Thursday, July 31, 2008

Today’s Business Spotlight: SHERRY’S YESTERDAZE

Recently, I offered to all SH Business owners the opportunity to send an “article” about what makes them unique, what is something that neighbors may not know, etc. Basically, free advertising! To my surprise, We got an email! And more surprising, I learned something new! I have often times wondered into Sherry’s YesterDaze. You can’t help but admire the cool, retro paint job on the exterior. However, it is the interior items that will blow you away. If nothing else, it it worth the trip to gather some friends and stroll through the store. One of my favorite things to do (as I get older) is to walk through the store with a group and crack ourselves up “remembering” the items that adorn the store. All you hear is wild laughter and “remember when we used to wear this?” or “wow, my grandma had one of these” etc.

But most of all, I had no idea that you could rent items/costumes. This is great to know with Halloween right around the corner. Do yourself a favor and go visit Sherry’s YesterDaze. See her information below.

P.S. By stating my opinion, I am not endorsing this particular business. This invitation is open to all business owners within SH. I am sure there will be times that a posting from a business I have never visited or used will be posted. With Sherry’s YesterDaze, I have had personal experiences so I did elaborate. You are invited to find out first hand!
On a side note: The Creative Loafing Poll has a category for “Best Vintage Store” keep this in mind as you vote!

Most people know that I have Vintage Clothing & Antiques for sale…no brainer, right?
 
But, what some may not know is that I rent.  Gotta 70’s party you’ve been invited to, but you tossed out your platform shoes years ago?  Well, we’ve got ‘em, and you don’t have to keep them (to toss again), you can rent a pair, plus poly disco shirts, poly pants and chains, because, of course, you have to leave your shirt unbuttoned to show off the pecs & abs (if you dare).  I’ve also got 70s mini-dresses and go-go boots for rent.
 
That covers the 70s.  Other decades for rent are 20’s flapper dresses, zoot & gangster suits; 50s poodle skirts and letter sweaters, saddle shoes and cat-eye glasses; 60s hippie and mod attire; 80s rockin’ clothes; plus a newly added selection of Renaissance costumes, so you can go to the RenFest in style.
 
And to go with all these party clothes I have plenty of accessories to complete your look. 
  
In October we bring out the fun stuff for Halloween.  All kinds of stuff for costuming ideas.  These aren’t all vintage items, just whatever has come our way which we think will be fun for putting together a costume, for adults and kids.  And, there’s vintage stuff on the halloween rack too, at marked-down prices.
  
So, the shop is here to help you with the ‘fun stuff’ in your life.  And, if I may say so myself, the shop itself is fun.  Lot ’s of things from the past that you may have forgotten about…..especially the pop-culture stuff.  So, come in and browse….it’s free entertainment!!  And if you decide to buy, you’re helping the local Seminole Heights economy.  Both the owner and manager live in Seminole Heights !! 

Come and tell us you read about us on the wonderful S.H. Blog.
 
Sherry’s YesterDaze Vintage Clothing & Antiques

5207 N. Florida Ave.

(Across from Post Office)
Hours:  Tues. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Sun. Noon - 6 p.m.

Posted by Seminole Heights at 15:42:46 | Permalink | Comments (2)

Animal Control / Abuse

This came from the SESH Email group. This seems to be a growing problem in our neighborhoods. However, from experience, there seems to be very little Animal control can do.  From previous issues, I have been told that if the animal has food, water and shelter, there is nothing AC can do. However, they can investigate to make sure the animal is current on all shots, etc. I think with enough requests, the usually put enough pressure on the owner to give up the dog, or offer better care.

To All:

I have been driving by a house at the corner of E Chelsea and N 13th St for a long time.  The house at 4222 N 13th St has a dog.  The poor dog has been tied up to a 6ft cable since he has been at that house.  The 6ft cable is not even secured to the ground but rather up high to wrought iron window bars giving the poor dog no more than about 3 feet to move around.  He can’t even move around in a complete circle because he lives smack up against  a wall of the house.  This means that he lives all the time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 52 weeks a year in his own feces and urine.  The owners finally put out a dog house for him to have some minimal shelter.  But the dog house sits right in the middle of his 3ft circumference and gives the poor dog even less room to move around.  I never ever see water or food.  There is no grass or flooring, nothing but Florida dirt.  I can just imagine that he/she is full of flees and other pests.  His life must be pure MISERY!  This dog did not chose his owners, but rather the other way around. 

I have reported this situation THREE TIMES to Hillsborough County animal control.  NOTHING has been done to relieve this poor, helpless animal of his misery.  It may be illegal, but, I swear if nothing is done soon to help this dog, it will mysteriously find its freedom in the middle of the night.

PLEASE CONTACT ANIMAL SERVICES AND REPORT THIS. 

http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices/

Maybe if we all call, something will be done soon. 

