Super Bowl means Business
The NFL has created an Emerging Business Program designed to provide local minority- and woman-owned businesses the maximum opportunity to participate in Super Bowl business. Learn more here.
Red Bull Flutag Tampa Bay ‘08
On July 19, 2008, the brave, creative and slightly crazy will launch homemade, human-powered flying machines off an elevated ramp by the city park that’s adjacent to the Tampa Convention Center. Thousands will watch with anticipation; mainly for the inevitable crash landings into the bay.
Library going Double-Decker?
The one-story, often crowded Seminole Heights Branch Library may soon be replaced by a two-story version with parking deck. The proposal is meant to spare the county the cost of buying land.
“Seminole Heights” debuts to sellout Crowd
The film documentary, about the neighborhood’s origins and pre-World War II days, debuted at Tampa Theatre in front of a sellout crowd, April 17, 2008. DVDs are now available for purchase ($12) by calling (813) 610-5255.
2008 Kids Cooking Camp
West Tampa receives Awards
Tampa City-County Planning Commission presented awards to two West Tampa locations. The Berriman-Morgan Cigar Factory building received the Jan Abell Award, with a tip of the hat to Jammall Engineering for taking steps to keep the structure authentic. Meanwhile, the Judges’ Choice award went to Macfarlane Park’s Freedom Playground, which has been dubbed “Tampa’s first boundless playground.”
Renovation Streamlining Spreads
Tampa Heights and 40th Street are positioning themselves to test form-based zoning; a type of zoning said to streamline neighborhood renovation (commercially and residentially). The foundation for form-based zoning is already underway for Seminole Heights.
Cigar City factory may be Reborn
The former Oliva cigar factory (2008 N. 19th St.), a circa 1890 wooden structure that sits vacant and surrounded by a rusty wire fence, may soon become a lively hotel with bar, lobby and patio. A public hearing to review its proposed design is scheduled for June 2008.
Evo’s and Panera Bread coming to Urban Corridor
False:
Want to change this? Both of these locations have long been rumored to be coming to various neighborhoods within the UC. New Heights’ staff has interviewed representatives from each business and neither currently has concrete plans for a UC location. If you’d like to see an Evo’s or Panera in your neighborhood, email your opinion to editor@NewHeightsMag.com and we’ll compile and report them all directly to the decision makers.
Brick Pizza coming to Downtown
True:
RedBrick Pizza (375 S. 12th St.) has opened in the Towers at Channelside – the location where an upscale “hip-hop” club is rumored to soon be opening. Meanwhile, it’s been reported that another brick pizza restaurant may soon open next to Indigo Coffee on South Franklin Street.
Fashion District coming to Downtown
Plausible:
Sources say negotiations are in the early stages for converting entire blocks of Franklin Street into a fashion district (complete with numerous boutiques and restaurants, including “Café Runway”).
SkyPoint secures its first Retail Shop
True:
An upscale bar and eatery, named Taps (777 Ashley Dr.), is set to open within weeks. It will be split into two sections: one featuring 30 beers on tap and 300 by the bottle; the other featuring 56 wines on tap and 100 by the bottle.
Bungalow Bistro expanding Menu
True:
The owner has hired three new chefs, each with his or her own specialty for creating and preparing Indian, Vegetarian and Thai delicacies. (5137 N. Florida Ave.)
Seminole Heights getting
Sports Bar & Grill
Unknown:
Rumored to eventually be named Greg’s Pub & Grub, the now empty lot at 6401 N. Nebraska Ave. was approved months ago for a 3,000 sq. ft. restaurant that can seat 400. However, even though the city has also approved its wet-zoning, there has only been minimal progress towards its construction.
NoHo Bistro to serve Beer, Wine
True:
The NoHo Bistro (1714 N. Armenia Ave.), known already for its popular beer tasting events, has received wet-zoning approval from the City Council. The mostly lunch and catering location is now considering extended hours.
Chick-fil-a coming to Tampa Heights
False:
Although it’s been reported that one investor did inquire about building the fast food restaurant on the southeast corner of Martin Luther King and North Boulevards, New Heights has learned that the proposal was allegedly declined because the property’s owner has a food-serving business nearby and did not welcome the competition.
Tampa Chamber of Commerce Relocating
True:
Sources say if conditions remain the same, the organization will move from its current Channelside location to a The Heights building that’s currently under construction. The “when” is TBD.
Water Taxis to serve River
True:
Sources tell New Heights this rumor is true, but won’t come to fruition until at least 2010.
More Free Parking in Ybor
True:
The City of Tampa has removed some on-street meters to make way for more free, two-hour parking spaces.