Seminole Heights BlogSeminole Heights BlogCommentary about life in and around the urban neighborhood of Seminole Heights in Tampa, Florida. Musings about other topics as my mood permits. Articles
Two Female Dogs Need Home
2009-02-19 23:47:00 Not my normal post -- but on request:Please pass along to all family, friends, co-workers - spread the word and help find these two adorable labs a home. You never know who may want to adopt them or who may know someone that does.Two females, both have chips implanted - well cared for. Family losing home. Desperate to find loving home.Al ready housebroken, trained, love kids, spayed, up to date on shots....what more could you ask for. But must stay together. These are lifelong friends.Contact: Katherine at:kjmorris74@yahoo.comThanks for your help spreading the word. Please read their story below.----------------------------------- -------------------------------------This family has lost their home and the apartment does not allow dogs.They are looking for a home for the two Labs.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~As many of you know, we are moving in just 2 weeks. Unfortunately, I have still not been able to find a good home for Cookie and Coco. We'... More About: Dogs , Female , Home
Digital Billboards...who needs street lights!
2009-02-11 17:01:00 Ditgital billboard could soon light up your homes. It is buried in a settlement agreement that would allow these energy monsters. This is not an ordinance that can be modified at a later date these are legally binding agreements between the City of Tampa and the billboard giants Clear Channel and CBS Outdoors. City Council will revisit the issue on March 5th but the only time to speak out is before Council starts on the agenda. For information from other communities and talking pointsCity Council took up the issue of the settlement agreements between the City of Tampa and Clear Channel and CBS Outdoors on February 5th. As was said during the public comments and echoed by some members of City Council, the original settlement agreement was awful and this one was merely bad. I guess that is improvement. It has now been delayed until March 5th. It was good to see this process slowed or delayed. Councilman John Dingfelder made a good connection in asking what was the initial reason f... More About: Street , Digital , Lights , Billboards
New Heights Magazine - Jan/Feb 2009 Edition
2009-01-27 16:30:00 Just Released!The Jan/Feb 2009 Edition of:New Heights Magazine Highlighting Tampa's Historic Urban Corridor-----------------------------*** Check Out The New Online Format ***Health & Wellness: Posed for GreatnessHome & Family: A Gothic Tampa RomanceNeighborhood Spotlight: Downtown TampaHeights Heighlights: A Taste of Tampa -and- Devilishly DeliciousFood & Drink: Cafe con Lech -and- Drowning with FlavorGreen & Earth: Revelations in InsulationArts & Events: Gasparilla Festival of ArtsNews & Rumors: Hear it through the Grapevine.Urban Corridor = Seminole Heights, Downtown, Hyde Park, Channel District, West Tampa, Riverside Heights, Ybor City, Ybor Heights, Davis Islands, Tampa Heights, The Heights, VM Ybor & surrounding areas.
Seminole Heights new all inclusive chruch
2008-12-08 11:29:00 Breath of Life Fellowship Community Church is happy to announce our new location at 7901 N. Nebraska Av. - Tampa, FL 33604. We are on the south side of the Hillsborough River. Pastor J. Ricc Rollins, II is an award-winning talk show host, motivational speaker, lecturer, life coach, actor and proud father of two. A native of Tampa, FL. Ricc graduated from C. Leon King High School and matriculated at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he majored in business with a minor in marketing and merchandising. He is the only child of Allie McEady Rollins and the late Jessie Rollins, Sr.Pastor Rollins has been preaching since the age of twelve and has been sharing the Word of God every since. Currently, he is the Senior Pastor and founder of Breath of Life Fellowship Community Church; a biblically based, Christ-centered, intentionally inclusive, radically receptive and non-denominational ministry. His vision is to facilitate fellowship and nurturing for the un-churched and those seeki... More About: Seminole Heights
New Heights | mid-Nov '08/mid-Jan '09
2008-11-23 21:34:00 SPECIAL EDITION: 2009 Guide to the Urban CorridorMid-Nov '08/Mid-Jan '09 • Vol. 1, Edt. 6See this newsletter online at: www.newheightsmag.com/newsletter--------- ----------------------------------------- ------------------NEIGHBORHOOD SECRETSIn this SPECIAL EDITION, New Heights uncovers your neighborhood's secrets - its many, one-of-a-kind retail shops, restaurants and art venues that you've been missing out on. (Complete with news and rumors of what's to come in '09!)We then answer the question, "What is the Urban Corridor?", and take a look back at NH's first year accomplishments.------------------------- -----------------------------------FOOD & DRINKThey're fresh, they're convenient and they're close. Join NH as we check out the UC's truly "Super" Markets.Afterwards, enjoy a new dining experience while feeding your local economy; when you try one of the many independent restaurants listed in our Buyer's Guide.----------------------------------- --------------------...
