Summer Bunch Picnic Aug 4

The Summer Bunch meets again!

Mission: Everyone Bring a Joke! You will be asked to participate!

The June party was so successful, that they have decided to do it again in August. We will meet at Sunset Point at 6:30 pm on August 4. (Rain schedule will be in the Hall). The free meal provided will be Sloppy Joes, just bring some additional snacks, and your drinks. This will be fingerfood, so no silverware will be provided. ( It wouldn't hurt to bring some forks, because someone is bound to bring a salad.) No reservations are required.

The Regency Cove Ramblers will play for awhile, but they also want to relax and enjoy the night. Dancing music will be provided.

Come out and join the fun.

About Rumors...

In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance, who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students...?"

"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me, I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Test of Three.

"Before you talk to me about my student let's take a moment to test what you're going to say. The first test is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"No," the man replied, "actually I just heard about it."

"All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's true or not. Now let's try the second test, the test of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?"

"No, on the contrary..."

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him even though you're not certain it's true?"

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued, "You may still pass though because there is a third test - the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really..."

"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?"

The man was defeated and ashamed and said no more. This is the reason Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem. Keep this philosophy in mind the next time you hear or are about to repeat a rumor.

awesome grouper

How's the Weather? July 16, 2007

Early in the morning of July 16, the prevailing winds took a decided change, and the morning temps were a few degrees cooler than the past 7-10 days. The official low temp today was 78, after almost 2 weeks of lows in the 80s, and the highs around 92-94 (depending on the source).

The TV news predicted early this morning that a late afternoon thunderstorm would finally douse the Tampa Bay area, rather than travel inland as usual, leaving us high and dry. Late afternoon today, clouds gathered out in the Gulf, but the ones from the south, black and threatening, dumped an inch of rain with lots of lightening, during the dinner hour. The official rainfall on one nearby internet location claimed .8" rainfall. Our rain gauge stuck in the front lawn measured 1".

All I know is that my 55 gallon drum rain barrel is now full to capacity, and I am ready to irrigate!! HOO HA! Let's hear it for the barrels!

Rain Barrel Workshop a Success

Marina D'Abreau, from the Hillsborough County Extension Service, skillfully guided 35 households or more through their rain barrel lesson today. The 55 gallon drums, when installed, will saves thousands of gallons of water use in the park, and hopefully lower our exorbitant water bill. The concerned citizens who are taking part in this voluntary program should be commended for their efforts. Next time you see a working rain barrel here in Regency Cove, stop and tell the homeowner, "Thanks for caring!"

Also on our grounds today was Lisa Strange, a Master Gardner and Community Association Outreach Coordinator, also from the Extension service. Lisa evaluated 8-10 homes and lawns, and met with a few homeowners to discuss their landscaping concerns. She studied and photographed the Blvd. 7 median strip, and will hopefully give us some ideas to beautify that barren landscaping. She will complete a written evaluation for the park., and we look forward to her recommendations. We will keep you apprised of the results.

Mayor Throws the Switch

At 10:15 this morning, Mayor Pam Iorio officially christened the completed Manhattan Ave construction project. The project was completed three weeks ahead of schedule.

A loyal group from Regency Cove attended.

Wal Mart Meets with the Neighborhood

On July 10, 2007, at the Gandy Civic Center, Wal Mart officials met in a preliminary, very informal meeting with the neighborhood. Al Steenson, president of Sun Bay South Neighborhood Association chaired the meeting. Also present in the audience were Rose Ferlita, County Commisioner, Jerry Frankhouser, president of Bayside West Neighborhood Association, twelve residents of Regency Cove (including 3 Board members), and a full house totaling over 60 concerned citizens.


WalMart's team included the senior manager of public affairs, Quenta Vellel, their attorney, Jim Porter, and the Building and the Traffic Engineers. Each took turns explaining that this is just a preliminary meeting, that they are meeting with Tampa officials tomorrow, and a brief overview of the 2 preliminary drawings that were available were described. Here is what we learned.

