You are Invited - THCA Holiday Social

Tampa Heights Civic Association Holiday Social

Bring a Dish - Come Out and Enjoy Some Time With Your Neighbors

December 18, 2008, Starting at 7:00 pm

At Robles Park Community Center

3305 N. Avon Ave. Tampa Florida 33603

New show at Beu Acier PRINTS

BLEU ACIER INC.

109 WEST COLUMBUS DRIVE TAMPA, FL 33602 TEL/FAX: 813 272 9746
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NEW EDITIONS
OPENING RECEPTION: FRIDAY DECEMBER 12, 2008, 7 - 10 PM
December 12 through February 14, 2009

OPEN STUDIO SATURDAY DECEMBER 13TH FROM 1-5PM
TECHNIQUES DEMONSTRATED AND QUESTIONS ANSWERED ABOUT PRINTMAKING TECHNIQUES.

Bleu Acier is proud to present their new fine art print editions published during 2007 and 2008 in celebration of our 5th anniversary here on Columbus Drive.

The artists in this exhibition have been working with Bleu Acier since the beginning. Several have been working with me for over 2 decades, each print becoming a new piece of a complex oeuvre in motion. The making of an original print is a collaborative alchemy of culture, character, talent, weakness, strength, understanding, accident, hazard, knowledge and questioning. The final goal being the arrival of the artist’s image on its desired support, with the least amount of compromise of the artists thought process. A print must have the same power as an original work of the same artist, printmaking techniques being just another option on the palette of image making. In contemporary creative methods the necessity of collaboration is very present. Whether it be the waterfalls of Olafur Eliasson, funded by the Public Art Fund in New York City, where there were a large number of collaborators to realize this project, an artist with an assistant in order to stretch a large canvas, or an artist desiring to make a print in need of a printer, the impact of collaboration in contemporary image making is important and more and more visible. Collaborative studios of all kinds have opened in recent years devoting themselves to the realization of image through a team effort.

The work exhibited in this exhibition travels through a range of techniques; lithography, etching, direct gravure, photogravure, woodcut and monotype.

The artists included in this show are: Hervé DiRosa, Sylvie Eyberg, Dominique Labauvie, Diana Leavengood, Steve McClure, Claudia Ryan, Peter Soriano, Bernar Venet, Theo Wujcik and Marie Yoho Dorsey.

My guests for this show are Regional Artists Debra Jo Radke and Judith Salmon who have been working at Bleu Acier, and the students from the Printmaking Studio class at The New College of Florida in Sarasota that I have been teaching this semester.

Please bring a bottle to share and come have a piece of cake.

Certain prints will be offered at a special pre publication price for the opening, and during the month of December.

BLEU ACIER INC. is an active fine art print publisher, print atelier, gallery and live-in loft that functions at the intersection of private and public space where art and the city keep company. Bleu Acier exhibits works in all disciplines by emerging, mid-career and established artists from the U.S. and Europe.

Gallery Hours: Saturdays 1 – 5 PM and by appointment For further information contact Erika Schneider 109 WEST COLUMBUS DRIVE TAMPA, FL 33602 TEL/FAX: 813 272 9746 BLEUACIER.COM

Tampa Heights Annual Holiday Festival

Tampa Heights 2008 Holiday Festival
Dec. 13, 10a - 2p
Tampa Water Works Park
1812 N. Highland St.

Live Music * Face Painting * Arts & Crafts * Corvette Car Posse * Vendors * Photography * Fun & Games * Health Screenings * Santa Claus

Porch Party Friday!

Porch Party

Friday December 5, 7pm

Host: Franklin Cruz

2906 N. Elmore Ave

(Columbus/Elmore)

Click here to see the porch party schedule

If you are interested in hosting a porch party Please sign up via email to Monika Schuler at remy@ij.net, or at the next civic association meeting.

All residents of Tampa Heights are welcome to this unique on-going tradition of Tampa Heights.

