Links to Some Recent Prostitution Stories

12/30/08 208 E Columbus Drive: Tampa Prostitution Sting Ends With Gunfire
11/18/08: Tampa prostitution sting nets 52 arrests
11/12/08 26th Ave & Nebraska: Tampa Woman With HIV Charged With Prostitution
10/28/08: Tampa prostitution sting nets five adults, rescues six juveniles

New Heights | mid-Nov '08/mid-Jan '09

SPECIAL EDITION:
2009 Guide to the Urban Corridor
Mid-Nov '08/Mid-Jan '09
Vol. 1, Edt. 6
See this newsletter HERE.
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NEIGHBORHOOD SECRETS

FOOD & DRINK

ARTS & EVENTS

UC BUYER'S GUIDE

NEWS & RUMORS

Urban Corridor = Seminole Heights, Downtown Tampa, Hyde Park, Channel District, West Tampa, Riverside Heights, Ybor City, Ybor Heights, Davis Islands, Tampa Heights, The Heights, VM Ybor & surrounding areas.

2009 Executive Board Elections

We will hold elections for the new board at our general meeting next week, Thursday, November 13th, 6:30 PM at the Children's Board, 1002 E Palm Ave. Please bring family and neighbors to this important meeting. We also have some good news to share, to please be sure to attend!

New Heights | mid-Sept/mid-Nov 2008

This has been out since late September, so I apologize for the late posting.

Can't see this newsletter? Visit: www.NewHeightsMag.com/newsletter/index.html

New 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 ...

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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 wines from lesser known regions ...

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Health & Beauty: Nothing says "I've had a great summer!" like snarling split ends and bleached out locks. Just in time for Fall, find out which conditioner is the cure for your frazzled hair ...

Then learn "Where the Mind Goes," according to Eastern medicine;and how a vast majority of our health problems (including depression) may originate from our mental selves ...

-------------- http://www.newheightsmag.com/ ----------------

Home & Family: Where are the bodies buried? Meet the soldiers, socialites, saints and sinners that lay at rest (or maybe not!) in the UC's eerie, historic graveyards ...

Then, NH's Licensed School Psychologist, Dr. Abby, explores why consistency is the key for parents who want their children to feel safe and happy at home ...

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Arts & Events: Hillsborough High & Seminole Heights Documentaries (Oct. 4); Tampa Bay International Auto Show; TBPAC's 2008-2009 Bestof Broadway Season; Cigars & Stars IV; and more!

Also: Event Listings, "Transit Race," tombstones, UC Fly Over & scenes of NH's past ...

-------------- http://www.newheightsmag.com/ ----------------

News & Rumors: Is it Real or Rumor? From the Newsline to the Grapevine, New Heights goes myth-busting to bring you the latest scoop!

This issue: New Heights Lands a Whaleys (almost); Starbuck's Closing; Five Guys Burgers and Thai; and more!

Join Us for a Celebration as New Heights turns 1!

A Celebration & Networking Event
See your offical inviation here: New Heights Birthday Celebration


When: Oct. 2, 2008, 6-8pm (Thursday)
Where: Gaspar's Grotto - Map
1805 E. 7^th Ave., Ybor City


Please 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 birthday and New Heights' goal to draw positive attention to the UC neighborhoods that are the true heart of Tampa. We'll see you there!


No RSVP required, but we'd love to know you're coming so we can be sure to look out for you. Feel free to email us at editor@NewHeightsMag.com.

City Council Seeks Volunteers to Fill Vacancies

Barrio Latino Commission

The positions are:
Architect
Ybor City Chamber of Commerce
Attorney
Resident of Ybor City Historic District.

Visit here for more information.

New Heights | mid-July/mid-Sept 2008

CLICK to see our full eNewsletter.

Heights Heightlights
lUCky dogs - Dog-friendly Urban Corridor
New Heights takes you on a tour of the UC's shade covered sidewalks, its dog-loving restaurants and retail shops, and its dogparks to prove the UC area may be Tampa's dog-friendliest.

