Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Neighborhood Yard Sale

Is anyone interested in a VM Ybor Yard Sale - a designated Saturday / Sunday for a large neighborhood yard sale?? The more folks participating, the better the traffic to the yard sale. March 14 & 15th is the targeted date, from 7am to 2pm. We will take care of advertising in the Tribune, online, etc. - all you need to do is sell your goods in your front yard, on your porch, etc. and let us know you are participating.

Please comment on the blog or email Kim Headland if you are interested. Thanks!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Drugs, more drugs, and prostitution

I've noticed a huge upswing in the crime in the north end of V.M. Ybor. I can't mention how important it is to call TPD District III (242-3800) when you see illegal activity. I want you all to know that emailing TPD, Chief Hogue, Mayor Iorio, and other key people has had an impact, but it hasn't lasted. If you have a few minutes to spare, please write to them. Demand more police. We need to end the time of apathy in our streets. Drug dealers should not be running the neighborhood - we should. Please keep me posted of your efforts so that I can follow up with TPD. Bad economy or not, TPD has a job to do.

Help Support Local Businesses

A couple new shops are taking route on Nebraska Avenue. Located just north of our area at Osbourne, they are a welcome addition to the neighborhood. One business sells pre-prepared lunch and dinner to take home, the other sells antiques. Read this article for more information. Hopefully new businesses will open up on our side of MLK.

Update on Digital Billboards

Looks like we don't have to fight anymore as the Mayor has put her foot down. Read this article from the Times.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Say NO to Digital Billboards

Neighborhood leaders across the city are asking for your help to ask/demand that City Council reject a measure to allow digital billboards in our city. The measure will allow a swap of digital billboards for regular billboards. There is a lot of fine print, but basically, it will allow for hundreds of these eyesores to show up all over town, and in many cases, impacting residences. City Council will vote on this March 5th. Please attend and voice your concern. If you cannnot be there, contact the city council members. Currently the measure is on the fence as some council say yes, and some no. Send emails to tampacitycouncil@tampagov.net. If you would like more information, let me know and I may be able to steer you in the right direction. Please, this is a very important issue for all of Tampa.

Gasparilla Marathon

Sunday, March 1st, is the Gasparilla Marathon. Race organizers are looking to increase support for the runners by simply cheering on Bayshore. The 4,000 runners will be on the Bayshore leg of the race between 8 - 11 AM. Chances are that you know someone who will participate in the race, so be sure to give this growing event your support.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Paint Your Heart Out Tampa

The PYHOT organization and the City of Tampa are looking for homes to paint.  They've opened up the eligibility of to include seniors, single parents, and disabled low-income homeowners. This is a great opportunity to provide relief to some of our neighbors.  The staff and volunteers of PYHOT will get approval from the homeowners; all you have to do is submit their addresses. Call 813. 258.4512.  

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Water Restrictions

The City of Tampa wants everyone to remember the tighter water restrictions. The Water Police are out looking for you! Need some tips to save water? Read this.

Tampa Water Department is also asking residents to cut back watering their lawns.

HART Bus Rapid Transit coming to Tampa

I attended an information session about the plans for HART's new BRT. The first bus route to take effect will run from downtown, north/south on Nebraska Ave, and east/west on Fletcher Ave to I-75. Fortunately, it runs straight through our neighborhood. Another great aspect is the creation of much needed bus shelters. Proposed locations for the stops/shelters in V.M. Ybor are at Columbus, 21st Ave, and just outside, Lake Ave. Operations are planned to begin April 2011.

Code Enforcement Update!

I would like all of you to know that on Monday, February 9th, a team of people from Code Enforcement will be performing a thorough look at our neighborhood. It includes officers from other areas as well as our own, and also those up the chain of command.

We are hoping that this attention gets the ball moving to rid us of unnecessary problems. Thanks to Pete Johnson for pushing so hard for this to happen.