Children are residents too and are most certainly welcome but please keep an eye on them at guests homes.

The host provides paper goods, sodas, ice, a covered dish and of course the porch. Guests bring a covered dish (with any serving utensils) and own alcoholic beverages.

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 online at: www.newheightsmag.com/newsletter
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NEIGHBORHOOD SECRETS
In this SPECIAL EDITION, New Heights uncovers your neighborhood's secrets - its many, one-of-a-kind retail shops, restaurants and art venues that you've been missing out on. (Complete with news and rumors of what's to come in '09!)

We then answer the question, "What is the Urban Corridor?", and take a look back at NH's first year accomplishments.
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FOOD & DRINK
They're fresh, they're convenient and they're close. Join NH as we check out the UC's truly "Super" Markets.

Afterwards, enjoy a new dining experience while feeding your local economy; when you try one of the many independent restaurants listed in our Buyer's Guide.
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ARTS & EVENTS
Internationally known gallerist, Erika Schneider of Tampa Heights' Bleu Acier, examines Tampa’s Art Scene.

Then NH shows you how to explore the local art community and find out what's happening in your neighborhood.
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UC BUYER'S GUIDE
Prepare to get your (local) shop on with this issue of NH - just in time for the holidays and the New Year. You'll discover over a hundred reasons why not to make the trip to the giant malls and "-marts" of the suburbs.
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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!

In this Issue: NH lists more than 60 rumors and news clips about what's happening near you.
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Newsletter sponsored by:* Rover Done Over Mobile Pet Grooming * Grafx Design * SunBiz Solar * Greener Pixels Print Media Design
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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.

Tampa Heights Yard Sale, 10/18, 7am-1pm

A neighborhood-wide event! Find some hidden jewels and support your community at the same time.

List of participants:

3512 N. Arlington Ave

3801 N. Arlington Ave

3802 N. Arlington Ave

3908 N. Arlington Ave

3912 N. Arlington Ave

210 E. Floribraska Ave

307 W. Alfred St

2202 N. Jefferson

212 E. Ross Ave

401 E. Ross Ave

406 E. Ross Ave

404 E. Palm Ave

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

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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: 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.

Tampa Heights Civic Association Meeting

Next meeting: Thursday Evening at 7:00pm at Stetson (Florida Ave.)

Guest Speaker: The Hillsborough County Extension will be there with a presentation on Composting, as part of or Greening Initiative for Tampa Heights.

Please come by and bring a neighbor!

Reminder: CLEAN SWEEP day is Sat.!

Attention all neighbors:
Tampa Heights
Clean Sweep Day August 9

Get rid of all of your unwanted bulk junk and help beautify our neighborhood. The city will be allowing the disposal of all large trash items listed below. We will also be cleaning up our neighborhood and alley ways. All large items must be placed on the curb 8 days prior to but no later than 7:30 a.m. the morning of August 9. If you would like to participate in the overall clean-up please meet at Plymouth Park at 7:30 a.m. Trash bags will be provided but bring your own gloves.

Join us after the clean-up at Waterworks Park from 10:30 a.m. to noon for a picnic. There will also be kayaks and canoes for fun on the river. Please help make our neighborhood beautiful and meet more of your neighbors. Visit www.tampaheights.org for additional information and questions.

Materials accepted for collection during S.W.E.E.P. Cleanup: appliances, furniture, mattress, tires without rims, carpet, yard waste, wood, dried latex paint, toilets, bicycles, toys and barbecue grills. Large appliances will be picked up during the following week, however they must be placed at curbside with all other materials.

Materials not accepted: auto parts; building materials such as sheds, fences, tile, pipe, wood/plywood, brick, concrete blocks, roofing materials, doors, windows or drywall; hazardous, toxic, or combustible materials, such as lead, mercury, asbestos, televisions, computer equipment, PCB’s, chlorine, radioactive material, herbicides, pesticides, explosives, ammunition, or pressurized gas cylinders, liquid wastes including paints, solvents, or fuels; tires with rims, sludge, motor oil, metal drums, household garbage and tree trunks over 5’ long or over 100 lbs. Many of the materials not accepted in the S.W.E.E.P. program can be taken to one of the City's Household Chemical & Electronics Collections for safe and environmentally-safe disposal.

