Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Depressionomics - Tampa Ranks 13th in America.

In today’s TBT there was an interesting blurb (That’s all they print) about a ranking by Forbes.com. After many of the comments regarding the current real estate market and economy, I thought I would share. The list ranked
America’s cities by how empty they are–actual dwellings sitting empty. According to this poll, the Tampa Bay Area ranks 13th in America for “America’s Emptiest Cities”. They used the Census Bureau data to determine the data from the end of 2008. At this time, 15.6 percent of the Bay area rentals were empty (11th worst) and 3 percent of the homes were empty (28th worst). Florida dominates the national list of “most abandoned cities” From 1-15 they are: Las Vegas, Detroit, Atlanta, Greensboro, Dayton, Phoenix, Orlando, Kansas City, Jacksonville, Indianapolis, Miami, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Bakersfield, Cincinnati. You can read more at www.tinyurl.com/bhdojo.


 

 

Posted by Seminole Heights at 14:35:28 | Permalink | Comments (23)

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Tampa rejects 25-year TECO deal

From yesterday’s St. Petersburg Times

TAMPA — The City Council has rejected a 25-year franchise agreement with Tampa Electric Co., citing environmental and timing concerns.

About 40 residents of Seminole Heights criticized the utility for butchering trees and spoiling the aesthetics on the public land where power lines run. Environmental advocates want to seize this opportunity to force the utility to do more with renewable energy.

Some council members also would prefer a shorter contract. The agreement determines how much the utility has to pay for the privilege of using the city’s right of way for power lines.

“This isn’t us vs. them,” council member Linda Saul-Sena said. “This is our community working together for a better energy future.”

The City Council voted 4-2 Thursday to discard the proposal that city and utility officials have been negotiating for more than three years. Those opposed to the contract were Saul-Sena, John Dingfelder, Joseph Caetano and Mary Mulhern. Tom Scott and Charlie Miranda did not want to reject the contract.

City Attorney Chip Fletcher said Tampa Electric remains bound by the previous contract, signed in 1986. It expired in 2006.

After Thursday’s vote, the utility can continue negotiating. Saul-Sena said she would like to see Tampa Electric come back in six months with a better contract.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/energy/article895156.ece

Posted by Seminole Heights at 14:49:01 | Permalink | No Comments »

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Don’t Trash Our Thoroughfares!

Recently, I drove the entire distance of our two major north and south arteries, Florida and Nebraska Ave. I was saddening to see the abundance of litter and debris that cover the right-of-ways of both. However, the one thing that appeared to be a glaring issue is the lack of trash receptacles. Along the corridors, especially the Nebraska Ave stretch, it appears that the majority of public transit shelters, benches and bus stops failed to place the trash receptacles. Therefore, passengers sit on the bench with their colas, snacks and meals. Whey they are finished, the litter is simply tossed on the ground. I have written both FDOT and Hartline. However, neither have responded. Therefore, I am asking for your assistance. Maybe if they receive 100’s of letter, action may be taken. Please take the time to send a quick note to both FDOT and Hartline to request that proper trash receptacles be installed as soon as possible.

Email FDOT: scott.collister@dot.state.fl.us , gloria.harmony@dot.state.fl.us and marian.scorza@dot.state.fl.us

Submit a comment directly to Hartline via their website at: http://www.hartline.org/contact/comment/index.htm

Posted by Seminole Heights at 20:05:10 | Permalink | Comments (4)

Friday, September 5, 2008

Tampa/St. Pete in Top 25 Worst Place to Live for Singles.

Recently, Forbes Magazine ranked the Tampa Bay are as one of the worse places to live if you are single.

#23 Tampa-St. Petersburg

RANKINGS

Culture: 21
Night Life: 18
Singles: 40
Job Growth: 12
Cost Of Living Alone: 22
Online Dating Rank: 12 

Posted by Seminole Heights at 11:46:36 | Permalink | Comments (4)

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Why did you move to Seminole Heights

When I moved to
Seminole Heights it was many years ago. Back when most
homes were priced in the $30’s. My neighbor had just purchased their almost
3,000 sq. ft. bungalow for only $17,000! We purchased our home because it
was all we could afford. Back then a $300 house payment was a stretch. But
with saving money, cooking meals at home and hard work, we felt it was the
high end, but well worth it. We could walk to the river, hang out with neighbors
on the front side walk, and most importantly be anywhere in Tampa within a
matter of minutes. Oh sure, we would have loved to have had a house in
Hyde Park or just about anywhere in South Tampa, but reality put us here.
Now that we have been here for so long, there is nowhere else we would
rather be. Now we see the pendulum change and those that lived down
south are being priced out due to rising insurance and taxes and those from
the north unable to afford the long commute. Thus the eyes are upon us.
What’s your story? How have we changed since you moved here?

Posted by Seminole Heights at 12:28:58 | Permalink | Comments (3)

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

What do you look for in a “daily read” blog?

 

Recently, I have been reading many articles about blogs. Did you know an average top blogs lifecycle is only 33 months? I was taken aback when I saw how fast and popular this site became. When asked why I wanted to create this site, the answer was simple. “It was needed.” What is your thought on the site, why do you keep coming back. What would you like to see. We are always looking to improve.
 
