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Halls of Tradition
2008-07-23 03:21:00
Education Channel to premiere latest 'Halls of Tradition ' Oct. 4 on July 21 2008 7 reads) --> The Education Channel will premiere its latest locally produced documentary, "Halls of Tradition: Hillsborough High School" at 3:00 and 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4 in cooperation with the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association and the Hillsborough High School Alumni Association as part of Hillsborough High School's Homecoming festivities.The documentary covers the history of Hillsborough High School from its meager 4 student graduating class in 1886 to its current astounding gothic structure on North Central Avenue in Seminole Heights. These beautiful hallowed halls have been the educational incubator for more than 38,000 alumni and is one of the oldest high schools in the South and the oldest high school in Hillsborough County.Celebrated alumni featured in the program include: baseball greats Dwight Gooden and Gary Sheffield, country singer Slim Whitman, the f...

Tampa History - Dime Cabs
2008-07-22 04:31:00
Using Google Scholar, I came across this interesting little article about dime cabs FROM TROLLEYS TO BUSES AND IN BETWEEN by Robert Sims from the USF Library. "Picture, if you will ... It is 7:30 a.m., of awork-day and you are due at yourdowntown Tampa office in one halfhour. Outside the day has dawned uglyand gray; a hard rain is pelting down.You step to your telephone, dial, andpresently are answered by a cheery"Economy Cab, good morning." Yourorder for a cab to drive you downtown istaken and within five minutes a latemodel Chevrolet taxi pulls into yourdriveway as close to your front door aspossible so that you may encounter nomore rain than necessary. Twopassengers are in the rear seat, you takethe front. The driver heads downtownand two more passengers are picked up.Fifteen minutes after leaving your homethe cab stops in front of your officebuilding. The rain has stopped; it?s goingto be a nice day after all. You hand thedriver a DIME, and he cheerfully thanksyou.
More About: History , Dime

OSHNA quarterly meeting (repost of e-mail)
2008-07-22 01:03:00
REMINDER .....OSHNA Invites You toCome to Our9th Annual "Eating Meeting "!OSHNA' s General Membership Meeting will be heldTuesday, July 22nd, 6:30 PM,at the Seminole Heights United Methodist Church(corner of Central and Hanna Avenues).OSHNA will provide the drinks, utensils, plates, ham and turkey.If your last name begins with A-M, please bring a salad or dessert. If it begins with N-Z, bring your favorite side dish or vegetable.Be a neighbor,bring a neighbor and,especially, bring your appetite!Our valued Advisor advertisers will be present to provide information about their businesses!Guests for the Quarterly General Membership Meeting include:Joe Stines, Director of the Hillsborough County Library System - Will present information about the planned replacement library for Seminole Heights Branch.Carrie Hurst, Seminole Heights Library Branch Head - Will share information about services at the current library and provide opportunity to sign up for a library card.W. Ward Cox, Adminis...
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The End Of White Flight?
2008-07-21 17:23:00
Complimenting the Essay below on the End of Gentrification, here's an article that came out this weekend in the Wall Street Journal on the End of White Flight :For the First Time in Decades, Cities' Black Populations Lose Ground,Stirring Clashes Over Class, Culture and Even Ice CreamFor much of the 20th century, the proportion of whites shrank in most U.S. cities. In recent years the decline has slowed considerably -- and in some significant cases has reversed. Between 2000 and 2006, eight of the 50 largest cities, including Boston, Seattle and San Francisco, saw the proportion of whites increase, according to Census figures. The previous decade, only three cities saw increases.

