join us. You do not need to have any experience, just an interest in preservation. You do not need to have oodles of spare time. Tasks are small & specific & you can take them on as you wish.

You will meet some wonderful people, learn interesting things about the past & help save some old buildings.

Call Suzanne at 813 610-5255 for more information.

Jazz at the Harbor

JAZZ JAZZ JAZZ FEATURING QUARDRIVIUM
1ST FRIDAY
April 7th 2006
The historic HARBOR CLUB
IN OUR RED DOORS LOUNGE
915 EAST GRANT AVENUE
(Nebraska Ave and Hillsborough River)
8:00 to 12:00pm
RESTAURANT OPEN FOR YOUR DINING ENJOYMENT For further info: Norma 932-9288 or 546-5768 SPECIAL JAZZ EVENT FRIDAY, APRIL 28TH, 2006 COVER $5.00 - Door Prizes

Sunday Simcha

Even a goy like me likes this show

For Jewish Radio Show, Support Falls Short
Skip directly to the full story.
By JULIE PACE jpace@tampatrib.com
Published: Apr 4, 2006

TAMPA - The bar was set high.
Make that "chai."

Eleven-thousand dollars and 170 callers. That's what the hosts of "The Sunday Simcha," a popular Jewish music and cultural program on WMNF, 88.5 FM, needed to meet their fundraising goal. . .

TO DONATE
Listener-supported station WMNF, 88.5 FM, wraps up its weeklong fundraiser Wednesday. To make a tax-deductible donation, call (813) 238-8001 or (813) 239-9663, or visit www.wmnf.org. Donations may be made in the name of a particular program or to the station in general.

Personal Trainers

Asour dog Ella gets healthier, the more we need obedience training. Any suggestions? Anyone ever try the trainers that come to your home?

Cleaning Up at Simones

An eagled eyed reader spotted the following at Simones. Today at 6:00 P.M. or so three women wearing bikini underwear washing cars for a $5.00 donation. Who is the $5.00 going to help out?

Biking on Hillsborough

Southeast Seminole Heights Reident Gena Torres is mentioned in the Trib in the second item in this article "SunPass Can Be A Tad Quick To Pounce"

Two-Wheeled Army

. . . .Now, the county Planning Department's bike-and-pedestrian maven,
Gena Torres, is trying to organize a small but mobile two-wheeled army to
persuade the DOT to swipe a couple of feet from the median and maybe a bit from
each of the travel lanes to create "a continuation of the bike lanes that exist
to the west, on the other [pretty] side of I-275."

She's hoping for a strong turnout of bicycle riders at a meeting the DOT
has scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. April 11 at Seminole Heights Baptist Church, 803
E. Hillsborough Ave., to support the median project and encourage the DOT to
make room for bikes.

New Times Reporter for Seminole Heights

We have a new reporter covering the Seminole Heights beat. Alexandra Zayas who has taken over for Sherry Day. I'm not completely sure what beat she had before because a search reveals crime stories and others including this tasty one "Seduced by a corn dog: How vendors draw us in"

Welcome.

Feedback on the Home Tour

Today was the Old Seminole Heights Home Tour. I did not go on the tour because Susan had some of her art there. I was impressed as to how well the trolley's were rolling and how well the volunteers directed the traffic. I heard many people were escpecially impressed with the house on Florida Avenue built by the blind man. As usual this is a tour other neighborhoods could learn from. Starbucks apparently did well. At Starbucks, City Council candidate (City Wide) Terry Neal of Temple Crest was chatting with people.

The Art part was disappointing in that there was only 7 people set up. Susan, Jimmy Steel, Steve Gluckman, Lori Ballard, The Artisan's Workshop, Warm Sand Fused Glass, Larry Gagner and Artistic Visions (I think). The artist who were there had great work, I wished there had been more. Perhaps the event needs to be made more formalized and organized and publicized the same amount as the tour. There could be 20 to 30 artists there easily. It might also help it the food was mixed in with the art.

I also wonder why I did not see any materials/brochures/flyers or menu for the businesses in the hood. Its good to publicize our businesses.

Great Steak

If you have not been to the August the Bread Man's website, this would be a good time. He just posted something called a Dirty Steak. Scroll to the bottom and salivate.

The Shop On the Corner

The Trib has a great article in the Sunday section of Baylife called "The Shop on the Corner", about Seminole Heights' own Tampa Antiquarian Books. Unfortunately I cannot find it online.

Chelsea and 12th - another accident

Email to the City from Mike Ferlita

"There has been ANOTHER traffic accident at the corner of 12th and Chelsea Streets. Two cars involved and numerous pedestrian witnesses who just happened to be walking in the area when it happened.

I wonder how long the city's traffic department will continue to not take this issue seriously. There have been at least 12 or 15 accidents there that I can remember and they continue to claim that there is not a traffic issue.

When someone does get injured (or worse) there I will make sure that the victim and their family know the entire history of the traffic problems there and just maybe they will be able to take some legal action.

It is ridiculous that it has to come to this. But I see that we are not the only ones with traffic issues. It has been almost 3 years since that woman was killed on Bayshore Blvd by a motorcyclist and still NOTHING has been done to calm traffic there either.

Please do SOMETHING!!!!"

Ella

Susan and I have been working through our grief over the death of Dickens. I want to thank all the people who helped us through it via face to face conversation, comments on the blog or emails. Rohanna, Sherry, Elison, Michelle Geisler and many more

We finally reached the point were we we ready to start looking for a new dog.

First we thought about it a lot and how it would impact Siggy, our 17 year old Jack Russell Terrier.

Then we spoke to our vet, Dr. Harold Langbehn of Ehrlich Animal Hospital, about whether it would be okay for Siggy for us to get a dog. He said getting the right dog might actually rejuvenize Siggy. We were afraid a big dog might knock our geriatric Siggy around, so we were thinking of getting another Jack Russell puppy (tangent - There is no such thing as a Parson Jack Russell - that is an effort by the AKC to take over the breed from the Jack Russell Terrier Assocation, wimpify the breed and remove it from its working dog background.) Our vet thought that actually a JR puppy might be to energetic and recommended a bigger dog such as a Pit Bull, Staffordshire Terrier, Boxer, or a Golden Retriever. Because our neighbor Erin has a Rhodesian Ridgeback, Blue, that is very nice, we thought about getting one . He said it also would be a good dog.

So we began looking and researching the breeds. We went to PetFinder and searched all of the local rescue groups to see what was there. We found that the various rescue groups differ in amount of info available. The Boxer Rescue group and Rhodesian Ridgeback group had extensive info.

On Friday we drove to C.A.R.E rescue group in Riverview. We met a dog named Maddie, but she had some minor aggression when some other dogs came around. It was clear she wanted our attention and did not want to share it. However, we wanted no aggression for Sig.

Saturday we were going to do the round of Pet Stores to see the dogs the rescue groups bring there. We went to PETCO on North Dale Mabry where there were about 30 dogs in crates, creating such a racket. This was the Lost Angels Rescue group

We met Jada, who was very nice, we we thought a bit to energetic for Siggy. Next to Jada was a dog they called Kaya. She had only been with group for one week, having come from the County Animal Control. She was very shy and submisive and obviously very stressed. She was not even leash trained. The foster parent had to take carry her over to a bench away from the rest of the gang. At some point during the introduction session with Susan and I, she put her head on my arm. I was captured. We decided to adopt her. We filled out the adoption paperwork. I called our Vet to set up an appointment. While I was doing so the rescue group was on the other line checking our vet. We were interviewed and it became a short interview once they found out we had a 17 year old JR. They were not used to dogs that old. We passed. We went into the store to buy supplies. Crate, harness, dog food and other items. Fortunately I alway carry a leash with me in case we set loose dogs in the neighborhod, so I did not have ot buy one.

