April 05, 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 | Seeing is Believing | Special Services District | Creative Urban Core | Downtown Happenings

Partnership Matters

“Take me out to the ball game…”  Partnership member the Tampa Bay Rays celebrate the opening of the 2010 baseball season on April 6th at 7:10 pm at home against the Baltimore Orioles.  Based on many sports reports, this season should be another winning one for our home town baseball team.  Make sure to visit the Rays store located at 400 N. Tampa Street for all your Rays gear and game tickets.  Play ball!
 
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Opportunities

The Henry B. Plant Museum is looking for energetic, enthusiastic volunteers to assist in areas of Museum operations. Weekend and weekday volunteers are needed for Reception Greeters and Museum Store Assistants. Don't worry if you have no experience. A training and information session will be held on April 20th from 11:00 am to noon in the Museum. Reserve your place by calling Sally Shifke at (813) 258-7302.

Last two weeks Monday Morning memo began to tell you about summer camps in downtown. Now the Partnership has created a special section on its website promoting summer camp opportunities in downtown Tampa.  Check out all the camps available by clicking here.

Is there a nonprofit organization that is doing such a great job they deserve to have their efforts recognized?  If you know of such an organization, the Tampa Bay Business Journal wants you to nominate them for their upcoming “2010 Nonprofit of the Year” awards.  The deadline is April 9th.  To submit your nomination, click here. 

On Thursday, April 15th from 5pm to 6:30pm IKEA’s Live @ Five series continues with an event titled “Build your business through nonprofit partnerships.”  Business leaders will learn to develop a mutually beneficial a partnership between a for-profit company and a nonprofit organizations!  Nonprofit organizations that attend will get tips to leverage a company’s target population, community, brand, and expertise.  For-profit business attendees will learn to penetrate new markets, increase sales, lower costs, and improve community relations and public image.  The presenter for this event is Maggie Gunther Osborn is president of MGO Partners, a consultancy firm dedicated to philanthropy leadership, development and support. She also serves as director of grant services for the Conn Memorial Foundation and as a facilitator for the Southeastern Council of Foundations. Maggie’s experience includes work in the corporate sector,      including  the well-respected retailer Saks Fifth Avenue.  The cost is only $10.00 per person with an RSVP by Tuesday, April 13th.  Guests without RSVP will pay $15.00 on space available basis.  Email your RSVP to debra.faulk@IKEA.com If you have questions call (813) 623-4042 ext. 1336.

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Studies and Reviews

Tampa Theatre was chosen as one of the top ten iconic show places in the world in the March 2010 issue of Delta Sky Magazine.  Tampa Theatre ranked # 6 and was one of only four in the United States.  Download the article to read more. The complete list is:

1. Radio City Music Hall – New York City
2. Sydney Opera House – Sydney
3. Palais Garnier – Paris
4. Colosseum – Rome
5. Oriental Theatre – Chicago
6. Tampa Theatre – Tampa
7. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre – Hollywood
8. Concertgebouw – Amsterdam
9. Teatro Colon – Buenos Aires
10. Globe Theatre – London

Tampa has been designated a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forestry. This is the 28th consecutive year Tampa has received this national recognition. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Tampa has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community: having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an Arbor Day observance, and a comprehensive community forestry program. Trees in our community help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature and bring nature into our daily lives. Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in our community and provide many environmental and economical benefits. A Tree City USA designation recognizes the work of elected officials, staff and citizens who plant and care for the community forest.

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Seeing is Believing

What a way to see downtown!  Water taxi service is on the rise.  People are starting to recognize its potential as a commuting option.  But the view of downtown from the river is unbeatable.  Fox 13 recently took a ride on the water taxi.  See what they discovered.

This is the Tampa UCAP Downtown Water Pipeline Replacement Project update for April 05.  A map with the road/lane closures is available by clicking here. 

