Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

Over a year ago, Gibraltar Development of Clearwater was looking at some land at the northern end of Ybor Channel.  The developer is now submitting plans, and Dave Pinero at Tampa Rail found some designs in the Tampa Historical Streetcar Board Meeting notes, that include references to "Streetcar Park" (page 44ish) within the "North Ybor Channel Redevelopment Project." Drawings show where the park would be, and it seems to be a good place for greenspace.

Of course, Gibraltar is also supposed to be developing Venu, too, so we’ll see how far this one gets.

The Tampa Tribune reports that the developers of Trump Tower Tampa are close to giving up the ghost. One single financing option remains, and if that fails, they are ready to walk away and sell.

You might remember when Donald Trump welcomed everyone to get in on the ground floor of the “tallest building on the Gulf Coast.” Now his name is becoming mud all over America. No matter, the Donald is looking to Puerto Rico.

As far as the downtown spot, mayor Pam Iorio has had her eyes on the riverfront property since July of last year. Look for the city to buy it and add to the Riverwalk.

According to the News Hounds, Fox News is still insinuating that the plane that crashed into the Bank of America (nee Barnett) building in downtown Tampa back in 2002 is linked to terrorism. In truth, it was a 15 year old boy who stole a plane and used it to commit suicide.

What makes a park a park?

As you know, Mayor Pam Iorio wants the area currently known as Curtis Hixon Park to be Tampa’s signature park. Iorio remains insistent in putting $15 Million into redesigning the already functioning green space.

And what do we get for $15 MILLION?

The city hired New York landscape architect Thomas Balsley to design the project.

“It’s been very carefully conceived to be a very active park,” Balsley said.

The park would be built in two phases. The first phase, which carries a $15 million price tag, would include features such as a visitors’ center, cafe kiosk, play area, dog run, fountain on Ashley and a shade trellis at a future pavilion building.

The second phase would include the glass towers, a mist fountain, the pavilion building, a garden and a restaurant. The second phase could cost an additional $5 million to $10 million.

Good grief.. why hire a guy from New York? How about giving a local guy the chance to make a signature piece? It’s easy to google tampa landscape architect. Allow a local firm to put this project on their resume, and perhaps the City of New York will one day hire a Tampa based firm.

And the 50 foot Glass Towers spelling out T.A.M.P.A? That alone will cost well over a half million. Seriously, where do you think you are?

Thankfully, some in City Council are not too impressed. Dingfelder even had a go-round with Pammy at a meeting. But Iorio was steadfast. She knows she has supporters, too.

In a Sunday Editorial ripping the City Council, the St. Pete Times says “There is no greater need downtown than a signature, functional park.” No greater need? Seriously? Not a grocery store? Not dependable mass transit? Not a single, specific vision?

And speaking of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, they chime in on their HiLife Tampa website:

Curtis Hixon Park: The City of Tampa has contracted with Thomas Balsley & Associates of New York City to redesign and develop Curtis Hixon Park into a true urban green space. Once completed the park will offer unique features that will draw people into it and connect to the Tampa Riverwalk.

Oh, come on… Do we really need another “destination” place downtown? How many things have to be built at public expense that are going to “draw people?” Remember, Downtown Tampa already draws thousands, we just want them to stay a little longer.

Downtown Tampa doesn’t need a “better” park. If you want to invigorate downtown, then the first step is to make better use of the existing amenities.

Curtis Hixon is already a nice open green space with views of the riverfront. Downtown residents already use Curtis Hixon as it is. The reason more people don’t use the park is because nothing happens there. Here’s an idea. Take some of this money, and FIX THE LIGHTS IN THE PARK. The park is downright scary after dark. Those thousands who visit the TBPAC at sundown are not going to go into the darkness of Curtis Hixon.

But that’s simply not good enough for Pammy.

You see, the Riverwalk is Pam’s Legacy. A $15 million redesigned Curtis Hixon will simply add to the extravagance of Pam’s Legacy.

I asked “What makes a park a park?” It is people, not fountains. People, not glass towers. People, not New York architecture. If you spend money on those things, people will continue to stay away in droves.

