Several times Susan and I have seen the dancing cane man. He is an older guy with a long beard, wearing sweat pants and a cropped t-shirt carrying a cane. We usually see him crossing Nebraska at Hillsborough. As he crosses the street he dances. Literally dances the entire way along the crosswalk
Interesting visual experience. Just another reason why Seminole Heights is interesting.
Speaking of signs (see previous article)
We do not put political signs on our front yard. Never. We said no to neighbors Andrew Baker and Kevin White. No to Chloe Coney. No to Rose Ferlita. It is a long standing policy of the Banghart household. No signs on the yard. Until this election. For Randy Baron we have changed our policy.
In today's Tribune, a funny story:
"TAMPA - Former state Sen. Les Miller was heading out the door Monday morning when he saw a bunch of political campaign signs in his front yard.
The problem: They weren't his wife's signs for re-election to the city council. Instead, they were the signs of each of his wife's opponents, lined neatly in a row."
and . . . .
"Meanwhile, the couple is concerned that something else might happen. Les Miller said he won't let his wife out of his sight.
"We're two weeks away from the election," Les Miller said. "Who knows what the next step in their mind is?""
and . ..
""Are they coming back? I don't feel safe because I don't know who it is," Gwen Miller said."
TPD actually dusted the signs for prints. I think we need to call in the FDLE, FBI, Secret Service, Homeland Security and Interpol. It must be the work of Al-Qaeda trying to destabilize American elections one City Council at a time.
Sheesh. What a big deal. If I were running for City Council and it occurred to me, I'd just laugh at it. I am frankly surprised it has not happened before to anyone running for office.
The Tribune had this article in todays paper:
"BRANDON - Residents of a local subdivision are using the Internet to keep a step ahead of criminals and help law enforcement catch them.
The Bloomingdale Cove Crime Watch group is sending e-mail to alert residents about recent break-ins, robberies and vandalism. The idea was sparked by a March 2006 attempted robbery in the neighborhood, Crime Watch member Heather O'Connell said. "
So Brandon is catching up with where Seminole Heights was years ago. Every NW Group in Seminole Heights has a list. I am on the mailing lists of at least 3 different Neighborhood Watch Groups in Seminole Heights. These lists crosspost infomation which gets all across Seminole Heights. I am not on Susan Long list from Nothern Seminole Heights, but I get info from that list via Helen Harmon's and Brandon Mount's lists. I also get the info when Sherry Simons posts the info on the SESH email list.
Tampa Bay Blogger Meetup
Who: Bloggers and Podcasters, fans of them or even those who want to become one...
When: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 — 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Hawks Neighborhood Grill — 3114 Bay to Bay Boulevard, South Tampa
Why: Putting names and faces to the local blogging community, to share a beverage, and say hello.
Everyone is invited to come out and participate. This is an Un-Meeting, with no agenda or specific purpose other than meeting and getting to know one-another "offline." If you have any questions, or if you plan to attend, send Jim an email: jim [at] stateofsunshine [dot] com, and let him know -- so we can get an estimated headcount for the restaurant.
We hope you can make it!!
This one is co-hosted by State of Sunshine, Sticks of Fire, Seminole Heights, Out in Left Field, and In Theory...
(Although I am one of the hosts, I will be an absent host as we will be getting ready to move)
No, this is not a sign of a weekend drinking problem.
We needed boxes as part of our move. It turns out the liquor stores are a great place to get boxes. Go there right after they open. Usually they stick the boxes by the front door so you don't even have to go in. I have found the best place is the Party Liquor store on Florida across from the Sulphur Springs Tower.
How do I say good-bye to Seminole Heights? We were drawn to the city's old houses. We had respect for the history that they evoked and wanted to be a part of the restoration process. What we hadn't anticipated was the unique population that lives here. People may come to Seminole Heights to live in charming bungalows, but the houses are not the heart of the neighborhood. The heart of this community is the bond formed between neighbors.
Seminole Heights is home to Tampa's fiercest activists, and also it's kindest souls. People here march and shout, knock on doors, and stand before city council to get their voices heard. And they open their doors, deliver food, and work long hours to help those in need. There are those who have been here sixty years. They will gladly tell you about the history that happened on these streets. There are those who are called urban pioneers. They came twelve or more years ago and took their stand against the crime that was poisoning this area. Folks, like Scott and I benefited from their work when we moved here seven years ago. We were immediately embraced by the neighbors on our street. Within the first year we felt as if all of Southeast Seminole Heights was our neighbor. After another two years, we added South and Old Seminole Heights to that category.