The Death of Cranky Conservatism
2008-11-10 04:10:00 Is this election the death knell of compassionate conservatism (or as I call it cranky conservatism since I never saw any compassion - just look at Sean Hannity and Ann Coulter)? Is the progressive conservative or moderate Republican on their way back from the Gulag? I think so.According to David Broder in a great article "Ceding the Center the progressive conservative "is for using limited but energetic government to enhance social mobility." This is who Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosvelt where and who John McCain was until he allowed himself to be hijacked by the cranky conservatists as exemplified the Sarah Palin. (One of the reasons I, a moderate Republican, voted for Obama was Sarah Palin)This trend of moderate Republicans has already been in the works in Florida as noted in the election of Charlie Crist as Governor of Florida and Rose Ferlita elected as Hillsborough county Commisioner.We moderates Republicans need to keep this trend going. We need to come up with cre... More About: Conservatism , Death
Sanity returns to the County
2008-11-07 03:35:00 Hillsborough County is finally looking up. Reason is returning. Brian Blair is defeated by Kevin Beckner. Buddy Johnson is defeated by Phyllis Busansky. Jim Norman will be term limited in 2010. Ralph Hughes is not around to own candidates. Wanted: a moderate Republican to run for Jim Norman's seat in 2010. A moderate Democrat who is not in the perceived to be in pockets of developers to run for Kevin White's seat in 2010.
Greater Seminole Heights Vision Plan--Oct 29th
2008-10-27 16:38:00 This is the product from the "form based zoning" discussions to revitalize the commercial corridors in Seminole Heights (all of Seminole Heights: southeast, south, and old). It is important for neighbors to turnout. It is important for the leaders of ALL three neighborhood groups to be there. If our leaders aren't there and neighbors also don't show up we have no voice in the city's decision making. ****Please join us for a Stakeholder Review and Open House which is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 6:30 - 8:30pm (presentation at 7:30pm) at City Hall, 315 East Kennedy Boulevard, to review the draft Vision Plan and provide input on the Vision Planning exercises for this project. City staff will be presenting findings and documenting public comments.For additional information regarding the Greater Seminole Heights Form-Based Code project, you can visit our web site at: www.tampagov.net/ldc or contact us at (813) 274-8405.Thanks,Samantha FengerUrban Planner IILand Developme...