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.

Please send your Tampa Heights news!

See a story in the paper about Tampa Heights? Work for the city and want to give us a tip? Live in the 'hood and are planning a yard sale or selling your patio furniture? Lose or find a pet?

Please send me your Tampa Heights news!

Mayor Iorio to Host Next Town Hall Meeting

From Shannon Edge at the City of Tampa:

Mayor Pam Iorio will host a town hall meeting on Tuesday, July 22, 2008. The meeting will be held at Graham Elementary School in the media center, located at 2915 North Massachusetts Avenue, from 6 to 8 p.m.

All town hall meetings are free and open to the public and are organized to make city government more accessible to Tampa ’s residents. City administrators and department representatives will be available to answer questions on a variety of topics.

For additional information, please contact Neighborhood & Community Relations Director Shannon Edge at (813) 274-7835 or via e-mail at shannon.edge@tampagov.net.

Tampa Heights Cleanup Days

From Monica Schuler:

Want to show a bit of Civic pride? Please join us on Saturday August 9th when we will be having a neighborhood clean up day in conjunction with the City of Tampa Clean Sweep in Tampa Heights. We are looking for volunteers to help in the 4 quadrants to help pick up trash and other items.

After the clean up, we will be hosting a neighborhood picnic at the Waterworks Park behind Stetson Law School.

More information will be emailed and posted on our website www.TampaHeights.org as we get closer.

If you are interested in volunteering please email David Foster.

Tampa Heights Neighborhood Plan

From Fran Roy:

The Tampa Heights Neighborhood Plan - Stewardship Committee will be hosting two meetings to gather input on the future implementation of the plan. Your input and feedback is vital to the success of the endeavor. Attached is the letter, with meeting dates and times. Please mark your calendars and invite a neighbor to attend. Do not allow this opportunity to have your voice and vision for the neighborhood heard.

Attention Dog Lovers

I know their are a lot of dog lovers in Tampa Heights, 'cause every day I see you walking your best friend 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.

Next Tampa Heights Civic Association meeting

News sent to me by Fran from the Tampa Heights Civic Association:

If you are interested in attending the next Board Meeting, it will be held on June 11th at 7:00pm at Stetson Law School on Tampa Street. We will be formulating our Civic Association Mission Statement, and would like to have as many community members input. They can review the Vision Statement that was used to build our Neighborhood Plan several years ago. Here is the link.

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

I need your Tampa Heights news!

Please - do not hesitate to send me your Tampa Heights news, notes, announcements or anything else relevant to the neighborhood.

Yard sales, homes for sale, pictures of your home improvement projects, just a good photo of the neighborhood, history notes, help wanted or services offered - ANYTHING.

I would love to see this blog more active, and I would love for it to be more of a resource for our neighborhood.

No reasonable post will be turned down! Email me your news!

Next THCA meeting - 5/22

Topic: Taste of the Heights

The THCA General meeting will start at 6:30 pm Thursday May 22nd, with a "Taste of the Heights". The Tampa Heights Civic Association has made arrangements to have several local restaurants feature some of their menu items for the residents of Tampa Heights. The tasting event with start at 6:30 followed by a fashion show from the students at D.W. Waters Career Center in Tampa Heights. We want to showcase and show our support for the local eateries within our neighborhood. Please invite a neighbor to come along.

A Heights house bites the dust

Submitted by Heightsmaster Brenden McLaughlin (sorry for the tardiness in getting it up).

Brenden says:

My neighbor Gayle took these cool pics of a house being demo'ed on Central between Park and Frances near Lee's Market. It had been derelict for a long time and was not rehabable. Don't know the story behind who owns it and what they have planned ... but maybe a blog post with pics might uncover something. This happened about two weeks ago.

