January 11, 2010

Monday Morning Memo is your weekly update on the latest news about downtown Tampa.  Here are the sections found in this issue.  Click on the sections below or scroll down to read the complete issue:

Partnership Matters | Opportunities | Studies and Reviews | Seeing is Believing | Special Services District | 
Creative Urban Core | Downtown Happenings | In and Around InTown

 

Partnership Matters

Register now!  The Tampa Downtown Partnership will continue its Tampa Electric Company Downtown Debriefing Series on January 27th with “Below the Surface.”  The Florida Aquarium’s Michael Terrell and Casey Coy will share their efforts to conduct the first ever archeological survey of Tampa Bay and its tributaries.  This area includes the downtown area.  What are they looking for?  What do they expect to find?  Attend this event and you will find out.  To reserve for this event go to events.tampasdowntown.com.  This event will take place at The Florida Aquarium – 701 Channelside Drive – starting at 7:30 a.m. with registration. The presentation and breakfast will start at 8:00 a.m.

Opportunities

Try a Free Class at the Patel Conservatory!  During the week of January 23rd through January 30th the Patel Conservatory will let you try that class you have always wanted to check out.  If you have wanted to try a class at the Patel Conservatory, now is a perfect time! That's because for one week, you can try one class for free, such as Beginning Guitar, Hip-Hop dance for all ages, Beginning Ballet for Adults, Creative Storytelling for Preschoolers, Adult Acting, Adult Musical Theater, On-Stage Acting and Broadway I: Singing and Dancing. Come and see for yourself if the class is something you want to further participate in. For more information, visit: www.patelconservatory.org

Studies and Reviews

Tampa’s Downtown Guides and Clean Team had a very busy 2009.  The stats from the year say it all.  For Tampa’s Downtown Guides, they experienced the following:

 Tampa’s Downtown Clean Team kept downtown very clean.  Here are their stats from 2009:

Tampa Preparatory School's Varsity Basketball team won the City of Tampa Championship tournament for the third straight year during Winter Break. The team beat  Jefferson, Plant and Hillsborough High Schools for the title. It was a great experience for the boys. Devontae Morgan and Jamal Cherry were named to the CTC All-Tournament team. Jay Bowie was named the tournament MVP for the second consecutive year. The St. Petersburg Times covered the CTC in “Terps' speedy start can't be matched as they take City of Tampa Championship.” Great job!

The Tampa Convention Center receives high marks from clients in 2009!  Nearly every convention center throughout the nation uses "Would Recommend" statistics to determine their success. Every client that holds an event in Tampa has the opportunity to express their opinion about Tampa Convention Center through Tampa Bay & Company (Convention & Visitors Bureau).  Tampa Convention Center strives to reach a 95% "Would Recommend" rate.  In 2009 TCC can celebrate their success with a 100% "Would Recommend" rate. Well done!

The St. Pete Times Forum has been recognized as one of Billboard’s Top 10 Venues world-wide of 2009 for buildings with a capacity of 15,001 or more. It was also ranked in Venues Today within the year-end Top 10 Top Stops. Both publications ranked the St. Pete Times Forum fourth in the United States based on concert and event grosses.

Seeing is Believing

This is the Tampa UCAP Downtown Water Pipeline Replacement Project update for January 11th - January 17th.  A map with the road/lane closures is available by clicking here. 

• The Downtown project continues on schedule. Construction activity continues on Florida Avenue.  This includes jack and bore activity (a type of tunneling technology) at Cass Street and pipeline installation in the two westerly lanes of Florida Avenue from Polk Street to Cass Street.  Pipe installation continues on Nebraska Avenue across Whiting Street.  Pipe installation continues on Jackson Street from Governor to Brush Street.
• Florida Avenue: The two lanes on the west side of Florida Avenue, starting at Kennedy Street north to Cass Street, are closed.
• Polk Street: All westbound travel lanes will be closed to thru traffic from Morgan Street to Florida Avenue.  Local access only will be maintained.  Motorists traveling west in the southern lane will be detoured south on Morgan Street to Twiggs Street.  Motorists traveling west in the northern lane will be detoured north on Morgan Street to Tyler Street.  PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE ON THE RAILROAD TRACKS.
• Cass Street: Cass Street at Florida Avenue:  The intersection of Cass St. and Florida Ave. will be closed to thru traffic from Tampa Street.  Traffic will be detoured south on Tampa Zack Street.
• Cass Street (east of Florida): The northern most travel lane and parking lane from Franklin Street to Marion Street are closed.  The two eastbound traffic lanes will be maintained.  On-street parking on north side of the street will not be available in the area.
• Nebraska Avenue: The northbound eastern travel lane from Walton Street to Finley Street is closed.  There is one lane open for southbound traffic only on the west side of the street.  There is no street parking available in this area.  All lanes are closed between Finley Street and Whiting Street.
• Whiting Street: Eastbound lanes between East Street and Brush Street are closed.  Traffic will be detoured on East Street to Washington Street.  Westbound traffic will be maintained in the northernmost lane.
• Jackson Street: The northern parking and travel lane closed from Jefferson Street to Brush Street.  The center and south lanes remain open to traffic.  There is no parking on the north side of the street.  The parking spaces on the south side are available.