On the way home Susan came up with the new name of her, Ella for Ella Fitzgerald. This name fit for 2 reasons. She was listed as a Catahoula Leopard dog with I associate with Louisiana. Secondly be she has the blues.














The introduction of Siggy and Ella went well. He tolerated her and she did not push things.

More to come.

Subsacription to the St. Pete Times

Today, I being my subscription to the St. Pete Times . 13 weeks for $9.99. I will have an overlap with the Tribune so I can give a good comparison.

What's Up at the DQ?

I was told that yesterday they painted the old Dairy Queen and the surrounding cement block wall a dark bright blue. We wonder what is going in there?

Bread Man of Seminole Heights

The headline writer for the Trib came up with a great headline for this story. It's a very good story.

Bread Man Shares Lovin' From His Oven

By KATHY STEELE ksteele@tampatrib.com
Published: Apr 1, 2006

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - Meet the bread man of Southeast Seminole Heights, August Vanderdonckt.

On weekends, the brick oven he built in his back yard is stoked to 700 degrees. He bakes pain al'Ancienne, pain de Campagne, pane Siciliano, ciabatta, anadama bread, French baguettes and braided challah to name a few. . . .

I was at Stehpannos Pizza the other day and they were talking about the Brick Oven Man. They had heard HG TV was going to do a story. If this rumor is correct, greeat!

Perhaps August needs to come up with a greeting. On the radio show "Smoke This" the host Cigar Dave and his listeners use the greeting "Long Ashes." Perhaps we can use the greeting "Toast Your Bread" or "Toasted Bread" or "Warm Bread to Ya" or something.

Seminole Heights Blog moves into 21st Century

I have finally moved up from dial-up to DSL. It's sort of like the difference between standing in line at the Walmart Neighborhood Grocery (next to Home Depot) and our Publix. I used to do a lot of reading in between uploading pictures or files while on dial up, just as I used to catch up on all my trashy tabloids while in line at the Walmart. No more.

Springs

Today I went to Bucks to get a haircut. Intersting stories heard there.

Apparently Purity Springs was at Hanna and Lynn. The Springs was capped off and supplied water to the neighborhood. People had Purity Springs water meters and paid their bills at Osborne. The City eventually closed it down. However water from that spring flow down a ravine to the River near Epps Park. In addition there are other springs in the area. A notatable example is the last house on the North side of North Street where there have a pipe draining offthe spring into the gutter. Also apparently there is a boil in the river where a springs comes out.

One of the people I was listening to was Henry, who lived on Fern for 60 years. He bought his house for $9500.

Neighborhood Watch

Today I was asked by a reader, Jose Gelats whether the Neighborhood Protection Watch was still on. I did not have time to search the internet to find out if it was and where it was.

I found out by accident tonight that it was. I went to our neighborhood Publix and stumbled across people giving out maps to the event. It was tonight from 9:00PM to 11PM. Apparently there were 13 artists showing projecting their work on houses on Roberta Circle, 9th Street near Comanche, Comanche, Powhattan (both between 9th ans 11th), Fern at the bend, and just down the street on North Street between 12 and 13th streets were 4 houses and finally around the corner at 13th near Diana.

Apparently the artists were bacox, borcila, blackwell, carrejo, cheatham, costantino, goodwin, hampton, holland, kitzerow, kral, larsen, nogami, slinko, and walker. The reception and awards ceremony was at 1220 E. north street.

It's too bad there was not more publicity.

Capping Taxes

On the front page of today's Tampa Tribune is an article on the tax caps, featuring an interview with Seminole Heights resident Mike Ferlita.

Tax Value Would Move With You
By KEVIN BEGOS kbegos@tampatrib.com

Published: Mar 31, 2006
TALLAHASSEE - State lawmakers today are scheduled to consider an added break for homeowners: Let them carry the tax value of one home to another home, even if the new one is more expensive. . . .

Here are some quotes:

"Tampa resident Michael Ferlita can't wait to hear them.

Ferlita bought a home on Chelsea Street East 5 1/2 years ago for $63,000, and now he feels stuck - even though it has gone up in value to about $235,000.

"I can't afford to move," Ferlita said. "The actual tax increase would make my payment out of range. It would go from $600 to about $5,000" even for a slightly larger home in the same neighborhood."

"Ferlita, a Realtor, has watched real estate assessments soar and wondered, "What are the governments doing with all these windfalls? I can't imagine that the cost of government has gone up that drastically.""

This Week's St. Pete Times News Stories

St. Pete Times news stories about the Old Seminole Heights Home Tour and the Hillsborough High Open Houses

Relax, and get away - at home St. Petersburg Times Thu, 30 Mar 2006 10:14 PM PST
OLD SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - If someone were going to make a movie about a botanist, Kathy Kuhlman's house would offer the perfect setting. Kuhlman, who is in fact a world-traveling botanist based in Tampa, owns a jewel of a 1920s Mediterranean home high atop a hill overlooking the Hillsborough River.

Alumni to experience familiar flavor St. Petersburg Times Thu, 30 Mar 2006 10:12 PM PST
Hillsborough High graduates are pleased that the school has returned to its originallook after a $16.8-million renovation


Also on the same subject from the OSHNA Bungalow Alert

HILLSBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL’S
RENOVATION CELEBRATION
AND
OPEN HOUSE

The residents of Seminole Heights are invited to a celebration of Hillsborough High School's newly renovated main building on Saturday, April 1, 2006. Guided tours will be offered by ROTC Cadets from 11am until 3pm. The interior of the school has been restored to its original 1927 design. A ceremony, band concert and the March of the Cheerleaders, from early years to present, leading you in familiar cheers, begin in the auditorium at 1pm. MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent of Schools will be joined by School Board members, County Commissioners and City Council Members. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

In the courtyard and main hall will be exhibits of student art, school organizations, Alumni Association and Terrier souvenirs.

Plan to attend and learn about the interesting history of this beautiful landmark

Letter to The North Of Tampa Times

In my mailbox this morning

Good morning,

I received my copy of the St Pete Times this morning and as I read through today's paper I looked for the City Times section which I have come to expect and enjoy with my weekend paper and I finally figured out it has been replaced with the North of Tampa section. Not a problem as change happens. My curiosity over this new section quickly changed from interested to having a bad taste as I see the inside cover for the section.

The map denoting the coverage of neighborhoods and the listing of reporters has set the tone for my introduction for this new section. Noting the beats for the reporters and the exhaustive listings of the neighborhoods covered, I note a large hole in the area around the location of route 92 (Hillsborough Avenue) and I - 275 - specifically the neighborhoods of Seminole Heights. I am finding it a bit ironic that the photographer for your section - Mike Pease lives in this area/neighborhood which covers a very large geographic area yet it is not listed as a coverage area nor is there a reporter assigned to cover the neighborhood. I do note that your reporters cover every other direction north of downtown with two in New Tampa and two for the Carrollwood area. I am aware of at least two reporters for the St Pete Times that actually live in Old Seminole Heights (and your section photographer!) - therefore I am sure the paper is aware that the neighborhood exists. As a matter of fact, Elizabeth Bettendorf has a story (with a color picture) on page 9 of the North of Tampa section this very morning on a home featured on our 8th neighborhood home tour this Sunday, April 2nd.

You may be aware of the furor that the Tampa Tribune created when they dropped the "Central Tampa" section. Subscriptions to the Trib were cancelled in favor of the city-wide coverage that was being offered by the Times. As a result of a neighborhood meeting with the publishers of the Trib, we have been told that the Central Tampa section will be returning in early April. The neighborhoods of Seminole Heights, which embraces three extremely active neighborhood associations, will note the exclusion of our area from you listing of covered areas and I will suspect that this will not be the only e-mail you receive on this glaring omission.

