Wash House with a decided Italian flavor

Where is this little building. What country is it in? When I found it I drove right by at first, circled back and stopped right in front and just studied it for a while. I was heading to the neighborhood of Palmetto Beach, which is in the southeast corner of Tampa. Palmetto Beach, a community of about 2,000 people, is wedged between Adamo Drive, the Port of Tampa and McKay Bay. Unless someone knows where it is, or your directions are very good, a person will probably miss it entirely. And end up going over the 22nd Street Causeway and still wonder where it is. Just driving 3-4 minutes south of Ybor will get you there, but as I did, you must turn off the widened and modern 20th Street and get onto once heavily traveled 22nd and slow way down. There is no traffic today at all. This little building was very likely a gasoline station in the 1930s, a design that was recognizable and popular then when cars traveled this route from Ybor City, and its tobacco and cigar industry to south Hillsborough County and U.S. Highway 41. It probably had pumps out front and a sign up a tall pole for Shell or Texaco. Now, almost no one passes by. Today, in its adapted reuse, it’s a public laundromat, WASH HOUSE,…with the washers and dryers lined up off to the side. The building is virtually unchanged. And the sign of the Italian chef on the door is so, so out of place I cannot imagine how it got there. Was it a small spaghetti restaurant? What I like about finding this place is that as I’ve traveled the country, this once busy gasoline station could have been anywhere from Route 66 to U.S. 1. And very likely torn down years ago to make way for “progress." But not in Palmetto Beach. It might escape development that robs us of our unique history, even a small insignificant 80-year old gasoline station. At least not yet. I hope it’s reclaimed and its history becomes known. It’s an architectural jewel waiting to be rediscovered.

This ship's captain demands your attention

This diminutive ship’s captain stands sentinel on the corner sidewalk outside Joffrey’s Coffee near the main cruise terminal for the Port of Tampa. He’s at a very busy spot when 2-3,000 passengers are boarding a cruise ship or two. He’s the silent, non-complaining street-hawker for Yacht StarShip, billed as America’s first 3-diamond rated dining yacht by AAA. The ship sails daily out of the Channel District. The food really is delicious, the staff and crew are first-rate and it features live entertainment. It is a fun sailing experience. It’s obvious, though, who has the toughest job on their crew and it’s our little friend, silently manning his post, in crisp white naval uniform, hat just so. And not letting his sign tip or sag. It’s not hazardous sea-duty but the dust and noise, not to mention the sweet kids who knock into him all day, make his a job one would not envy…it’s amazing he hasn’t been swiped and made his way to Cancun or a Caribbean island by now as a cute souvenir. At 131 feet in length, the Yacht StarShip offers 150 passengers a unique dining experience as they set sail and leisurely cruise the beautiful waters of the port and bay – lunch or dinner. Gorgeous sunsets are the rule. They host corporate gatherings, even weddings. The yacht shares the water with some mighty big ships. The Port of Tampa is the largest in Florida and 11th largest cargo port in the United States and 16th in total trade volume; those are not low rankings. Over 40 million tons of cargo goes out of Tampa each year and almost 800,000 cruise passengers come and go through the terminals on Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Holland America lines. It is a big deal, especially when you’re standing next to the ships at dock as passengers board. And, it’s a great sight to see the huge ships blow their horn, leave the docks and make their way out and through the Skyway Bridge. Quite a stirring sight every time. Too bad the mighty little captain must maintain his vigil and miss out on the cuisine, music, dancing and crazy nightlife. It’s a sailor’s life for sure. (Go, make a break for it captain. No one’s looking. Run, captain, run.)

