Everyone has a home improvement project that never quite gets done. In fact, I believe that's one of the reasons why television shows like Trading Spaces and While You Were Out are so popular.
Some of us live vicariously through those lucky folks who actually get their renovation dreams turned into reality.
In Southeast Seminole Heights, a group of neighbors are no longer dreaming. Their civic association's Home Improvement Team actually helps fellow residents get one-day projects done. Every month, about 20 residents draw the name of one team member. The winner provides the materials and the team provides the labor.
My first questions were "How do I join?" and "Do you guys know how to get to Seffner?"
"We feel like we've done a lot for each other physically inside and outside our homes and coming together as neighbors," said Beverly Morrow, president of the civic association.
The efforts of the Home Improvement Team helped Southeast Seminole Heights earn the national neighborhood of the year award from Neighborhoods USA.
Southeast Seminole Heights also has draw attention for its crime prevention efforts. Late night and early morning patrols by neighbors have significantly reduced the level of prostitution and drug dealing in the area.
Overall, this is a neighborhood ready to blossom as a diverse urban renewal model. Thanks to the Mayor's Beautification Program, the crowning jewel may very well be a renovated park.
Giddens Park (5202 N 12th St.) is a block-sized lot just east of Nebraska Avenue and south of Hillsborough Avenue. It has basketball courts, a soccer field, a baseball diamond and some picnic amenities, but it's not nearly as inviting as it could be.
Through Tampa's Greenprinting Initiative, a 10-year project of the Mayor's Beautification Program, the park would undergo a $500,000 makeover similar to the renovation of Hyde Park's Kate Jackson Park.
Don't consider such a park mere fun and games. Research indicates it can decrease crime and increase economic development. Morrow thinks it will add to the neighborhood's burgeoning sense of community pride and attract visitors.
As of today, nearly $250,000 has been raised and two fundraisers are on the horizon. The neighborhood association will host Dog Day In The Park on Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. in Rowlett Park. The dog-oriented event will include a costume stroll for dog and owner, various demonstrations and a dog wash.
On Oct. 23, the Leadership Tampa Class of 2003 will stage the Spectacular Caribbean Fundraiser aboard the Yacht Starship. The evening will feature dinner, an open bar, a silent auction and the song stylings of the brilliant house band. Who knows, maybe I'll join them for a number.
No, the idea is to actually get people to come, so I won't be singing. I will, however, play a small role in helping the event sail smoothly as one of the members of the Leadership Tampa '03 class. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased through the Mayor's Beautification Program (221-8733).
Like the rest of the class, I'm excited about helping ignite the Greenprinting Initiative, which will revitalize 10 inner-city parks thanks in part to a grant from the F.E. Lykes Foundation. And what's really nice to know is the first project will benefit such a deserving neighborhood.
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The Saints & Sinners sign is gone, and so is the downtown bar that spent a week inside the empty block-shaped building at the bottom of 400 N Ashley. It was a fantasy set for The Punisher, being filmed in Tampa Bay.
What I can't figure out is why fantasy didn't become reality. Didn't some smart business entrepreneur recognize the potential of having a posh haven in downtown? Could there be a better spot for a nightclub than a building known as the beer can?
Somebody should have paid the movie producers to leave everything in place. Saints and Sinners could have been a hip place with an inside story.