• Twiggs Street (west of Meridian):  The two lanes on the north side of Twiggs from Meridian to Pierce will be closed.  Motorists should expect a new traffic pattern as the two lanes on the south side will be westbound only.  Eastbound motorists will be detoured on Pierce to Jackson.  Limited street parking will be available in this area.
• Twiggs Street (east of Meridian):  Motorists should expect a new traffic pattern.  Eastbound traffic will be maintained and traffic will shift to one lane westbound from Meridian to Channelside.
• Nebraska Avenue (Kennedy to Cass):  Two western lanes closed.  One northbound lane and one southbound lane remain open.  No left turn onto Twiggs from northbound lane.
• Zack Street:  Closed to through traffic from Jefferson to Nebraska.  Local access to parking lots and garages will be maintained. 
• Doyle Carlton Street:  Closed to through traffic from Laurel to Fortune. Local access will be maintained.
• Cass Street (Ashley to Franklin):  Southern parking and travel lane closed between Ashley and Franklin.  Two lanes remain open for eastbound traffic.
• Cass Street (Morgan to Pierce):  3 lanes closed.  One lane for eastbound traffic will be maintained.  No street parking available in this area.
• Cass Street (Marion to Morgan): 2 lanes closed.  Two lanes for eastbound traffic will be maintained.  No street parking available in this area.
• Polk Street:  Northern westbound travel lane and parking lane closed to through traffic between Ashley and Franklin. 
• Tampa Street:  Two travel lanes, parking lane and bike lane on the west side closed between Tyler and Twiggs.  Two lanes remain open for southbound traffic.  No street parking available in this area.

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

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Special Services District

The Tampa Downtown Partnership has launched a new events grant program to help encourage organizations to bring their events to downtown Tampa.  The program is designed to offer financial support through a reimbursement grant program for use in marketing or operational expenses associated with an event.  To find out more, including to complete an application, click here.

On March 30, Mayor Pam Iorio issued a memorandum to Tampa City Council outlining management changes in the City’s organizational structure. The changes, brought about by the fourth year of declining revenues, will result in a $3 million savings to city government in salaries and benefits.  For more details, click here.

Those who wish to attend the next meeting of the Channel District CRA Advisory Committee, there are a few changes to note in regards to April's meeting. It will be on Wednesday, April 7th at 6:30 p.m., instead of the usual 5:30 p.m., and will be held at the Tampa Port Authority in the Board Room. The address is 1101 Channelside Drive.  The Tampa City Council members in their role as the CRA Board will be hosting the meeting this month to listen to questions and concerns about your neighborhood.  There will also be a presentation on the final park design, updates on the Tampa Port Authority garage construction, and an update on the relocation of the untitled Sugarman sculpture. Additionally, there will be an update on the planned construction on York and Washington Streets.  For the agenda to this meeting, click here.

Are you social?  Do you use social media?  If so, then make sure to become a fan of the Tampa Downtown Partnership on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.  The Partnership uses these forms of communication to keep you more informed on what’s happening right now in downtown Tampa.  Many times the only place you will find information about things taking place in downtown Tampa is through these two sites.  Visit the Partnership sites on both of these social media outlets and find out what all the talk is about.

Some great news from HART…During the month of April, HART is offering FREE Bus Passes for Middle and High School Students.  These free bus passes are part of HART's "stay-cation" campaign.  New trip technology "routeshout" is now available to benefit passengers planning their trip on HART.  If you love to text, then this is the program for you!  “Routeshout” gives text-users the ability to find out when a bus will be at a specific stop.  Read more about”routeshout” by clicking here.

Please be aware beginning Monday, April 19th, the normal entrance to The Florida Aquarium's parking lot off E. York Street and Channelside Drive will be closed for the City of Tampa's storm water retention upgrades.  Guests and Members driving to the Aquarium will be rerouted to McKay Street (directly across from Twiggs on the other side of Channelside Drive) and brought to the Aquarium's parking lot behind the Port Authority Building.

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Creative Urban Core

Students and faculty at The University of Tampa will premiere a series of digital installation pieces, live performance and music at the Tampa Museum of Art. The event, dubbed Arts Nexus, will be a 21st century multimedia spectacle, combining film, music, performance and dance, all set outdoors near the luminous Hillsborough River. There will be electro acoustic music by UT student composers, along with live sets from UT DJs and VJs. The event is scheduled for April 15th from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. For event details, click here.