It’s time to put a stop to this nonsense. Even if downtown Tampa needs a “signature park,” it doesn’t need to be this spot, and it certainly doesn’t need to be done during this time of significant budget cutbacks.

A trip to New York City almost always includes a visit to Central Park.  When in San Francisco, you might swing into Golden Gate Park.  Likewise, you may take a walk through Lincoln Park when visiting Chicago.

Not every city has a "signature park," but many do, and Mayor Pam Iorio says that Curtis Hixon Park will become "Tampa’s central park."  Even with local governments facing an incredible financial challenge, Iorio is still insisting we spend $15 million on upgrades to an existing green space.  But let’s play along for a minute, and accept the idea that Tampa should have a "Boston Common."  Why is Curtis Hixon Park being chosen for Extreme Makeover:  City Park?

There are some pretty good parks throughout the City of Tampa, and a few of them might want to make a claim to be Tampa’s best park.  The first place that comes to mind is Al Lopez Park.  Immediately after that I think of Lowry Park and the band shell.  Sulphur Springs Park has the potential to be a lot bigger than it is currently.  Rowlett Park is another nice sized park, although somewhat nearer to Temple Terrace.  And imagine if adjacent Rogers Park Golf Course were to be included in the parcel.

But size isn’t everything.  Tampa Bay and other waterways wrap around much of the city, and Picnic Island offers great views of the Bay, but has a less than central location.  Tiny Ballast Point Park and adjoining Yacht Club offer beautiful views of the bay, as well as the downtown skyline.  DeSoto Park is small too, but on McKay Bay, and near Ybor City.  Bayshore Linear Park is limited in size, but one of the most recognizable parts of town.

If none of those catch your attention, perhaps you feel that our "central park" needs to be closer to downtown.  What about Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park?  That is a great park, and is underutilized as it is.  Plant Park is just west of the river, too.  Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park is downtown south, right between the Marriott Riverside and the forthcoming History Center.  Of course, there is also Perry Harvey Park, located in the conveniently named Central Park neighborhood of Tampa.

But then again, Snow Park is just west of downtown on Kennedy and was once in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the smallest park in the world.  With Tampa’s small-minded leadership, perhaps this is as "signature" as it gets around here.

Sticks of Fire reader Taylor sent this to us recently:

A group of Tampa residents headed by Mimi Conneely are pushing for a crosswalk at the north end of Bayshore. Currently there is no safe accommodation of foot, bike or wheelchair traffic to or from Davis Islands, leaving S.O.L. anybody without a car who needs to get to or from Tampa General Hospital, or any Davis Islands public or private amenity. Not to mention kids who live on Davis Islands and go to Gorrie, Wilson or Plant. Website is very preliminary for now, there is a petition going…

Actually, there is a footbridge to cross Bayshore, as part of the automobile bridge to DI. But then we heard from Mimi, who says that bridge is only accessible by stairs.

To Parents and Tax payers,

My name is Mimi Conneely, I have seen people in wheelchairs negotiating Bayshore to go from Davis Island to Publix and some who just want to wheel up and down Bayshore. There is no safe access from Publix to Bayshore or vise versa, until Howard. There is, however, an overpass for the ambulatory on the Davis Island bridge leaving the island.

We need support when we present to the Mayor. Please sign petition at, http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/bayshoreforall/

For more information, including pictures of light locations, go to www.bayshoreforall.com.

For pedestrians, just jump up those steps, scoot across the Bayshore, and head north. The walk from Tampa General to Publix is almost half a mile. But there is no way for wheelchair-bound folks to get up on that bridge; they must use crosswalks.

Going south of the DI bridges, the next crosswalk is the new one they installed at Howard Av., about two miles away, making a round trip better than 3.7 miles. So the obvious route is north. But in addition to the lack of crosswalk on Bayshore, there is no way to cross Platt without going all the way to Franklin. On the north side of Platt, there is no way to cross Ashley without going to Brorein. Yeah - it’s confusing, that’s why I made a map. You can clearly see the most direct wheelchair route is more than a mile, making a round trip 2.3 miles.