Additional information about this project can be found on the Tampa UCAP website at www.tampa-ucap.com.

Construction of the TECO Line Streetcar System's extension to Whiting Street continues this week. Closures of northbound Franklin Street will remain in place as follows:

• Northbound Franklin Street will be closed from Old Water Street to Channelside Drive
• Northbound Franklin Street will be closed from Channelside Drive to Brorein Street
• The right turn lane of Brorein Street at Franklin Street will be closed
• There will be no closures of any lanes on Channelside Drive 
• All four (4) through lanes of Brorein Street will be open at Franklin Street
• Sidewalks on the east side of Franklin Street between Channelside and Brorein will be closed and pedestrians will be detoured across the street to the west side of Franklin Street 

More information will be posted to the project page on the system's website, www.tecolinestreetcar.org/extension, as construction progresses.

The two right lanes will be closed on southbound I-275 from the Hillsborough River to east of Howard/Armenia avenues (Exit 42) around-the-clock from 10 p.m. Friday (January 15) to 5 a.m. Monday (January 18). This will result in just two lanes open in that area. Traffic congestion is expected at times over the weekend.  These lane closures were originally scheduled for the weekend of January 8, but have been postponed due to anticipated weather conditions.

Progress is being made in downtown Tampa.  Signs of new development are everywhere.  The first of three major projects will complete soon and you are invited to the grand opening!  Mark your calendar now to be at the new Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on January 24th for “Sunday in the Park.”  This is the official grand opening of the new park, a great new gift to the city!  The events will kick off at 1:30 p.m. with the dedication taking place at 2 p.m.  For details, click here.

Special Services District

As we enter the final months and weeks of decision making on the Federal High Speed Rail dollars it is essential that we continue to stay informed and stay active on this issue.  Please visit the Connect Us website at www.fastrailconnectus.com and join the mailing list.  This site is the best source for information on Florida's application for High Speed Rail funds.  Additionally, you are invited to join a series of three Regional Calls to share the latest information on High Speed Rail, to discuss necessary actions and to ask questions.  The final call will occur:

• Wednesday, January 13th at 1:00pm

To join the calls please dial 1-888-537-7715 and use the pass code 15296250#.  These calls are open and we encourage you to share this information and invite others to join.

Speaking of high speed rail, join U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor and Adam Putnam to show strong statewide support for Florida's $2.53 billion bid for high speed rail in Florida for the jobs it will create today and the better future it will create tomorrow.  The rally will be held on Tuesday (1/12) 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at TECO Plaza (601 N. Nebraska Avenue.).

Final note on high speed rail…the organizers of the effort to get high speed rail to Florida are encouraging you to urge President Obama pick Florida!  Read their request by clicking here.

Need Gasparilla info?  The City of Tampa has put a great deal of info, including maps and other great quick facts, on its Web site.  Click here to find out what’s going on.

Boaters, take note…Boating-safety education requirements change in Florida began January 1. Boat operators who were born on or after Jan.1, 1988, must pass an approved boating-safety course and possess photographic identification and a boating-safety education identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to legally operate a boat with a motor of 10 horsepower or more.  There are a few exceptions. For instance, a person born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, who operates a boat within 90 days after purchasing it, does not need a boating-safety education identification card if a bill of sale, which meets the requirements of Florida law, is on board. After the 90-day period ends, the boat operator needs to meet the educational requirements. Those who possess a current United States Coast Guard license also are exempt.  For course information and educational requirements, visit www.MyFWC.com/Boating. For inquiries, contact FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement at 850-488-5600, or e-mail questions to the FWC at bobbercard@myfwc.com.