King of the Hill...a Commentary
2008-10-25 01:25:00 You know it is amazing the things that have been said about yours truely. Now I have people commenting and signing for me. I have been called all manner of names by a small bunch of very petty and small minded people. An this is just over a neighborhood association election.I read the accusations that keep attacking me as the source of the negativity; I think that most people are more than capable of seeing through this all this BS. I have not screamed at board members or members of the association like Jeff Harmon. I have not trash talked about a neighborhood business like Shawn Hicks did. I have not acted in any way to tarnish the integrity of this election process. But I sure have questioned some actions. (Yeah, there ?I? go with those ?I? statements but at least own what I say)I have served on 5 different boards (including OSHNA?s) over the past 20 years. I have never seen the maliciousness or the hatefulness that has been exhibited by all these anonymous cowards. What have I ac... More About: Commentary , King , Hill
OSHNA Great Tree Giveaway
2008-10-22 16:24:00 Posted at the request of Greg BarnhillNeighbors, Nature and Natural HistoryGrowing TogetherDear Members,In honor of your support and membership, OSHNA is giving away free trees! And did we mention, planting them too!Click Here to visit OSHNA's websiteLaurel Oaks*Live Oaks*Winged Elms(All trees are 20 to 30 gallon in size.)* Choice of tree is based on planting location ... due to city recommendations, oaks cannot be planted under existing power lines.Watch for the postcard announcement inyour mailbox and join us at the nextGeneral Membership Meeting,Tuesday, October 28th, 7pm. Bring your postcard for the drawing, andif you have a neighbor unable to attend the meeting, bring their postcard along with you.Disclaimer: You do not need to be present to win, but postcards do need to be presented for the drawing, only one tree per household, trees will only be planted within the boundaries of the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association and all winners will be announced during the m... More About: Great , Tree
New Myspace Page - Please check this out
2008-10-21 18:25:00 This woman is becoming a friend of mine and I would like you to check out the myspace page. It is a site we're working on but we need help from everyone to get her story out and the myspace page known. Please pass it around. Please watch the video if you haven't seen it.http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/200 8/10/7/389545.htmlTAMPA (Bay News 9) -- Since Kathy Maloney lost her sales job in May, things haven't been easy.She doesn't have money or a car, but she has the drive to get it all back."You can be at home depressed," she said. "I've been through that depression, what's it going to do me any good. You know, it's not going to do any good. You have to get out and see people in person."Maloney spent the morning on busy Dale Mabry Highway handing out her life's work on a piece of paper."I appreciate any help," she told one driver. "Because this is desperate and this is very close to being an eviction."More InformationHitting the streets with resumes in hand is also a way to... More About: Myspace , Page , Check
Challenging the TECO Rate Increase
2008-10-20 14:50:00 This is an issue that is critical to our neighborhood and community and is a modified post of a letter sent asking the neighborhood association to send a representative. This is done with her knowledge and approval.As you have read in the news and heard at the recent THAN meetings, TECO is petitioning the Florida Public Service Commission for substantial rate increases.A number of concerned businesses and citizen groups will speak at the PSC meeting next Tuesday October 21 at 6:00 p.m. (location listed below.) It would be beneficial if neighbors from SESHCA, SSHCA, and OSHNA attend and comment on the impact on our community and our neighbors, and request the denial of their request. The proposed increases reach 21% for residents.City Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena proposed, and the Council officially passed a resolution asking the PSC to deny the increase until a financial and operational analysis could be conducted. AARP, The Federation of Retailers, County Operations and THAN are am... More About: Rate
New Heights | mid-Sept/mid-Nov 2008
2008-10-15 11:23:00 This has been out since late Sept ember, so I apologize for the late posting.Can't see this newsletter? Visit: www.NewHeightsMag.com/newsletter/index.ht mlNew Heights Magazine: Mid-Sept/Mid-Nov 2008 Highlighting Tampa Historic Urban Corridor:Seminole Heights, Downtown, Ybor, West Tampa, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, Davis Islands, Hyde Park & Surrounding Areas---------------- FEATURED STORIES ------------------Connecting the Corridor: We find out the fastest way to get around the UC ... without a car!Four mean machines - a bus, streetcar, cab and electric shuttle -race against time and each other to claim the UC's title as 2008's Top Transit ...-------------- http://www.newheightsmag.com/ ----------------Food & Drink: Five contenders sat in different corners of the UC, picked asunknowing finalists in New Heights' mission to discover whose Chinese Take-Out reigns supreme. And the winner is ???Then our humorous sommelier, Mark Lasky, offers advice on great, affordable win...