The property is already zoned commercial, so there is no need for them to go before the variance board, and have public hearings. They will, however, continue to maintain an open dialog with the neighborhood association.
There are 5 parcels of property involved, Sticks N Stuff, and the sex shop, and three more behind them. They have not yet been purchased, but contracts are pending.

The proposed store will be a 24 hour Super Center, meaning groceries and retail goods are sold. There will be no Tire and Lube Center, nor a gas station, due to space limitations. The store itself, including the Nursey Center will be 147,000 sq feet, covering 12.5 acres. This is comparable to the store on Dale Mabry, past I275. Anticipated completion is 2009.

The parking lot will have a 625 car capacity. Although there are currently 3 accesses on Gandy Blvd. with the current stores, WalMart is planning a single access on Gandy, but three on Lois Ave.

Questions and concerns from the audience included:

• Traffic- what will be done to alleviate it, are speed bumps planned, what improvements to Lois Ave are anticipated.?Would left hand turns on Gandy be allowed? Would they consider completing a tie-in to the Tyson corridor? A traffic study is currently in the works, but not as yet completed. They are bound by FDOT regulations.
• Storm water run-off--- where is it going, are they using neighborhood infrastructure, or disposing of it themselves? Are they aware of the significant neighborhood flooding that occurs during "normal" summer downpours?
• Is Wal Mart concerned with "green" buildings, environments? There will be no grass roof, but the company is currently researching a variety of parking pavements, lighting options, and opportunities for using less water, and eliminating more storm water naturally. More to follow.
• Jobs to become available-- 300 to 350. Many with benefits.

This will be interesting to watch as time goes on. Most people present were happy to see the store coming into our South Tampa neighborhood. One or two were visibly upset.

New Condo Termination Law in Effect

Recently, there has been much talk about a measure set to take effect July 1, 2007 that could make prime waterfront properties in Florida ripe for redevelopment. Most condo and coop associations have rules that govern what percentage of owners it would take to sell their property to a developer; in the case of Regency Cove it is 90 percent. But under the new condo termination law quietly crafted by the Florida Legislature and signed by Governor Charlie Crist, and set to go into effect July 1, 2007, the percentage of residents required to sell a property would be disposed of. Even if co-op or condo documents require more than an 80 percent majority vote to terminate and sell, this new law replaces that number with 80 percent.

This new law infringes on individual property rights, and makes it much easier for a developer to take over a prime waterfront property. The states developers see huge profits in redeveloping prime propeties.

In my opinion, every resident needs to write their representative and voice their strong objection to this new law. This law interferes with individual property rights and needs to be repealed.

Hurricane Preparation Seminar

St. Patrick Church (4518 S. Manhattan Av) is sponsoring a free Hurricane Preparation Seminar on July 12, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Social Hall, and the whole community is invited. Learn about the latest hurricane preparation precautions, presented by Hillsborough County officials.

Do you have special needs? Representatives from Hillsborough County will present materials and answer questions. Learn everything from how to protect yourself, your home, and your life if you require special medical equipment or use a wheelchair.

Everyone who is able should attend and share this information with their neighbors.

Tampa Grand Opening Celebration

Please join Mayor Pam Iorio
and City of Tampa Leaders
As they Flip the
Switch on the Traffic Signals
Completing the Manhattan Avenue
Road Widening Project

Wednesday, July 11, 2007
10:15 a.m.

Corner of South
Manhattan Avenue
& Bay Vista Avenue
(Signal Box Near Bel-Mar
Presbyterian Church)

For more information, please contact
David Vaughn at
(813) 274-8568
or via e-mail at david.vaughn@tampagov.net

New Gandy Blvd. WalMart Meets with Neighbors

Bayside West Neighborhood Assn. president, Jerry Frankhouser, has announced a July 10, 2007 meeting at 7 pm at the Gandy Civic Center. (directions below)
Several contiguous neighborhood associations are aligning to meet with Wal Mart officials to hammer out traffic issues before Wal Mart approaches Tampa City Council for permits.
The proposed site of the new store is at the site of Sticks N Stuff, with an additional 2-3 parcels of property south on Lois Ave.

