I'm just looking into the future and would enjoy hearing your thoughts on what I'm thinking about. If you think this thread is useless, then don't reply.

I was looking at some pictures of Tampa mainly off of tampapix.com, a great site btw, and once the need arises for a new office towers, there are a lot of locations available. It kills me to see a patch of sandy grass in front of the amsouth building when at the least there could be some subway or something with some lofts on the upper floors. Just look at all of the surface parking lots in the area behind Suntrust between Channelside, Once people start moving in, that could be the spot for something. Don't you think the mayor should be doing a better job of making downtown more livable instead of spreading out activities across the bay area? Like right behind the wachovia building there are a few old building, all covering one block, a developer could make a good deal of money converting those into lofts and retail, and we need things like a christmas tree and new years eve celebrations. My guess is in a couple of years ( or decades) when more and more people are living here, things like I stated above will start happening and Tampa will grow rapidly.

http://tampapix.com/downtown1.htm
look at the appearing to be abbandoned buildings on the right of the first picture, can't we get something going there?:bash:

I'm just looking into the future and would enjoy hearing your thoughts on what I'm thinking about. If you think this thread is useless, then don't reply.

. . . Don't you think the mayor should be doing a better job of making downtown more livable instead of spreading out activities across the bay area? . . .

You offer some food for thought, HardRocker, but I respectfully disagree with your premise challenging the mayor's efforts to make downtown more livable.

:soapbox:

Now I'll admit -- my perspective will be unquestionably biased because I've known and have come to respect and admire Pam for over 10 years. I'll say this without question, however -- she is exceptionally honest; she is compassionate; she is fair and she's as real as it gets. Bottom line is she takes her responsibility as mayor very seriously.

Truth be known, their ain't a phony bone in her body and for what it's worth, she has more than earned my respect, admoration and friendship. Personally, I think she's done one helluva job (bias aside) trying to promote Tampa's downtown growth throughout her tenior. Yeah, she's made mistakes (which she will admit personally, b.t.w.), but I respectfully suggest that if you spoke with some of Tampa's current "movers and shakers" ( i.e., Gregory Minder, F. Sirdar, Truett Gardner, Jasonhouse :) , among others) you would see her from a totally different perspective and would probably grow to appreciate everything she's been trying to accomplish.

Under her watch, Tampa (proper) has pulled in over 1/2 billion dollars in development. It ain't N.Y. City for sure, but it's an impressive record. And yes, mayor Friedman and Greco could easily take credit for this development if they were still in office. They would both work just as hard...

Mayor Iorio was lucky to catch the development wave -- no doubt. Hell. Being mayor of a large city is hard work; I couldn't do it!

Last week BayNews9 presented a report about the upcoming mayoral election wherein they compared her with former mayor, Dick Greco. Mayor Greco has also earned my respect and friendship over the years. I know this about him. He's a good man who is exceptionally bright, loves Tampa and is painfully down-to-earth. He's as real as you get, and honestly and for what it's worth, he would not hesitate giving you the shirt off his back. He's a good man and Mayor Iorio is a good lady. No! I do not work for either campaign and I'm not being paid to say this. It's based on my personal experience. . . You can disagree with their politics, but these are good people and pretty decent public servants as politicians go. We could do so much worse. . . can ya say mayor Marian Barry with me naw?!?!

Anyway, the BayNews9 story proffered that mayor Greco was very development oriented, whereas mayor Iorio concentrates more on stormwater drainage, road improvements and beautification projects. Hell, Pam would tell you that they presented an accurate assessment because she does concentrate on those issues. But I think she multitasks pretty well.

As you are probably aware, she has plenty of competition coming her way as she seeks reelection as Tampa's mayor. The former Fire Chief has already thrown his hat into the mayorial ring and former mayor Greco is considering a challenge. He's supposed to make a decision sometime soon...

Needless to say, there will be others who'll jump into the race so there will be plenty of competition to choose from. Remember, a mayor can't develop the properties, but he or she should promote a environment that persuades developers to leave their mark here in Tampa. Faults aside, we've been pretty fortunate. . .

:soapbox: Finished :tongue:

b.t.w. tampapics is a good site. Thanks.

My only real gripe with Iorio has been her destruction of Kiley Park and efforts to turn Ybor into a Disney style bourbon street devoid of edgy counter culture sorts.

My only real gripe with Iorio has been her destruction of Kiley Park and efforts to turn Ybor into a Disney style bourbon street devoid of edgy counter culture sorts.