I would be curious to hear your thoughts regarding the missing Seminole Heights neighborhood and your upfront statement of the lack of importance for the area - I think it stings more as your neighborhood coverage area breaks out pretty much every subdivision in the Tampa Palms/Hunter's Green direction but misses a whole part of Tampa which is a larger geographic area and which includes two national historic districts.

I will be sure to say hello to Mike Pease (my fellow neighbor) when I see him at the 8th Annual Old Seminole Heights neighborhood home tour that is expected to host between 1,200 - 1,500 guests this Sunday - assuming they don't use your coverage map for directions that is.

Regards,

Greg Barnhill
a long time subscriber in Old Seminole Heights

"Closer To God"

Today about 6:30 AM or so, police dealt with a suicide attempt at the Seminole Heights Baptist Church by a man who climbed up on the steeple. Police had to follow him up the steeple and Taser him to get him down. It was a dangerous situation that ended well. Why did he climb on the steeple? So he could be closer to God when he died. Sad.

An Alley Cat Defying Gravity and Dead Elvis

Art and Music for everyone

1. Please join the Alley Cat Players for our next library performance--Defying Gravity

What do the following have in common: a Christa McAuliffe-like teacher waiting to board the shuttle, a retired couple RV-ing south to watch a doomed launch, a six-year-old girl, and the ghost of Impressionist painter Claude Monet?

In playwright Jane Anderson's Defying Gravity, these characters share the story as they share a wish, a dream, a reach for the heavens. Through humor, magic, and touching allegory, Defying Gravity transforms the shuttle Challenger disaster of 20 years ago into a poetic, uplifting _expression -- or impression? -- of the need to touch the stars. [An] almost mystical celebration of devoted aspiration," said AISLE SAY Boston.

Monday, April 10, 7pm, St. Pete Main Library, 3745 9th Ave North, St. Petersburg
Tuesday, April 11, 7pm, Seminole Heights Library, 4711 Central Ave, Tampa

See http://www.alleycatplayers.org/ for more information and directions or call (813) 231-8478. 'Art for Everyone' -- All our library shows are free!
Jo Averill-Snell

2. This Tuesday the Reflections Chamber Ensemble will be presenting Stravinsky's L'histoire du Soldat and Michael Daugherty's Dead Elvis at the Palladium Theatre in St. Petersburg. Both of these pieces are very theatrical in nature. I think Palladium tickets are $15.00.

The ensemble is in it's 5th year, and is made up of members of performing groups from around the state, including the Florida Orchestra. This is the first year that we have performed in the Palladium.

We also present a "lite" version of Tuesday's Concert at the Independent Day School campus in Carrollwood on Sunday April 1 at 4:00 P.M. that is just the Stravinsky, with a catered picnic served afterward. These (the picnics) must be ordered in advance. These are more family oriented, and is how the ensemble started, as an educational series. These concerts (without picnic) are $10.00.

Tom and I started this group as a way to present music that we love to a younger audience in an effort to help audiences for classical music continue with the next ticket buying generation. It has proven to be pretty successful, and has grown into a full fledged concert series at the Palladium. I hope some of you can make it.

Stacey McColley- Seminole Heights resident

Tribune News Stories about Seminole Heights

Here are two stories:

Hillsborough High Majesty RestoredThe Tampa Tribune Thu, 30 Mar 2006 5:11 AM PST SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - A two-year renovation of Hillsborough High School is complete. Construction trailers are gone. The campus lawn is replanted with sod.


Nonprofit Organization Sells CabinsThe Tampa Tribune Thu, 30 Mar 2006 5:13 AM PST For nearly five years, the tiny cottages known as Live Oak Cabins have been transitional housing for low-income residents, often those with bad credit or a criminal history


Beverly Morrow came up with a good idea. How about moving the cabins to the Sulphur Springs Water Tower Park?

More on Tampa City Council Redistricting

More on the redistricting that I wrote about before. Below is an email from Randy Baron. This issue is very important. We need to be part of one City Council District. Currently we are split between 3 districts. North/New Tampa (7), East Tampa (5) and West Tampa (6)

If we can become part of one district, we will have more influence in that District. Example: SE Seminole Heights is in District 5. We are the only part of Seminole Heights in that District. Before Kevin White became City Council member for District 5, we were ignored by the previous City Council member, Gwen Miller. The feeling was she ignored us because SE Seminole Heights was a non-majority black neighborhood in an majority black district. She could get elected without us. Fortunately, SE Seminole Heights is now better represented by Kevin White, who looks at all of his District's needs. But Kevin will hopefully moving to the County Commission(if things go well) and so who know who we will get?

However if all 38,000 (or 25,000 or what ever population is) residents of Seminole Heights become part of of the 80,000 residents in District 6, we will be a more powerful voice in that District and thus in the City. Especially since we are the most organized area of Tampa.

From Randy:

The Planning Commission's hearing on city council redistricting is tonight at 7:30 at the Planning Commission Boardroom at 601 E. Kennedy, 18th Floor. Currently, Hampton Terrace and SE Seminole Heights is in 5 and everything else is in 6. Jim Hosler's response to consolidating all of Seminole Heights was as follows:

I took a look at the three precincts and we'll go ahead and run the numbers, but it looks like the switch out of 319 and 318 for 217 won't work because of the racial percentage, at least.

217 is only 21% black and 318 and 319 together are about 33% black taken together. Also, 217 is 3,341 people and 318 and 319 together are 2,650, so the % criteria may also be hard to meet.

If it doesn't work out for you finally after we've "run the numbers", that doesn't mean you can't make the public comment on Thursday -- that is the only way things get changed.

To me, looking at the maps, there are still ways to get this to work. Ironically, the second priority (after equality of district size) is keeping neighborhoods together. I hope some of you can join me tonight in asking the Commission to revisit the feasibility of keeping Seminole Heights in one district.

More on the Planning Commission Website. Phone is 272-5940

Need a Lawyer?

A colleague of mine, Molly Gutcher, just went into private practice. She is a very good lawyer. If you are looking for help in following areas call her • Adoption• Dependency• Termination of Parental Rights• Custody. She can be reached at (813) 500-2957 or email her.

Another very good lawyer is Wes Pardue. I've known Wes for more than 16 years. His practice areas are Divorce, Child Custody, Mediation and Dependency (child abuse and neglect). He can be reached at (813) 254-0034 or email him.

I highly recommend both of them.

Is Gilead Coming?

The Seminole Heights Bookgroup discussed Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" last night.

This book was made more real by recent headlines. Charlie Crist and abortion. Ronda Storms and everything. Militant Islam. Bush's domestic spying.

Scary.

Friday Extra

I was alerted by a reader. Why go to this Friday night's Lowry Park concert? Well, another reason is - one of our very own SESHCAns is playing with 360 at 7 PM. He is Robert Wegmann of Chelsea St. (just west of Nebraska). Some info on him: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Wegmann, his website. Not only is he a musician, he is an artist.

Don't know whether you like the music or not of the other music artists at the concert? At the Tbo.com Friday Extra site has links to some video's or mp3's or some of the groups.

Hillsborough Avenue to be mediated?

From the email list:

JUST LEARNED OF THIS PROJECT TO ADD MEDIANS TO HILLSBOROUGH FROM NEBRASKA EAST TO 50TH STREET. Yeah! This is MUCH needed with all the pedestrian traffic. Personally, I think three lanes in either direction is still excessive for an urban area...but what I'd be remise not to ask for is the continuation of the bike lanes (shoulder) that exist to the west on the other (pretty) side of I-275 and then connecting further east to the paved shoulders by 56th Street. LOTS of cyclists, pedestrians and transit users along this part of Hillsborough Avenue. Perhaps a foot or two taken from the median to stripe a shoulder?