Directions to the Gandy Civic Center:

Take Manhattan south of Gandy, past Tyson, to Oklahoma. Turn Left. Proceed past the railroad tracks. The Center is set back off the road, immediately after the tracks. The address is 4207 W.Oklahoma.

The more neighbors who attend increase the bargaining power of the associations. Please plan to attend.

Current Homes for Sale

Current Homes For Sale:



Blvd 2 Lot 2---------2 Bedroom 2 Bath-------$149.900

Blvd 5 Lot 8---------1 Bedroom 1 Bath-------$53,900

Sunset 15------------2 Bedroom 2 Bath------$229,900

Blvd 6 Lot 37--------2 Bedroom 1 Bath-------$104,900

Regency Cove July 4 Picnic a Hit With the Residents

(Revised)

The second annual Fourth of July celebration was a smashing success, despite threatening skies, and a light short-lived drizzle. Before 8 am, Wayne and Susan Dunphy began unloading the supplies that had taken weeks to assemble.

The "decorators" soon arrived, and in a short time, the pavillion took on a festive air with patriotic buntings, flags, and balloons. Our maintenance man Bobby Cupp came in to help with last minute tables and chairs. Many people assisted the Dunphys in the decorating: Ellen Nimon, Margaret Mohar, Dee and Ed Bedore, Carole and Chet Hindman, Mike and Sandy Ross, Karen Hilbert, Mary Willsey and her grand daughter Tiffany Bohannon, and Carol and Tom Healy.

Another crew was working in the kitchen, chopping and preparing condiments: Ron and Ellie Herb and Jean Wilson. The cooks were Bob Orcutt and Tom Coyle, while Joe Marchitto served as advisor and chief counsel.

Pat Myers kept the party lively with a sound system and plenty of patriotic music.

Mary Willsey, Margaret, and Lenore Helbig organized the contestant offerings for the pie and cake contest. Cake winners:

1st Place- Lenore Helbig's Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake

2nd Place- Ruth Stady'sAngel Food and Strawberry Cake

3rd Place- Ellen Nimon's Pineapple Cake

Pie Winners:

1st Place- Bill Hilliard's daughter Pat's Blueberry-Cheese Pie

2nd Place- Patty Fennessey's Baily's Irish Creme Pie

Gift certificates were furnished by Rich and Linda Siddens as prizes. (Thanks, you two!)

Corky and Karen Hilbert gave out free bags of popcorn.

Ed Bedore and Ellen Nimon shuffled people on golf carts for several hours.

Betty Ridge, with the assistance of Marilyn Cauthorn, supervised the children for several hours with games and activities and a ton of prizes. Helen Baker donated craft supplies. Sandy made the Play Doh (if anyone wants the recipe, call her). Mary Lou Mittel also contributed to the prizes. The Zebco Company donated many valuable prizes. The rods and reels and hats awarded will help produce another generation of Florida fishing enthusiasts!

Ellen's game of Spoons was a big hit under the pavillion.

After sunset, Ken Considine and Corky Hilbert entertained a crowd of around 200 for over an hour with a FABULOUS fireworks display. Thanks Ken, it wouldn't be the 4th of July without your show!

Clean up is the part that no one wants. Thanks to all who helped that night, and the next morning. Next year we hope more people will pitch in.

The picnic was great, the crowd was pleasant, and it is so wonderful seeing all the young people enjoying themselves. Thanks to all who contributed to the success.

Susan wishes to add a few more names to thank for their contributions: Connie Harford, Marie Avant, Ruth Paruszkiewicz.

If any names were omitted, please add a comment.

More pictures are available at a new site:

www.regencycovejuly4.blogspot.com

4th of July Picnic

The day has finally arrived!
Here's the tentative schedule:
Drop off pies and cakes for the baking contest between 3;45 - 4:00. Winners will be announced before 5:30 when we eat.
People may begin to gather at 4:00. Childrens' activities will begin around 5:00.
Dinner will be served at 5:30.
Adult and kids' activities will resume after dinner.
Clean up after dinner.
Fireworks at sunset.
Final clean up.