Thoughts on the Hampton Terrace "debate"
2008-07-21 05:09:00
National Register District is okay? So why not a local district? This is a question before the folks in the Hampton Terrace historic district. There are those who will oppose it until hell freezes over. Then there are those who moved in and invested thousands of dollars since that initial organizing meeting and canvassing in the spring of 1995. There is a small group wanting no part of it and bent on derailing the efforts made by others over the past 13 years. My perspective is drawn from my motivation back in 1995. I haven?t had significant discussion with either side in the current debate. What I would challenge both sides to look at what has happened since the effort to gain national district designation first began. Don?t dismiss it as the effect of a real estate bubble, the area lagged behind the Seminole Heights district on the west side of 275 both in prices and condition of the area today designated as Hampton Terrace.National districts don?t endure forever. With enough alte...
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Starbucks is Staying
2008-07-18 08:35:00
From SESH email list:"Good news: They're closing three Starbucks in Tampa, but the one on Hillsborough in Seminole Heights is not one of them."Here is the official list from Starbucks. Note that the PDF file is more accurate.Here are the Tampa ones:9294 RACETRACK RD & HILLSBOROUGH 13811 W HILLSBOROUGH AVE TAMPA FL11415 UNIVERSITY MALL 2164 E FOWLER AVE TAMPA FL11585 CITRUS PARK II 8021 CITRUS PARK TN CTR TAMPA FLSt. Petersburg:14229 6TH AVE & 6TH ST S 625 6TH AVE S ST PETERSBURG FLClearwater11391 COUNTRYSIDE MALL II 27001 US HWY 19 N CLEARWATER FL13708 KAPOK COVE & MCMULLEN BOOTH 904 N MCMULLEN BOOTH RD CLEARWATER FLI wonder if the fact that our Starbucks is a Magic Johnson Starbucks is another reason why it is not closing.

Bungalowe Bistro Gets Supported
2008-07-18 06:58:00
From the SESH email list:For those of you who expressed an interested in supporting the Bungalow Bistro , . . . .they received the unanimous support of the three associations for there more moderate quest for liquor licenses for the Bistro and the Salon. There were two neighbors who objected and a line of people in support. It ended with a continuance due to some language clarification needed. But it should pass when it comes before the Council in two weeks.

Gentrification is Dead!?!
2008-07-17 16:10:00
Although I think it's doubtful that the Seminole Heights Starbucks will be closing anytime soon, the mere speculation of such a tragic (*ahem*) event befalling our shining beacon of bubbledom truly illustrates how fully the times have changed here in the Heights from just a couple of short years ago. As For Sale signs fade and rust in hundreds of front yards and the frothy tide of foreclosures overwhelms on the neighborhoods, it seems painfully clear that we have fully made the transition into the new post-gentrification age.The examination of the abrupt and complete reversal of the boom is something that will no doubt keep economists and scholars busy for years. But much of the speculation of what comes after the brutal end of gentrification and the kind of economic cycle that will replace it seems like more wishful thinking from those carrying the burden of economic collapse who have maintained, in the face of all the evidence, that one can always make a profit off someone else.O...
More About: Dead

Local Historic Designation - Hampton Terrace
2008-07-17 01:47:00
In the latest Creative Loafing there is a story about the "preservation vs. property rights in Seminole Heights" regarding the push for and fight against historic preservation in Hampton Terrace area. One comment struck me:""If the neighborhood truly wants this as a whole, we'll go along with that," Walsh says.""Warren interrupts: "Oh, not me. Nobody can force me. Even in a democracy, we have certain unalienable rights like property rights.""Hmm. So what exactly does that mean? I know that property rights are not absolute, hence zoning and code enforcement, and of course eminent domain.
More About: Local , Historic

Packing up the Dogs.
2008-07-17 01:39:00
If we get hit with a hurricane, and have to evacuate, what will you do with your animals? Do you know there are only two shelters that take animals in Hillsborough County. In her Florida Rescued Dogs blog, Susan explores this topic.
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Digging Up Seminole Heights
2008-07-16 03:15:00
12th Street will be dug up to replace the wastewater pipe.City Begins Replacing 12th Street Wastewater Pipeline July 11, 2008 - Crews have begun video surveying and mobilizing construction equipment for a new wastewater pipeline that will improve service and reliability for Tampa customers. The new five-mile pipeline will replace the aging 12th Street wastewater pipeline and carry about one-fourth of the City?s wastewater from the Sulphur Springs Pumping Station to the 26th Street interceptor sewer.The original 12th Street wastewater pipeline was placed in service in 1980. This pipeline has failed twice since 2004, causing highly disruptive and expensive repairs. Replacing the pipeline will help ensure reliable wastewater service for Tampa.Construction for the new 12th Street Wastewater Force Main will start in mid-August and is scheduled to be completed in July 2009. To minimize public impact and expedite construction, multiple crews will work simultaneously ...
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Queing up to be a Citizen Journalist.
2008-07-15 02:05:00
According to an interesting article in the Queue blog of John McQuiston WTSP has posted an ad looking for citizen journalists "The station will train 20 ordinary Joes and Janes to shoot video. WTSP will provide a camera and tripod for those chosen. Video may show on the air or on the station's web site with each video the station uses earning the shooter $20."John goes on to discuss the idea and and has come up with several reasons why the station might be doing it. including "But mostly, it sounds like a response to the threat from blogs like Seminole Heights or Davis Islands Today. They're both blogs dedicated to sections of Tampa. There are probably a lot more that I don't know about. Each by itself is no rival but together they continue the chipping away of local TV and newspaper audiences"Here is my thought. Lets get as many Seminole Heights residents applying for the citizen journalist jobs, that way the airways will be dominated by coverage of Seminole Heights events ...
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New Blog in the neighborhood
2008-07-15 01:57:00
There is a new blog in Seminole Heights called "The Official unofficial Seminole Heights Blog " and can be found at http://seminoleheights.blog.com/. From the first posting: "Having grown up my entire adult life in Seminole Heights , I have seen the true transformation of an inner city neighborhood. I was here before it was cool to be here. I have been blessed with the opportunity to fight with the hookers, chase the drug dealers, protest at city council, and renovate an ailing bungalow. Most of all, I have been blessed with some of the most active, vocal, passionate, loving and caring neighbors and lifelong friends. As our neighborhood evolves, so do our need as do the needs of our neighborhood. This blog is being designed as a sounding board to voice opinions, concerns and to leave comments that may unite, incite and in any way light a fire to spark change, encourage activism and be a catalyst for improvement and volunteerism. In prior years, we have had award winning blogs that w...
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Welcome Carrie Wildes
2008-07-14 02:10:00
One of Seminole Heights newest residents is photographer Carrie Wildes- who just bought a super cute restored 1940s bungalow" according to her blog.

