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.