Anyway, I hope we can have people attend the Public Meeting in two weeks. If some of you can attend it would be great to support FDOT in their project to add medians -much safer and if landscaped well, much more attractive than the current sea of asphalt. And please support a shoulder/bike lane which tend to slow traffic a bit, provide a 4-5 foot buffer for pedestrians on the sidewalk, help cars with turning movement and sight distances, oh yeah, and give cyclists a safer place to travel.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites you to attend and participate in a Design Public Meeting regarding safety improvements under design for US 92/SR 600 (Hillsborough Avenue) from Nebraska Avenue to 50th Street in Hillsborough County.

The meeting is being held on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 from 5 to 7 p.m. at:

Seminole Heights Baptist Church
803 E. Hillsborough Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33604
Located in the southwest corner of Hillsborough Avenue/Nebraska Avenue
Parking is located off Nebraska Avenue

The meeting will be held in an open, informal format. There will be no formal presentation. The purpose of the meeting is to present the project design concepts and to solicit public input. Graphics and aerial maps will be on display for public review. A short video concerning the improvements will be shown continuously throughout the evening.

Representatives from the FDOT will be on hand to answer questions and receive your comments. If you are unable to attend this workshop and would like to provide input, please forward your comments by e-mail to Mr. Manuel Santos, Project Manager at or contact him at (813) 975-6173 or at (800) 226-7220.

Tired of being a long hair?

From a reader whose husband uses a cool barber shop in Ybor that was mentioned in the Tribune.

"Nathan gets his hair cut by Scott down in Ybor. He does a great job and spends an entire hour on that lovely head -- no clippers, it is all done by hand. He even does the old fashioned shave with the single blade and hot foam. I love to go with Nathan when I can - get to have some good sangria or a great microbrew on tap, have some tapas, and read Weekly Planet while sitting at one of the cafe tables outside. It is inside the King Corona Cafe on 7th down in Ybor.

Highly recommend it to anyone wanting an experience, rather than just a hair cut.

Not sure he does woman's cuts. Never asked."

Well, as anyone who has seen me this week can tell, I am due for a haircut, so I might give it a try.

Want Art?

Put a paint mustache on your lips and visit the art on display at the Old Seminole Heights Home Tour. Support a starving artist and buy something for your home, your office, your car or your mother-in-law's house. (The last for the art you don't like or don't understand)

Merinos' Deli

If all goes well, coming to Seminole Heights in July is Merino's Deli at 6430 N. Florida Avenue, next to Larry's Automotive. Mike Merino is the owner

SE Seminole Heights Yells - Solid Waste Listens

So SE Seminole Heights got into an uproar over trash. Neighbors complained to the City. Here is the response by Solid Waste to the complaint of Delia.

Thank you for sharing your concerns and frustrations with our services. It is evident that we have done less than a professional job at providing both residential and recycling services to Southeast Seminole Heights residents for the past few weeks. I was disappointed to hear that you and other Southeast Seminole Heights residents have done your best in trying to go though normal channels to have your concerns heard and addressed. It is my understanding that you have made several attempts to correct this matter through our management staff with no success.

First, I would like to apologies to you and the residence of Southeast Seminole Heights for the poor collection services for the pass several weeks. There is no excuse on our part for the lack of service or the lack of focus in providing quality service to you our valued customer. Simply, there is no excuse for our action and as Director of the Department of Solid Waste I take full responsibility for the current and past service level.

To address your immediate concerns regarding one of our drivers providing refuse collection and then proceeding to empty the blue box recyclables into the same truck was very alarming and inexcusable. I have taken the time to personally conduct a comprehensive investigation regarding this matter. Although I am still in the discovery process, I wanted you to be aware of my findings up to this point. They are as follows:

1. The refuse collection driver assigned to Southeast Seminole Heights did admit to empting two blue box recycle containers into the garbage truck while servicing his route.
2. The refuse collection driver stated that he had no excuse for his actions and was open and honest about his negligence.
3. The refuse collection driver also acknowledged that the recycling driver assigned to this area had no knowledge of his actions in discarding recyclables in the trash
4. The driver did violate department policy when discarding recyclable materials, which warrants corrective action.
5. Both managers of the Blue Box and Residential Collection Services failed to aggressively respond to the needs and concerns of community residence.
6. Staff failed to manage and adjust to the concerns of Southeast Seminole Heights residence, even after seeing the many trends taking shape.
7. Staff has failed to assign permanent refuse and recycling collection drivers to this area for the past four months.
8. Inconsistent application of services from staff has also contributed to the many concerns of Southeast Seminole Heights.
9. The department lost money when your recyclables and your neighbors were placed in the garbage truck and carried to the Waste to Energy Plant. The net affect of the driver’s actions were the value of the recyclables plus the cost of disposal.
10. Management dropped the ball even before the incident with the blue box bins.


Corrective Action Taken

11. The Director’s office will monitor all collection services provided to Southeast Seminole Heights Community over the next few months.
12. The Department will assign permanent drivers to the Southeast Seminole Heights effective March 27, 2006.
13. Corrective actions (to include disciplinary actions) will be taken to ensure compliance of departmental policies.
14. Additional training will be administered to show the value of doing business the right way.
15. Better communication both internally and to the public regarding our services will be enhanced.
16. Educational materials regarding services will be provided to area residence that may be out of compliance for service (i.e., no building materials, no hazardous waste products, other limitations, etc.) We feel that customers want to follow the collection guidelines they just need to know what the guidelines say for compliance.
17. Other collection routes (refuse, recycling and yard waste) within the city will be monitored to confirm if this is an isolated incident or if the problem is on a larger scale.
18. I have also asked that Southeast Seminole Heights Association to allow me the opportunity to present to them at your next community meeting in May.

Please note, I truly respect and appreciate the strong network from a caring community. Coming from North Carolina where we implemented fines for throwing away recyclables, I find it extremely disappointing to have anyone within my staff take recycling or the concerns of Southeast Seminole Heights residence for granted.

Collectively, the residences of Southeast Seminole Heights have taken the time out of their busy schedules to share the concerns of their community and I appreciate their time. Once again, I apologize to you and Southeast Seminole Heights for the inconvenience and lack of quality service these issues have caused you. Thank you for your time and attention.

David W. McCary, CPM
Director, Department of Solid Waste
(813) 348-1148

Starbucks is preopening for the Home Tour

Just for the Old Seminole Heights Home Tour, Starbucks is opening up in a tent in the parking lot at Ginger Snips.

Assured of insurance?

One of my neighbors sent this great commentary out on the email list.

"2) Next, I do know enough about insurance as a licensed, life, health and
variable annuity agent to know that the underwriter and the underwriting
criteria which are published regularly by each firm, determine the rate level at
which you can get insured and what the determining factors are for not getting
insured.

So, first we need a state wide updated underwriting set of
criteria that set rates for various levels of compliance to hurricane and
disaster situations which need to be defined. That's probably a challenge
but doable. After all, almost everything everywhere is insured. These
criteria need to be widely discussed and advertised in each and every
community with representatives from the State Insurance Office touring the
state to explain the new codes in town hall meetings. By knowing
what "things" need to be done to homes and let's not forget small businesses,
that might be an incentive for someone say, in level two, ( not as good as
level one rating) to go get hurricane windows for their home. By
upgrading the windows they could hypothetically then qualify for the better rate
and so on.

