The Official Unofficial Seminole Heights Blog

Before we open up the weekend forum, I wanted to share some ideas we are considering in updating the blog. Surprisingly, our blog will celebrate it’s one year anniversary in  a little over one month! As our account comes up for renewal, we are not convinced that the blog.com platform is as customer-focused as we would like to see. As a result, we are in talks with some developers to possibly have our own site created that has the basic functionality of our current site, yet gives us the flexibility to possibly add local advertisements, notices, etc.

Our initial thoughts are to sell inexpensive advertisements to local businesses within the
Seminole Heights boundaries and find charitable organizations or projects to donate the advertising revenue such as children’s groups, seniors, etc. I don’t think we would be talking much revenue but enough to help some of the smaller groups.

Other wishes would be for the site to have a more real-time site meter, search features, etc. As we meet with programmers, what are some features you would like to see added to the site. Keep in mind that these changes are not set and stone and may not even happen, but we wanted to have your input as we make the decision. What features would you like to see?

For the record, last night after the form based zoning meeting, I asked Kacy Curry to let the OSHNA board know that we are willing to sit down, without lawyers or mediators, as the neighbors we are and the friends we once were, and discuss our issues. My appeal to her to pass on to the board is that the bloodshed must end. This will not be solved by lawyers or threats. If the principals cannot sit down in a room and at least begin to discuss the issues then the divide is indeed too great. We may not solve any any of the current problems, but we certainly have no chance if we are not even able to talk, especially without threats of legal action. We await the response of the OSHNA board.

Randy Baron

From the Tampa Tribune:

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - If the choice is barbed wire or angry customers who have lost their cable signal, Internet hook-up or phone connection, Bright House Networks prefers barbed wire.

But Tampa’s code, amended nearly two years ago, says no to the barbed wire at the Bright House communications hub site, 6716 N. Nebraska Ave., unless the city’s Variance Review Board says yes.

A public hearing is scheduled at 6 p.m. June 9.

The barbed wire is “a visual deterrent” that will keep out vandals and trespassers and “help ensure that communications equipment remains secure for subscribers,” according to Bright House’s waiver application.

The city amended its rules on electrified, razor and barbed wire fences at the behest of neighbors citywide who say they are ugly and pose a public safety hazard. Businesses and security companies take the position that the fences deter crime and protect property.

“It just doesn’t lend itself to looking like a friendly neighborhood,” said Jeff Harmon, president of Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association, which has battled against these types of fences for years.

The non-descript block structure that houses the cable company’s utilities and communications equipment is next to the Sulphur Springs post office, enclosed by a 6-foot chain-link fence with spiky barbs on top.

The tiny lot is zoned commercial and residential, city records show.

Code enforcement recently cited the company. Barbed wire is allowed in industrial districts or on farmland, but a waiver is required in residential and commercial areas.

Bright House has taken down the barbed wire, but hopes to prevail at the June hearing.

The barbed wire first was installed more than 10 years ago, said company spokesman Joe Durkin. “Once it came to our attention it had not been properly permitted, it was decided to take it down and do it right,” he said.

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 259-7652.
http://southtampa2.tbo.com/content/2009/may/27/st-bright-house-fights-to-re-install-barbed-wire-a/

In a matter of a few weeks, Tampa could once again be named the next All-American City by the National Civic League. In mid June, the final competition will be held in downtown Tampa. Playing host to 31 finalist cities, Tampa may once again claim the title once held in 1990.

The City of
Tampa has been named a finalist for the National Civic League’s All-American City Award. Tampa is the only city from the State of Florida to be selected as a finalist this year.

The City submitted three community projects for the All American City Award application. The projects highlighted include:

1. East Tampa Initiative: starting in 2003, the City of Tampa along with the neighborhood, has been working to transform East Tampa back into a community of vibrant residences and businesses with thriving recreational, social and cultural activities.

2. 40th Street Enhancement Project: through the 40th Street citizen task force and multiple partnerships, the almost completed five-phase, $106 million dollar project has improved 4.2 miles of existing roadway on 40th Street from Hillsborough to Fowler Avenue, including a new bridge that was conceptually designed by a local King High School student.

3. Annual Sulphur Springs Children’s Holiday Event: for the last six years the Tampa Police Department, in partnership with the community, has provided the children of Sulphur Springs with this annual event involving gifts, food, care and attention. Sulphur Springs has the highest population of children for all city neighborhoods. Sulphur Spring’s median income is $10,592.

The final competition will be held June 17-19, 2009 at the Tampa Marriott Waterside. Mayor Iorio looks forward to welcoming the 31 cities and their mayors from across the nation to Tampa for the conference.   Tampa was first named an All-American City in 1990.

We are in need of Ice Cream donations. It’s time to dig out that ice cream maker you got as a wedding present and put it to good use! We are asking for Donations of either home made or store bought Ice Cream for the 2009 Ice Cream Scoial @ Giddens Park new Gazebo, June 6th 10:30am. Please let me know in advance what you can donate and or make. You will need drop off your contributions to the park early morning of the 6th. The less we have to spend on our budget on the ice cream it’s self the more money we can spend on fun. This event should be pure fun and it’s sure to begin the summer with a smile and appreciation from our neighbors and friends. Please let me know if you have any questions about donating.  Interested? Please email Dana at: nicholson237@yahoo.com