Maybe I am just getting old (25), but I am personally glad the city is trying to take care of Ybor. Ybor has been dying for a while, but not because of the Mayor and the police, but rather the out of control craziness. I am all for partying and having a good time, but you cannot even walk down 7th avenue anymore without some "jackass" trying start a fight...for absolutely no reason. The theory is not to get rid of all bars and nightclubs, but allow for retail and residential to be mixed in. It works great in other cities. I don't believe people are saying The French Quarter, South Beach, the Inner Harbor, etc. are great party districts, but they are also not out of control.

I meant to say on the previous post: I don't believe people are saying that those are NOT good party districts, they are some of the best in America.

Maybe I am just getting old (25), but I am personally glad the city is trying to take care of Ybor. Ybor has been dying for a while, but not because of the Mayor and the police, but rather the out of control craziness. I am all for partying and having a good time, but you cannot even walk down 7th avenue anymore without some "jackass" trying start a fight...for absolutely no reason. The theory is not to get rid of all bars and nightclubs, but allow for retail and residential to be mixed in. It works great in other cities. I don't believe people are saying The French Quarter, South Beach, the Inner Harbor, etc. are great party districts, but they are also not out of control.

I am 25 as well, and while Ybor is not my scene persay I appreciate the mood of the environment and the positive reputation it garnered throughout the 90's. Its fine to go in and clean up the surrounding areas, however what is being done is much more, businesses such as the night clubs are being pushed out to make room for more family friendly establishments. These are the same businesses that put Ybor on the map to begin with. There in I place blame with some of Iorio's initiatives to reform Ybor.

I like Iorio, but she has killed Ybor. I am 39 and always enjoyed Ybor. My wife owned a business there, which has since died. I work down there and I'll tell you, last weekend I was driving down 7th ave at 1:30 in the morning and there were the most young hoodlums I have seen down there in my 10 years in Tampa. Taverna Opa has closed it's doors in less than four months. They had put $1.5 million into that place. I was down for the Outback bowl parade and couldn't have a beer on the street. When did they stop letting people have beer during the parade.

I don't think Ybor should be family oriented. We have plenty of fun spots for families. Why is it So horrible to be a childless, professional in this community. I almost feel like I am unwanted in Tampa.

I think the Mayor should have tried smaller steps to improve the Ybor crowd. How about asking all the Clubs,not bars, to require a dress code. No jeans, sneakers, t-shirts or ball caps. Most true trouble makers don't want to get dressed nice. It's hard to look tough in slacks and a button down shirt :lol: .

I may not have the answers, but Ybor is dieing, fast!

I'd like to see Ybor transformed into a nicer destination with fine eating establishments, cafe's, and cabernets. Its current image is too rough, and often unsafe.

I disagree about Iorio killing Ybor. I honestly think it's the rough crowd element that is keeping people away from Ybor in droves. That, and all the competition for entertainment dollars that didn't exist 10 years ago (Channelside, International Plaza).

I eat out in Ybor City a few times a month, and catch a couple movies in Centro Ybor as well. Rarely do I stay past 10 or 11 pm. A couple months ago, I was out with friends until about 1 am, then decided to catch the trolley back to my Channelside condo. Before we could even get off of 8th Ave, the trolley had to stop TWICE because of fights that broke out on the streets. One kid even kicked the trolley as it was going by. Cops came, etc. I finally ended up getting off the trolley and walking home.

It was ridiculous, and I can only imagine what the tourists that were on the trolley must have thought about Ybor specifically, and Tampa in general. Sure, any city's bar district will have some of this, but I'm just telling you about the experience that I had.

I think I'll stick to getting out of Ybor by 10 pm from now on. And I can't blame the mayor for that.

These are just the sorts of things that happen in a districts like Ybor. I'm not condoning it, but I also see where it comes with the rest of the package. To go in there and push the businesses out that brought it back to life, is not the answer. If you want upscale, more family friendly stick to Channelside if you want night clubs and such take a trolley ride to Ybor but don't try and make both appeal to the same groups persay.

These are just the sorts of things that happen in a districts like Ybor. I'm not condoning it, but I also see where it comes with the rest of the package. To go in there and push the businesses out that brought it back to life, is not the answer. If you want upscale, more family friendly stick to Channelside if you want night clubs and such take a trolley ride to Ybor but don't try and make both appeal to the same groups persay.