IN the same set of thoughts about
underwiting, there should be a law that ins companies CAN NOT BLANKETLY
DISAPPROVE AN ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOOD ( e.g.SESHA) BUT MUST SEND AN INSURANCE
APPRAISER TO EACH AND EVERY HOUSE ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS. This lazy,
unprofessional and abusive refusal to consider homes we all know would pass
inspection is the most galling to me. And this is where the arrogance of
those in charge really shows. Perhaps there are other clauses that should
be inserted for this general idea to make sure that each house is fairly
evaluated #1 and #2 given the chance to make improvements within X period of
time to qualify for the better rates or even just to get insurance
altogether.

3) Can't pay or afford the upgrades? That's
where a partnership between private and public sector can help individual home
owners. By issuing both a tax credit for improvements AND very
favorable payment plans PLUS some kind of discount from the home
improvement industry, most home owners could look forward to making many if not
all of the improvements to disasters over time. Right now there is a
program that resembles my idea. I just had a tankless water heater
installed by TECO GAS. The unit is $1250. It saves an enormous
amount of gas and water and electricity. Plus you can take a shower, run both
the dishwasher and clothes washer and get full hot water!

I went from .48 thermal units regular usage to .03! Even with the rise in
gas prices, I am quite ahead. All I pay TECO is $25/month with no interest
for the unit. I had to pay $165 out of pocket to have an electrician
come and pull a CAT 5 cable for the unit and to hook up the
juice. Others may have to upgrade their electrical box to have more
energy put into the home. Now truthfully I could not afford this unit if I
had to pay for it now. But I have been on a personal campaign to go
through everything I do to lower costs and improve efficiency.
This was one item.

4) Next, I read that there was
some talk of not insuring any home over $1million that is on the shore. I
think we should go further. I don't think we should insure any home
over $1million that is: built on a barrier reef island, on the
shore, on a canal, so many feet near a lake, in a swamp that a developer filled
in and sold houses on, next to a river that has a history of overflowing
etc.

It is time for the homeowners to do more due diligence
before they buy a property. All the water kinds of damage that
have happened to an area previously should be available on a State
Government Website for all to see and understand so that no realtor ( sorry
guys) or other person/s who stand to profit from a sale could dupe a potential
buyer about the past hazards of owning said property. For the selling home
owner who gets caught in this no win situation and who owned the property before
the new rules applied, there could be a tax credit for the depreciation of their
property. So, if you love the coast, great! You pay for $1million
worth of insurance and self insure thereafter. The rest of Fl. does not
want to pay for your frivolity. I ALSO READ OF A $25,000 LIMIT ON SINK
HOLES. THat seems harsh, but there has to be some pain withthe gain to get
agreement on such a broad new program.

5) Next.
Hopefully, these steps and others that I haven't thought of or heard from others
about should REOPEN the doors to the
homeowners insurance industry again...along with a potential
boomlet in home renovation across Fl. Even though we're suggestingstate
and perhaps federal tax credits, the State should pay LESS in the long
run for improved homes and small businesses that they are often called upon to
bail out.

That's as far as I've gotten, but I have been
thinking that if we can cobble together a well written and researched manifesto
and circulate it on the internet to all Florida home owners...we might begin to
get somewhere.

When you stop to think about it...what is so
hard about creating a new set of rules to create as much of a win win as
possible. Don't you think that, even in this most cynical of times, that
it is unbelieveable that our officials have neither the guts, creativity or
committment to deal with this most serious problem. I propse a blue ribbon
committee comprised of all the affected parties, state, local, industry and an
across the board sampling of Fl home owners and small business people to jump
start this process. Times a wasting.

Like some of you, I am
wondering if I will be able to afford to retire in my own home and community if
this continues...so I'm kinda motivated.

Looking forward to hearing
your thoughts and ideas and strategies. This community has a lot of great
minds and can do. Maybe we can make a difference here
also.

Thank you in advance if you read this far..."

Happy Birthday Blog

On Monday, March 28, 2005 this blog was born. Since then we have had over 74,345 page views. On Monday March 27, we had a record amount of page views in one day of 1,106, and in one month of 14,188 (with still with few days to go). This compares to April 2005 where I had 1,633 page views for the entire month.

My first post was Welcome. The next was about one of our neighborhoods favorite rants Restaurants. Some interesting early posts (to me) have been Stealth Bather, Drive Through Portolet, and The Retirement of Pat Chambers. What have you liked?

The newest scamming panhandler

On the emal group:

"I had a guy come up to me on my porch earlier this evening (maybe around
6:45 or 7) and ask for money. He gave me the whole story about his wife
was up at the Kash n Karry with their car and he needed only nine more dollars
for the tow truck. He told me he was a pastor and that his friend the
deacon had called for the truck for him. I told him I didn't have the
money and to keep walking. One of my neighbors just came by and told me he
came to his house also. I had not seen this person and he didn't resemble
any of the previous pictures shared in the email group but my neighbor said he's
been making the rounds for about three weeks now b/c he hit him up earlier this
month at 11:30 at night. This guy was a b/m (maybe in his 40's) wearing
khaki pants and a maroon polo shirt with the letters "AWA" embroidered in
white. He was also wearing sneakers and a baseball cap. He was very
clean and polite didn't seem agitated. My neighbor called TPD
and actually followed him a bit and the guy started running through yards
to get away. Just keep an eye out."

Seminole Heights Public Art

Is there any?

(thanks to Asphalt anonymous #1)

Charities

In the a prior article I mentioned how Starbucks was having a opening donation night with the donations to go to the SeminoleHeights/Zonta Boys and Girls Club.

Per the various websites I looked at, technically there is no such thing. It is the Zonta Boys and Girls Club. However since it is just across the river on Sligh, you could say it is the Boys and Girls Club that serves Seminole Heights. That's fine.

But what are the charities actually in Seminole Heights?

1. Center for Girls
(813) 231-3404
105 W Sligh Ave

2. Tampa Crossroads
(813) 238-8557
5120 N Nebraska Ave

3. Francis House
(813) 237-3066
4703 N Florida Ave

4. Metro Center/ Metropolitan Charities
(813) 232-3808
6421 North Florida Avenue

5. Hillsborough NAACP
(813) 23 I VOTE (234-8683)
308 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Suite C

What am I missing?

Title in search of a story

I am searching for Seminole Heights at tbo.com and come across this:

PORT TAMPA SEMINOLE HEIGHTS COMING WEDNESDAY
Published: Mar 25, 2006

However there is no story, just a title. Wonder what this is going to be?

More on Viva La Frida

Viva La Frida Says Goodbye, Sort Of
The Tampa Tribune Sun, 26 Mar 2006 9:38 PM PST
TAMPA - They came prepared to say goodbye, but hoped they wouldn't have to.

"Diaz said she and Ames are meeting this week with a potential investor. That person might partner with Ames, Diaz said, or buy out 100 percent of the business."

Starbucks Update 3-25-06

The New Sign


The new parking lot

Is this where is will it say Seminole Heights?


Drive Through

Here an Asphalt, There an Asphalt, Everywhere an Asphalt

It looks like all of the dirt right of ways in the I-275 underpasses in Seminole Heights are getting asphalted, including the one that was mulched at Hanna.

I have mixed feelings. It's better than dirt, especially when tractor trailers pulled into it and tore it up, but I liked the mulched look better. 

Crystal Clear Advice

The newest Seminole Heights business, between Martha's and Greenshift Music. 

State of the Art

Interesting article in the Trib about 4 art venues, Covivant, Renaissance Center for the Arts, Kama Gallery and Bleu Acier Inc. in Seminole Heights and its neighboring environs and how they are faring. Two (Renaissance Center for the Arts, Kama Gallery) are not - dead in fact, and Bleu Acier is getting sick.