We've found a nice, milquetoast ranch house in Lutz which meets our physical needs. March first we'll be gone. I'll continue coming to the Seminole Heights Bookgroup because those gracious people have decided to allow a Lutzian member. We'll return for your home tours, special events and ocassional porch parties. But, oh, will we miss you Seminole Heights. No more neighbors dropping in with mid aftern0on treats when they feel we need a pick-me-up. No more early weekend breakfast chats with special friends at Nicko's. Gone are the days of walking to neighbors' houses for porch parties, and walking home on a chilly Christmas eve warmed by friendship shared over lasagna. We tried to be a good steward to our little bungalow, and we hope our involvement in the community has been useful. But we'll take away much more than we gave. As the song goes, "We Leave Our Hearts In Seminole Heights". (Not to worry, I won't write the lyrics out!)
The election arrives on March 6. If you are interested in seeing Randy Baron get elected to City Council, I have an idea. I made up a flyer (PDF format) you can give to your neighbors and co-workers. It basically reprints the endorsements by both newspapers with a little blurb at the top indicating you are a neighbor supporting him.
"Hello, I am your neighbor ________________. In the November election, the City Council members who were from Seminole Heights moved to the County Commission, leaving our neighborhood without representation on Tampa City Council. This coming City Council election, I’d like you to consider voting for Seminole Heights resident Randy Baron for the District 1 race. Here is what the newspapers say about the District 1 race. Both endorse Randy Baron"
Print these out and hand them to your neighbors who have the Miller and Barcena signs. Hand them out to your neighbors who don't have any signs. Hand them out at work. Tack them up on bulletin boards. Make paper airplanes out of them and fly the flyers to your cubicle mates. Email them.
It works. I made one Baron convert today at work by showing the flyer.
Get grassrooted and get Baron elected.
Note: This was not a paid political ad approved by Randy Baron. He did not know anything about it and had no say in it.
Now that you see Randy Baron has the endorcement of BOTH newspapers, it is time for you to meet him and find out why!
There are two Meet and Greets, right in the hood. Pick one!
THURSDAY
(Click image for full size version)
FRIDAY
Join Us For A
“Meet and Greet”
Our Neighborhood Candidate
For
City Council District 1 (City-wide)
Randy Baron
Here is your chance to meet and talk with Randy.
Get the whole story not just media bits & bites
Friday, February 23rd
6:30 – 8:30pm
Your Hosts
Greg Barnhill & Chuck Kaelin
1202 East Clifton Street
239-2070
Appetizers and Drinks will be Available
Check out his position on the issues at http://www.baron4tampa.com/
Anyone need 15 or 21 or ?? bags of cement? I bought them for fence posts and never used them. I have had them in my garage, off the ground on some two by fours covered them with plastic. They seemed to still be good. I forget how many I had and think it is 15 or 21.
As I am moving, I will give them away to whoever wants them. Just email me or if you know me, call me. Also, as I clean out my garage, who knows what good stuff I have put out by the curb (if there were a curb there)on 10th street. Right now there is 2 sets of wodden shelves someone could attach to their garage wall, an old metal green cabinet, and a old metal tool box.
Well, well, well. With today's Trib endorsement, Randy Baron now has endorsements from both papers.
District 1
In this citywide race, incumbent Gwen Miller faces five challengers.
Miller, who represented east Tampa's District 5 for two terms before being elected to this citywide seat four years ago, doesn't contribute much at council meetings and is often criticized for being ineffective. Miller says she likes to work behind the scenes. "I talk quiet, but work hard," she says.
The former school teacher generally votes on the right side of issues, but rarely takes the lead. She is vague on most questions and displays little passion or curiosity. For example, Miller can't explain what she wants to achieve in another term beyond "helping people."
Her opponents display more passion and focus.
Julie Jenkins, a consultant in the business travel industry and a neighborhood activist, sees the importance of a transit system and understands the needs of neighborhoods.
Rick Barcena, the owner of Rigatoni Tuscan Oven on Kennedy Boulevard, promises to bring a small business owner's attention to financial detail.
Even Joe Redner, the adult business owner who has famously battled the city through the years, exhibits an informed zeal for protecting natural resources and developing a transit system. He's mellowed considerably and seems genuine in his concern for the city. But it is impossible to ignore his history of inflammatory stands or his business, which many of us find offensive.