Mom shines extra bright in stainless steel

I thought this stainless steel sculpture was most appropriate for Mother’s Day. (Can’t you just see your mom in it?) Entitled Family of Man, the 13-foot high artwork was created by artist Geoffrey Naylor (1928-1997). Born in Heysham, England, Naylor studied at Leeds College and then at Hornsey College of Art in England. He came to the United States and obtained his Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Illinois. His work is in a number of private collections, plus the collection of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (my hometown), the University of Florida and the Columbus Museum of Art. A painter as well as creator of large indoor and outdoor metal sculptures, Naylor taught at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida and was a professor of art at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Although my mom isn’t easily identifiable in Naylor’s work, I know she’d appreciate that I was thinking of her and every mother throughout the world. I'm sure she's the one holding us all together...and smiling at her beloved water, seagulls and Tampa cityscape. Moms all shine extra bright on this day as we honor them. Family of Man is part of the City of Tampa's Public Art Program and stands on Bayshore Boulevard just north of Gandy Boulevard. You must spend time with it. Stop on the median and enjoy the play of light off it surfaces at different times of day. Notice the closeness and interplay of mom, dad and their two children joined in stainless steel. It’s very cool (after the sun goes down, otherwise in our searing sun it is anything but cool.)

Biglow stands proudly on the Boulevard of Dreams

The Boulevard of Dreams, Bayshore Boulevard, stretches from Tampa’s downtown to South Tampa and Gandy Boulevard. It curves along the outline of Hillsborough Bay and is said to include the world's longest continuous sidewalk - about four and a half miles. Facing the water are magnificent homes and towering condominiums, all with an expensive and coveted view of the water, seawall and 10-foot wide ribbon of sidewalk. The Bayshore Greenway Trail, a linear park in the city’s system, is used day and night by joggers, walkers, bicyclists, skaters, plain old tourists enjoying the sunshine and view and dogs of every imaginable breed, trying to keep pace with their fitness-crazed masters. Many historic homes grace the boulevard but only one stands proudly at its start. The Biglow-Helms House. (Also spelled Bigelow, as found in the Bigelow Society website) is one and one-half stories, solidly built and sitting on a two-acre lot. Although originally set back a little further from the street, it was actually moved forward to accommodate additional structures built behind it. Used for offices and meeting spaces, its 10,000 sq. ft. was constructed in 1908 by Silas Leland Biglow, a distinguished early developer and public official in Tampa government. He served as the president of the Tampa City Council and was very active in the development of the Ybor City Building and Loan Association. In 1919, the home was purchased by Dr. John Sullivan Helms and than later by noted Tampa artist Jack Wilson, a nephew of Dr. Helms. The house is constructed of "artificial stone" made from precast concrete blocks. Very substantial and even beautiful today. Dr. Helms added a wing in 1920 and opened the Bayside Hospital, a small, private and well-respected medical clinic at a time before the opening of Tampa General Hospital on Davis Islands. For eight years the Bayside Hospital served prominent residents of the Hyde Park and Bayshore area. The hospital closed in 1927 and the house became the Helms' residence again. The family owned the home until 1974. The Biglows were influential and important contributors to the growth of early Tampa. As a side note, and of great importance to me personally, is that during the time when most children were often born at home, my mother was one of the lucky few dozen Tampa boys and girls brought into this world by Dr. Helms at the Bayside Hospital. And she was always an extremely proud “Bigelow Baby” and shared this fun distinction with many life-long friends. I hope this peek into Tampa's past (a request actually by LOIS) and look at one of its grand old homes just whets your appetite for more.

It sure beats ordering off the menu. Everytime.

The sun is really beating down and our humidity is climbing. This gentleman knows how to spend his afternoon. He's properly outfitted in his long-billed cap, Guayabera -style shirt, rubber flip flops and dark sunglasses. He's a serious bait hunter and knows what he's after in these shallow waters alongside the sea wall. To be successful at catching some small bait for his fishing on the nearby Ballast Point Pier, this fisherman throws his cast net out onto the water and then pulls it back in with 15-20 feet of line. Small weights help pull the net under the surface and then he ensnares the little guys and hauls them in. It takes several throws to catch enough bait so he can resume his real afternoon's activity of catching dinner-size fish from Tampa's Hillsborough Bay. The city just spent almost $1 million on a major upgrade to the pier's pilings, railings, decking, benches, fish cleaning stations and renovating the shelter area at the end. This concrete dock is at the boat ramp and it too will get a major overall this year allowing for boats to tie-up on a floating dock. A variety of underwater critters can be found in these waters such as crabs, oysters, snook, sheepshead and even the occasional Tarpon. I'll bet that at this moment his catch is sizzling in a hot pan, lemon, butter and fresh tartar sauce - plus a bottle of chilled white wine - set to cook and garnish. Delicious.