Sorry for the rant…but I just can’t stand to see that poor dog suffer any more.
Posted by Seminole Heights at 12:51:40 | Permalink | Comments (5)

Weigh in on The Wet Zoning

There was an article in the Tampa Tribune by Kathy Steel regarding the wet zoning request for Forever Beautiful and Bungalow Bistro. They had some very interesting points.

Personally, I think this request should be granted. Seminole Heights has long been in need of a “nice” restaurant and social place for neighbors to meet, visit, etc. For some, that place is Front Porch. Bungalow Bistro is on a different level, quality of food, cleanliness, atmosphere, etc. While I like the Front Porch and eat there regularly, I also frequent Bungalow Bistro. I feel that they are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Front Porch more casual, beer drinking place. Bungalow Bistro, more of a wine drinking place. If we want to encourage new restaurants into our neighborhood, we have to figure out a way to remove these ridiculous hurdles that our current city zoning continues to throw at the business owners.

Read the entire article here: http://southtampa2.tbo.com/content/2008/jul/30/st-council-to-tackle-issue-of-wet-zoning/

Posted by Seminole Heights at 12:46:09 | Permalink | Comments (10)

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Did you know there were people to help with illegal dumping.

This morning, I logged on to find out information regarding our neighborhoods “Clean Sweep or NEAT” programs. Since each area has a different one, I wanted to post all. If you remember, when Mayor Iorio took office, one of her quests was to move Tampa from the bottom of the list of America’s dirtiest cities to a more respectable number. Out of 50, we are 31. http://www.tampagov.net/dept_clean_city/files/Top50.pdf

As you can tell, I got a bit sidetracked and found something very interesting. As I go through the neighborhood, I often stumble across piles of garbage that people have dumped in the dark of night. Usually, it sits there for what seems like an eternity. Did you know that if it is there for 48 hours you can call the city (of fill out online form) The information below is from the Clean City page of the www.tampagov.net website.

Illegal Dumping Removal Services

Illegal Dumping Removal ServicesTo provide a cleaner City Environment through an illegal dumping abatement program.  Illegal dumping removal is performed in compliance with City Code (19-47 public nuisance; 19-49 excessive accumulation of trash, rubbish, junk and debris) while adhering to OSHA safety procedures.

Workload includes but is not limited to:

  1. Report requests to Solid Waste Department and Code Enforcement Department

  2. Illegal Dumping removal is performed on City owned and privately owned property (if no response by other departments) after 48 hours, CCD will assist

You can also contact them at Tel: 813/931-2140

Posted by Seminole Heights at 12:53:51 | Permalink | Comments (2)

Blog sets new record!

Over the past few weeks our blog has been gaining momentum, spreading the news, and creating dialogue among neighbors! For the most part is has been constructive, productive and very interesting. Today, for the 7th day in a row, we have exceeded traffic count of 200 page views per day. For a site less than one month old, I feel like this is sound footing to build something that can make a difference in our neighborhood.

Thanks to all who have been visiting, commenting and participating in our daily discussions.

 

Posted by Seminole Heights at 00:11:46 | Permalink | Comments (3)

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Are you familiar with what businesses and services we have in our own backyard?

This morning while enjoying breakfast with some neighbors at 3 Coins Diner, we were discussing various topics about Seminole Heights . The most interesting topic was that of “How our neighborhood had changed for the better in recent years.” As the conversation progressed, everyone began stating various things that they enjoyed. New Restaurants, shops, services, etc. By the end of the meal, there were so many new things learned. For example, did you know that the Blue Sea Fish Market has a sit down restaurant? Supposedly, they have some of the best Seafood fare in town. (Plus, good Chinese food). It got me thinking. Many business and services cater to residents from outside our area so many do not know what they sell or do. If you are a business owner within the Greater Seminole Heights area, I am challenging you to send me an email highlight of your business or service. Please include what makes you unique, why would neighbors utilize/need your service/shop and any other pertinent information. Depending on response, we will either highlight one per week or day.

Hopefully, this will help everyone know what is available to them right here in Seminole Heights .

Please forward directly to seminoleheightstampa@gmail.com

Posted by Seminole Heights at 17:11:54 | Permalink | Comments (1) »

I love my parents, but…

While I will start this post off telling you how much I love my Family…. Having grown up in a large family, I have always had the “need” to be near or around family. Having lived here almost all my life, and all my adult life, my parents moved back up north to my birth place years ago. Each year, they make the trek back to Florida to be a summer house guests. Each year, it is the same convincing speech. “We won’t be a bother. The month will fly by. Your dad can help fix things around the house. Don’t change anything on our account.” And each year it is the same. Walking on eggshells. Always changing habits, and feeling like a 5 year old for four very long weeks.

This trip was different. As our parents get older, it seems they are more “self sufficient.” For the first time, I felt as if they recognized me as a grown adult. They sought my opinion. As I also sought their approval. Each evening, we would take an afternoon stroll along the river or down central. It was something very interesting my father noticed.

When my parents moved from Florida , They moved back up north to a newer suburb. Typical frame and brick house that looks identical to the house every two doors. While the house is nice and new, it is nothing to get excited about. While we were walking our neighborhood. My father said “When did America and our communities stop building houses and neighborhoods that we will want to preserve for years to come?”