In our view the two most impressive candidates are Denise Chavez and Randy Baron.
Chavez is the owner of Chavez at Home restaurant and the daughter of Helen Chavez, who served on council in the 1980s.
The younger Chavez is smart, independent and gutsy. She is the only candidate courageous enough to question the overly generous contract awarded Tampa's police union, which awards most officers an annual 9.2 percent raise for three years.
Chavez is a no-nonsense business woman who knows how to live on a budget and who would ensure the city spent wisely. She also promises to safeguard Tampa's neighborhoods and keep development from outpacing services.
Baron, who oversees information technology for the Shriners, has an impressive record of getting results as president of the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association, one of the city's most effective neighborhood groups.
He has demonstrated a talent for leadership and collaboration in working to rid his neighborhood of prostitutes, attract new business and resolve conflicts between commercial enterprises and residents. In his role as association president, he's worked with virtually every city department and knows how to cut through the red tape. He's candid and outspoken, but also seems a good listener and open to compromise.
He knows the value of mass transit, but understands small steps, such as improving bus service, are needed to achieve that goal.
Chavez would be a crackerjack council member, but Baron's exhaustive neighborhood work gives him the edge.
In District 1, the Tribune endorses Randy Baron.
Regarding a comment about mass transit made in a prior post.
Has anyone ever ridden HART? I did so for several weeks while my vehicle had issues. Interesting experience.
I am only 1-1/2 blocks to the #2 line (Nebraska Avenue). this is fortunate because #2 has a lot of buses running frequently on it. This cuts the wait time. This bus took me downtown where I had to switch buses to get to Davis Islands. The next bus dropped me off at TGH and I walked over to my office. Short walk.
Depending on my timing, coming to work I switch bus at one of two locations. The overpass by the Health Department. Although not well lit, I shielded me from the weather. However my timing had to be right to use that. If things worked right, I had a very short wait. 2 to 3 minutes. Else I had to wait 15 minutes father down Kennedy. I got off at Marion Street and crossed the Street to wait on Northside of Kennedy. The big problem there was being exposed to weather. The Marion Street stops all had shelters, but there were none on Kennedy. Why the downtown area does not have shelters down Kennedy is a mystery.
Frankly all of the bus routes need more shelters, especially at cross bus lines. We need shelters at Nebraska and Hillsborough and Nebraska and MLK. Or more buildings need awnings for people to stand under. The Florida School for Arts was nice as a stop because they had an awning. Not anymore.
One of the things I like is the bike racks. I was tempted to use my bike and cut the wait for the second bus by riding the rest of the way. But I am too out of shape. If I worked downtown where i did not have to switch buses, I could see taking the bus everyday.
We need better bus services and mass transit. We need more bike friendly routes.
How about this for an idea. Take photos around Seminole Heights. Make postcards out of them. Sell them at local stores/restaurants as Postcards From Seminole Heights. It be sort of a touristy thing that would again get the Seminole Heights name out there.
I'd photograph Hillsbough High, Epps Park, Rivercrest Park, and other places.
In Todays' Times
District 1 (citywide) Randy Baron
"Randy Baron has qualities rarely seen in a first-time candidate: a grasp of city issues, an understanding of how government works and an energy level to put that knowledge to work. In a crowded field that includes better-known candidates, Baron is clearly the best choice.
Baron, 45, is a computer programmer and longtime president of the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association. His civic work and background as an attorney give him depth in the ever-technical job of guiding a vibrant city. He understands residents want the basics - safe streets, clean neighborhoods and a sense that City Hall is planning ahead. He would spend more on mass transit and focus on rebuilding commercial corridors in Seminole Heights and West Tampa.
Baron's major attraction is his ability to see how government regulation affects people's lives. He understands the city needs to be more creative in rebuilding old neighborhoods and attracting employers. Baron defends historic preservation, but he also recognizes the city can do a better job by giving property owners incentives and making the permitting process more efficient. He is a realist with an up-front style whose broad perspective suits a citywide council member. Baron does his homework. He leaves people with a sense they have had a fair shake.
The incumbent, Gwen Miller, 72, has little to show for her 12 years on the council. Restaurant owners Rick Barcena, 43, and Denise Chavez, 59, are tax cutters who have not thought through how their campaign pledges would affect city services. Club owner and businessman Joe Redner, 66, says the right things, but his personality seems unsuited for the give and take of governing. Julie Jenkins, 45, a travel consultant and neighborhood activist, would bring energy and an awareness of growth-related problems, but she seems unsteady on the major issues.