It's All About The Party
Skip directly to the full story.
By AMANDA HENRY ahenry@tampatrib.com
Published: Mar 24, 2006

"If a gallery specializing in edgy new art can't make it in the Heights, it's hard to imagine any other part of Tampa sustaining cutting-edge cultural facilities . . .

So is it that the city isn't ready to embrace avant-garde art? Poor planning on the part of gallery owners? Or just the vagaries of the art business, which can be at least as fickle as the restaurant industry? . . .

. . . but there were recurring concerns: the cost of real estate, a grueling workload, legal issues and, most troubling of all, the fact that so few locals seem to be buying art."

It is important to Seminole Heights and to the Tampa arts community that Covivant not only stays alive but flourish.

Until the market catches up, many artists and gallery owners are hoping for a little outside help. A recent community town meeting on the arts, held at Covivant, drew a crowd eager for support. Mackin, for example, asked about the possibility of a fund to help galleries with marketing and promotions. But aside from small grants for artists and an e-mail database, the Arts Council of Hillsborough County made it clear that it doesn't have the resources to solve the starving-artist problem.

Kearney thinks the city will eventually need to step in, with business incentives or staggered rents, like it used to offer in Ybor City, or at least some legal advice on things such as serving wine at an art opening.

I think the City and local quasi governmental organizations should fund marketing of Tampa arts to Tampa residents, to those living outside of Tampa and to tourists. A creative city is a vibrant growing city. A city without arts is a dead city. We provide incentives to large corporations to bring business here, we should provide incentives to art venues and artists. The problem is that artists don't have rich lobbyists.

However, aside from getting the City to provide support, artists need to organize to get noticed. Organization is what gets Seminole Heights residents the power they have to get problems solved. Unfortunately, Seminole Heights and Central Tampa artists seem unable to organize. Nothing has really happened since the arts meeting a bit ago. Why? Are artists (painters, sculptors, writers, musicians, actors and etc) anti-social? Apathetic? I would not have thought that from the arts meeting. I heard people who were wanting to get going, to try to grab that collective power.

Someone needs to set up a meeting and open a call to artists.

How about this. Since there is going to be Central Tampa Artists at the Seminole Heights Garen Center on April 2 at the Old Seminole Heights Home Tour, why don't others show up at 3:00PM and mill around and plan an organizational meeting. Later meeting venues could be the Seminole Heights Library, the Katheryn Malone Center at Giddens Park, maybe the Metro Center, someone's house, or the band stand at River Crest park.

And the rest of us? Go buy some local art.

Yo Yo, Ho Ho's out of So Ho

Like Ho Ho Chinese Restaurant? Don't want to drive to the dreaded South Tampa? Want delivery? Well coming soon those who live in Seminole Heights (south of Hillsborough), you will be able to get delivery or have a shorter drive as HoHo's is coming to West Tampa

Ho Ho Chinese Restaurant will move from the SoHo district to Columbus and
Armenia Avenue by early April. It will change its name to Ho Ho To Go and
feature takeout, delivery and eight to 10 tables, owner Victor Leon said.

The restaurant will focus on delivery, with three or four drivers
serving South Tampa, West Tampa, West Shore and Seminole Heights. Its northern
boundary will be Hillsborough Avenue, Leon said.

"From my experience, this area is going to change," Leon said. "South
Tampa is becoming a little pricey."

That's for sure. Come to West Tampa or Seminole, the affordable business neighborhoods.

Giddens Park - Newest Trib Story

Giddens Park Renewal Nears End
SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - The pace was ambitious: a park makeover each year for the next decade.

That was the fantasy. Now look at the reality in this Kathy Steele story.

""It was overly ambitious," Lutton said of the park-a-year goal."

8th Annual Old Seminole Heights Home Tour

Today's Trib has some good stories about the Old Seminole Heights Home Tour.

WHAT: A tour of a dozen homes built from the 1920s to the 1970s, including one built in 1942 by Melvin Jones, a blind man. It's listed in "Ripley's Believe It Or Not."

WHEN: 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. April 2.

WHERE: Pick up your ticket and a trolley ride at Seminole Heights Garden Center, 5800 Central Ave., Tampa

HOW MUCH: $10

INFORMATION: (813) 237-8808

I tried to find the Ripley's story online but was not able to yet do so. Aside from featuring one home on the tour I especially liked the look at the nuts and bolts of organizing a home tour. What a great add-on to the story. Good job B.C. Mannion.

"Neighborhoods considering a home tour to raise money and attract home buyers can learn from the experiences of Old Seminole Heights."

"TOUR PLANNING TIMELINE
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER: Committee kick-off meeting. Determine where tickets will be sold and where parking will be available.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER: Solicit nominations. Begin drumming up volunteers for day of tour.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER: Evaluate nominations.

DECEMBER: Arrange trolleys for tour. Select homes for tour. Submit news releases to national publications, such as Southern Living, American Bungalow and AAA Going Places.

JANUARY: Reserve any necessary public facilities, such as parks or recreation centers. Preliminary deadline for advertisements to run in the brochure.

FEBRUARY: Deadlines: for homeowner to submit information for the brochure; for completing historic research on homes; for payment and proof of advertising for brochure.

MARCH: Deadline for homeowners to approve final write-up for brochure. Brochure is completed.

EARLY APRIL: The tour is held."

Redistricting of Seminole Heights

From Randy Baron

I went to the meeting at the Platt library last night. Currently, on each of the proposed plans, all of Seminole Heights except Hampton Terrace (precinct 318) and SESH (319) are in district 6. However, I suggested that 318 and 319 be moved
to 6 in exchange for moving 214, 215, and 217 (Riverside Heights and parts of
Tampa Heights) into 5. Terry Cullen liked this idea because it unifies Seminole
Heights and Tampa Heights into single districts and provides a natural border
(the river) between districts 5 and 6 south of MLK to Columbus. Jim Hosler said
he would check the math and get back to me. If the math works, we should lobby
for this plan to be staff's recommendation. We should also have a presence at
the final hearing to advocate this plan.

This is the link to the proposals and current district map (seen below)



I created an adjusted map



A poor attempt to highlight Seminole Heights

Spaghetti and Rose

Although the District Rose is running in is not in Seminole Heights, as a County Commissioner, she would be friendly to Seminole Heights and be aware of our issues.

"SPAGHETTI - Get Ready!
Join us for some pasta, drinks, music and fun

Sunday, March 26, 2006 - 12 to 4 p.m.
Sons of Italy Hall, 3315 Lemon St.

Campaign Kick-Off to Elect Rose Ferlita
Hillsborough County Commission District 1
"Five for Ferlita!"
CONTRIBUTION $5.00

The purchase of a ticket for, or contribution to, the campaign fund raiser is a contribution to the campaign of Rose Ferlita. "

Car Lots

Another good idea from a reader:

"I wish one of our intrepid reporters at the Times or Trib would look into who actually owns the used car lots. I have a theory they are all money laundering outfits or fronts for other "activities."Certainly they aren't making money selling cars. The lots are always empty.If a reporter started looking into those outfits through local and state public records I GUARANTEE they would find some very interesting tidbits. "

Here is some help on that story
Search the
Florida Department of State Division of Corporations


http://www.questcityguide.com/automotive.asp
(Here are some partial results from the above link)
101 Auto Sales
(813) 238-8882
7006 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

A B C's
(813) 237-3934
6112 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

All Pride Export Inc
(813) 234-9116
7102 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Atlas Auto Sales
(813) 229-3513
3904 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603

Auto World
(813) 933-6917
5916 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Autodrive of Tampa Inc.
(813) 932-2886
7535 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Avin Enterprises Inc.
(813) 232-3212
5702 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Tamayo & Sons
(813) 237-1144
6711 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Tampa Auto Emporium Inc
(813) 238-3325
1400 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Tampa Bay Auto Sales
(813) 936-9151
6823 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Terry Cramer & Sons Inc
(813) 238-8451
6201 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Tito's Auto Sales
(813) 237-1586
6810 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Tommy's Tire & Auto
(813) 236-6400
7277 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

