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Neighborhood Report

Neighborhood briefs

By MEAGHAN FORBES, RICK GERSHMAN, ERIKA VIDAL, ALEXANDRA ZAYAS
Published August 18, 2006

Tampa mayor declares Aug. 16 'Joe Roman Day'

DOWNTOWN - Mayor Pam Iorio declared Aug. 16, 2006, as Joe Roman Day in honor of his more than 50 years of service for the Columbia Restaurant.

Roman, 77, began working at Columbia in 1953 as a dishwasher. He was promoted to waiter, a job he held until injuring his knee in 2004.

Last year, during the restaurant's 100th anniversary celebration, Richard Gonzmart, co-owner of the restaurant, made Roman the restaurant's official ambassador in charge of relaying the Columbia's history to guests.

The city honor recognizes individuals whose commitment and dedication have benefited the community.

Three armory proposals advance to review stage

NORTH HYDE PARK - Three proposals to redevelop the Fort Homer Hesterly Armory on Howard Avenue will proceed through the next round of evaluation: Heritage Square at the Armory, which includes a luxury hotel, spa and marketplace; a film studio by the Armory Partners Group; and an ice skating rink by Reliant Development.

Officials with the Department of Military Affairs, which owns the armory, voted Saturday to send the three proposals through the due diligence process, in which military and city officials will review the developers' financial capabilities to proceed.

Cynthia Miller, the city's director of Business & Housing Development, said the armory board has no timeline for the due diligence process, but she will brief City Council members on the status within a month.

The armory board of military, city and community members recently selected Heritage Square as its top choice, followed by the film company and the ice rink.

Tampa Theatre dries out after water line break

DOWNTOWN - The show goes on at Tampa Theatre, although dehumidifiers ran throughout the week to dry out the theater and a neighboring business after a water line break.

The Aug. 6 leak occurred in an office tower above the lobby, shorting out several power lines at the theater and causing some flooding.

Water also damaged the Nature Shop florist next door. The florist moved into the ninth floor of the office tower earlier this week while the shop dried out.

The theater closed for one night, on Aug. 7, but has continued with business as usual since, spokeswoman Tara Schroeder said.

YMCA celebrates with birthday party Saturday

TAMPA - The Interbay-Glover Family YMCA, 4411 S Himes Ave., celebrates 23 years of service in South Tampa with a birthday party starting at 9 a.m. Saturday.

The branch offers programs to enrich the lives of residents, including youth, teen and adult sports, gymnastics, judo, full-day summer programs, and swimming instruction.

The event is free and open to the public. Call 839-0210.

Firefighters open station to teach safety lessons

V.M. YBOR - Tampa Fire Rescue recently opened Education Station, a redesigned old fire station where young people can learn safety lessons in a fun and interactive environment.

Tampa Fire Rescue received a $6,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to buy furniture, books, games and toys for the facility at 2611 N 12th St.

Community and civic groups with preschool students are welcome to visit the station. Call 242-8241.

Grocery store donates funds to Tampa YMCA

CARVER CITY/LINCOLN GARDENS - Wild Oats Natural Marketplace donated $413 to the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA during its Aug. 12 community fair.

The grocer of natural and organic foods collected the money through its cash register donation slip program in June.

The YMCA will use the money to provide scholarships for children who otherwise would not be able to participate in its programs.

City honored for installing 'Share the Road' signs

SULPHUR SPRINGS - Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium and Oliver's Cycle Sports on Monday honored the city for installing "Share the Road" bicycle signs on Rowlett Park Drive, just north of Sligh Avenue.

Rowlett Park Drive is a narrow two-lane road that connects Rowlett Park with Busch Boulevard.

The signs were installed after the marketing director for Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium and Oliver's Cycle Sports contacted Mayor Pam Iorio about the dangers for bicyclists on the road.

Hispanic business group to mark 15 years of service

YBOR CITY - The Hispanic Business Initiative Fund West Coast Inc. celebrates 15 years of dedicated service to the local Hispanic community with a Salsa and Sangria Celebration at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Lions Eye Institute, 1410 N 21st St.

HBIF provides one-on-one business counseling with training and customized services.

The party is open to the public. Call 980-2765.

- MEAGHAN FORBES, RICK GERSHMAN, ERIKA VIDAL, ALEXANDRA ZAYAS

[Last modified August 17, 2006, 10:56:52]