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Guest column

I live here

Bugs, heat - so what? Seffner is so convenient to walk about, and it's full of neighborly people and shops. Plus, those kids are so athletic.

By MIKE ZELAZO
Published June 24, 2005

SEFFNER - I'm not sure if I qualify as one of the "old-timers" of Seffner yet, but I've seen so many changes and this area grow so rapidly, I sometimes feel like one of the original settlers.

I've lived in Seffner since 1982 and still say I wouldn't live anyplace else. Now, my wife might not like the summer heat and the bugs, but to me those are minor inconveniences that one has to tolerate to be in such a great place.

Why is living in Seffner so great?

First, there's the convenience. For example, one day last summer, when it was a typical 90-plus degree day, I left my house and walked to my insurance agent, the mailbox, the major grocery store, the barber shop and finally arrived at my eye doctor's appointment, all without breaking a sweat. I'm within an easy drive of the hospital, my doctor's office, several area schools' play areas (for the grandkids and I to wreak havoc at) and my bowling center. I have about 10 restaurants within walking distance, which, at my size, is extremely important.

Second is the congeniality. They call me by my first name at the pharmacy, the grocery, the car repair shop, the sports bar/restaurant, the barber shop, the bank (both of my banks are within walking distance also) and a couple of other places. I like being treated as a friend and a neighbor.

Third is the abundance of and interest in youth athletics in this area. As the head coach of the nationally known Seffner Track Club, I know first-hand about the abilities of the young people of this area, as well as the outstanding attitudes they possess. When I see them go on to high school and college and make successes of themselves, I feel proud to have made that small contribution to their lives.

Yes, sometimes the traffic backs up on Martin Luther King. Sometimes my grass won't grow under the tree in my yard. Sometimes I'm greeted by palmetto bugs in the bathroom in the morning, but it's all good. I love my job, my town and my people.

I may be an old-timer, but times today in Seffner are pretty good.

[Last modified June 23, 2005, 01:01:07]