Plus: Photos & Results of our UC's Cutest Dog/Owner Contest!

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Food & Drink
Our expert food critic gives downtown's Fly Bar & Restaurant a second look and discovers that small plates can satisfy big appetites (even at small prices, if your timing is right!).

Then, white or red? NH's critically acclaimed sommeliers recommend both can be enjoyed when sipping this summer.

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Health & Beauty
Summer is Bridal Season. So for those of you who plan on soon saying "I do," we're providing a Beauty To-do Checklist to help your day be as grand as possible.

Meanwhile, NH's health columnist explains how acupuncture and herbs can be an effective treatment for asthma.

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Home & Family
See why mixing grandma's favorite chair with a modern, colorful, plastic side table is a chic look that's catching on in the UC.

Then, NH's very own Licensed School Psychologist, Dr. Abby, explores how a little "Consideration" can greatly enhance your parent/child bond.

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Arts & Events
Hundreds of thousands have visited TBPAC to see big stars; but New Heights takes you to the theatre's newest constellation, which isforming in its Patel Performing Arts Conservatory.

Also: Event Listings & Photos of Historic Fires, Flugtag, Porch Parties & more.

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News & Rumors
Is it Real or Rumor? From the Newsline to the Grapevine, New Heights goes myth-busting to bring you the latest scoop!

This issue: Sangrias Update, Sem-Hi the new SoHo?, Free UC Taxi, B&B for SH, NoHo goes PM and more.

Free rides around town!

Green-Go’s Tampa, Inc. is now offering a complimentary shuttle service throughout the Urban Corridor on an open air, eco-friendly electric cart. Call to schedule a pick-up/drop-off.

(813) 376-0595
its_electric@verizon.net

Serving the Urban Corridor
• Downtown Tampa
• Channelside
• Ybor City
• Hyde Park
• The Heights (Seminole, Riverside and Tampa)

Hours of Operation
• Mon - Thur 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Fri 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Sat 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Sun 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Operating hours are subject to increase due to demand

Cueto Boarding House: Future Home of Vets

It looks like the Historic Cueto Boarding House located at 1301 Columbus Drive will be the future home of homeless female vets - at least according to an article in the June 29th edition of the Tampa Tribune.

The building will be home to a Tampa Crossroads Program named the Athena Project, according to Sara Romeo - Executive Director. Link to tribune article.

Has anyone heard from the City or from Tampa Crossroads??

Attn: V.M. Ybor Dog Lovers

I know their are a lot of dog lovers in V.M. Ybor, 'cause every day I see you walking your best friends in the neighborhood.

Why not brag about your pooch to 20,000+ of your closest neighbors and win a prize for you and him/her to boot?

Do U.C. Contest
Cutest Dog/Owner Contest

1st Prize: Cover Photo/Story – You and Your Dog will be on our July 2008 cover AND will receive a “Pooch Pampering Pack!”

2nd Prize: Owner Pampering Pack – $100 gift certificate from Forever Beautiful Salon & Day Spa

To enter, send your cutest (one only) picture of You & Your Dog together to: DoUC@NewHeightsMag.com.

Deadline: June 10, 2008

Qualifications: Live in or very near one of the 10 Tampa UC neighborhoods. Be able and willing to participate in a Cover Photo Shoot/Story and redeem the Pooch Pampering Pack by June 30, 2008. The winners’ story will revolve around the people, places and events that make the UC dog-friendly.

Survey Says?!
Which UC location or activity is You & Your Dog’s favorites? (Select one.)

1) Yappy Hour (where) ____________

2) Walking in Our Neighborhood - (name it) ____

3) Visiting the Dog Park - (location) ________

4) Dog-friendly Restaurant - (its name) ________

5) Other __________

Win a Doggie Gift Basket, compliments of Tailored Pet Sitting, LLC. Two entries from the first 100 will be drawn by June 20, 2008.

Submit your entry by emailing your answer, address and phone number to HERE.

