Tampa/Hillsborough Deserves Better

It has been funny this year to watch the personality battles between the various leaders in Tampa and Hillsborough County.

Remember Alexander Haig's "I'm In Charge" statement. Well when Mayor Iorio and the County Administrator started to tug over who would be in charge following a significant disaster, it sure sounded a familiar tone.

With the growth that is happening all over the immediate area, it is clear to see that most of it seems out of control from the long range planners. It has become virtually seamless as you drive out East Adamo drive and transition to Brandon. Plant City, Lutz, Riverview are rapidly filling in the gaps of any empty property to be found.

In case you missed it, the Tampa Tribune recently called for a county mayor form of government. Petitions are being circulated to put this issue on the ballot. We think it is a good idea, too. What do you think ?

President Bush is Correct !

After all the ruckus raised about Democratic Congressman Murtha's call for the immediate withdrawl of troops from Iraq, the President finally said something that should have been said long ago. Of course, the White House staff that called Murtha part of the the Michael Moore and Left Wing of America didn't seem to get the message in time.

President Bush: "People should feel comfortable about expressing their opinions about Iraq. I heard somebody say "Well maybe so and so is not patriotic" because they disagree with my position. I totally reject that thought."

America was born on the basis of many freedoms - including freedom of speech. We should all welcome people to speak up about their beliefs - whether we agree with them or not. With the right wing rhetoric of criticism being un-American, we have to state the opposite - the right to criticize with free speech is the basis of what America is all about.

Tampa's Riverwalk Will Change Our City

Have you looked at a map and seen how much waterfrontage Tampa has ? It is a lot.

But have you tried to find a place on the water to enjoy a meal or drinks and enjoy the view ? There aren't very many.

Mayor Iorio is aggressively putting together her plans to provide a usable riverfront walkway that will connect all of downtown. Over 2 miles of meandering walks, trails, bridges, and docks will allow for a continuous riverside stroll from Channelside to north of the I-275 bridge. Visions of cafes, historical displays, large event/concert venues, informative nature stands, and lots more are being discussed. This is no pie in the sky. Already lots of the required property and walks are in place or under construction. The design team - from an internationally acclaimed company - EDAW - is very impressive. A third presentation will come in the next few months that will lay out specifics of the plan - including anticipated costs.

If you have ever been to San Antonio, Baltimore, or most any major city on a waterway, you have probably strolled their Riverwalk equivalent. While we have some issues with the Mayor on various items, this project and this design team look like they will positively change the face of downtown Tampa forever.

Several players in this project must be noted: Mayor Iorio has shown the vision, EDAW has provided great information with a beyond the call of duty attitude about seeking public input, and Riverwalk Development Manager Lee Hoffrman has the personality and attitude that is ready to overcome any obstacle. A "Friends of Riverwalk" group provides us with our only concern for this project. This group will provide the business/real estate/ developer input to the project. Chaired by Dan Mahurin, this is a most vital part of making the project happen - it is what the public has to give up that concerns us in this venture.

If you have any concern about Tampa's future, you should be keeping your eyes on the Riverwalk plan. Goal for completion of the two mile Riverwalk is not far away - early 2009, in time for Super Bowl. You can get complete Riverwalk details here.

Not So Fast !

The current meeting of the minds between Mayor Iorio and the Tampa Museum of Art about locating the new museum in the Cube/Beer Can Building at Kennedy and Ashley on the rivers seems like a wonderful solution to a lot of problems - but only on the surface.

The building is an architecturally well designed place with a lot of vacancies that needs something there. The Museum really wants to be on the river and since their current location has a date with the wrecking ball, an immediate decision is important to them. The Mayor is trying to regain some of her lost political capital because of the animosity her stands including a recommendation to put the museum in the old federal courthouse have generated.

TAMPAGOLD.COM has clearly been on the record of supporting the retention and renovation of Kiley Gardens, so this new, compromise location would seem perfect. But, it is not.

If you examine previous discussions, it is clear that the square footage is not adequate. Parking does not look adequate. Lighting in the cube is really great - but not for an art museum. Wall space/display space is not adequate. The costs are being evaluated, but they will probably exceed the costs available for a new museum.

The Mayor's idea of a large park space for events that would include the proposed Riverwalk, the current Curtis Hixon Park, and the current to be cleared museum site; could bring more people to the Tampa downtown. St.Petersburg's Ribfest this past weekend shows what a large, open air space can do for a city. But as far as the Tampa Museum of Art is concerned, it is time to keep looking for a suitable space. We wish the current "choice of the day" would work, but after examining their previous concerns and requests; it is clear that it just won't.

The Rhonda and Brian Show

In case you missed Wednesday night's Fox News Network's interview of two Hillsborough County Commissioners - Rhonda Storms and Brian Blair - you missed quite a show.

Just for your information, we did not want to see the holidays done away with, but isn't the issue education ? Most government agencies do not recognize these holidays.