B & A Auto Sales
(813) 231-3340
5705 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Batista Auto Sales
(813) 231-6371
1101 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Bay Gulf Imports Inc
(813) 236-1458
5911 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Best Auto Sales Inc
(813) 238-6161
6006 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Bond Auto Sales
(813) 238-7478
7901 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Cars Cars Cars
(813) 234-3868
6811 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Charneco Auto Sales
(813) 239-0137
7200 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Chillura Auto Sales
(813) 231-7977
5709 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Clean Cars of Tampa Inc
(813) 238-3461
7201 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Crown Auto Wholesale
(813) 237-3000
238 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Dealer Choice Used Cars
(813) 237-0172
5608 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Dill Cars
(813) 239-3181
6618 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Economy Auto Sales
(813) 232-7082
6718 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Florida Auto Group Inc
(813) 238-7455
6706 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

First Amer. Automotive Grp. Inc.
(813) 239-2886
6606 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Harrods of Tampa Bay
(813) 870-0888
1212 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

John's Auto Sales
(813) 237-4732
7311 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Malak Auto Sale
(813) 239-9011
6302 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

3/24/06
more

Norge Auto Sales Inc.
(813) 237-3668
4301 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603

Orvi Car Corp
(813) 231-8719
6001 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Q's Auto Ctr Inc.
(813) 237-2277
4900 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603

R & J Auto Sales
(813) 231-0415
5505 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

R & J Auto Sales of Tampa Bay
(813) 237-1059
7430 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Riverside Motors Inc.
(813) 238-8402
7939 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Rodriguez Auto Wholesale Inc
(813) 236-7777
4116 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603

Select Auto Sales
(813) 237-4219
6717 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Sunny Day Auto Sales
(813) 238-6800
6304 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

UCAR Inc.
(813) 236-8227
7718 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Vanel Auto Sales
(813) 238-6553

Wizard Auto Sales Inc
(813) 237-6601
4105 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603

5920 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Talking Trash

Fresh off the email list:

"I have been calling solid waste religiously regarding missed pick-ups and missed recycling. I am not sure if we have new people or just lazy people. For the past few weeks, they have taken partial pickups, have missed recycling for the past 2 weeks (however they have picked up the load across the street.) The problem is every time they miss the recycling bin, the papers blow all over the street. I have called at least 4 times over the past 2 weeks and have to hold at least 7 minutes before you get a live person. The CSR today said they are having pickup problems city-wide. Last night I got out weighed the garbage to make sure it was less than 50 lbs. Today I was told that if I had 8 bags, they may not take it all. ARE YOU KIDDING ME. However, they have no problem billing me $25.25 for solid waste each month. Do you realize that your garbage service is billing you $25.25 each month That is 56% of my total water and sewer bill. And this is the service we get. Not once have they offered a credit or adjustment. It is always, we will pick it up next week. The house across the street since vacant has never had the garbage picked up. Yet, they still charge me $25.25. I have to pay someone to haul it off, or do it myself. "

One Response:

"I just witnessed our garbage man in truck 1260 at 11:41 dump my recycling in with my garbage. He proceeded north on 10th street and dumped my neighbors recycling in with their garbage as well.

It's now 11:42.

What does this tell you? "

Citywide trash pick up problems? Why is that? Are there a bunch of people sick? Or are there not enough people hired? Or are the trucks broken? Are they being siphoned off to handle other duties? Is this a momentary thing or are there endemic problems in solid waste? Curious.

Starbucks to Open April 7

Starbucks will have a special opening. On Friday April 7, from 2PM to 7PM all drinks and pastries served will be free. Donations will be accepted to be given to the Seminole Heights/Zonta Boys and Girls Club (located at 1114 West Sligh).

"From Starbucks, to thank the community for welcoming us into their daily lives, and allowing us to contribute positively to the Historical Seminole Heights District"

This also happens to be the night of the SE Seminole Heights porch party. Host Maria Guiterrez plans to meet the porch party people at Starbucks at 6:30PM for a beverage and donation. Then they will all proceed to her house at North Bay and 9th Street where co-host Manny will have the grill hot and ready.

Sex Offender Meeting

SOUTHEAST SEMINOLE HEIGHTS ~ NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
INVITES YOU TO ATTEND A MEETING
CONCERNING THE SEXUAL OFFENDERS & PREDATORS
LIVING IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

This meeting is being hosted by
SPIN
Tampa Police Department's
Sexual Predator Information and Notification

March 28, 2006 7:00 PM
Seminole Heights Church ~ Fellowship Hall

Come learn
How to find out who lives in your neighborhood?
What are their rights?
&
What are your rights?
Bring your concerns and your questions.
We have lots of room, so pass this to anyone you think might be
interested. Sexual Offender/Predators live in every neighborhood
and every part of town. The information is the same for all!

Thanks,
Southeast Seminole Heights Neighborhood Watch

Jan Platt in the Jan Platt

I glance down at my Ciy Times paper and see some lectures that are occurring in the Jan Platt Library, this cause some connections in my brain and I wonder if Jan Platt uses the Jan Platt. How does it feel to go into a building named after yourself? Does Joe Chillura get an extra bounce in his step as he crosses Joe Chillura square? Curious.

Seminole Heights needs to find a Lonnie Lea Napier Good Neighbor

Bernice Pelham, a past President of SE Sem Hts. and current Grid 83 NW coordinator, shared with us the fact that there had been no nominations from Seminole Heights for the Lonnie Lea Napier Good Neighbor Award

"On May 17, 2000, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners established the Lonnie Lea Napier Good Neighbor Award in honor of a County resident who lost his life while trying to rescue a neighbor’s cat from a tree. This was not the only instance of compassion and helpfulness shown by Lonnie. Neighbors tell story after story of how he could be relied upon to help out in a number of ways – from putting up Christmas tree lights for a recently widowed woman to fighting a brush fire until firefighters arrived.

The award is meant to recognize those good neighbors who help simply because help is needed – individuals who demonstrate the spirit shown by Lonnie Lea Napier.

Individuals, neighborhood associations and community groups may make nominations to the Office of Neighborhood Relations at any time throughout the year. On a quarterly basis the County will recognize a “good neighbor”. The quarterly nominations will be reviewed and an annual “Lonnie Lea Napier Good Neighbor Award” will be presented at the Annual Hillsborough County Neighborhoods Conference in March.

All residents of Hillsborough County are eligible to nominate and be nominated. The nominee must demonstrate an on-going spirit of compassion and helpfulness to his/her neighbors.

The annual award comes with a $2,000 prize to be awarded to the neighborhood association serving the area in which the recipient lives. The money must be used for a project that improves the neighborhood or the association. If he or she resides in an area in which there is no association, the Neighborhood Relations staff will work with residents of the area to form one."

So go out and nominate that person, who helps simply because help is needed.

Bungalows, Bungalows, Bungalows - Cowabungalow!

From Suzanne Prieur:

Jane Powell, author of five popular books on bungalows and featured designer on HGTV, will be returning to Tampa to speak on bungalow exteriors, the subject of her most recent book, Bungalow Details: Exterior.

In this beautiful book, Jane Powell and photographer Linda Svendsen identify the finer points and visual characteristics that make a bungalow a bungalow, and offer insight into the Arts & Crafts philosophy behind their use.

A sleeping porch, a pergola, an exposed rafter tail, an extensive use of wood, stone, and brick: none of these things by themselves characterize a bungalow. With Jane’s entertaining presentation, featuring many photo’s from her books, anyone can become a bungalow expert, and be able to confidently "know a bungalow when they see one."