New Heights | mid-May/mid-July 2008 issue

New Heights Magazine

Hardcopy & Online Versions

Volume 1, Edition 3

Heights Heighlight
Declaration of Independents -- The Big City's Small Businesses
What do you get when you mix new high-rise condos with historic urban housing; then line the streets with one-of-a-kind boutiques, shops, galleries and restaurants? For Tampa, it may be a formula for revitalizing its once dilapidated downtown district ...
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Contest & Survey
* Contest: Custest Dog/Owner
* Survey: Your Dog-friendly UC Faves
Send us a snapshot and You & Your Pooch can be on the next coverpage of New Heights. More prizes also to be won, including $100 spa/salon certificate and a "Pooch Pampering Pack" ...
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News & Rumors
* From the Headlines
* Through the Grapevine
There's lots of news and rumors floating around the UC neighborhoods. New Heights goes mythbusting to bring you the scoop ...
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Home & Family
* Old School Renovations
* Connect with your Child
First, take a before-and-after look inside 80-year-old Hillsborough High's recently completed renovations; then learn how you might be able to better connect with your child(ren) ...
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Food & Drink
* Big John's Alabama BBQ
* An Rx for Wine Headaches
NH's food critic, Michelle Baker, goes to Hog Heaven at Big John's Alabama BBQ. Meanwhile, NH's staff sommelier, Mark Lasky, suggests how to avoid the dreaded wine headache ...
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Health & Beauty
* Nail Care for Sandal Season
* Herbal Remedies
Learn why it takes more than polish to ensure your feet will look great all summer. Then find out why thousand-year-old herbal remedies may be the best medicine for your overall health ...
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Arts & Events
* Latin Artist: Guillermo Portieles
* Scene in the UC: NH's Picture Gallery
Introducing the works of Latin artist, Guillermo Portieles. Plus, see if New Heights caught you or your UC event on film ...
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UC Business Directory
Do you want more local retail businesses? Then shop more at local retail businesses! Find out what kind of businesses are located near you by visiting this directory of UC businesses.
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Subscribe to New Heights Online

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New Heights Magazine, LLC (813) 389-8116 editor@NewHeightsMag.com
Tampa, FL 33603 www.NewHeightsMag.com

Meeting Change

At last month's meeting, the board and residents agreed to switch from the 2nd Monday of every month to the 2nd Thursday of every month. So, the next meeting will be Thursday, June 12th, at 6:30 PM.

Good arrest for the area

Local man arrested at 23rd Ave & Nebraska Ave for impersonating a police officer to two undercover police officers during a prostitution sting.  Read this article for the details.  

VM Ybor Porch Party - April 19th - 5pm

1001 E. 24th Avenue

Kim and Rich Headland's Home

Come, bring a neighbor and your choice of beverage and have a good time!

Neighborhood Gossip

We're looking for some juicy neighborhood gossip! We don't mean what Jane Doe said about the souffle John Doe brought to the porch party; rather we're looking for good things (confirmed or otherwise) happening in our Urban Corridor neighborhoods.

We'll run validated submissions in the hardcopy and online version of the next issue of New Heights.

In case you missed the last issue's rumors:

New Grocery Store for VM Ybor
False: A circa 1908 brick building was moved from 2506 N. 12th St. to 1001 E. Columbus Dr. The wide spread rumor that it would become a grocery store is probably rooted in (and confused with) the fact that it used to be the El Progresso de Ybor Grocery. The building is for sale by the city and its use will be up to the purchaser.

Acropolis Taverna to open in Seminole Heights
Plausible: Costa Waez, owner of Acropolis, reported to New Heights in February that he was actively looking at locations in Seminole Heights. If he finds the right place at the right price, he will open an Acropolis in the neighborhood.

Bank to open in Seminole Heights
Plausible: New Heights’ was contacted by a person scouting locations to open a large bank in the neighborhood. A separate report indicates a bank may move into 105 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in 2009.

Beef O’Brady’s to open in Seminole Heights
Plausible: Although New Heights’ sources have verified a franchisee has considered several locations in the neighborhood, whether one has been secured is unknown.