Another friend that owns the Lee's building mentioned he also knew about the property coming down. He also pointed out it wasn't a real brick house, just faced that way (silly me ...)

So - anyone know anything about the lot or the plans?

Ros & Guil and Cafe Hey

For anyone in the Heights looking for a great bit of entertainment, let me humbly submit my current show, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. We're playing at TBPAC's Shimberg Playhouse for hjust 7 more performances, through April 27.

Also, I can't remind people enough to go hit up Cafe Hey on the Kay Street corner of the Oceanic Supermarket building. They're good people, and they serve damn fine coffee. I'm a big fan of the Black Hole. I've seen Heights shakers Brenden McLaughlin and Manny Leto (ok, Manny lives in VM Ybor, but he's close) there in just the past 5 days. My lack of ability to get to the store and buy espresso has resulted in them seeing steady business from me. It's very convenient to hit them up on the way to work. Far more convenient (and money better spent) than hitting up Starbucks or Indigo.

Local business only makes it if you support it! Get a coffee from Cafe Hey on your way to Ros and Guil this weekend! :)

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:

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Tampa Heights in New Heights Magazine

Seminole, Riverside, Tampa, Ybor and so forth, the UC is filled with Heights neighborhoods. But why? ... Read More

Also: News & Rumors & Scene in the UC

And much, much more: http://www.newheightsmag.com/

Galleries Align For 1-Man Show

It's rare to have two galleries work together to sponsor the same artist at the same time. But that's what's happening in two exhibits of the drawings, prints and steel sculptures of local artist Dominique Labauvie.

Called "Constellations, & Acrobats," the sculpture portion of the exhibit opens Saturday at Michael Murphy Gallery M in South Tampa. The exhibit of drawings and prints will open Friday at Bleu Acier in Tampa Heights. Both shows run through April 19.

Labauvie's wife, master printer Erika Schneider, played a big role in producing the prints.
"I'm an enabler and an alchemist," said Schneider, owner of Bleu Acier. "When an artist has an idea and wants to make a print, I teach them how to do it and work with them on the color and the layering. It's a true collaboration."

To illustrate her point, she discussed one of the prints, "The Golden Fleece."

"It went through quite a few changes," she said. "We had to play with the colors a little bit, and then we decided to throw a transparent golden layer over the whole thing to make it really bright, and all of a sudden, the print came together."

The exhibit's theme centers on the representation of mythological figures from constellations, interpreted through Labauvie's lines and forms.

He made "these round dots that insinuated respiration or breath, and then he integrated them into the composition of the drawing," Schneider said. "It's more of an imagined golden fleece than the actual one in the sky."

As for the acrobats in the title, that refers to the process of making a sculpture. Like many artists, Labauvie's creative process often starts with a mix of excitement and uncertainty - much like a tightrope walker would feel.

The exhibit opens with free receptions from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Bleu Acier, 109 W. Columbus Drive, and from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Gallery M, 2701 S. MacDill Ave.

Call Bleu Acier at (813) 272-9746 or Gallery M at (813) 902-1414 for details.

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 TAMPA HEIGHTS -- WE WANT YOUR STORIES AND PICTURES!

Tampa Heights Home for Rent or Sale

1907 Meets the 21st-Century

$2100 / 4br - Lots of space, new construction, huge lot, close to Downtown

In the Tampa Heights Historic District, with a spectacular contemporary environment, perfect for entertaining. Can be 3, 4 or 5 BEDROOMS, as spaces are very flexible. Has 2.5 BATHS, an all NEW IKEA island-style kitchen, with stainless gas stove and dishwasher. Eat in kitchen, with pull-out pantry and lots of storage. Side-by-side refrigerator, full size laundry room with closet and front-loading washer and dryer. BONUS ROOM or OFFICE, plenty of storage, private outdoor courtyards, extra large lot with off street parking. This house is an intriguing mixture of old and new construction with massive, warehouse-style, double-volume living area. 1907 meets 21st Century!! Over 2,500 square feet of newly decorated versatile living space. This is a smoke-free home. AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT. READY TO LEASE (or SELL)
Contact: f.cz2@verizon.net

See great selection of photos by going here!

