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Intriguing people, places stand out in 2005

To end the year, I've decided to present these awards to the newsmakers and neighbors who have made 2005 unforgettable.

By ERNEST HOOPER
Published December 30, 2005

Comeback Award: It's not all the way back, but when a portion of the elevated Crosstown Expressway was opened in December, the incredible convenience almost made you forget about the portion that collapsed in 2004. Almost.

The Riverview Most Famous Citizen Award: Oh how some people wish Wesley Taylor was Riverview's most famous citizen. Although the Florida A&M kicker provided the winning points in the Rattlers' win over Bethune-Cookman, it was schoolteacher and Riverview resident Debra Lafave who became the community's most famous, or should I say infamous, resident in 2005.

The Fish Hawk Most Famous Citizen Award: International Boxing Federation champion Jeff Lacy trains in St. Petersburg, but when he wants to get away from it all, he calls Fish Hawk Ranch home.

The Honey I Blew Up The Community Award: Like most of Florida, growth has become the prevailing issue in this area. But it's the South Shore area that is experiencing unbelievable development.

The Let's Do Something About Growth Award: Ruskin is moving forward with plans to incorporate and assume greater control of its destiny. The task will be formidable, but I applaud the community for taking the bull by the horns.

The Didn't We Almost Have It All Award: Armwood High School came up short in its bid for a third consecutive state football championship, but just to have reached the state title game after winning in 2003 and 2004 made the Hawks one of the most distinguished athletic programs in county history.

The Survivor Award: When the Ruskin Drive-In got hit with a $18,500 property tax bill, owner Ted Freiwald thought he was going to have to close down. Luckily, the property was reappraised and the bill dropped to $8,500. Suddenly, one of South Shore's most venerable institutions had survived again. The show will go on in 2006.

The Best 2006 Statewide Political Race Award: Chief financial officer isn't as important as governor or as noteworthy as attorney general. But with Brandon's Tom Lee and Thonotosassa's Alex Sink slated as the front-runners for the CFO post, it's certain to get a lot of attention in East Hillsborough.

The Political Race Most Likely to be Promoted by Vince McMahon Award: Three huge names, one state Senate seat. The bid to replace Lee includes former state Rep. Sandy Murman and will likely feature county Commissioner Ronda Storms and former Speaker of the House Johnnie Byrd. Can political newcomer Ray Young survive this battle royale? Will Murman stay in the race? This one has Texas Chain Match written all over it.

Best Politician: Lee's steady leadership as state Senate president has been impressive. He has constantly shown a willingness to stand up for his ideals instead of going along to get along, but he still managed to build a consensus and get legislation like lobbyist reform passed. The runner-up for this award is School Board member Jennifer Faliero, who has stayed true to her core values while not becoming insulting or divisive. She gets added kudos for not appearing on The O'Reilly Factor.

Most Controversial High School Club Award: The formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance at Newsome High has set off a countywide debate at the school district office that may change the way high school clubs are regulated. Club members say they are lending support to a group of students who are often chastised. Opposing parents want any discussion of sexual orientation out of the schools. And the administration? Oh, it's just wishing it could go back to the days when the biggest controversy was the school newspaper writing about bad cafeteria food.

Most Controversial Adult Club Award: The proposed bikini bar at the corner of State Road 60 and Mount Carmel Road has drawn the attention of Christian conservatives, infamous adult establishment owners, First Amendment attorneys and one stormy county commissioner. At the end of the year, however, it appeared the bar would overcome zoning restrictions and county regulations to open in 2006. But can it overcome the army of protesters who won't be showing up every night to see the entertainment?

Best New Club Award: The Dallas Bull is going from hole-in-the-wall to mega club of the Southeast. The new location near U.S. 301 and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive is slated to be one of the biggest in the Southeast.

The Most Unbelievable Story Award: A sex dungeon? In Brandon? Come on, that's about as crazy as putting a bikini bar on State Road 60. But the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office did allege in February that LuLu Divine was charging people to go into a room with black walls, whips and chains.

Best Place To Get Down At 3 In The Morning Award: Floyd's at the Seminole Hard Rock Cafe is jumping all the time, but it doesn't really get busy until the other clubs start closing down.

Best Place To Hear A Concert Without Paying Award: Any neighborhood near the Ford Amphitheatre and the Florida State Fairgrounds wins this award. The problem is the residents don't really want to hear the concerts. Here's hoping construction of a new wall will help minimize the noise.

Best New Sign On State Road 60 Award: Just because you serve old-fashioned burgers doesn't mean you have to have an old-fashioned pole sign. The Wendy's at 303 W Brandon Blvd. exchanged its traditional sign for something, smaller, closer to the ground and equally effective. If only we could get others to follow its lead.

Ernest Hooper can be reached at 813 226-3406 or Hooper@sptimes.com

[Last modified December 29, 2005, 08:39:05]