Bungalow Bistro to add Full Bar
Plausible: The popular new restaurant will soon go before Tampa City Council for approval to sell beer, wine and liquor. If all goes as expected, the beer and wine should be on the menu by the end of May.

Coonfare’s changes Ownership
True: Coonfare’s (502 N. Tampa St.) has switched ownership and now operates under the name Arena Sports Café.

Front Porch to host Live Music
Plausible: The Seminole Heights landmark is currently building an outside bar. Upon city approval of the addition, the owners plan to host live music three nights a week.

L’Eden to add Downtown Location
Plausible: Chef Gerard Jamgotchian has confirmed his restaurant (500 N. Tampa St.) is looking for an additional and larger location downtown, but a storefront has yet to be secured.

Merino’s Deli Moving
Plausible: The fairly new restaurant, located at 6428 N. Florida Ave., is considering moving to another Seminole Heights location – closer to Hillsborough Ave.

Mr. Empanada to add more Stores
True: The West Tampa-based company now has five restaurants in Tampa Bay and will soon open storefronts in Brandon and near USF.

New Heights now in Storefront Location
True: New Heights Magazine has moved into a storefront where three UC neighborhoods (Seminole, Riverside and Tampa Heights) converge: 3901 N. Boulevard. It neighbors with Grunt Marketing and Spencer Financial.

Sangria’s Seminole Heights [You Fill in the Blank]
Unverified: Although Sangria’s Seminole Heights location has been approved by the city, none of the information New Heights has heard about the 512 E. Hillsborough Ave. location has been verified. Rumors include: April 2008 opening, adding a story, razing and re-building the property, opening an adjacent tanning salon and more. Victor, please call us: (813) 389-8116.

Seminole Hard Rock offering free UC Shuttle
True: The hotel and casino runs a free shuttle to and from select downtown hotels.

Stephanno’s Pizzeria to open New Location
Plausible: The Seminole Heights (mostly) to-go restaurant is considering an additional location near the Tampa Heights/Seminole Heights border.

Tampa Bay Brewing Company to add Locations
True: The favorite Ybor City haunt has plans to open 3-4 more locations around Tampa.

UPS Store to open in Seminole Heights
True: If all goes as planned, the location at 5100 N. Florida Ave. will soon house a UPS Store and possibly a few other retail shops, such as a grocery store or bank.

UT Track/Soccer Field being Renovated
True: The University of Tampa’s track and soccer field was closed for renovations in January. The track is scheduled to open April 11; the field August 1.

Vietnamese Restaurant to open Downtown
True: Bamboozle Cafe will open soon at 516 N. Tampa St.

Dilapidated Building Renovated

3003 N Nebraska Avenue

This building is owned by Deeper Life Ministries.  Time will tell what ends up here.  The improvement of this building is a step forward for this section of Nebraska.

Dilapidated Building Demolished

2802-2808 N Nebraska Avenue.

Fortunately, the structure(s) on this block have been demolished.  Hopefully the owners will (a)remove the debris in a timely fashion and (b) not build a pawn shop.  If you have any information, please let us know.  I will keep this updated as I learn more.

Mystery Building?

1301 E Columbus Drive.

This building is still listed with the FL Department of Transportation.  Do you know anything about it?  Please comment if you do.

El Progresso de Ybor Grocery

Located at 1001 E Columbus Drive & 2603 N 10th Street.  Historically, the grocery store was on the first floor, while the family lived on the second floor.  The second building, on 10th, was used for storage and built twenty years after the grocery store.  For City of Tampa information on the buildings, click here. 

Electronic Trash Day!

City of Tampa is holding a special day to safely dispose of chemicals and electronics.  

April 26th, 9:00AM - 2:00 PM at 4010 W Spruce Street.

Click here for the COT posting.

Click here for more info.

What they'll take:

• Paints and solvents
• Used motor oil
• Automotive products
• Pool chemicals
• Mercury containing devices such as florescent light bulbs and thermometers
• Lawn, garden and household chemicals
• Electronics, including monitors, printers, CPUs, keyboards, and televisions

More Free Parking in Ybor City

The City of Tampa announced that they will begin removing on-street meters and create more free two-hour parking spaces.  For more information, click here for the COT statement.