To me this was the best complement he could give me. To me, this was my fathers way of saying “I approve and applaud you and your neighbors efforts to restore and preserve some of America ’s rich and beautiful history.”

Maybe I read much more into his comments, maybe the stress of a 4 week house guest clouded my reasoning. With this being my first weekend without parents, I am staying home and relishing my beautiful bungalow and awesome neighbors.

Posted by Seminole Heights at 15:31:02 | Permalink | Comments (2)

Monday, July 28, 2008

Are we ready for Sem-Hi?

In the most recent issue of “New Heights Magazine” my new favorite news source, there was an article referencing Seminole Heights as Sem-Hi.  With a trendy sounding, catchy, abbreviated name got me thinking. Is Seminole Heights ready for the next step in our lengthy revitalization process? As with most large cities as their inner city neighborhood revamp and target the “upwardly mobile” blue to white collar or artsy residents, most eventually end up changing their name to a more catchy or reflective name. i.e. SoHo, NoHo (Should be Seminole Heights ) WeHo, Meat Packing,  Midtown, Perimeter, Tribeca (TRIangle BElow CAnal Street. ) Little Italy, Chinatown , etc.
With a renaming of a neighborhood comes certain connotations and expectations. When you hear SoHo , what comes to mind—In Tampa. To me, I assume they are referring to the very trendy area of south Howard. Full of bars, night clubs and great, non-chain restaurants. If we are to become Sem-Hi, what will be our claim to fame. I envision an area of unique shopping, coffee shops and eateries, lots of art galleries, etc.
The original rise of Ybor several years back was due to the local artist that came into the dilapidated warehouses and storefronts and open chic art galleries, crafty stores and really unique shops. As they area increased in popularity, so did the rent forcing most of the small time artists to leave. This could be an opportunity to invent Sem-Hi as the Arts and cultural center of Tampa . With Seminole Heights truly being Tampa ’s Mid Town, our neighborhood is already home to most “starving” artist and performers. What a great opportunity. A perfect example of how this could work for our neighborhood is to take a short drive to Gulfport . Gulfport is an eclectic mix of art galleries, wine shops, restaurants and live music. Each month they host a constantly growing Art Stroll. (Now featured twice per month on the First Friday and the Third Saturday of each month) For example, this weekend they are hosting a large event, www.geckofest.com.
The biggest challenge our neighborhood faces is the enormous size of Greater Seminole Heights. With the above example, the main street through Gulfport stretches only a few blocks. Some of the areas best restaurants are all housed within the unique shops, galleries and boutiques. With the creation of Sem-Hi, I believe we would have to focus on revitalizing the area a section at a time. I believe this is where the B’gosh group could play a very vital role. As the neighborhood needs change, many of the local businesses will become obsolete. As this happens, this will create additional opportunities for business owners. For example, as we fight the prostitution battle, many of the seedy hotels will be forced to either close, or reinvent their use. This could be an excellent opportunity for Art Colonies-Making each room an art Studio to be rented out on a monthly basis.
I have heard rumblings that SESH will be forming a group of neighbors to create a Nebraska Ave beautification committee. While they details are not out yet, I feel this is a great step towards revitalizing an area that hold so much potential for our neighborhood. As the area found out years ago, the less desirable inhabitants of Nebraska (prostitutes and drug dealers) did not like the extra traffic that their Exercise Club generated. Imagine what would happen if there were brightly lit businesses and 100’s of neighbors strolling the galleries on the typical busy nights.
Sounds good to me… Now its your turn  to sound off!
Posted by Seminole Heights at 15:40:52 | Permalink | Comments (16)

Ohio Fugitive Lived and Arrested in Seminole Heights.

Over the weekend, an Ohio fugitive was caught in the neighborhood. While he resided at 914 E Osborne, he was arrested at MLK and

Florida Ave.

 

 

 

Quion Green

Posted by Seminole Heights at 02:57:18 | Permalink | Comments (1) »

Nebraska Ave Business Plan

Recently, on one of the neighborhood websites, there was an article regarding the revitalization of Nebraska Ave and the lack of commercial businesses. In particular, the article referenced the intersection of Nebraska and Osborne Ave. Today, as driving through the neighborhood, I made a point to drive this route. On one corner, you have a ran down Texaco. The Northeast corner is a vacant lot surrounded in chainlink and is on track to become a used boat/auto storage lot. The Southwest corner is the Florida school of Art. While I am sure it is a great business, the building does very little to improve the neighborhood. Instead it looks like a dilapidated building with inner city artwork and graffiti. The Southeast corner is the most prominent and valuable. This corner features enough square footage, vacant space and parking to advance our neighborhood lightyears ahead.
What would you like to see there. As a group, maybe we can create a “business plan” to help some of these property owners find investors, etc. to help turn their properties into valued businesses again! Sound off!
Posted by Seminole Heights at 01:32:51 | Permalink | Comments (2)