Good Ole Rhonda Storms - Staying the Course

TAMPA - State Sen. Ronda Storms has introduced legislation that city officials say would severely hamper their efforts to revitalize neighborhoods like East Tampa and Tampa Heights.

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I would make a comment about her effects on neighborhood growth -- but I think her actions say it all.

Full Story

Red-light cameras in the news

Saw this article today on the implementation of traffic cameras to catch people running red lights. We could stand for a few of these in our neighborhood: Florida and Palm, Tampa and Palm, Florida and Columbus, Tampa and Columbus. Any others?

Tampa Heights in the News

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.

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

Go play in the dirt!

The Florida Yard Fandago is coming up March 8-9 at MOSI. Heck, make a day of it and check out the RenFest as well!

See yourself in Pictures

Have you hosted or attended a Tampa Heights event this year?

Do you have pictures of it that you'd like to share?

If so, please email them to Jay McGee, editor@NewHeightsMag.com along with the event's name, location and date -- as well as the names of the main people in the photos -- and I'll post them on this blog for you.

This weekend in the Heights!

Cafe Hey is having a Grand Opening soiree tonight - check it out! It includes an art show and live music.

Why not stop by for a bit?

Also, on the same block at Oceanic Supermarket, there will be a Chinese New Year celebration outside at noon tomorrow that includes a dragon dance and fireworks. While you're there, you're a fool if you don't go inside and nab up some of the delicious fresh deli items.

Office Space Available???

Our business is growing, so to better serve our neighborhoods we are considering leasing office space in one of our core covered areas: Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, West Tampa, downtown or Ybor.

We are looking for a low, "friendly" monthly agreement, with enough workroom to house 2-3 desks. A highly-visible, high-traffic address is a plus, but not mandatory.

If you know of a space -- or would like to sublet an office at one of the locations we're currently considering -- please contact Jay McGee, editor, New Heights Magazine, at (813) 389-8116 or editor@NewHeightsMag.com.

As always, thanks for helping us support Tampa's Urban Corridor nieghborhoods.

(Parts of) Tampa Heights to see form-based zoning

The pilot project will cover Old Seminole Heights, Southeast Seminole Heights, South Seminole Heights and parts of Tampa Heights.
_________

By KATHY STEELE, The Tampa Tribune

For an experiment in urban redesign, the city is thinking Seminole Heights.
For years, residents have said traditional zoning codes work against rebuilding urban communities into pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use neighborhoods.

They cite the parking restrictions that nearly shut down Cappy's Pizzeria on Florida Avenue and the long battle to win design approval for Starbucks coffee shop on Hillsborough Avenue.

The city hopes to pioneer a new course, known as form-based zoning, by promoting communitywide planning that seeks a consensus on what residents want and creates zoning codes to make it happen.

Seminole Heights is a good choice for the project because it has single-family residential, historical districts and a "lot of Main Street area corridors," including Florida and Nebraska avenues, city official Cynthia Miller said.

"Seminole Heights probably has a little bit of everything," said Miller, growth management and development services director. "We can capture a broad area."

On Tuesday, the city's land development staff will attend the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association's meeting to discuss the new zoning. Workshops will be scheduled to get residents' input on a redesign along Florida and Nebraska.

The pilot project will cover Old Seminole Heights, Southeast Seminole Heights, South Seminole Heights and parts of Tampa Heights. Members of those neighborhood associations, as well as Tampa Homeowners, an Association of Neighborhoods, have been invited to Tuesday's meeting.
Miller said Tampa probably has up to 15 areas that could adopt communitywide planning and form-based zoning.

