“If it bleeds, it leads.” That’s the snarky, black-humor reference often aimed at–but also by–journalists in reference to media priorities.
Or as Walter Cronkite once rationalized: “Nobody’s interested in all the cats that did not get stuck in trees today.” Uncle Walter, alas, seemed to blame human nature more than a pandering media.
But we get it. Unbribed judges and uncrashed planes are not “news.” But unqualified presidential candidates are. It is what it is.
But sometimes you just want to put ISIS, Trump, Bergdahl, gun politics, xenophobia, societal paranoia, governmental dysfunction, racial tension, special legislative sessions and local mess transit on hold. Sometimes you just want to be reminded of what’s right with your world. And what is interesting or thought-provoking without having a perverse agenda attached.
Let’s try.
* A global consensus, finally, on climate change and a need to do something.
* No matter how this U.S. presidential race ultimately shakes out, no matter how frustratingly imperfect our system, we know that the electorate will have the final say. It can be with a vote. It can be with an activist role. Or it can be with indifference. The onus–and responsibility–is directly on the people. Citizens United won’t determine the next president, neither will demagogic bluster. Voters–by what they do or don’t do–will still make that determination.
* Our Tampa diversity. Most of us are from somewhere else. We’re here for a reason–and it isn’t inertia.
* Proximity to Cuba. Inevitably this will pay off culturally and economically.
* Jeff Vinik. Godfather. Patron saint. Deus ex machina. The “new urbanism” reasons are manifest. It’s a form of validation. We’re lucky to have him.
* But, no, we haven’t forgotten the mega contributions of Frank Morsani, John Sykes, David Straz and Richard Gonzmart. They are more than generous. They are also smart business people who don’t just write checks. They have invested in this community because they believe in it.
* Bayshore Boulevard, the Straz Center, Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Park, museums, repurposed buildings. Look around and look ahead.
* And don’t take for granted the Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo and Busch Gardens.
* We’re fortunate to have the dynamic infrastructure duo: Port Tampa Bay, one of the nation’s largest in tonnage, and TIA, one of the best airports in the WORLD.
* Outdoor ice skating downtown.
* Craft beer. Who doesn’t appreciate a niche, especially one garnering a national reputation.
* UT and USF. Never been better. Go, Spartans. Go, Bulls.
* References to “Innovation district” now outnumber those for “Suitcase City.”
* A U.S. Labor Department YouthBuild grant of $1 million to the Tampa Housing Authority to teach at-risk youths and young adults entry-level construction skills.
* Richard Gonzmart’s plans for an East Tampa job-training, culinary school for high school students.
* Bristol-Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson. Yes, Tampa is about more than call centers.
* Google Fiber. We just might be that hip.
* No downtown tower with the Trump brand on it. Adding by subtracting.
* Finally, a Publix–a key, synergistic downtown cog–planned for the east side of the Hillsborough River.
* The price at the pump for gasoline.
* MacDill Air Force Base. Nearly 25,000 jobs created by activity on the base. Overall economic impact on the region now approaching $5 billion a year.
* Serious discussions–and an early St. Petersburg commitment–about a high-speed ferry from the St. Pete bayfront to downtown Tampa.
* A spate of recent good movies–that aren’t sequels, aren’t based on computer games or comic books and aren’t dependent on chase scenes. Here’s three: “Bridge of Spies,” “Brooklyn” and “Spotlight.”
* Turn off the TVs, computers and devices and make an effort to get to rejuvenated, family-friendly Old Hyde Park Village. Right now it looks like a venue for shooting the best holiday scenes of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” You’ll appreciate the familial photos over the years.
This column takes a dim view of political correctness. There will certainly be no exceptions this week. So do have a very Merry CHRISTMAS.