Oyster domes installed to reduce shoreline erosion
By RON MATUS and OLIVIA GIFFORD
Published February 27, 2004
BALLAST POINT - In the latest effort to reduce erosion along South Tampa's shoreline, volunteers installed oyster domes in the waters off Ballast Point Park on Saturday.
More than 30 volunteers participated in the work, which was organized by the Coastal Conservation Association and the Ballast Point Neighborhood Association.
Oyster domes are cone-shaped pieces of concrete, sometimes called reef balls, that weigh about 150 pounds each. They attract fish, oysters and other marine life and sap the energy from incoming waves, resulting in less erosion along the nearby shore.
Volunteers installed 50 regular-sized domes and 50 smaller ones. On March 20, they're scheduled to put down another 150 domes and plant 200 feet of marsh grass.
The project is funded by a $10,500 federal grant.
In the past year, similar anti-erosion efforts have taken place near Gandy Bridge, along the Bayshore Boulevard balustrade and in the waters off MacDill Air Force Base.
Flea Market set to open with about 60 vendors
GANDY/SUN BAY SOUTH - Let the haggling begin.
The grand opening for the South Tampa Flea Market is set for Saturday, with gates opening at 6 a.m. and more than 60 vendors ready to barter, said co-owner John Lehmkuhle.
Lehmkuhle hoped to open by Christmas in the warehouse on Interbay Boulevard, a few blocks west of Dale Mabry Highway, but securing permits and building booths took a little longer than expected.
Market hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For information, call 727-1661.
Dinner, dance to benefit Friends of the Library
TAMPA - The Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County will hold "Moonlight Over Tampa Bay" from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sunday at the Tampa Airport Marriott, Tampa International Airport.
Moonlight Serenaders, a four-piece band, the Tampa Bay Scandi Dancers and Argentinian Singers will perform. Tickets are $50 per person and include dinner and dancing. A cash bar will also be available.
Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library. Please RSVP to 273-3616.
Class to feature journey into Italian language, food
PALMA CEIA WEST - Castellano & Pizzo Italian Gourmet Foods, 4200 S Henderson Blvd., is hosting "Beginners Conversational Italian, An Educational Journey through Italy!" from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, March 2-30.
The class will be taught by Roberto Alvarez, a graduate of Indiana University and the Universita di Bologna in Bologna, Italy. The cost is $175 for the five-week session, which includes dinner by the Castellano & Pizzo chefs. Wine will be available.
Class size is limited, and pre-registration is required. Call 727 866-6892 or visit ralvarez@learnitalian.us
