Neighborhood notebook: Water pipe installation closes part of Euclid Ave.
By RON MATUS and ELISABETH DYER
Published October 17, 2003
SOUTH TAMPA - An $800,000 project to make the city water system more efficient is nearing completion. But it will mean a traffic tangle on Euclid Avenue for at least a few more days.
The project involves laying three miles of 24-inch pipe between Palma Ceia and a city water storage facility in the Gandy/Sun Bay South neighborhood.
A contractor began work last summer and is installing the last link now, necessitating the temporary closure of Euclid between Himes Avenue and Dale Mabry Highway.
The new pipe should allow the storage facility, which holds 5-million gallons of water, to refill more quickly after days of heavy water use, city officials said.
The closed stretch of Euclid is scheduled to reopen Monday.
Developer gets delay on decision on pharmacy
BALLAST POINT - At the developer's request, City Council postponed a decision last week on a project proposed to replace Gandy Square Shopping Center.
Hupp Realty, which plans to raze the center at Gandy Boulevard and MacDill Avenue and replace it with a Walgreen's and a bank, wants permission to build a drive-through for the pharmacy. City Council voted 3-2 Sept. 25 to deny the request and was scheduled to take a final vote Oct. 9.
The vote is now set for Oct. 30.
Residents have objected to the idea of another pharmacy in the area and defended the existing businesses, which include Uncle Rodney's Rib House and Gumby's Pizza.
In June, City Council shot down an earlier proposal, with some members saying the plan was not compatible with the neighborhood.
Volunteers needed to fight Brazilian pepper invasion
PALMETTO BEACH - Volunteers on Saturday again will battle Brazilian pepper at McKay Bay Nature Park.
Brazilian pepper is the unwanted, non-native plant that thrives in most of South Florida, to the detriment of native plants, such as mangroves. Volunteers organized by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program tore into the invaders at McKay Bay in January, but organizers hope another offensive will keep the pepper down for a while.
Saturday's outing is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you want to help, call Nanette Holland at 727 893-2765 or e-mail her at nanette@tbep.org
Bayshore Gardens group plans its first meeting
BAYSHORE GARDENS - The newly rejuvenated Bayshore Gardens Neighborhood Association meets Thursday for the first time since electing officers in May.
The association formed two years ago but lay dormant until earlier this year.
Bayshore Gardens lies between the Historic Hyde Park and Bayshore Beautiful neighborhoods, from Howard Avenue south to El Prado Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard west to the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway.
The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Tampa Garden Center next to Fred Ball Park. For information, call Karen Crawford at 254-4363.
Westshore Alliance sets 20th anniversary lunch
BEACH PARK - The Westshore Alliance celebrates its 20th anniversary with a luncheon Thursday at the Wyndham Westshore, 4860 W Kennedy Blvd.
The alliance is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the nearly 100,000 employees who work in the West Shore Business District, Florida's largest commercial business district.
Registration begins at 11:30, followed by lunch at noon. Cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Reservations are required by noon Wednesday. Call 289-5488.
Singing groups plan concert this Sunday
HYDE PARK NORTH - The Tampa Oratorio Singers and Tampa Bay Children's Chorus perform Requiem by Faure Sunday.
The performance begins at 4 p.m. at Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 500 W Platt St.
Tickets are $17.50. Discounts are available for students and seniors.