New Heights Call for Articles: April 1, 2008

It’s that time again!

Have your writings (and photography) considered for publication in the mid-May/mid-July issue of New Heights Magazine by emailing them to editor@NewHeightsMag.com by Tues., April 1, 2008.

Complete guidelines can be found HERE.

COME ON VM YBOR. WE WANT YOUR STORIES AND PICTURES!

VM Ybor - Wikipedia Entry

Just found this entry. Does anyone have anything to add? I can work on updating it, if there is info to submit.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V.M._Ybor,_Tampa,_Florida

V.M. Ybor, Tampa, Florida
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
This article is about a residential neighborhood. For the historic district to the south, please see Ybor City, Tampa, Florida.
V.M. Ybor is a neighborhood within the city limits of Tampa, Florida. As of the 2000 census the neighborhood had a population of 3,010. The ZIP Codes serving the neighborhood are 33602, 33603, and 33605. The neighborhood is located just north of the historic Ybor City.
Contents[hide]
1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 See also
4 External links
//

[edit] Geography
V.M. Ybor boundaries are Ybor City to the south, 26th Avenue to the north, East Tampa to the east, and Interstate 275 to the west. [1]

[edit] Demographics
Source: Hillsborough County Atlas
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 3,010 people and 1,043 households residing in the neighborhood. The population density was 7,236/mi². The racial makeup of the neighborhood was 38% White, 45% African American, 1% Native American, 1% Asian, 12% from other races, and 3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 42% of the population.
There were 1,043 households out of which 36% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 31% were married couples living together, 25% had a female householder with no husband present, and 8% were non-families. 31% of all households were made up of individuals.
In the neighborhood the population was spread out with 31% under the age of 18, 23% from 18 to 34, 19% from 35 to 49, 9% from 50 to 64, and 17% who were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 85.8 males.
The per capita income for the neighborhood was $10,086. About 42% of the population were below the poverty line, 43% of those are under the age of 18.

[edit] See also
Neighborhoods in Tampa, Florida

[edit] External links
V. M. Ybor Neighborhood Association & Crimewatch
VM Ybor City Homes / Neighborhood Info
Ybor City Neighborhood Resources
V.M. Ybor, Tampa, Florida is at coordinates 27°58′15″N 82°26′50″W / 27.9708843, -82.4471207 (V.M. Ybor, Tampa, Florida)Coordinates: 27°58′15″N 82°26′50″W / 27.9708843, -82.4471207 (V.M. Ybor, Tampa, Florida)

Creative Loafing's Fix It Now

Creative Loafing has come up with a list of the ten worst issues facing Tampa, and ways to combat them.  Although this project has just started, there are plenty of resources to get any concern citizen started on a course of action.  

Illegal Apartment at Code Enforcement Hearing

910 E 25th Avenue has an illegal second floor apartment.  Pete Johnson informed me that the owner must go to a code enforcement hearing this morning about this property.  The owner will most likely have to either convert the home back to a single family residence or apply for a variance or PD zoning as did the next door neighbor at 908 E 25th Ave.  I will keep everyone posted in case we need support in shutting this apartment down.

VM Ybor - Part of the Urban Corridor

We encourage stories from and about VM Ybor. People, places and events ...

Video Link: http://www.tampabays10.com/video/16x9/?aid=55634&sid=73344

By: Jennifer Howe

Tampa, Florida - The Tampa Heights neighborhood was established back in the 1880's and sits just north of downtown. It is experiencing a re-development now as the city's newest, oldest suburb.

Gene Howes is a documentary filmmaker who has spent a lot of time walking these streets, photographing the unique architecture.

"I love this area,” said Howes. “I love the diversity of it. I love the history of it, and so it's fantastic to be a part of what's going on."

He's now contributing to a new magazine dedicated to the people of Tampa, Seminole and Riverside Heights.

