Ay, Diós. This still seems muy weird.
Tampa City Council, the poor man’s Solomon, is opting for a Séptima-Sétima compromise to placate grammatical purists and historic preservationists. One in which the issue of looking grammatically clueless to visitors will also be defused. The solution: new signs along Ybor City’s main strip with three names: the linguistically correct La Séptima, the home-spun, vernacular La Sétima and the stalwart, English equivalent Seventh Avenue.
Anyone else think that’s two names too many?
There was concern that visitors, starting with the GOPster convention crowds, would think us unwashed, provincial yahoos for our uniquely Ybor Sétima (mis)spelling. That was beyond problematical. More like a sign of self consciousness on our part.
Ironically, it’s more likely that triple signage for the same street will be what draws quizzical stares and arched brows. Is this multiple choice?
And if we’re choosing, why not throw La Séttima into the mix? Back in the day, some Ybor residents spoke only Italian. Why not add a fourth sign while we’re overreacting?