Well I think the idea was and might still be to attract young and middle aged families to Ybor. therefore the city tries to take away some of Ybor's rougher parts. The problem is that Ybor had some growing pains when the city tried to change the whole district overnight. Leave the Adamo area for the families, by building parks and schools and encouraging urban development and cafe type communities, and the rest should stay how it was.

I have noticed that there have been a big (for Tampa) influx of gay people and gay scene into YBor. I like it.

I have noticed that there have been a big (for Tampa) influx of gay people and gay scene into YBor. I like it.

....

lol, really?

I ask this because I'm gay and I haven't noticed an "influx" :)

How do you know? Were people walking around with tshirts saying that they were gay?

Well I have a friend who lives in the area and he has said that he has seen a lot of gay couples checking out the properties, but an influx of gay people was a wrong word. I should have said quite a few people. I did not mean that they were coming out in droves.

I moved back here in the early 90's and at that time the largest club in Ybor was TRAX and it was a gay club. Thurs. nights were mixed nights and that started alot of the new clubs/bars....Gays ain't new in the area....

Follow the money and the area of investment for gay couples lately is the Kenwood area in DT St. Pete...Just west of the Trop. Great older homes (craftsman style) like Hyde Park.

Any realtor will be able to confirm.

There have been a couple Gay clubs in the area that have become popular recently, G bar, Wranglers, Flirt. The Gay people coming back is a good sign. I am gay and I HATED YBOR a few years ago. I am really confused with the idea of Iorio ruining YBor?? I am 29 years old and I will not hang out with a bunch of 16- 21 yr old kids who are beating each other up and talking shit in the street, sorry just not a good time for me( I was sprayed with mace one night becasue this kid was punching a girl right in front of me). The area was catering to kids, not young professionals. YBOR CITY will always keep its edge and always be a cool place to grab a drink but it needed to GROW UP. That college mentality of the past is best suited near USF, if ya wanna get wasted and hang out with children than by all means go to USF.

If I am mistaken please correct me but I believe Ybor City is one of Only 3 historic districts in the State of Florida, the other being South Beach, St Augustine . We could learn a thing or two from SOBE about how to preserve the edge but at the same time treat our entertainment areas with a little more CLASS.

You will never find another YBOR city. it is not Bourbon Street, South Beach or the Gas light district, it is YBOR. I think YBOR's true color and history will come alive once we respect it's history and embrace a more sophisticated and cosmopolitan attitude towards a very unique area.

Tampa is growing up and Ybor needs to grow up with it

I thought I was one of the only gay guys on here. I am starting to really like YBor again. When I first moved here I liked YBor because I moved from a small town and YBor was a release for my pent up energy of my youth. Then I got to know what the area had to offer (good and bad), then I didn't like it because I thought that was a little to ghetto. Now it is taking a turn for the better minus Opa closing, and Mascarade closing. I am liking how they are renovating all the old houses and buildings. I am pleased with YBor as of present.

.... So everyone is gay now?

....

Changing the topic a little but I had a couple ideas on how to get owners to develop their trashy grass parking lots between the CBD and the Leroy. I propose the city lift (or give credits towards) impact fees on the property to influence development. There should also be a level grade tax for properties in the central business district and in areas like Ybor (parking lots on 7th are a blight on the community). It should be accrued monthly so that, should a developer decide to demolish a structure, developers need to be absolutely ready to pound piles into the ground and replace it.

It is inexcusable that the Maas Building is gone and yet no development is going on in its place.

well isnt the majority of forumers on this site gay?? I dont think us straights are the majority. Either way gay or straight Ybor to be successful needs to be for all kinds of people a little bit of a club scene for young people, some more classy places just mixing things could change it. One thing i did notice is there is alot of space in DT Tampa. Room for development but this kind of goes back to the photo thread why tear down some decent historical buildings when there are crappy buildings sitting around that have little value. An example is the Maas Building what a waste tearing it down.:ohno:

Maybe we should start a Gay Tampa thread...

well isnt the majority of forumers on this site gay?? I dont think us straights are the majority. Either way gay or straight Ybor to be successful needs to be for all kinds of people a little bit of a club scene for young people, some more classy places just mixing things could change it. One thing i did notice is there is alot of space in DT Tampa. Room for development but this kind of goes back to the photo thread why tear down some decent historical buildings when there are crappy buildings sitting around that have little value. An example is the Maas Building what a waste tearing it down.:ohno:

I'm straight, and definitely feel like like I'm in the minority on this site. It's not like it really matters though. I myself have a lot of gay friends. Here at ssc we all love the same thing anyway: buildings and development.

