HISTORIC HYDE PARK - Dust off that old furniture and clean out your kitchen drawers. The Spring of Tampa Bay domestic violence shelter is collecting household items, clothes, furniture, bedding, cell phones and kitchenware at Old Hyde Park Village's fountain area from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Everyone who brings a donation can register to win a "Top-to-Bottom Spring Clean" courtesy of Merry Maids and a $500 shopping spree from Old Hyde Park Village. For information, call 247-5433 ext. 336.
Community meeting will look at long-range plan
INTERBAY - With nearly half a million new residents projected to move to Tampa in the next 20 years, several questions have come up. Where will they live? How will they get to where they want to go? How will parks, schools and libraries accommodate them?
These and other concerns will be discussed at a community meeting about the area's long-range plan from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Robinson High School, 6311 S Lois Ave.
Small group discussions will focus on growth management, education, transportation and social services. Other topics will address government services, public safety and the environment.
Those who can't attend can go to www.PLAN2025.org and click on "Your Involvement" to make comments. For information, call Rusty Carpenter at 293-6190 or e-mail rusty@bayshorecommunications.com
Plans for office buildings approved by City Council
BEACH PARK - The City Council gave initial approval last week to two proposed office buildings on Bay Center Drive.
The Council approved a rezoning that will allow Highwoods Properties to build two seven-story buildings and an eight-story parking garage. Final approval is expected on Thursday.
Residents of nearby Mariner Street had raised objections, saying the project would bring too much traffic. In response, Highwoods agreed to pay for about $10,000 worth of improvements at the intersections of Hoover Boulevard and Mariner Street and Hoover and Kennedy Boulevard, said the company's attorney, David Mechanik.
Council member John Dingfelder asked the city staff to research other traffic issues in the area before the next vote, Mechanik said.
Restaurant owners back off Platt Street plans
HYDE PARK NORTH - Restaurant developers who planned to move into 1617 W Platt St. withdrew their petition to serve alcohol and will not open a business there.
Mariano Cibran, one of the owners of the proposed Dolce restaurant, pulled the application last week and said he is looking at other locations in the area. Cibran said the restaurant needed to stay open past midnight to be profitable, which residents opposed.
Court seeks volunteers for advocate program
MID PENINSULA - The Guardian ad Litem Program of the 13th Judicial Court is looking for volunteers to advocate for children who have been taken from their homes because of suspected abuse or neglect and placed in foster homes or with relatives.
Guardians visit their assigned child at least once a month and interview their teachers, doctors and relatives. Guardians then appear in court to speak on behalf of the child.
Volunteers must complete 30 hours of training. The next session begins in May.
Orientation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S Dale Mabry Highway. For information, call 272-5110.
Ceremony to honor Marine who died in Iraq
GANDY/SUN BAY SOUTH - Andrew Aviles, a U.S. Marine and Robinson High School graduate who was killed in Iraq last year, will be honored Sunday in an invitation-only ceremony at the Marine Reserve Center.
The event will focus on Aviles' legacy as a warrior and scholar. Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio wll be among the guest speakers.
The first annual Andrew J. Aviles scholarship, a $1,000 award, will also be presented to a Marine in the Headquarters and Service Company.
Garden Club to host May Day celebration
BAYSHORE GARDENS - The Tampa Garden Club will host a "For the Love of a Garden" May Day celebration from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the club, 2629 Bayshore Blvd.
The event will include food, wine, music, and live and silent auctions.
Proceeds will go to improvements to the club. Past events have raised money to repave the parking lot and improve the kitchen, restrooms, office and wedding garden.
Tickets are $50 at the door. For information, call 254-4791 for information.
Florida Pro Musica to perform at church
DOWNTOWN - Florida Pro Musica will end its 2003-2004 season with a performance at 4 p.m. Sunday at Sacred Heart Church, 509 N Florida Ave. The "Masterworks of Palestrina and Britten" will include Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina's "Missa aeterna Christi munera" and Benjamin Britten's "Festival Te Deum."
The cost is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. For information, call 258-4226 or visit www.floridapromusica.com
- OLIVIA GIFFORD, RON MATUS and DENISE WATSON BATTS