Bungalow owners will have the opportunity to have their questions answered about paint colors, lighting and appropriate door and window choices.
An engaging speaker, Jane’s last event was standing room only, consequently, we have secured a larger venue, the Seminole Heights United Methodist Church at 6111 N. Central Ave. for Thursday, April 20 from 7-9 p.m. We will be serving our usual array of homemade baked goods. Yum!

The program is hosted by the neighborhood associations of Seminole Heights, with special thanks to the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners & the Frank E. Duckwall Foundation & the St. Petersburg Times.

On Saturday, April 22, 11 a.m. Jane will be giving the same program in St. Petersburg at The Craftsman House, 2955 Central Ave. A gallery café, the venue is the perfect environment for Jane’s lush photos and informative talk.

For more information contact:
Suzanne Prieur


From the foreward of the book:

"Bungalows are like that. They’re like a pair of shoes that are immediately comfortable and don’t have to be broken in. "

". . . yet they all have the same mysterious hold on me, and charms that still reveal themselves daily. It’s not that I don’t like other kinds of houses—I do—but these are the only houses that speak to me. "

" And I’m warning you ahead of time—I have opinions. Strong opinions. Says that right on my business card: Strong Opinions, Obscure Knowledge, Bad Puns. If this is the first of my books you’ve ever read, just be prepared. I have a particularly bad opinion of things that are toxic, because I’m a cancer survivor, so you can expect to find condemnation of vinyl, formaldehyde, pressure-treated wood, and such in the text. "

"I hope that this book will arm you with enough knowledge to do right by your bungalow, to stand up to those who say it can’t or shouldn’t be done, that “they don’t make those anymore,” or that the modern replacement thing is better than the time-tested thing of which your bungalow was made. "

3/25/06 - fixed the link to Suzanne Prieur. She is also listed on the side of the blog under Real Estate and on her website you can find her phone number.

St. Pete Times comes to Seminole Heights bearing gifts

So we (Southeast Seminole Heights) had our first date with the St. Petersburg Times tonight. They treated us well, bringing us food and gifts, and respected us afterwards.

Susan Thurston City Times Editor spoke at the general Membership meeting. Also present was Jeanne Holton and Jana Alexander of the Times Community Relations. (By the way Jeanne Holton has a Seminole Heights connectin as a WMNF'er, the host of the Saturday Morning Folk Show)

Ms. Thurston provided us with a brief overview of the history of the Times. Apparently the paper was started in 1884 as the West Hillsborough Times (at that time Pinellas County was part of Hillsborough County) and talked about the paper's and it's staffers relationship with Tampa. Jeanne also spoke about some of the various activities the Times supports. One is a Welcome Box, in which the Times places some Times items and a paper and gives it to the neighborhood associations for them to place association information in and give it to new neighbors. Nice idea. The Times also offers to print association newsletters in exchange for an ad. This will happen with to the next SESHCA newsletter.

While poking around the online edition paper looking for some info in the Connect With Times, I found interesting things, such as A Guide to Getting Your News into the St. Petersburg Times , Quick Facts, Grants and other things.

It's been a while since I looked at the printed version of the City Times "Serving Tampa And Its Neighborhoods" and its companion Neighborhood Report "News From Around The Block". I feel included because there is a listing of all the neighborhoods covered and lo and behold there I spy Old Seminole Heights, South Seminole Heights and Southeast Seminole Heights. Warm feelings spread through the cockles of my heart (wow three cliche phrases!). There is also a nice little map showing the coverage area with some of the neighborhoods listed. I wonder if they list the same neighborhoods each time or if they rotate them. My superficial impression is there a lot more color. A lot more inviting.

I am impressed.

Side Note: As I look at the front page of the City Times, I notice the letters TCT in an unobtrusive size on left hand side of the title. Ahaa my conspiratorial mind says, the Times is sneaking another one past the Trib. I'll bet soon the City Times will be called the Tampa City Times. Ms. Thurston, says no, this is just an identifier, that each section has some initials to identify it. BRN for Brandon and etc. Darn! What a good story that would have been.

The Trib's Kathy Steele was at the meeting, as usual diligently covering her neighborhood beat.

Dog Parks

In a email I received from South Seminole Heights in February regarding their park improvement plan, there was some comments about Dog Parks.

"Because there were 3 Yes’s on The Dog Park, I went to Al Lopez Park to check out their dog park. The dog park is about 150’x 300’, with a small dog section contained in the area. The dog park is enclosed by a 4’ painted chain link fence, with 3 water fountains- people/pet, a poop bag station, 3 or 4 trash cans, and 3 picnic tables. "

Hey guys, there is closer dog park at Giddens Park (12th and Giddens) next to the Kathryn Malone Center, and unlike the crazy people in Palma Ceia, we welcome visitors.

Here is our dog park









For hot dogs.


For hotdogs!

Starbucks Update 3-20-06

Apartment for Rent?

I received an email from Anthony asking me if I knew of any one bedroom apartments for rent in Seminole Heights. I did not, so I am asking you, my gentle readers. Either post a comment or send an email to Anthony

Diesel Spill

On Saturday, there was an apparent diesel fuel spill from the off ramp at 275 and Hillsborough, down Hillsborough to 15th street and I think into Wendy's. It appeared that a tractor trailer delivering food to Wendy had some sort of leak. There were police cars along the north side of Hillsborough, blocking people from driving on that lane. Later it seems some dirt or clay was spread on the spill.

Rumors

I have heard that the Log Cabins (just South of the Dollar Store) on Nebraska is being sold to a developer who will be building places to live in and some stores/shops.

Pizza, pizza, and more pizza with pizzazz

Tonight we went to a pizza party. Not an ordinary pizza party. The mother of all pizza parties. We ate the best pizzas in Tampa - ever. Backyard Brick Oven pizzas. August, Cheyanne and Charlie (The King and Queen and Prince of Pizza)had some nearby neighbors, family and friends over to sample how they make pizzas.

They supplied the pizza dough and the following ingredients. We supplied the appetite and enthusiasm

Tomato Sauce
Pesto
Grated Mozzarella Cheese
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
Goat Cheese
Pepperoni Slices
Cooked Ham
Pineapple
Shredded BBQ Pork
Fresh Spinach
Mild Banana Peppers
Black Olives
Anchovies
Capers
Sausage
Caramelized Onions

So how do you make a Brick oven pizza?

Roll out the pizza dough.
Put it on the pizza board, making sure is lubricated with semolina.
Throw on the ingredients.
Slide the pizza into the middle of the very,very,very,very hot pizza oven, making sure not to leave the wooden pizza board in there very long. Don't get to wild about it, like I did the fist time, else your ingredients will slide off your pizza into the oven.
Wait a few minutes 2, 3 or maybe, very maybe 4 minutes.
Using the metal pizza thingy, scoop up the pizza.
Place it on the pizza cutting tray and cut away.
Share and eat. Eat and share. Share and eat.
I had tastes from about 15 pizzas with all kinds of combinations of the above ingredients.
I made 4 pizzas (I think - I also had a lot of beer, including some very good Italian beer - so I am not sure). The least successful pizza was where I placed BBQ flavored potato chip on top of the pizza. They caught on fire so I ended up with New Orleans (Avenue) style blackened pizza. The group decided the chips needed to be covered up by the other ingredients. I almost threw on some bananas but decided we were already eating them out of house and home and so left them unpeeled in the fruit bowl.

We discussed using other sauces as a base. Salsa sauce for a Mexican pizza. Blue cheese and ranch dressings. Dessert pizzas with pizza dough and cookine dough.

Thanks!