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Neighborhood Report

Events shine light on heritage

On Saturday, the last in a series of forums on the historic area will include a tour and panel discussion.

By ERIKA VIDAL
Published April 7, 2006

Maura Barrios is proud that even people who have moved away still gather in West Tampa's cafes every morning "to have coffee and convene with the spirits."

It's these spirits of past and present generations, and a strong sense of community, that Barrios wants to preserve.

Last year, she launched "Our West Side Story: Voces de West Tampa,'' a project aimed at collecting a living history and autobiography of the historic neighborhood west of the Hillsborough River.

On Saturday Barrios and other organizers will host the project's last public forum, Renaissance in Old West Tampa, at the West Tampa Library at 1718 N Howard Ave.

Beginning at 10 a.m., community historian E.J. Salcines will lead a walking tour of Howard Avenue, followed by a picnic with music in the park. Boxed lunches will be available for $7.

After lunch, Jason Busto, a fifth-generation Tampa resident, and Charlette Hein of the city's Historic Preservation Committee, along with members from Tampa Preservation Inc., will lead a panel discussion, "Architecture and Preservation in Old West Tampa.''

Winners of the first Best of West Tampa awards will also be announced. Barrios distributed 400 ballots for categories such as "Best Historic Homes Preserved'' and "Best Restaurants" in hopes of encouraging community pride and identity.

Artwork by local Cuban-American photographer Maida Millan depicting memories of West Tampa will be on display, and Rosina Santana of Puerto Rico and Tampa's poet laureate James Tokley will attend.

Professor Kenya Dworkin of Carnegie Mellon University will conduct interviews and take photographs as part of an oral history project for the autobiography.

At 2 p.m., area planners and community members will discuss visions for West Tampa as part of the West Tampa Economic Development Plan, commissioned by Mayor Pam Iorio. The plan addresses ways to help the community thrive.

West Tampa continues to be a place for working class immigrants, Barrios said.

"It's the other cigar city'' where residents have a "profound attachment'' to the neighborhood and each other, she said.

That's the soul of her project, and that's what she hopes it reflects.

Erika Vidal can be reached at 813 226-3339 or evidal@sptimes.com

[Last modified April 6, 2006, 14:32:26]