"We're the test case for the city," said Susan Long, president of the Old Seminole Heights group.
Many residents can recount stories of themselves or friends trying to renovate older buildings and open shops only to be told by the city "you can't do that," Long said.

The reason usually is the city's mandate for a land-use change that triggers requirements for retention ponds or parking spaces. With older buildings built out to the property lines, it is nearly impossible to meet those requirements, Long said.

Waters Center Makes Progress

Waters Center Makes Progress
By JOSE PATINO GIRONA, The Tampa Tribune

TAMPA HEIGHTS - The drilling, sanding and banging sounds like a sweet melody to Veronica Knight, principal at D.W. Waters Career Center.

Crews are rehabilitating the school's auditorium. They have added lights, air conditioning and a new stage floor. They have repaired the ceiling, widened the stairs to the stage, added metal doors for fire safety and encased six steel beams with drywall.

The auditorium will be painted, and work could be completed in February, said Mario Morales, supervisor for Morganti Group, the project contractor.

Knight said having a useable auditorium will unite students.

Click HERE for full story.

Please send us your Tampa Heights news!

We want your garage sale listings, warnings, lost or found, neighborhood notes or services - ALL Tampa Heights related news items.

Please send them to maladrin@gmail.com! I will post them ASAP!

Historic Central Tampa Neighborhoods get new Website

Historic Central Tampa Neighborhoods get new Website
Online edition of magazine, focused on the Urban Corridor, officially launched

TAMPA, Fla., (Jan. 28, 2008) – New Heights Magazine, the only magazine dedicated to highlighting Tampa’s historic urban corridor (UC) neighborhoods, officially launched its website, http://www.newheightsmag.com/, on Jan. 28, 2008. The website is an online version of magazine’s inaugural hardcopy edition, which is currently in stands at over 100 Tampa storefronts and is being delivered to thousands of local residents and businesses.

NewHeightsMag.com and the hardcopy version features stories written by and relevant to people living and working in the Tampa neighborhoods of Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, West Tampa, downtown Tampa, Ybor and surrounding areas. The publication’s goal is to draw attention to the revitalization and positive news occurring in the focused areas.

“The people in our neighborhoods have worked hard to improve our properties, businesses and the community as a whole,” said Jay McGee, editor, New Heights Magazine. “We are sharing these stories within our community and with the rest of Tampa to encourage people to utilize our businesses and parks and find out for themselves how great an area the UC is to live and shop.”

Although the publication is free, supported by advertisers, NewHeightsMag.com is noticeably absent of banner ads. They will be added in the near future, along with enhancements designed to make the site’s business directory and events sections more interactive for visitors.

McGee expects (based on the number of pre-subscribers) a modest website readership of 5,000 for the first, bi-monthly issue, which runs from mid-January to mid-March 2008.

“Our web readers will boost the unexpectedly high circulation of our first issue,” said McGee. “Combined with our hardcopy readership, 20,000 people will learn more about the UC.”

About New Heights Magazine LLC
New Heights Magazine was established in 2006 and serves as the only publication solely focused on highlighting and perpetuating the revitalization efforts occurring in the historic neighborhoods in and around downtown Tampa and to the north; specifically Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, West Tampa, downtown Tampa, Ybor and surrounding areas. Collectively, these neighborhoods are recognized as Tampa’s Urban Corridor (UC).

By publishing articles written by UC residents and about the people, businesses, places and events in the community, New Heights distributes news to all of Tampa and beyond the city’s borders. The ultimate goal is to increase interest in the UC and encourage commerce, tourism and investment in the community. The publication includes a business directory of local businesses, as well as a feature story (known as Heights Heighlight) and other articles that center on Health & Beauty, Home & Real Estate, Food & Drink and Arts & Events. Additional columns are scheduled to appear before the end of 2008.

For more information about New Heights, visit http://www.newheightsmag.com/, email editor@NewHeightsMag.com or call (813) 389-8116.
###

NH Web Launch & Hardcopy Pick-up Points

NewHeightsMag.com will launch in its new format Jan. 28, 2008!