We met the editor of "New Heights Magazine” at the old Tampa Fire House #5. Jay McGee started the magazine after realizing how many stories could be told about the neighborhoods and what they've accomplished.

Jay said, "What I could do was kind of act as a facilitator for all these neighborhoods by creating a magazine that talks about, not necessarily what we all need, but what we all have."

He wants to write about history to preserve it. The old fire house, for example, is about to get a face lift. A Tampa man is turning it into an art gallery.

"We have this future vision of what we'd like it to be, but we don't want to get rid of the past," said Jay McGee.

He has drawn on the memories of the people who live here. They are the authors and photographers who have filled the pages of new heights with stories.

People like Gene Howes who finds beauty in these old streets.

"It just needs to be noticed, and I think that's what the magazine will do," said Gene.

Update on Rezoning

Last night, Steve Tighe, Pete Johnson, Kim Headland, and I spoke to the council about denying the rezoning.  Fortunately, Linda Saul-Sena (a council member) took our thoughts, along with many noncompliance issues against the property, and moved to deny.  The board of VM Ybor NACW and the local residents are pleased to say that we've won our first try at City Council.  

A note about City Council: if anyone ever learns of an issue to be read at City Council, please let the board know so that we and other residents can get involved. 

Thanks to all who wrote letters for last night!

Property up for Rezoning

908 E 25th Ave

The owner wants to rezone from single family to multifamily.  The large, burnt structure in rear will be turned into an "in-law" suite.  Local neighbors fear that it will become another rental unit, and therefore, do not support it. 

 

This rezoning will be heard tomorrow, the 28th at 6 PM at City Council.

Please come out and support your neighbors.  If you cannot attend, but would like to support us, you can sign a predrafted letter.  Please email Kate at kate.pagan@gmail.com for more information.   

New Curtis Hixon Park

Tampa Downtown Partnership invites you to coffee with

Mr. Tom Balsley

Mr. Balsley is the architect of the New Curtis Hixon Park and we are very pleased that he has been able to make some time available to show and further describe the plans for the $15 Million renovation of this significant public space.

Maestro’s Restaurant
Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place
Monday, February 26th
8:30am to 9:30am

Parking as available on the arrival plaza

Councilman proposes once per week trash pickup

Councilman Dingfelder proposed reducing trash pickup in Tampa to once a week.  He's asking Mayor Pam Iorio to look into it, however she thinks that our current system keeps our city cleaner.  To read the whole article, click here. 

New Code Enforcement System Update

Last night City Council unanimously agreed to go along with the new system of immediate citations, with a second and final vote on March 6th.  To read the article, click here.

Rumors: Grocery on Columbus

I believe that the building in question was recently moved to 1001 Columbus with an accessory, brick warehouse building now located on 12th Street. This building was once housed El Progresso de Ybor Grocery among other things. Both buildings currently are up for sale by the City of Tampa through an RFP type of process. Whoever purchases the buildings will decide the future use and will need to complete renovations / restorations to the interior and exterior.

More information on the buildings long history (1908 - present) can be found here.
Information on the City of Tampa RFP can be found here.

Rumors?

I heard the VM Ybor Grocery Store rumor, but not many details about it.

Can someone help clarify it and/or are their other rumors running around VM?

I'd like to include them in New Heights Magazine's new News & Rumors section, which covers all of the city's Urban Corridor neighborhoods.

If you have any (news or rumors) to report, please contact Jay McGee at editor@NewHeightsMag.com or call (813) 389-8116.

$1.2 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR DRUG PREVENTION

$1.2 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY-BASED DRUG PREVENTION COALITIONS
- DFC MENTORING GRANTS TO FUND 15 DRUG-FREE COMMUNITIES -

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced the availability of $1.2 million for new Drug-Free Communities Support Mentoring Program (DFC Mentoring) grants. An estimated 15 new Mentoring grants will be awarded (averaging $75,000 per grant, per year) to drug and alcohol prevention community coalitions representing a cross-section of rural, urban, suburban, and tribal communities.

