Category: Tampa Bay

Much has been made of the reincarnation of Goody Goody, Tampa’s iconic hangout that closed more than a decade ago. Under the ownership of Columbia restaurateur Richard Gonzmart, it recently opened on W Swann Avenue in Hyde Park Village.

It’s been well received for several reasons, unfettered nostalgia and the return of the POX burger and butterscotch pies prominent among them. No less important, however, is that it represents a vote of confidence in the ongoing comeback of the Village. Gonzmart loves Tampa and its history, but he also loves a good investment opportunity.

For those still contemplating hitting the “Beach” at Amalie Arena, you have another week to take in the interactive, experiential art installation. The mirrored optics and energy from the (500 maximum) crowd are worth it. And there’s free parking and lockers–plus a gratis ice cream treat.

There is one caveat, however.

If you’re old enough to have, say, knee or shoulder issues, hang out on the peripheral (white turf carpet) “shoreline” and enjoy the aesthetic scene and all-around escapism from this vantage point. But keep your shoes on for traction–just in case you yield to the temptation of “wading” into 1.2 million white (recyclable, antimicrobial, translucent) balls in a 15,000–square-foot immersive environment. If you decide to plunk down, remember getting back up won’t be as easy as it looks. But you’ll make it. And Amalie-personnel “lifeguards” are nearby.

And lest we forget, this all comes courtesy of the Vinik Family Foundation and key catalyst Penny Vinik. Thank you–and go Lightning.

When it comes to modern transit, the bar is pretty low, perhaps subterranean, around here. We’ve earned the reputation of a major market that has venerated sprawl and castigated taxes instead of underwriting meaningful transit to enhance quality of life and induce more businesses and millennials to relocate here. It’s a frustratingly familiar refrain.

Now there is hope that a modest step–a concession to the reality of all the water that surrounds us–may be forthcoming. One that doesn’t need the cooperation of non-urban referenda voters.

It would be a cross-bay ferry that would connect the downtowns of Tampa and St. Petersburg. Details–including price agreement and dockside transportation options–are not finalized, but local governing bodies, including the Hillsborough County Commission, have signed on for a trial seasonal run that could start on Nov.1.

No, it’s not a done deal, nor is success guaranteed. But we’ll take it. Imagine, ferry service for locals and visitors for a major coastal community. What a concept. Imagine, regional cooperation being alive and, well, viable in Tampa Bay. A ferry tale–not another transit fairy tale.

Amid all things political, we would be remiss to not note the importance–symbolic, societal and economic–of the announcement that the city is inviting developers to submit proposals for a mixed-used development on N. Florida Avenue across from City Hall. Finally.

For those of us who have been around a while, downtown Tampa could be a depressant if you allowed all those surface parking lots to get to you. But over time we have been seeing the evolution of downtown and an actual skyline develop and mature. Much more, as we know, is planned–even if a significant portion doesn’t have a name yet.

But still, how do you keep countenancing a surface lot right across from City Hall? It’s been nearly two decades since the Cold Storage Cafe was razed, and the city bought the land for $1.3 million. That land should have been a magnet to developers. Instead it was an embarrassing anomaly for a city touting its up-and-coming real estate potential.

Now this. And this is not wishful spec. This is a bottom-line opportunity where new urbanism meets downtown revival and marketplace recovery. Proposals are due early next month. It bespeaks of vision–as well as market realities.

Call it another rite of passage for downtown. And call it about time.

Mayor Bob Buckhorn, after attending the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, headed back north to further expand his Tampa reach. Buckhorn and his wife, Dr. Cathy Lynch Buckhorn, were among the Tuesday guests in attendance at the White House for a State Dinner in honor of Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The connection? Singapore is a partner in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade agreement. Mayor Buckhorn is chairman of the U.S. Council of Mayors TPP Task Force.

The recipient of the 2016 Hillsborough County Bar Association’s “Michael A. Fogarty In the Trenches” award is Tampa attorney Tom Scarritt. The award annually honors a civil trial attorney for professionalism and excellence.

This year’s honoree is the founder of the Scarritt Law Group, a firm that handles commercial, governmental and personal injury jury trials. In Scarritt’s case, it’s also a career achievement award for legal work and community service. He’s also a progressive activist–and one of the good guys.

Sunday’s St. Petersburg march coordinated by the African People’s Socialist Party is Exhibit A for the sort of demonstration that is not helpful. “The-pigs-in-my-hood-ain’t-no-good” chant was indicative. Worst of the worst, however, was signage that read: “Fists up, fight back! From Dallas to St. Pete, time to rise up! Micah X. Johnson: African hero.”

Beyond disgusting.

Here’s the good news: Pasco County is now implementing a rule banning tobacco from all school district properties. Among those directly impacted: Ridgewood High School, which will no longer have its unique, designated smoking area for teachers.

The bad news: This is 2016. Until a couple of days ago, the school staff actually had a tarp-covered, fenced-in shack for smoking breaks. Beyond inexcusable.

The Florida Aquarium had a literal seat at the table recently when the U.S. and Cuba met in Havana to work out details of mutual environmental protection. It’s part of the new normal between the two countries. And a reminder of what an asset the aquarium has become.

It’s also recognition that this state, this city and this city’s aquarium share enlightened self-interest with Cuba. It’s also an ironic reminder that City Hall is still no help.

In an effort to reduce the mayhem and tragedy resulting from guns, gangs and drugs, the city of St. Petersburg has rolled out an initiative, “Not My Son,” that addresses African-American youth vulnerability. City Hall is asking parents to pledge more vigilance, while the city is extending recreation center hours to give kids a summer haven.

Symptomatic of the problem is that rec center extended hours include facilities now open for midnight basketball games. In other words, the choice is shoot hoops or haunt the hood at midnight. That’s a sobering reality.