While I have seen how hard it can be to write daily posts, it also is an interesting experience. I have spent many hours visiting blogs all over the country and especially our neighborhood to see some of the comments regarding this blog. One thing I noticed is that most of the other blogs were created to view the authors point, not necessarily offer a forum that allows dialogue and conversation. From the beginning this blog was created to be an outlet that would allow all Seminole Heights residents a place to come visit, speak out and encourage change. While I work hard to try to find topics that interest all, I also encourage each and everyone of you to submit topics that you would like to have discussed. As the blog was created to protect anonymity, your name, email, etc will remain anonymous if you submit a topic. The only indication will be “From an Email” I will include my viewpoint and open YOUR topic up for discussion. Its your turn, Speak out.

Email your topics to: seminoleheightstampa@gmail.com

Posted by Seminole Heights at 12:54:04 | Permalink | Comments (16)

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Where do you see “Downtown” Seminole Heights?

For years, we always called the corner of Hanna and Central Ave, Downtown Seminole Heights. But over the years, we are seeing more development along our major thoroughfares. With the revitalization of Nebraska Ave, we see the corner of Osborne and Nebraska become more appealing as a major hub. Or, from Osborne and Florida all the way up to Hillsborough could make for a large commercial district. Here, you have the movie theater and many cool commercial buildings. The biggest hurdle we will face as a neighborhood is how do we get the support of the city and the business owners to make this transition happen? What are your thoughts?

(PS. I apologize for the late post, but with Fay hitting the state, travel called.)

Posted by Seminole Heights at 20:31:39 | Permalink | Comments (16)

Monday, August 18, 2008

Visit back to the FRONT PORCH!

Recently, I ventured back to The Front Porch. It had been almost a
year since I had been. Quite frankly it was so lack luster and bad
service so I never bothered going back.

I have to say. The owners have spent some money in fixing up the place.
The food was excellent. There must be a new chef in the house. First,
our meal started with the Calamari. It was some of the best I have
found in Tampa . It came with the typical marinara, but also a very
tasty Chili sauce. Next came the house salad and a plate of fresh,
hot cornbread with butter.  The veggies were very
fresh, but the best part was the salad dressings. We ordered the
house raspberry vinaigrette and bleu cheese. Both had so much
flavor! Yum! We went with a large party so the plates were all diverse,
fresh and very tasty. By the end of the meal we were so full we did
not get to experience any of the desserts. However, I have to say, I
will be going back to try the Godiva Creme Brulee or the bread
pudding.

The inside of the restaurant is very warm and inviting. Has a very
large bar that feels very neighborly. Live music on the porch. All
in all, it was a very enjoyable experience. I would highly recommend
giving the Front Porch another visit.

The best part, was the total of the bill. With appetizers, salads, dinner
four and drinks (3 wines) the total tab was only $95. For some reason,
I always thought they were overpriced. However, after this visit,
I have to say they were a great value for the quality and service.

Posted by Seminole Heights at 02:13:11 | Permalink | Comments (4)

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Is Tampa Prepared for a Hurricane?

The last direct hit from a hurricane for Tampa was 1921. Back then, the
damage was estimated at $10million (Today’s value would be
$120million). At that time much of our neighborhood did not exist.
As a historic neighborhood, we must now ask ourselves, If Tampa
were to take a direct hit, would our city and our neighborhood be
prepared. For a long time, Tampa has been predicted to take a major,
direct hit. Analyst have long said that Tampa will be the next New
Orleans . Considering that Tampa has almost twice the population,
is much more wealthier - therefore higher property casualty
losses, this could be devastating.

Hurricane experts suggest that if Tampa were to take a direct hit
from the south, as they are possibly predicting, then entire Port
Tampa, downtown, Channelside would be under water. If a
category 3 were to hit, water could be so high that it could flood
the first two floors of Tampa General Hospital . As a category 4,
we would be facing up to 23 foot storm surge.

While I think the science of predicting the storms path and intensity
is far from perfect, it is something that should weigh in the back of all
our minds. I think we have been very fortunate to dodge most storms.
Our biggest concern will typically be that of wind damage and flying
debris. Who knows, one day we may see the Hillsborough River rise to
new heights. Seminole Heights that is…let’s hope we are all aware
and prepared.

Posted by Seminole Heights at 17:15:38 | Permalink | Comments (12)

Friday, August 15, 2008

Meet the Candidates!

Come meet the candidates, learn more about their platforms, ask questions.

 

Monday, August 18, 2008.  This event is being sponsored by:
The Tampa/Hillsborough County Human Rights Council Equality Florida South Seminole Heights Civic Association

 

6:30p – 7:00p ~ Informal Meet & Greet with Hillsborough County Judicial Candidates, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Election Candidates, and Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Candidates

7:00p – 7:10p ~ Introductions of Media Representatives and Program Format

7:10p – 7:30p ~ Hillsborough County School Board, District 1 - Q&A

7:30p – 7:55p ~ Hillsborough County School Board, District 7 - Q&A

7:55p – 8:15p ~ Hillsborough County Commission , District 2 (R) – Q&A

8:15p – 8:35p ~ Hillsborough County Commission , District 6 (R) – Q&A

8:35p – 8:55p ~ Hillsborough County Commission , District 6 (D) – Q&A

8:55p – 9:00p ~ Final Comments/Program concludes

 

The event will be held at Metropolitain Community Church at 408 E. Cayuga St. in the Seminole Heights – On Central Ave, between Hillsborough Ave. and Martin Luther King Boulevard. One block South of Osborne.

Please  (RSVP) to Jack via email (jtc9473@yahoo.com)
or phone (727.410.3482) at your earliest possible convenience. 

Posted by Seminole Heights at 12:49:51 | Permalink | No Comments »