The Tampa Asian community celebrates its diverse heritage on May 1st when the 27th Annual Celebration of Asia Fest returns to downtown Tampa!  Asia Fest 2010 will be held at the St. Pete Times Forum.  Festivities begin at 11 a.m. with an Opening Ceremony.  This is a very diverse collection of cultures from the various Asian communities including China, Cambodia, Japan, Thailand and more.  Check out the event flyer for more details.

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Downtown Happenings

You can find cool events on downtown’s own online events calendar!  Click here to find out what’s taking place when and get out to have fun.

Straz Center for the Performing Arts is offering special deals to Monday Morning Memo readers:

• On April 17th starting at 7:00 p.m., the Best of Tampa Bay will tantalize taste buds with various entrée samplings, luscious desserts, and premium drinks. More than 50 of Tampa Bay Area’s best restaurants, caterers and vendors will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary, including many new restaurants joining this prestigious event for the first time. Click here for a full list of participating restaurants. Want a sweet discount? $45 tickets are available with the promo code PRO. Choose the 7 pm show and enter the code PRO for this discount.  Call 813.229.STAR or visit www.strazcenter.org to purchase tickets.  Some restrictions apply; subject to availability; discounts do not apply to prior sales and may not be combined with any other offer.
• Support Jobsite Theater at their encore production of Pericles: Prince of Tires a special week benefit, April 7-11, to raise money for the show’s April 15-17 showcase opportunity at HERE Arts Center in New York! Pericles: Prince of Tires is a comic punk rock mob musical based on William Shakespeare's Pericles, Prince of Tyre. Don’t miss the show that the Tampa Tribune called,  “... a raucous force of nature ... a butt-kicking, rocked-out adaptation ...“ Tickets are discounted to $15 for this special fundraiser, advance purchase is encouraged. Call 813.229.STAR or visit www.jobsitetheater.org  for information.

The YMCA will be holding “Spring Break Camp” starting next Monday, April 12th.  The camp will feature a variety of sports for kids.  There is full bus transportation to and from camp and early and after-care.  Find out more by clicking here.  The camp cost $20 per day and scholarships are available.

The Tampa Bay History Center invites you to bring your kids who are in grades 3rd through 5th for a Spring Break Camp titled "Tampa's Urban Treasures."  Camp will be held April 12th through the 16th. Attendees will explore Tampa's many traditions through a week full of exciting games and creative crafts at the History Center.  From a day in the life of pioneer to Seminole culture and Ybor City immigrant life, attendees will even work as archaeologists while they hunt for Tampa's treasures in the museum’s galleries.  The group will also explore outside of the History Center's walls with field trips to local urban historic sites.  The camp is held from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm with before and after care available.  The cost to attend is $135.00 per student for members and $150.00 per student for non-members. Pre-registration is required. For more information, contact assistant curator of education, Jennifer Tyson, at (813) 675-8980 or jtyson@tampabayhistorycenter.org.

The University of Tampa’s Board of Fellows will host a Business Network Symposium on April 20th.  The event will begin at 7:15 a.m. with breakfast followed by speakers at 7:45 a.m.  Find out more by clicking here.

The Henry B. Plant Museum celebrates Earth Day by offering a free lecture, Conservation Conversations about the Tampa Bay Hotel on Thursday, April 22 from noon – 1 pm on the veranda in front of the Museum. Bring a brown bag lunch and enjoy your lunch while Curator of Education, Gianna Russo and Curator, Susan Carter give a brief history of Henry Plant and the Tampa Bay Hotel. They will provide a timeline of major conservation movements from 1891-1931 and discuss the architectural features and building materials, which today would be considered “green”. Afterwards they will tour these features in the building. Complimentary beverage and dessert will be provided.