Bring Serge Storms to Seminole Heights
2008-07-14 01:41:00
One of my favorite series of books is the ones written by Tampa author, Tim Dorsey, which features this great whacky lovable serial killer, Serge Storms. Serge loves Florida history and Florida kitsch. "All aspects of the history of Florida, whether political, ecological, or sociological, are of intense interest to Serge. He is often seized with a sudden urge to visit landmarks, although their significance is frequently personal or related to popular culture, (from the Wikipedia entry) In the novels he travels all over Florida undergoing these interesting adventures. The last book, Atomic Lobster, which I just finished reading, had a big focus on Davis Islands.It be cool to have Serge Storms visit Seminole Heights in a big way. But why would he do so? What history would he want to see and what activities would he encounter?Hillsborough High School - the oldest high school in Hillsborough County and one of the oldest in the SouthNicko's Diner - the booth where Elvis ate whe...

Missing Horse Found on Clifton Avenue
2008-07-12 19:50:00
According to the Tribune, a missing horse was found in the backyard of Clifton Avenue . A missing horse statue that was stolen from the front of the Tampa Museum of Art in 1998."a woman who lives in the home gave Baxter a few stories about how the sculpture came to be in her yard, eventually saying an ex-boyfriend had bought it at a yard sale for $25 in 1998"They don't give the address, except to say East Clifton, which could be or might not be in Seminole Heights, but I wondered if I had seen the horse when we drove around Seminole Heights, nothing certain, just an the odd feeling that maybe I had. Perhaps I mixed it up with the other horses around.Tampa owns other horse sculptures by Oleson, on Bayshore Boulevard.I remember when Oleson was alive he had a whole herd of sculpture horses pastured in his front yard on Gunn Highway in Odessa, just before the Flea Market. I always enjoyed driving by them.
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National Night Out
2008-07-10 03:07:00
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT Tuesday, Aug. 5th 6-8pmHENRY & OLAPARKNational Night Outprovides an opportunity for neighbors to come together and learn about ways to get involved in protecting their communities.CRIME AWARENESS TIPSCOMMUNITY SPONSORSHENRY & OLA NWOSHNABGOSHTARGETTAMPA POLICE DEPTSUNCOAST MASSAGESWEET BAY MARKETPUBLIXSAVE A LOTMeet your neighborsFamily FunWatermelon & Soft Drinks