And don’t think this is just about shopping at Publix. From the residential side, wheelchair users must currently go at least 5 blocks out of the way just to get a good look at the bay.

I don’t know what my deal is with skaters. I’ve never owned a skateboard, never known a real skater, and I have a 10 year old pair of inline skates that have been worn a handful of times (the last time being about 9.5 years ago). But I get so worked up when I hear someone getting arrested for UNLAWFUL ROLLERSKATING.

Three skateboarders were arrested in downtown Tampa:

Leon Wilfredo Lopez, 24, Jed Wesley Foster, 22, and Oliver Quinn Giles, 18, were arrested and charged with unlawful skateboarding…

Eventually we’ll rid the world of these terrible terrible menaces to society. But in the meantime, can’t we just help them find places where they can go? Instead of busting their chops, why can’t cops suggest they head over to the Bro Bowl or DeSoto Park?

Tampa gets on National Television because of skaters - why don’t we have a bit more respect for the sport? Why doesn’t the city’s P&R list of parks include those with skate ramps? Seriously, can’t we have a few more public places where this mostly harmless activity is allowed?

Another week and we have earned another dollar, so let’s go spend it around town. Courtesy of Weekly Options, here are a few of the Pirate Events in Tampa for you to attend and enjoy for a few bucks!

25 Jan. Friday - Rough Riders Gasparilla Eve Annual Party – 6-11pm at Embassy Suites 513 S Florida Ave. Tampa. Buffet, dancing, music and more. 35$.

A Fabulous Buffet Will Be Served From 6:30 to 9:30 and music by Otis and the Old School Band. Rough Rider Members are free and guests are $35.00 per person which includes buffet and two drink tickets per person. Payment due in advance and reservations are required. Call Club Secretary Iris with credit card info at 813-248-1898.

26 Jan. Saturday – Gasparilla 11am - ? Downtown Tampa

The pirate invasion of Tampa will begin at 11am in the south end of Tampa Bay and then docking at the Tampa Convention Center at 1pm. At that time the Mayor will have to hand over the key to the city. With the key to the city in hand they will begin the parade of pirates down Bayshore Blvd.

26 Jan. Saturday - Gasparilla Pre-Parade Brunch – 10am-Noon at the University of Tampa Plant Hall West Verandah 401 W. Kennedy Tampa.

Join UT alumni & friends for the annual Gasparilla Brunch on Saturday, January 26th from 10 AM until noon. Enjoy an all you can eat breakfast buffet, an open bar, and free parking while you get ready for the parade. Tampa Alpha Members and children under 5 are free, $35 per adult guest in advance ($40 at the door), $10 for children ages 6 to 13 in advance ($15 at the door), Children 5 and under are free.

26 Jan. Saturday – Gasparilla Invasion Brunch - 10am-1pm at the Tampa Convention Center 333 S. Franklin St. Tampa.55$ adults, 45$ child.

This event includes a buffet brunch, live entertainment and a reserved seat with the best view of the invasion. Pirates from the Ye Mystic Krewe will return to this location after the invasion to get a bite to eat with you. You must have a reserved ticket and to do so call 813-353-8108 before 2pm Monday – Friday before the 26th.

26 Jan. Saturday – TBT Pirate Invasion Party – 10am-2pm poolside at Westin Harbour Island 725 South Harbor Island Blvd.

Drink specials, music and a fantastic view of the Gasparilla Invasion. 25$ advance, 15$ general admission. MUST BE 21 TO ATTEND! Arrive early for best parking options. The bridge crossing over to Harbour Island will close at 9:30 a.m. The Westin Harbour Island does not provide free parking. The Pirate Fest Buffet will be included with the purchase of a VIP ticket/ VIP table only. All other food and drinks can be purchased on site. Tickets after Jan. 24: VIP, $35 General Admission: $25 for reservations and details call (727) 893-8602

Whether you eat at one of these events or not make sure you do eat before you start the drinking part of this great parade! The list of things to remember have already been posted here at Sticks so read over them, pick your seating area or venue and have fun!