“The Drug-Free Communities Support Program is the largest Federal drug prevention effort in the United States,” said John P. Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy. “By providing new drug and alcohol prevention coalitions with invaluable insight and direction, the DFC Mentoring Program enhances community-based drug prevention efforts, and works to advance consensus building toward a drug-free community. It helps communities in addressing their particular substance abuse risks and challenges, and empowers them to craft their own prevention strategies and responses.”

The purpose of the DFC Mentoring Program is to provide grant funds to effective current DFC grantees (mentors) to facilitate the development and/or expansion of new community drug prevention coalitions (mentees) that seek to prevent substance abuse among youth. By building the capacity of local anti-drug organizations to assess the unique challenges facing their communities, and assisting in the organization of a coalition-based response to those challenges, the mentoring process better prepares “mentee” groups to implement effective drug-prevention strategies.

“The Drug Free Communities Support Program is the foundation of our efforts to continue preventing and reducing substance abuse in our communities,” said SAMHSA Administrator Terry Cline, Ph.D. “The DFC Mentoring Program increases opportunities for active, sustained citizen participation, community-wide ownership of problems, and local solutions tailored to local needs.”

To be eligible for a DFC Mentoring grant, interested drug prevention community coalitions must have been in existence for five years; be a current DFC grantee or grantee applicant; have achieved measurable results in youth drug and alcohol prevention; have dedicated staff, volunteers, or members to assist the mentee coalitions; have displayed the willingness of mentee communities; and must demonstrate consensus and community support from local key sectors and stakeholders, including youth, parents, businesses, media, law enforcement, government, and religious and civic organizations, among others.

To review the grant application or its requirements, or to learn more about the Drug Free Communities Support Program, please visit, http://www.ondcp.gov/dfc. DFC Mentoring grants are awarded through a competitive peer review process.

The deadline to submit a DFC Mentoring grant application is Friday, April 18, 2008.

Homestead Exemption

Just a reminder that the last day to file for Homestead Exemption for 2008 is March 1st.

New Heights Magazine

A free bi-monthly publication is about to be published, catering to Tampa's urban neighborhoods.

http://newheightsmag.com

A featured article:

http://southtampa2.tbo.com/content/2008/jan/16/st-publisher-going-to-new-heights/

Road Work

After searching the internet for updates regarding the Nebraska Ave road work, all I found was contact info. If any of you are dying to know more, this flyer should help.

http://seminoleheights.typepad.com/hot_topics/files/NebraskaAvenueProjectFactSheet_255853.pdf

New Millennial Homes

The V.M. Ybor NACW has scheduled a meeting with representatives from New Millennial Homes next Monday, January 28th, 6:30 PM at the Children's Board (1002 E Palm Ave).

For those who are not aware of the purpose:
The owner of two lots on N 11th St (3410 &3412) wants to rezone and build six single family residences. The plan we were shown in November would put two homes on 11th St, and the remaining four would only have alley access, thus creating a common "pedestrian-friendly" area with walkways.

This may seem like a good idea to some, but consider these things:
1. The lot sizes in this area are large, and should remain that way. The older homes here enjoy large yards.
2. Six homes will stand where only two should.
3. The alley will be the only "street" access for four of the homes. This creates too many problems for the future, including safety.
4. The homes will ultimately look like the picture above. These do not fit the neighborhood as many of the homes were built 75-100 years ago. New Millennial said that they would work with us in changing the look of the homes, but each picture we have seen still looks just like that.
5. The real estate market. There are two New Millennial homes for sale 1/2 a block away. They are not selling, so why would these? In addition, there is no stopping the buyers from turning them into rental units. Also consider property values.
6. The reps have said there will be an HOA (Homeowners' Association) for these homes, but details as to how this would work have not been made clear. Who will ensure grass is cut, trash is picked up?

These are just a few of the concerns. The residents of V.M. Ybor previously agreed that the area should not be rezoned for this project, and NO New Millennial homes should be built.

Please attend this meeting to speak your concerns and have you questions answered.