The Urban Puzzle
2008-10-13 05:10:00 (Illustration/Christophe Vorlet Graphic) The above graphic accompanied an interesting article in the Boston Globe regarding neighborhoods and gentrification. Click on the image to link to the article. I think it is relevant to so many of the issues that face our urban core neighborhoods. In reading it you can hear some of the same challenges we face in Seminole Heights . Commercial redevelopment. Blight and renovation. Economic stratification and who was here first. Preserving what first attracted us to the area yet trying to move forward without changing that character. Bridging the diversity that too often seems to be a bridge to no where. The generational divides between those who have lived here for decades and are not so sure what to make of change. Throw into the mix that the bursting of the real estate bubble seems to have taken us backward rather than forward. Those that thought we had moved past the urban pioneer stage may find this set back more than they bargai... More About: Puzzle , Urban
The "Vote" Postcard
2008-10-10 06:30:00 I was requested to post this. At this time OSHNA has also sent out an official "bungalow alert" as a disclaimer stating as much.OSHNA Board,The ?Vote ? postcard delivered today raises some very serious concerns about the integrity of OSHNA. The main issue is not that it went out nor that it appears that the recipients are members of the association, the later is of course of concern. However, my main concern is that the postcard appears to be coming from the Old Seminole Neighborhood Association itself. As I am sure that this is not the case I am requesting that the Board communicate with the membership the following:?If you received a ?Vote? postcard in the mail the Association wants to assure you that the Association did not pay for nor does the Association in any way promote the information provided in the postcard. The Association has a long history of not endorsing any candidate for the Executive Board of the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association and as such the contents... More About: Postcard
Candidate Forum (OSHNA Candidates)
2008-10-09 05:17:00 Dinner with a side of PoliticsThe candidate forum offered by Elizabeth Graham has been set for October 13th. For More Information on the forum or to learn about some of the issues. All the candidates have received an invitation. I know that Eric Krause has gracefully excused himself as he will be out of town for business. More About: Forum , Candidates , Candidate
Number Please
2008-10-03 22:58:00 Will someone please provide me Greg Smith's phone number or email? He's going to be in our next feature story ... if I can contact him.(He's the person in charge of the Greg's Pub & Grub currently being built on Nebraska Ave.)editor@newheightsmag.com or 813-389-8116Thanks! More About: Number
Join Us for a Celebration as New Heights turns 1!
2008-10-01 12:26:00 A Celebration & Networking EventSee your offical inviation here: New Heights Birthday CelebrationWhen: Oct. 2, 2008, 6-8pm (Thursday)Where: Gaspar's Grotto - Map1805 E. 7th Ave., Ybor CityPlease join New Heights for this free, fun, family-friendly event - being held at Ybor City's Gaspar's Grotto, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008, 6-8pm - to help us celebrate our one-year birthday.Amongst our staff and your fellow readers, you'll sample complimentary fare from Gaspar's new Set Sail menu (created by Jeannie Pierola, the famous former Bern's/Side Bern's chef). You'll also be entertained by the Crystal Monkey Band, featuring the cover boy from New Heights' inaugural issue, Sebastian Castellano.Most importantly, you'll meet New Heights' staff members face-to-face and be able to share with us your thoughts on how we can do an even better job at Highlighting Tampa's Historic Urban Corridor.Please mark Thursday, October 2, 6-8pm on your calendar and join us to celebrate our one-year ... More About: Join
No On Amendment 2
2008-09-27 04:52:00 Floridians are going to face a ballot question that is called the "Marriage Protection Amendment ." "Inasmuch as a marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife, no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized." --The actual language of amendment 2.This is another attempt to put another distraction from real issues before voters in Florida. Why do I believe this? The the effort to get this divisive question on the ballot was paid for overwhelmingly and directly by the Republican party of Florida. The Republican brand is not popular with the voting public but if you can cynically put an issue that will drive right-wing Christians to the polls on the ballot, then they have the hope that those voters will also give their support to the rest of the Republican ticket.If you don't believe in Divorce then don't get one.If you don't believe in adultery then don't cheat on your spouse.The p...
