Bike race, car show praised

Dade City commissioners say they support two new downtown events, but a final decision on the race awaits the police and fire chiefs' approval.

By CHASE SQUIRES

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 12, 2000

DADE CITY -- City commissioners on Tuesday voiced approval for two proposed downtown events -- including a bicycle race that creators hope will lure an Olympic competition -- and congratulated organizers for taking the lead in bringing new things to the city.

Commissioners were unanimous in their support of a proposed professional bicycle race scheduled for Sept. 17, but held off granting final approval until organizers obtain signed letters from the city's police and fire chiefs agreeing to close two main streets for the all-day event.

The board also approved a proposed monthly antique car club gathering being developed by downtown businessman Bob Case. The gathering would be similar to those that routinely draw hundreds of antique and car and hot rod enthusiasts to Plant City.

Bike race organizers David Hevia and J.R. Harrelson, of Kiefer Village Jewels, said they expect both chiefs to sign off on their project soon, and Hevia said he has already gotten preliminary approval to close Meridian Avenue and Seventh Street -- both state roads -- from the state Department of Transportation.

"What a wonderful opportunity for us. I hope this city and this staff will do everything we can to help you," Commissioner Hutch Brock said.

Hevia said he is working with bicycling officials in Florida to create a day of high-speed racing through downtown streets that would be capped with a professional race to earn competitors points toward state and national recognition.

The race, dubbed the "Dade Battle of Brilliance," could become an annual event, luring thousands of fans and racers each year and eventually helping the city land a bicycle racing event in the 2012 Summer Olympics, if a Florida group is successful in bringing the Games to the Sunshine State.

The annual race would also be an important fundraiser for the Toys for Tots charity, Hevia said.

Mayor Scott Black and Commissioners Brock and Eunice Penix said they were eager to help. The commission agreed to pay the estimated $3,000 cost of police and fire department overtime generated by the event.

The board also gave its approval to Case's idea of a monthly gathering of car enthusiasts.

In other cities, Case said, the car buffs spend hours admiring each others' cars and visiting local businesses. The tourism would benefit merchants, and the show would bring something interesting for local residents to enjoy, he said.

"We'd like to build this into a good, regular event," Case said.

Commissioners praised Case, Hevia and Harrelson for their efforts to boost downtown.

"Kudos to you for taking an idea and running with it," Brock said.

"These types of events have a good effect on the city and have long-lasting rewards," Black said.

In other business Tuesday, Penix praised police for helping shoo an alligator from her yard this past weekend, but urged the city to step up maintenance of overgrown canals in her neighborhood.

"I don't think anyone wants to find an alligator in their yard," she said.

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