Creative Urban Core

TECO Public Art Gallery presents its inaugural exhibition of the New Year exhibiting the artwork of Russian artist Tatyana Igumnova Hankinson open now through March 3. Hankinson will present a collection of more then 25 pieces from the last five years and include oil, watercolor, pastel and photography. Tatyana was born in the former Soviet Republic which is now the country of Uzbekistan and graduated from the Kubyshev Art School in Tashkent, Uzbekistan with a major in drawing and fine art. She came to the United States in 2002 and settled in Tampa where she is active in the local art scene. An opening reception for the exhibition will be held on Thursday January 21, from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. It will be held at the TECO Public Art Gallery, 702 N. Franklin St. Light refreshments will be served, there will be a cash bar and the public is welcome. The artist will be present.  The gallery is open Monday-Friday from 8 am.-5 pm. For information about this exhibition or to contact an artist, please call Debra at (813) 767.1600 or email dradke1@tampabay.rr.com. For more information about the artist, please visit her website at www.igumnova-art.com. 

By now you should have heard about 25 in 2010.  Recently 83 Degrees Media did a quick mention about what the Partnership and other organizations are working to do by publishing a story written by writer Gary Shepherd.  To read what 83 Degrees Media published, click here.
 

Downtown Happenings

The University of South Florida’s student newspaper, The Oracle, picked the Tampa Downtown Market as one of its picks of the week.  Make the Tampa Downtown Market one of your picks of the week by coming down on Friday (01/15) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kick off 2010 right by attending these events:

• Cheer for your Tampa Bay Lightning at their January 12 game against the Washington Capitals and the January 21 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs and support the Friends of Tampa Recreation, Inc.'s Scholarship Program. A portion of all tickets sold will benefit the Friends of Tampa Tampa Recreation, Inc.'s Pete Burgue Scholarship Program, which provides low-income children a full scholarship to the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department's Summer Day Camps. Special discounted tickets are available for purchase for these two games. To purchase tickets email: dschlindwein@sptimesforum.com or complete the order form.
• Enjoy the rich history of Gasparilla - Tampa's oldest and most fun -loving community festival at the Museum. The Henry B. Plant Museum’s new exhibit,  opening January 15th, Gasparilla: A Tampa Tradition explores Tampa's premier party, attended by a motley crew of the famous and infamous, the wanna-be's and used-to-be's, the beautiful people and bad dudes. Find out who they were as the museum highlights pirate's booty and things of beauty during the city's only exhibit of Krewe of Gasparilla memorabilia - coronation robes, ball invitations, programs, crowns and costumes as well as vintage photographs of the invasion, parade floats, pirates and royal courts.  For details, click here.
• Tampa Bay Dragon Boat Institute will have a mini regatta for Saturday (1/16) from 8-11 am at the Tampa Convention Center.  Please send a Yes or No to ccanevari@tampabaydragonboats.com with Mini Regatta in the Subject Line. If an entire  team is planning on participating, please indicate that in the email as well. If the institute has enough participation, then the event is on, but if there aren't enough teams and paddlers, then they will plan to reschedule the event.  Also remember, teams that are registered for the May 1st Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races are free to enter all 3 mini regattas. Non-registered teams are $80 or $5 per individual paddler.
• On Saturday, January 16th the theme for the Tampa Bay History Center’s program called A Little History is Big Movers: Trains, Planes and Ships. The History Center’s early childhood educators will entertain and enlighten with stories, crafts and other age-appropriate activities related to the History Center’s exhibits and galleries.  Held one Saturday per month from 10-11:30 a.m., A Little History is open to children ages 3 to 5 with an adult companion. Each session is $10.00 per child and $6.00 per adult. Members of the History Center receive a $2.00 discount.  Find out more by clicking here.
• The University of Tampa Spartans are in the midst of an excellent basketball season. The women’s team is ranked No. 12 nationally in NCAA II.  The men’s team is playing some incredible ball of their own.  Come to the Martinez Sports Center, 318 N. Boulevard Saturday (Jan. 16) for the women’s game at 2 p.m. and men’s game  follows at 4 p.m.  Adult tickets are usually priced at $5. Parking is free.
• The Planning Commission announces ‘Third Thursdays at the Planning Commission’ beginning January 21st at 12:00.  The first Third Thursday speaker will be MaryEllen Elia, Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent.  Elia will discuss the opportunities for educators and students that will result from the $100 million Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grant received by the School Board for the Intensive Partnership Project for Empowering Effective Teachers.  The Third Thursdays series is free, and the public is warmly invited to attend.  Each one hour lunchtime event (bring your own bag lunch) will be held in a casual discussion format on the 18th floor of the County Center Building,  601 East Kennedy Boulevard, Downtown Tampa in the Planning Commission Boardroom.  Topics and speaker bios for the coming months will be posted on the Planning Commission web site at www.theplanningcommission.org. 
• IKEA continues its business series called Live @ Five on January 21st.  Looking forward, tax strategies for small businesses will dramatically change — taxes will increase to cover the increased federal spending! This workshop provides the small business professional with “must know” information for the new year, including, new tax credits and tax deductions, a new item on your tax return now that Congress is putting the IRS in charge of mandated healthcare coverage and tax laws (of benefit to businesses) that may be extended by the IRS.  The presenter is Mario A. Iezzoni, CPA, MBA, CBA, who is a business analyst at the Small Business Development Center at USF. He is also an instructor at USF College of Business, teaching entrepreneurship. Just recently, Mario was named a State Star Award winner by the National Association of Small Business Development Centers; a prestigious and first-time honor for Tampa’s SBDC. Previously, Mario served as a tax consultant specializing in controversial tax matters.  This event will take place January 21st.  Get more info by clicking here.
• The Tampa Bay Lightning will once again play host to “Glitz & Sticks, a Celebrity Casino Evening, presented by Dex Imaging,” from 6-9 p.m. on Sunday, January 24 at the Hyatt Regency Tampa. This year’s extravaganza will once again serve as the Lightning Foundation’s annual hallmark event, with proceeds benefiting the Tampa General Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as well as the Lightning Foundation’s Annual Grant Program.  Glitz & Sticks guests will enjoy dancing, entertainment, distinct auctions and gourmet delicacies all while the Lightning players deal to guests in a variety of casino-style games. Major sponsors ($1,500 or more) will receive an invitation to arrive at 5 p.m. that evening for a special “Patron’s Party” with Lightning players, coaches and team representatives.  The annual event is again being planned by the Lightning Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the support of local organizations that enrich the lives of those in Tampa Bay. In gratitude for the support and compassion shown by the community, the foundation focuses its resources to advance amateur hockey and educational enrichment opportunities for children, along with medical research and treatment for those in need.  For more information call (813) 301-6712.
• How’s your grrr?  Get ready for Gasparilla to invade downtown Tampa on January 30th.  For details about Gasparilla, click here.