Meanwhile, the hardcopy version of the magazine can now be found at 78 Tampa locations; with 26 more approved (to date) and awaiting delivery. That's 104 locations -- over 100% more than originally planned!

For a continually updated list of locations where you can find your copy of New Heights, visit:
http://www.newheightsmag.com/NH%20Distribution%20for%20Website%20012508.pdf

Also, we have increased our hand-delivered copy count to nearly 4,000 homes in the Tampa Urban Corridor. More will follow!

If after all this, you still haven't got your copy -- or if you'd like your storefront to be a distribution point -- just email or call us and we will deliver a copy or copies of New Heights right to your door! editor@newheightsmag or (813) 389-8116

Thank you all for your overwhelmingly positive and encouraging support.

Publisher Going To New Heights

There weren't many friends or near acquaintances Jay McGee didn't buttonhole for an opinion on why no one had launched a magazine about Seminole Heights.

It has it all: history, Craftsman bungalows, artists, kitschy shops and the nostalgic charm of an old-style neighborhood where everyone feels, well, neighborly.

"Someone better do it," McGee kept saying, and so often that he finally knew he would be the one.

"For a year I've been doing the whole research. I've been testing the waters," said McGee, who has more than 10 years of experience in public relations and marketing.

Writing, editing and graphics were familiar territory. But pulling a magazine together was a risk, and the first advice he got was to think beyond Seminole Heights to a broader market.

He followed Tampa's urban corridors - Florida and Nebraska avenues - and pulled in Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, Ybor City, downtown, West Tampa and the Channel District.

Click HERE for full story.

Call for Articles: New Heights’ mid-March/mid-May 2008 issue

It’s that time again! Have your writings considered for publication in New Heights Magazine by emailing them to editor@NewHeightsMag.com by Friday, Feb. 1, 2008.

Reoccurring Article Word Count: 600-1,200
Heights Heightlight Word Count: 1,200-2,000

Article Guidelines:
1. Topic(s) must be relevant to Tampa; specifically one or (preferably) more of Tampa’s historic Urban Corridor neighborhoods.

2. Must fit in one of the magazine’s main sections: Health & Beauty, Home & Real Estate, Food & Drink, Arts & Events. Broad topic feature stories for the Heights Heighlight section are also requested.

3. Include quote(s) from Urban Corridor resident(s). One (1) minimum, but aim for 2-4.

4. Include supporting high-resolution photos, illustrations, maps and/or graphs. (See below for image guidelines.)

5. When possible, identify (within the article) sources of statistics and facts.

6. List contact information for the writer, quoted participants and photographer/artist.

7. Include a short bio of the author, describing his/her experience with the topic. Also provide a photo of the author, when available. (See below for image guidelines.)

Other Suggestions:
* Use a clear, friendly and non-technical style.
* Avoid jargon and explain acronyms on first reference.
* Divide the article into shorter "chapters" for easier reading.
* Include the importance or timeliness of the topic (somewhere in the article’s opening paragraphs).
* Emphasize the positives of the article’s people, places, things and/or events. Be thorough and descriptive.
* Include any relevant information you’d like to have accompany your article.

Photo/Image Guidelines:
* Submit each image separately, with a brief text caption that explains what the reader is seeing.
* Supporting Graphics (charts, graphs, maps, etc.): Send in high-resolution pdf or jpg format.
* Photographs: Submit as pdf or jpg files no larger than 500x300 pixels. Resolution must be 300 dpi of higher.
* All images must be accompanied by artist’s name and contact information (phone and/or email).

Permissions: Accuracy and proper attribution of sources are essential. Authors are responsible for fact-checking articles prior to submission, noting all sources and obtaining written permission to use any copyrighted material.

Please do NOT submit articles that have either been previously published or that are scheduled to be published in any city of Tampa serving publication.