Baron has a feel for the neighborhoods, a good balance between his concern for services and the tax rate, and a proven record of getting things done for the people he represents. In the citywide race for District 1, the Times recommends Randy Baron. "
I don't know why we are seeing December. Trying to fix it but don't know what the problem is. I am looking further for an answer.
Join Your Host for a “Meet and Greet”
Our Neighborhood Candidate
For
City Council District 1
Randy Baron
Here is Your Chance to meet and talk with Randy
Get the whole story not just media bits & bites
Check out his position on the issues at www.Baron4Tampa.com
Your Hosts
Friday, February 9th – Mike & Diana Massimini - 5608 Seminole Ave
Friday, February 16th – Susan Long – 921 East Broad Street
Wednesday, February 21st – Tampa Financial Group - 301 E. Sligh Ave
Thursday, February 22nd –
Sherry Simons, Mike Ferlita & Joel Mesa – 1012 E. Chelsea Street
Friday, February 23rd – Greg Barnhill & Chuck Kaelin – 1202 E Clifton St.
Tuesday, February 27th – Steve Johns & David Purnell - 206 E. Ross Ave
All “Meet and Greets” held from 6:30 - 8:30
Appetizers and Drinks will be Available
Suggested Contribution Levels: $25, $50, $100, $250, $500
(Maximum donation is $500 per individual or corporation)
If you are unable to attend, contributions may be mailed to:
Randy Baron Campaign 217 W Comanche Avenue, Tampa, Fl 33604
Looking for a space to put a restaurant? Check out 5202 N Nebraska Ave as Martha's Restaurant is for sale for $550,000.
Curiously enough "the seller is motivated" and "employees and customers are not to be informed of sale".
As I drove along Sligh today, orange was all over the place. Orange vests worn on neighbors who were cleaning Sligh up. I believe this was the event sponsored by Tampa Financial Group.
It be nice if more businesses could sponsor such events and help clean up the Heights.
Big neighborhood news. A major shift in the local restaurant world.
Martha of 3 Coins is now working at Nickos.
An email:
Does anyone on the blog know of a descent barber in the neighborhood
since Buck's seems to have closed?
Dan
This bring to mind the following:
La, la, etc.
I am the barber of Seminole Heights, make way! La, la, etc.
Quickly, it’s dawn and I must be in my shop! Quickly! La, la, etc.
Refrain: Ah, this is livin’
So much I’ve been given (2X)
For a barber who’s driven
To be the best! (2X)
Ah, bravo Figaro!
Bravo, bravissimo, bravo!
La, la, etc.
Luckiest man in the world, it is true, bravo! La, la, etc.
Luckiest man in the world, it is true (2X) La, la, etc.
Daytime or nighttime, I’m working full-time, I’m always moving, I never quit.
No better life could a barber wish for, nothing more noble could ever exist. La, la, etc.
Razors and brushes, scissors and scalpels are at my fingertips
Everything’s here.
Then there’s the ‘extras.’
Part of the business.
Some for the ladies, some for the gentlemen.
Some for the ladies, la, la, etc.
Some for the gentlemen, la, la, etc.
Repeat Refrain.
Everyone calls me, everyone wants me,
Ladies and young men, old men and maidens
Where is my wig, sir? Give me a shave, please…
Leeches for bleeding…
Letters for reading…
Everyone calls me, everyone wants me, (2X)
Where is my wig, sir?
Give me a shave, please!
Letters for reading!
Hey! Figaro! Figaro! Figaro! Etc.
Oh my, they’re loud!
Oh my, those crowds…
Surround me!
One at a time,
For pity’s sake! (3X)
One at a time please (3X)
For pity’s sake!
Figaro! I’m here.
Hey, Figaro! I’m here.
Figaro here, Figaro there (2X)
Figaro up, Figaro down (2X)
Faster and faster I fly like a lightning bolt,
I am the barber of Seminole Heights.
Of Seville (4X)
Ah, bravo Figaro! Bravo, bravissimo (2X)
All of my luck (2X)
All of my luck it will not fade away. La, la, etc.
All of my luck (2X)
All of my luck it will not fade away.
I am the barber of Seminole Heights. (2X)
Yes of Seminole Heights! (3X)