By the way... I read somewhere (forget where) that Tampa has one of the biggest gay communities of any city in the USA. Is that true?

Gays moving into Ybor is a good thing, they buy a lot, rent nice condo's and apt's, more than likely will open restaurants, and can make that a trendy area for gays and lesbians.. NYC-Atl-Mia-SF-LA-Chi all have these urban satelite areas of there city. It just shows how big Tampa is becoming ,in front of our own eyes .

sexual orientation aside... I was curious about gender. Are all forumers male? I don't think I have ever seen a posting by a female (that I knew was female).

The site or Florida forum? The site does have females but the florida forum i really dont think so, although we used to have one retenjuski or some name i cant spell.

I'm straight, and definitely feel like like I'm in the minority on this site. It's not like it really matters though. I myself have a lot of gay friends. Here at ssc we all love the same thing anyway: buildings and development.

By the way... I read somewhere (forget where) that Tampa has one of the biggest gay communities of any city in the USA. Is that true?
I dont feel like a minority afterall we represent where we are from thats really the way i think of it gay or straight, we can go tell off some of those anti-americans on this site!:banana: I also have a few gay friends mostly online but they are decent people there is no real difference and one of my best friends (female) is bi. Anyways we have gone way off topic with all this!

As a straight man I have to say I find all of this chatter pretty comical. Who really cares what orientation anyone else is, this is an internet forum where we can discuss the development of our city and nothing more. I've mentioned my girl friend several times before and no one made a big deal out of it...because it really doesnt matter.

No, it doesn't. It started with a response to a funny, off the wall comment and now everyone is so curious. ;-)

To add one last comment before Jason comes and beats me for dragging this off topic even further, I suspect I know one female member... I'm not telling who, but I'm almost sure. :-)

(and no, it isn't Jason ;-) )

No, it doesn't. It started with a response to a funny, off the wall comment and now everyone is so curious. ;-)

To add one last comment before Jason comes and beats me for dragging this off topic even further, I suspect I know one female member... I'm not telling who, but I'm almost sure. :-)

(and no, it isn't Jason ;-) )

No I was not saying that everyone is gay, but I have noticed more gays in YBor in the past year, than I have seen in the entire time I have lived in this area.

Don't you guys think we need like a Macy's or Nordstrom around where Maas Brothers was in the arts district? You now, they can decorate the windows for Christmas and stuff, these are the things we need to accomplish the goal of making downtown more alive.

To get somewhat back on topic, and guys I am straight, I'll just bring up something.

I hope to see a sprawl in shyscraper constructions. Sooner or later CBD, Channelside and DT will have no more spaces for anything. So I hope we see a jump over I-275 with a couple constructions. I thought I remember something was going to happen with many townhomes, but haven't heard much about it for a long while. The area is great for development. Maybe it ain't near the water, but it will have a great view of Tampa, then a better view in 5 years and I you can get to build higher since you are further away from Peter. Maybe we can get a Observation Deck also since that is what I though the o2 Obs was going to be. :)

.... So everyone is gay now?

....

i think it's only the title of the thread attracting a certain segment of the population :yes:

^^ LOL

ahahaha

First off I'm straight, female and I love Ybor and hope it doesn't get anymore "disneyfied". I think Taverna Opa failed because, hello there is another amazing greek restaurant "Acropolis" right across the street, literally. Acropolis has been there for quite awhile, um, because it is amazing! As long as Ybor keeps the Retail and restaurant to the development to the core (Centro) I am perfectly happy with the fringes. I would personally be happy if Ybor went back to the way it was before Centro and the face-recognition cameras. But it is getting back some of the grit. Did I mention that for the past 7 years (since I was 21) I have never had any problem going to Ybor by myself and walking around by myself. I'd rather walk around Ybor at night than down Hillsborough Ave. Back to the gay thing, did a new club just open across from Czar? I only say this because I drove by last night and the door attendtant was shirtless and trim and muscular (sorry to stereotype).

As for the lots downtown, most of them are owned by 707 and the other parking companies, they make money hand over foot for what they charge! Loss of these lots would mean more parking garages, and from what I've seen Tampa residents do not know how to use parking garages (try Channelside on a Friday night).