Publix robbed
2008-09-27 01:03:00 Police are searching for two armed men who robbed a Publix supermarket late Thursday night.According to the Tampa Tribune the suspects entered the store through a rear loading door at 10:20 p.m. The men ordered employees to get on the ground and forced the store's assistant manager and cashier to hand over money from the safe according to Lt. William Ferguson of the Tampa Police Department.In an update e-mail about the robbery to Christie Hess, OSHNA Crime Awareness committee:Major Bennett asked that I send you an email, for you to disperse among your Seminole Heights email tree as far as it can go. Major Bennett wanted to assure the residents of Seminole Heights that every available lead is being followed, and the TPD Robbery Squad is working diligently to locate the suspects. I'm including their descriptions in this email. Major Bennett personally went to the scene and met with management this morning - as he considers our "Publix" one of the sacred spots in the Seminole hei... More About: Robbed
Bungalow Bistro Offers OSHNA Forum
2008-09-24 19:02:00 The owners of Bungalow Bistro have very graciously offered to host a candidate forum for the upcoming Old Seminole Heights (OSHNA) board elections. The following letter was sent only to the current board since the Graham's did not have e-mail contact for all of the candidates and has since been circulated to all of the candidates. The date and time have not been determined.My understanding is that there would be an effort to have a moderator not connected to OSHNA to maintain neutrality.Personally, I think it is great that a business owner is taking such positive interest in the residential community. It looks like a win-win both for their business and our neighborhood. The Graham's had moved from the neighborhood but still own and operate two businesses in Seminole Heights. Both are attractive additions to our commercial district.Thank you Elizabeth and Michael for your continued interest in residential areas of our community. More About: Forum , Offers
TPD to meet with Seminole Heights Residents
2008-09-24 02:57:00 IMPORTANT MEETING with Tampa Police Department and the residents of greater Seminole Heights !DATE: SEPTEMBER 29, 2008TIME: 6:30 PMPLACE: TPD DISTRICT III @ 3808 North 22nd Street ~ Tampa, FLSUBJECT:PROSTITUTION, DRUGS AND CRIME IN GREATER SEMINOLE HEIGHTS,PARTICULARLY, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE NEBRASKA AVENUE CORRIDOR.WHO: ANY INTERESTED SH RESIDENT OR BUSINESS OWNER. BRING YOURINFORMATION, YOUR QUESTIONS AND ISSUES AND YOUR WILLINGNESS TO WORK TOGETHERTO MAKE CHANGES.If you have had issues and have been vocal in your concerns, then it is important for you to attend this meeting.a repost from Hampton Terrace.org post by Greg Barnhill More About: Meet
Curtis Drugs
2008-09-23 21:56:00 "I went to Curtis Drugs Friday morning to pick up a prescription refill. For those of you that don't know, they accept the same insurance as CVS and Walgreens and supply you with the medication you already take. What a surprising visit. They are now stocking household products for $1.00. $1.00!!. I bought a 33 ounce bottle of Fabric Freshener (like Fabreze) for $1.00. A 27 oz. bottle of Fabreze sells at the grocery store for $5.29. They also have paper towels, bath tissue, hand soap, etc. The only other thing I thought about was garbage bags. When I mentioned this to Duane he immediately wrote it down for order. We have lost Tampa Hardware to fire, Rose's Drugs closed, Waley's Market closed years ago and now the Tampa Antiquarian Book store is moving out in December. We can't afford to lose any other business' in our neighborhood. I don't know about anyone else, but with the gas prices being what they are and the price increase for other necessaries, I'll be shopping at Curti...