Healthy dose of Java at Starbucks on Howard Avenue

What is it with Starbucks? (After my second cup tonight I'm prepared to tell you.) I admit it, I love Starbucks. But the initial luster, the huge love affair with the entire concept -lifestyle even- has dropped from a loud roar to a audible hum, but it's still very much alive. Some of my favorites shops: Newport, Rhode Island; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Prague, Czech Republic; Vienna, Austria; Paris, France; and even Savannah, Georgia ('cause I really like Savannah). Some of you are rolling your eyes and figuring I've gone off the deep end over an expensive, over-popularized, overly romanticized coffee. But, for those of you who have never experienced the world of Starbucks, the friendly coffee shops, convivial conversation, then you can't know what it is to enjoy Starbucks. Even the familiarity in faraway cities Comforting. For some, the price alone is grossly prohibitive. And the bitter taste is how I've heard some describe the coffee. But I've known more than a few regular Maxwell House-types who got hooked, literally and figuratively. When this Starbucks opened a few years ago, a couple blocks from my home, I practically lived there. (I'm sure there's a brass plaque on a chair out under that oak tree.) Every noon hour I'd grab a Vente-size Verona or Sumatra and settle in with my newspaper. I don't go as often, but I do drink my Starbucks morning, noon and night ... at home. Got to get my fix. Hooked. Their mission statement reads: To inspire and nurture the human spirit— one person, one cup, and one neighbourhood at a time. Sounds benign enough but tread carefully. It's addictive. From a coffee shop in Seattle in the 1970s, they sure have grown. 15,000 locations and still growing. I wouldn't mind discovering a few more in fascinating and even unexpected places on our globe. It's a sweet thing to enjoy a bit of home so far from home. Gotta go. The coffeemaker just beeped. Ah-h-h-h.

Come aboard for our sunset cruise of Tampa's harbor

The evening could not be more inviting. As the sun begins to set and drop fiery orange into the Gulf, shadows envelop the buildings on Harbour Island and grow long down on the dock. The Lucky Lady II is ready to take us all out into some of Florida's most delightful weather. No rainfall at all (which is not a good thing as we really are experiencing a severe drought and water for our lawns and shrubbery is restricted. Hard to imagine in a state almost surrounded by water everywhere.) This channel leads out past the Mediterranean- style homes on Davis Islands and then the open bay, Skyway Bridge and the Gulf. It would be a perfect evening for drinks and dinner of fresh Florida Grouper, jumbo shrimp and succulent scallops - blackened, fried or broiled to taste. Throw in hush puppies, fries and a salad of lettuce, sliced tangerines, pears and red onions sprinkled with ground pepper and pecans. As we place the napkin in our lap, and push off on our virtual departure from the dock, Bon Appetit and smooth sailing.