Bill O'Reilly clearly portrayed Storms and her side kick, Blair, as the ones that have stopped the grinch from stealing holidays in our public schools - implying that they single handedly accomplished this. (So those of you that attended meetings, sent emails, or made phone calls were not important) The rhetoric was so thick that it seemed more like fiction rather than a news story.

After listening to Commissioner Storms rant and rave over the years it seemed hard to not crack up when O'Reilly said as a concern about the school holidays critics: "Any time they can't win on the issues they resort to name calling".

To more appropriately reflect to you the flavor of the interview: imagine Commissioner Storms dressed in black leather, dominatrix attire with whip in hand and the submissive Blair kissing her booted feet.

When asked about the "liberal media - the St. Pete Times and the Tampa Tribune", Commissioner Storms pandered to O'Reilly by making it clear that TV is taking over newspapers. (Editors note: we believe that is true for the Storms and Blair fans - they probably can't or don't read any way. With the editorial differences between the Times and the Trib, they must be laughing hysterically at being painted as in the liberal camp together. )

This inteview was so funny that it rated as a comedy act. The submissive Blair seemed to look at Storms in awe. The continual name calling rhetoric was dogmatic rather than substantive. The only thing sad about the whole thing was to remember that these two elected officals are paid big bucks to represent us. Sort of makes us wish we had elections more often.

Is Ybor About to Change ?

We might really add - "again" to this title.

With the soon demise of the riverfront Tampa Museum of Art, Ybor City has started a campaign to attract the museum to their historic area.

The Arts Ybor events could help that become a reality by showing that the area is more than just bars and loud crowds. The recent Shop Hop organized by three Ybor Ad agencies was very impressive in showcasing the talent and business climate in the area.

Many art galleries already call Ybor home. Is Ybor City the right place for Tampa's main art investment ?

We are not sure, but the success or failure of Arts Ybor may make a big difference in answering that question. What do you think ?

Controlling Growth in Tampa - is it possible ?

At a recent City Town Meeting, Mayor Iorio indicated that downtown has the infrastructure to allow for the addition of an entire new neighborhood.

Not sure what that means as far as numbers go, but that could be 10,000 or more.

Do you think our existing neighborhoods can handle the growth already underway ? PalmaCeia has responded by restricting townhouse development. A proposed condo project South of Gandy has been denied. A planned high rise at Bayshore and Desoto has also been denied. Most of these denials have come after significant neighborhood opposition.

What do you think is our city's biggest issue affecting growth management ? What "can" be done and what "should" be done ?

Who Stole the Pumpkin from Guavaween ?

Tampa's biggest Halloween Party was fun as always this year. Costumes were interesting as always, but something seemed to be amiss.

The Chamber of Commerce Guavaween site indicates a possible turnout of 80,000. But this week's reports put the number closer to 50,000.

The weather for this fun event was about as close to perfect as possible. We noticed the sidewalks did not seem jammed. The band stages were in some cases almost vacant.

Apparently in true Guavaween spirit, various city departments decided to visit various establishments - closing several down due to code violations. We don't have a problem with that - except didn't those problems exist prior to Guavaween Saturday ? Where was the City then ?

While almost all city parades are started with city and county officials in convertibles waving to the masses, they were clearly invisible at Guavaween. (Do they think the 50,000 attendees are not voters ? or is it more than that)

Guavaween is a fun event. Ybor City is a beautiful, historical place. Why the fun businesses, other businesses, and City and County officials can't get together and establish a clear direction for this area is one of Tampa's greatest tragedies.

Thursday, Nov. 3, from 5:30 - 8:30 PM - Three Ad Agencies in Ybor have put together the Ybor Shop Hop. These creative groups have the opportunity to help solve this divide. Let's hope Ybor starts acting like a team and establishes a direction for progress. This tragedy of division has gone on too long.

The REAL Message of Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks will alway be known as a significant contributor to helping to eliminate racial discrimination. While racism is still in clear existence today, her efforts definitely helped to make America more aware of discrimination at a time when few seemed to be concerned.

But I do not think that is the message that the life of Rosa Parks should be remembered by.

Her real message was the power of the individual to effect change and thought. Her refusal to give up her seat in a Montgomery, Alabama bus was more about that power of an individual than anything else.

As I have written this blog and other articles it has amazed me at the complacency of Americans. We talk of defending our freedoms but them feel we cannot express them.

The rhetoric of how not supporting a war is the same as not supporting the troops or our President is an example of that. Speaking up IS American. English King George sure got that message - so why can't we ?

At a recent Tampa Town Meeting, the lack of public response was noticeable. As City Officials and Administrators waited with pens in hand to address South and West Tampa issues, the small number of attendees would indicate that we have very few issues in our great city.

It is American to discuss issues - from both sides - and to seek better ways of understanding. The message from Rosa Parks is - one voice can make a difference - all you have to do is use it.