Pack a picnic basket to enjoy a free Pops in the Park Concert under the stars with The Florida Orchestra on Saturday, April 24 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.  The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.  This concert will include a performance by Tampa Preparatory School's Symphonic Winds at 5:45 p.m.  Guest Conductor Stuart Chafetz is on the podium for a program of fun and familiar classical and pops favorites by Rossini, Brahms, John Williams, John Philips Sousa, Copland, Meredith Willson and Johann Strauss, Jr. The concerts also feature a patriotic sing-along and the evening will end with Tchaikovsky's beloved 1812 Overture. Attendees are invited to make canned food donations to Tampa Bay Harvest's food bank services.  Stuart Chafetz is the resident conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the music director and conductor of the Maui Pops Orchestra in Hawaii, the former associate conductor of the Louisville Orchestra and the past assistant conductor of the Honolulu Symphony. His guest conducting appearances have included a great variety of orchestras, including the Austin Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, Chautauqua Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, Mississippi Symphony, Naples Philharmonic, Modesto Symphony and Virginia Symphony, among others. Chafetz will also be guest conducting on The Florida Orchestra's 2010/2011 season in a program called Opera Goes Pops as part of the Raymond James Pops series.  For further information, please contact the Florida Orchestra at (727) 892-3337 Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or online at www.floridaorchestra.org.

MASH Bash is back aboard the American Victory Ship and is scheduled for Friday, April 30th from 6pm to 9pm.  This will be the fourth year the event has taken place.  MASH Bash is a favorite happy hour event.  Tickets are priced at $20 in advance and $25 the day of and include complimentary food from Hooters, Splitsville, Tinatapa’s, and Stumps Supper Club.  Guests will also receive two free drink tickets thanks to Pepin Distributors and Budweiser.  In addition to food and beverages, guests can visit the silent auction area where a wide array of items will be up for bid.  A costume contest will be held for those wishing to dress in MASH military attire and of course, everyone will receive commemorative dog tags courtesy of Welsh Clinic of Chiropractic, P.A.  Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketweb.com, by calling TicketWeb at (866) 468-7630, or in person aboard the AmVic located at 705 Channelside Drive, directly behind The Florida Aquarium.

May Must Dos:

The annual Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races will take to the waters of Downtown Tampa on May 1st. New this year is an International Beer & Food Festival held in Cotanchobee/Fort Brooke Park, alongside the race course. Team entries are open for registration until April 1st. Go to www.tampabaydragonboats.com to register your team.

The Florida Aquarium will host its very popular SeaGrapes Fine Wine and Food Festival on May 1st.  This event features over 100 fine wines, 20 great restaurants and live entertainment.  It is a fundraiser for The Florida Aquarium.  Don’t wait.  This event has sold out in the past and this year doesn’t appear to be any different.  Book now by clicking here. 

The City of Tampa’s Friday Concert Series is coming to downtown Tampa!  New for the 2010 series, the four concerts in May, (May 7, 14, 21 and 28), will be held in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Hixon Park, located on the bank of the Hillsborough River, is bringing renewed energy to downtown Tampa. The park's integrated design with the new Tampa Museum of Art and the Glazer Children's Museum as well as the Tampa Riverwalk connection to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts creates an art community that makes it a destination for everyone. Concert goers will be able to spread out on the Great Lawn or enjoy the terraced seating around the park's perimeter. Families will enjoy the playground and interactive fountains.  More information about these free concerts is coming in future Monday Morning Memos!


Mark Your Calendars for the Glazer Children’s Museum’s Imagination Gala is May 22nd. The museum invites you to a Dr. Suess themed "sneak peak."  Guests will enjoy an evening of delectable food and dancing on the third floor as museum staff provides guided tours of exhibits under construction. To find out more, including making your reservations, click here.

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601 N. Ashley Drive, Suite 1100, Tampa FL 33602
(813) 221-3686 phone; (813) 229-1328 fax: www.tampasdowntown.com
Be in the know faster by following the Tampa Downtown Partnership on Twitter at www.twitter.com/tampasdowntown or become a fan of downtown Tampa by visiting the Partnership’s Facebook page.