Cooks & Company and The Bungalow Bistro Bring You Cooking Classes
2008-07-08 16:43:00
After many phone calls from many interested students, Cooks & Company will finally be offering public cooking classes at The Bungalow Bistro ! Chef Greg, Executive Chef of Cooks & Company, is known around the hood, and now he'll teach you all he knows!July's schedule is as follows:Old World Mexican Flavors July 14th 6:30-9 PM Menu For The Evening:Scallop Ceviche with Avocado ~ Traditional Ceviche with a twistGrilled Fish Tacos with Jicama Slaw ~ Learn how to filet and grill fish to perfectionBlack Bean and Yellow Rice Stuffed Chile Rellanos with Traditional Guacamole ~ Old World flavorsItalian Master Sauces July 28th 6:30-9 PMMenu For The Evening:Marinara ~ Traditional tomato Mother sauce with fresh herbsPuttanesca ~ Marinara base, with black olives, capers, and anchovies. The Italian secret. Princess ~ Marinara base, with cream adding a unique flavor. Carbonara ~ Traditional cream sauce made with Pancetta, eggs and onions. Marsala ~ An earthy sauce made of Marsala wine, butter, a...
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Will Seminole Heights Starbucks Close?
2008-07-02 03:00:00
Will the Seminole Heights Starbucks close? News is out that Starbucks will close 600 stores nationwide."Seventy percent of the stores to be shut are less than three years old, the company said." . . . . "Most of the 600 stores to be closed were opened in late 2005 and 2006". . . . "During that time, more than 50 percent of the new stores had drive-through service". . . ."Florida and California are among the largest states affected" . . . ."estimated the stores were taking 25 percent to 30 percent of sales from nearby locations".The Seminole Heights store fits the profile. However I wonder if its proximity to I-275 (drivers gonmg to work and easy visibility) and heavy neighborhood use will keep it open? Will there need to be a letter writing/email campaign to save the Starbucks?
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Outdoor cats in Seminole Heights
2008-07-01 02:40:00
From an email:My name is Megan, and I have lived in South Seminole Heights for about a year and a half. As I walk or drive around this area and other parts of Seminole Heights, I notice a large number of cats roaming yards and streets. Many of them seem to be friendly, healthy and content with being outside, and are not bothering anything. The concern I have is making sure these cats are spayed or neutered. If they are roaming the neighborhood and are not fixed, there is a very good chance they are reproducing and having babies that are often unwanted.Spay/neuter has many benefits for animals, owners and the community:Good for your pet:- Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives (spayed or neutered pets live an average of 2 - 3 years longer than those who are not)- Eliminates or reduces the risk of a number of health problems that are difficult or expensive to treat, including several different kinds of cancerGood for you:- Makes pets less aggressive, more affectionate compan...
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Neighborhood Warning: Be on the Lookout
2008-07-01 02:02:00
From a concerned resident and reader:I was at the gym on Sunday afternoon around 4pm when this happened.My mother-in-law's Camry was parked on the street in front of our house and my wife was in the process of putting the baby in the car to run to Publix when a black Dodge Durango SUV pulled up. A guy got out, approached my wife and claimed that he owned an auto dent store in Clearwater, was opening a Florida Ave location and wanted to fix a rather large dent in the Camry for $20 and a promise to spread the word about his business. My wife explained that it wasn't her car, but he was welcome to give her some business cards.Just then, my mother-in-law saw them talking and walked onto the porch. As soon as he saw her, he walked away from my wife and approached the house. He made the same offer to her, to which she said "No thanks, but you're welcome to leave some business cards."Here was his response, verbatim: "Well, when are you going to fix it, when gas prices go up some more?" ...
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Crime and break-ins
2008-06-27 21:00:00
First let me start by saying crime can happen anywhere...Carrollwood...Hyde Park...Brandon. It is not a Seminole Heights phenomenon.A friend, neighbor, and former customer called me to let me know his home in the Hampton Terrace area had been robbed. This wasn't kids. These were pros. He was only gone from his home about 90 minutes. Though a neighbor called the police it was too late. They took over $14,000 of his possessions. You don't think about how much the stuff you accumulate adds up to until you are faced with the very unpleasant job of itemizing it for a police report!Given the brief amount of time involved, it seems clear that someone was watching his home and the immediate area. A nearby neighbor left her home about 15 minutes after he left his. The window for this crime is now down to under 75 minutes! The only description was 3 African-American males and a white pick-up truck given by the neighbor who called the police. No they were not caught.This should serve ...
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Trolley on Nebraska
2008-06-23 21:15:00
From the SESH email list:"I just rode the Tampa Trolley from Ybor to Channelside this weekend. It was fun, but it seems to me that if service was expanded to run up Nebraska into the Seminole Heights area it would attract a lot more riders since people could get into Ybor w/out having to drive/park. Going from Ybor to Channelside is a little pointless if you have to drive to Ybor to begin with! I know they have had a hard time financially, but maybe expanding the service to be more useful would help.It is kind of like trying to find a way to ride a bus to work. When it takes an hour and a half to get to work by bus, but only 15 mins. by car, there is not a practical way to make that work. Maybe expanding the bus service, rather than cutting it, would make it more useful to more people. "