Meet the Candidate Party
2008-09-23 21:20:00 Click image to enlarge More About: Party , Meet , Candidate
Jim Kwid...candidate for OSHNA Trustee
2008-09-23 19:53:00 Hello, my name is Jim Kwid and I am running for a Trustee position on the Executive Board of the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association. While this is my first attempt to be elected to the OSHNA Board, I have been a homeowner in Old Seminole Heights for over 14 years. I love this neighborhood a great deal and if elected, I will do all in my power to make sure it remains the friendly, helpful and neighborly community it was when I moved here.Over the past 14 years, I have been very active on various OSHNA activities and committees. I had the honor of being allowed to participate in the 2004 Home Tour. I was very proud to show my 1927 Bungalow to so many wonderful people and let them see one of the charming homes and the wonderful way of life here in Seminole Heights. I have also been involved in the Historic renovation of two commercial buildings in West Tampa over the last 20 years.I recently volunteered and was appointed to work as Chairperson for Code Enforcement here in Ol... More About: Candidate
Gail E. Davis...candidate for OSHNA Secretary
2008-09-23 01:07:00 Greetings Old Seminole Heights neighbors, allow me to introduce myself to you. I am Gail Davis and I am running for the position of Secretary of board of our association. This is the first time in my life I have ever attempted to run for any kind of office although I have been a long time resident of Seminole Heights. My husband and I moved to Seminole Heights 23 years ago and love living here in our 1923 bungalow where we also started a business here. Being a resident here during these many years, I have witnessed first hand many changes in the area seeing how Seminole Heights has grown to be the friendly, diverse, important community it has become. I became one of the first members of OSHNA 20 years ago when the association was just forming with a small group of concerned residents who wanted to join together to try and make a difference so our area of Tampa would be a more positive, safer, place to live. I am very proud to see how far our small band of original neighbors has grow... More About: Candidate
New Hillsborough County Logo
2008-09-19 06:45:00 Based on the decision by the Board of County Commissioners to rename the Moral Courage award, the Ralph Hughes award, it is time to unveil the new Hillsborough County logo. More About: Logo
Giddens Park in the Big Picture
2008-09-14 22:34:00 Long long time ago...kind of reminds me of a certain Don McClean song. The City of Tampa launched the Greenprinting Initiative. A partnership of the city, the Mayor's Beautification Program and the F.E. Lykes Foundation to target 10 city parks for upgrades at the rate of 1 per year. The project was to be seeded with funds from the foundation which offered $75,000 for each park. The first up was supposed to be Southeast Seminole Heights ' Giddens Park . As the program draws to the end. The first hasn't been finished. The second in Tampa Heights was to center on Lake Robles and Robles Park but it is still in the design stage. Third is Curtis Hixon Park, a downtown Riverfront park. Now the city of Tampa has likely spent over the last 20 years more money on that piece of land than all the other urban core parks combined. And the plans of Mayor Iorio will make it so if it isn't already."It's functional," Debra Evenson, the beautification program's executive director, said of the foun... More About: Picture , The Big Picture , Big Picture
Are Paula and Randy White Unchristian?
2008-09-14 19:59:00 Today the Tribune had an article about Paula and Randy White trying to revive their Without Walls International Church. A section in the article caught my attention:"Those who study evangelicals say it's common for prosperity preachers such as Paula to embrace a gospel of materialism. "It has been easy for those so inclined to further de-emphasize the spiritual aspects of Christianity in favor of legitimizing full-bore materialism," said Bill Martin, a Rice University professor. "In such a climate, a growing number of preachers see ? and experience ? no problem with acknowledging that many people regard them as motivational speakers or life coaches first, and preachers second."This contrast with what the AP reported Pope had to say recently:"Pope Benedict XVI condemned unbridled "pagan" passion for power, possessions and money as a modern-day plague . . . "Has not our modern world created its own idols?" Benedict said in his homily, and wondered aloud whether people have "imitat... More About: Randy White
Jim Norman's Lack of Moral Courage
More articles from this author:2008-09-14 03:24:00 Commissioner Jim Norman is proposing renaming the Hillsborough County Moral Courage award after the late Ralph Hughes.The perception by most people is that when he was alive, Ralph Hughes owned most of the County Commission. Now the perception must be that even while dead he still owns them.Ralph Hughes, his developer cohorts and his pet commissioners are the reason the Moral Courage award exist. To name this award after him would be the same as renaming the Nobel Peace Prize after Slobodan Milo?evi?. More About: Lack 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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