For more information about submitting articles, contact Jay McGee at (813) 389-8116 or editor@NewHeightsMag.com. For advertising information contact ads@NewHeightsMag.com.

Phil Bourquardez Park

Here's and update no our previous posting about this park.

TAMPA HEIGHTS - Phil Bourquardez Park had appeal when the Tampa Police Department headquarters and the Free Library were nearby.

Today, it's a little empty spot. But as the area around it begins to change, the park could develop into something special, said Jeff Warren, president and co-founder of the Bush Ross law firm.

Warren's firm recently moved into its new office, 1801 N. Highland Ave., adjacent to the park.
Bush Ross purchased the property from the city with an agreement that it would rehabilitate the city park and help pay to maintain it for 10 years. The firm spent about $10 million buying the land, building its office and improving the park, 1810 N. Tampa St.

The park, which will be rededicated at 10 a.m. Friday, has new benches, trees and a walkway. A waterfall was removed from the 1 1/3-acre park, which was dedicated in 1962 and closed in March for construction of the Bush Ross building.

Bourquardez, a descendant of one of the city's first families, was born in 1885 in Tampa and died in 1958.

He was elected city clerk and served from 1933 to 1955. He also was a county jailer and bought property in the city and county, including near Fowler Avenue and 56th Street.

Bourquardez's family said they are proud of the park rededication.

"He was a wonderful man," said his daughter Phyllis Gates, 83, of Tampa. "He would go out of his way often. He was always helping people."

Bill Gates Jr. of Tampa said his grandfather was reserved, but people took notice of him.
"When he said something, people listened because he had something to say," said Gates, 63.

Bourquardez was 6-foot-4 and wore size 14 shoes. Around 1918, he took three years to build a home on Branch Avenue in Seminole Heights. People called him "Mr. Phil." It might have been because they couldn't pronounce Bourquardez, which sounds like Bacardi, Phyllis Gates said.

"If anyone deserves it, he does," she said. "Tampa was his home. That was all he knew."

Warren said the park will enhance the area. It is next to the Stetson University College of Law, 1700 N. Tampa St., and near the future home of the Hillsborough County Bar Association and Hillsborough County Bar Foundation.

"It is a beautiful park," Warren said. "When the trees mature in the spring, I think it will be really nice."

Bush Ross will also celebrate a ribbon cutting Friday to recognize its new building. Last month, it moved its 40 lawyers and 50 administrative employees from Franklin Street to the three-story, 34,000-square-foot building.

"It is a wonderful building," Warren said. "It is very attractive, very functional for us as a law firm."

Kitty update

Here are photos of the two kittens from my previous post. Please contact me if interested!

Help needed with cats!!!

To keep a long story very short, we've come into two kittens around 10-12 weeks old and three fairly feral (but used to people) cats from the Downtown Howard Johnson's. Due to construction on the property, the cats can't go back, so initial plans of fix and release are no longer possible.

We are hoping to adopt the two kittens to good homes (we've already adopted out one who has transitioned wonderfully) and possible a rural feral colony or a piece of property looking for outside/barn cats for the other three.

We are very, very desperate at this point, and only have about a week and a half to find a final solution due to constraints at our house.

If you know ANYONE who might be able to help, I would greatly appreciate it. My wife and I will be pretty particular about where the kittens go, be forewarned. She likely more than me as she's the CatMaster.

We've contacted multiple cat rescue places with absolutely no luck. HELP!

Get Your Event Published in New Heights

Please send us ASAP news about any event in your UC* neighborhood that will take place between Jan. 21 and April 30, 2008.

Those relevant and received by Jan. 7 will run in the first issue of New Heights Magazine, which is due out the week of Jan. 21.

To be included, email the event's name, location, date(s) and hour(s), admission charge - and any other info you see fit - to editor@newheightsmag.com.

*Remember, the UC means Urban Corrdior and includes Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, downtown Tampa, Ybor City, West Tampa and surrouding areas.

Thanks,
Jay M., editor
New Heights