Kevin Beckner candidate for District 6 County Commission
2008-06-23 21:13:00
From Susan Long:Meet and Greet Kevin Beckner candidate for District 6 County Commission .Date: Sunday July 29thTime: 1-3 PMPlace: Susan Long?s ? 921 E. Broad StreetEveryone?s welcome! Come meet a rational replacement for Brian BlairRSVP 813-857-4830 or swlong29@verizon.net
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Self-defense Course
2008-06-23 06:48:00
Learn how to protect yourself! Special classes in self-defense this summer at Seminole Heights Baptist Church, 801 E. Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa.Classes will be Mondays from 5:30-6:30pm and 6:30-7:30pm (attend one or both classes), July 7th - August 11th, in the church's fellowship hall.Classes taught by Senior Instructor Mark McGee. Children, teens and adults are welcome!Classes will address self-defense situations inside and outside your home, work, stores and other buildings and parking lots.Cost is just $10 for the six-week self-defense course.
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Driving Through the Neighborhood
2008-06-22 19:03:00
Any chance I get, I try to drive through the neighborhood, if business takes me that way, unfortunately most of the time it does not. Wednesday, I had that opportunity. I drive down Nebraska and for the first time experienced the new resurfacing/ re-striping. What a pleasant drive that was, all the way downtown. I especially liked the pseudo brick crosswalks but what a joy it was to not ride on potholed, cracked-up streets once I go into Ybor Heights. And to have good sidewalks all the way. When I first moved to Seminole Heights there were sections without sidewalks and now they exist the entire route, plus they are all ADA compliant. My only concern was the lack of markings identifying the bicycle portion of the road. This restriping, thought up by members of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, pushed by MPO staffer and SH resident Gena Torres and signed on and then pushed by Southeast Seminole Heights Civic Association and OSHNA, was a big victory for the residents. ...
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Yup.. another lost dog
2008-06-16 18:19:00
Wish that I had time to post something more relevant, and truly wish that there wasn't a need to post lost dog pictures.My neighbor found this husky this morning. No tags, but a piece of masking tape has the last four digits of a phone number, and "Idlewild" written on it. Dog was found near Hanna and Highland.
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Swimming Lessons
2008-06-13 12:57:00
The City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department and the Florida Department of Health ? Hillsborough County are teaming up to provide free swim lessons for children ages 5 ? 17. The lessons will be offered at the following City pools. Please call the pool of your choice for the dates and times of the lessons and for registration information.Any questions regarding the availability of vouchers should be directed to the pool locations listed. The Health Department will not register individuals or have knowledge about how many vouchers remain at any of the centers. There are a limited number of vouchers and no additional free lesson sessions will be provided through the Health Department this summer Bobby Hicks Pool 4120 W. Mango 832-1216 12 vouchersCopeland Pool 11011 N. 15th St. 975-2734 12 ?Cuscaden Pool 2800 N. 15th St. ...
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South Seminole Heights photo contest!
2008-06-11 20:22:00
From an email:Neighborhood Photo Contest Deadline Extended! It's not too late to enter the South Seminole Heights photo contest! Send us photos that exemplify our neighborhood and the things that make it special ? such as the river, our park, our charming bungalows, people walking their dogs, etc. Winners will be featured on the SSHCA website and maybe even in a South Seminole Heights 2009 Calendar! Scenics, action shots (of neighbors working on home improvement, for example), gardens, close-ups, portraits of area businesses ? all are fair game. Think of the things that make our neighborhood unique, and click away! You must be a neighborhood resident to participate. All ages are welcome and each contributor may submit up to 3 digital photos. All images must be color, digital files of 1 MB in size or less. However, if selected, you will need to have high-resolution versions of the images available for printing in our newsletter or in a calendar. If you?re not sure what this means, ...
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Tampa Bay Hardware Burns
2008-06-09 03:15:00
Tampa Bay Hard Hardware has burned down.According to TBO.com "The roof of Tampa Bay Hardware has collapsed and the one-story barnlike building at 5511 N. Nebraska Ave. is gutted, after having been 85 percent involved in flames,"". . . .six ladder trucks responded to the scene when the fire started shortly after 6 p.m. The store was closed and no one was inside the building, officials said. No injuries have been reported,"What a shame, what a loss to Seminole Heights and Tampa history.
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