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Bar moves out, AA may move in
By EVE HOSLEY-MOORE TAMPA -- More than 100 members of the Hyde Park United Methodist Church marched up Magnolia Street on Sunday to a watering hole known to locals as the Magnolia. They placed their hands on the concrete block building in hopes of introducing the Holy Spirit to a place better known for another kind of spirits. "God has a good sense of humor," the Rev. James Harnish joked. Last week, the church purchased the 4,000-square-foot building at 303 S Magnolia Ave., which accommodated the bar, two apartments and a defunct coin laundry. The church had wanted to purchase the property for many years, said Stephen Gardner, an attorney and 30-year church member. In April, the church and property owner Tom Cueto reached an agreement, and the deal closed Friday. "It took time and patience," Gardner said. So far, parishioners have donated more than $300,000 toward the building's purchase price of $500,000. The remaining $200,000 is still needed, as well as money for renovations. The building is more than 50 years old and will need air-conditioning, electrical and roof repairs. When ready, the building may accommodate Boy Scout meetings, Sunday school classes and, strangely enough, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, said Lynn Roberts, a church administrator. Harnish said he wants to use the space to help people get over the addictions the tavern once fed. "This is a great opportunity for us," he said. For the past four years, the 102-year-old church at 500 W Platt St. has undergone significant renovation. The sanctuary is being enlarged, an activity center was built along with an educational building and a new parking lot for the church's 1,700 members, Roberts said. The parcel purchased last week was the last piece of the puzzle. The church now owns more than two square blocks. The Magnolia Tavern and Sports Bar, open since the 1950s, served its last drinks Thursday. It was once a favorite stop along the Gasparilla Parade route. At one time the annual parade meandered down Magnolia Street; now it rolls down Bayshore Boulevard.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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