Looking ahead…

• On March 13th the U.S. Navy will arrive in downtown Tampa to start Navy Week Tampa!  This 9 day celebration will include several public events throughout downtown and all of Tampa Bay.  For a complete list of what’s planned, click here.
• On March 15th the Child Abuse Council will hold an event called “Top Chef of the Year Tampa Bay” at Hyatt Regency Tampa.  The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and go to 9:00 p.m. or later.  Twenty five of Tampa Bay’s premier chefs will be invited to participate in this culinary adventure.  They will bring their own ambience and excellence to the area’s elite.  Each chef designs their own menu and prepares – tableside – their five course meal with accompanying wine for a table of ten people.  Chefs will receive points in attempt to claim the title of “Top Chef of the Year Tampa Bay”.  Reservations/tickets for attendees will be available for $250 per person on Monday, January 4, 2010.  These paid reservations will be on a first come, first serve basis.  For more information about this event and to purchase tickets call (813) 673-4646.

In and Around InTown

The public is invited to a free afternoon of visual and performance art titled TAPAS: A Taste of the Arts, Sunday, January 31, 2010 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. in the Hillsborough Community College Ybor Arts Building.  Each year, by invitation, a new select group of artists presents a memorable afternoon of theater, music, visual arts and dance. This year awarded and recognized artists have also chosen their favorite artist, or an artist of interest to take part.  The gallery of the Hillsborough Community College Ybor Arts Building will feature this afternoon exhibition of visual art and the college Black Box Theatre will host the theater, music, poetry and dance performances. The event is presented by the Arts Council of Hillsborough County’s Artist Advisory Committee(AAC).  The event is free to the public with donations are welcome at the door. Any donations will be used by the Artist Advisory Committee to present additional community events. Free light refreshments and beverages will be available.  Hillsborough Community College Ybor Arts Building is located at 2112 N. 15th Street. For more information contact Jenny Carey at the Arts Council offices, 276-8250 or careyj@tampaarts.org.

601 N. Ashley Drive, Suite 1100, Tampa FL 33602
(813) 221-3686 phone; (813) 229-1328 fax: www.tampasdowntown.com
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