First off I'm straight, female and I love Ybor and hope it doesn't get anymore "disneyfied". I think Taverna Opa failed because, hello there is another amazing greek restaurant "Acropolis" right across the street, literally. Acropolis has been there for quite awhile, um, because it is amazing! As long as Ybor keeps the Retail and restaurant to the development to the core (Centro) I am perfectly happy with the fringes. I would personally be happy if Ybor went back to the way it was before Centro and the face-recognition cameras. But it is getting back some of the grit. Did I mention that for the past 7 years (since I was 21) I have never had any problem going to Ybor by myself and walking around by myself. I'd rather walk around Ybor at night than down Hillsborough Ave. Back to the gay thing, did a new club just open across from Czar? I only say this because I drove by last night and the door attendtant was shirtless and trim and muscular (sorry to stereotype).

As for the lots downtown, most of them are owned by 707 and the other parking companies, they make money hand over foot for what they charge! Loss of these lots would mean more parking garages, and from what I've seen Tampa residents do not know how to use parking garages (try Channelside on a Friday night).
Wait, we do have another female? :omg: This is amazing, hey! :)

Jesus, don't get me started on the Channelside garage. Talk about poor management. The port authority is just awful.

Of course, the idea of using the garage properly is difficult for most, who insist that their Chevy Subdivisions will make it around every corner at 30mph with the garage filled to the max. It's always something.

As for the lots downtown, most of them are owned by 707 and the other parking companies, they make money hand over foot for what they charge! Loss of these lots would mean more parking garages, and from what I've seen Tampa residents do not know how to use parking garages (try Channelside on a Friday night).

These parking lot owners might be smart to build a parking garage, and then get a lump sum of cash selling off their land.

The Channelside garage is pretty badly designed. It's tough to find the entrance on 12th street unless you pretty much live there, and drunks take up the whole road inside when making their turns and don't slow down to looks around the corner. Also it would've been nice to have some ground floor retail like a garage near Baywalk does. It does give some good views though.

I always thought that the O2 site was a good location for a car garage. Put the Starship Cruise parking all on the first floor and then the snd to 5th floors for parking for Channelside. And if it was possible, have a skybridge connecting to another garage that could be placed at the Lightning parking with a sign saying "Arriving to Paradise" when entering Harbour Island. I don't know, sounded good

Parking garages need to be underground, ideally. Since that won't happen, they should only be built with something else on top... office, hotel, or residential. We can't afford more parking blocks.

Parking garages need to be underground, ideally. Since that won't happen, they should only be built with something else on top... office, hotel, or residential. We can't afford more parking blocks.
Well, some of the projects in Channelside has said that they will open their garage for the public, so that might help. Another good location would be the Aquarium parking lot. Use some of the parking lot for buses from schools or charter and then have a garage on the rest. You can also connect that with the current one.

Also, why didn't they connect the garage with the Channelside complex? There is a part on the second floor that is just a wall I believe and could be torn down for a skybridge. And I am not skybridge crazy, just makes sense :D

Of course, the idea of using the garage properly is difficult for most, who insist that their Chevy Subdivisions will make it around every corner at 30mph with the garage filled to the max. It's always something.
What kind of idiot would find using a parking garage hard there are signs and everything. The only parking garages ive used in DT Tampa are Convention Center and that 1960's looking one by Tampa City Center, they are very easy to use. Then again florida isnt known for having the best drivers.:nuts:

What kind of idiot would find using a parking garage hard there are signs and everything. The only parking garages ive used in DT Tampa are Convention Center and that 1960's looking one by Tampa City Center, they are very easy to use. Then again florida isnt known for having the best drivers.:nuts:
"Dave, Dave, your going to fast"

"Shut up Margaret!"

:D

I spoke with the manager and Taverna Opa closed because of financial issues and also because of problems they had with the nightclubs in that end of the 7th ave. namely Fuel and Empire. Patrons of the clubs have harrassed Opa employees and people in Giogio's bakery (next to Opa). They would line up outside of the club and in front of Opa, turning off potential customers. I think the owners decided they would pull out early since they saw no chance for their business to take off given the environment it was in.
Sadly, this is all true and the city isn't doing anything about good, honest businesses trying to bring Ybor back.

About the club in front of Czar, yes, it is gay. It's called G bar and its open 7 days a week supposedly. Also, a new beighborhood style bar has opened on the other side of Ybor (in front of our dearly departed Opa) called "the dirty shame".

Fitting for that area (the dirty shame).