Lighting the way for my true love

A lawn jockey shares his small world with a lady, a naked lady I think, shouldering a blue vase. Now, looking at the years of war our jockey has endured, I would bet the vase is filled with wine, or at least a couple of pints of Guinness. Whatever it takes to slake his thirst. Standing guard on the hot, dusty road, cars whizzing past, spewing fumes ...it's enough to make any lawn jockey toss the lamp and run for the beach or sailboat. But our little sentinel has a greater mission and purpose. See that stony, determined look on his face. Forget the homeowners, he's protecting his fair lady. His princess with the vase. As a couple they work pretty well together, except he's obviously the better dresser, or knows that standing on public roadways requires proper attire. She on the other hand only has her man in mind. Lawn jockeys go way back. Where the first appeared no one's quite sure. There are all kinds of fanciful stories...much like our beloved welcoming pineapples. Dressed in brightly colored jockey clothes, they are more popular in some parts of the USA then in others. Some of the jockey statues have a ring for holding the reins of a horse and others a spiffy lantern like our statuesque hero. Standing tall, an immovable sentinel at your driveway, he is solid as concrete. Dependable. I'd guess that as their owners drive away, they leap back onto the lawn chairs behind them for some shade and rest. But always vigilant, at attention, they still dream of spending time alone, away from the traffic, to explore one another's fading glories...and paint. And purpose. Ah, my beloved.

Technorati Profile

It's a mailbox silly. What did you think it was?

Yes, it really is a mail box. Or at least it holds one. Securely. I can't help but think of the hilarious movie from the mid-80s, Little Shop of Horrors. With the potted house plant's incessant demand to be fed. FEED ME! it screams as it grows and grows and develops a rather odd and horrific personality. Now, when the U.S. Postal employee, the fine, upstanding mailman, stops at this quiet one-story, to drop off the direct mail pieces and bills, does the 6-foot tall mail box start in with demands? Feed me. More. More. Pull down my box lid. I love it when you have a delivery Mr. Postman. Do you wonder how long it's been standing in front of the house. Does anyone else notice? When did the idea first hit the homeowners. "Honey, you know what I'm going to build in the garage today? You're going to love it." Now, somewhere on earth, this minute, someone is saying, "What kind of plant is it?" OK, I'll take a shot at it. Hibiscus. That's so Tampa. So Florida. They are in everyone's yard. But I venture there is only one Hibiscus mail box. I dare you. Find another. (Here's an online description: "The flowers are large, conspicuous, trumpet-shaped, with five or more petals, ranging from white to pink, red, purple or yellow, and from 4-15 cm broad. [It definitely exceeds the normal size, believe me.] The color of the Hibiscus grows darker as it ages. The fruit is a dry five-lobed capsule, containing several seeds in each lobe, which are released when the capsule splits open at maturity.") Is there any chance that the mailbox itself is actually a fruit, or a lobe of the plant ripening to maturity? Nah........ It's just a mailbox looking very happy and making its owner smile. Feed ME!

It's a tough life but someone has to live it.

The Arts Center Lofts in downtown Tampa provide the backdrop for another gorgeous day. With humidity below 30% and a good breeze, the 91-degree temperature seems almost comfortable. These condominiums are on Doyle Carlton Drive just north of the Tampa Performing Arts Center and right on the Hillsborough River. The boat that is fast making its way down the river towards the bay is a 37-foot Maxum Sport Yacht. Along with a sleek appearance and plenty of room to entertain up top, this boat actually has two queen sized berths below deck. Although not exactly a small investment new at close to $300,000, it sure ups the fun factor on a day like this. (Can you imagine filling the 300-gallon fuel tank.? Wow!) What more could you ask for than a clear blue sky, puffy white clouds, warm breezy weather (almost NO humidity) and a pleasure craft like this one to help you enjoy the day on the water. Just add giant Gulf shrimp and a pitcher of cooling refreshment. Done!

King Kong at your evolutionary service.

Tampa's real estate market has taken a big hit with values dropping, availability of new and existing homes rising and most people unsure of how to react...or not. While traditional houses sport For Sale (or even short sale) signs in many neighborhoods, Tampa's downtown is chocked full of new condominium towers featuring every amenity a buyer could want. It's not surprising then that real estate agents and developers of residential and office properties have gone to some extremes to attract attention to their vacancies and services. This 30-40-foot banner on the side of an office building proudly shouts King Kondo, a Condo Evolution. He's huge and outrageous, but if he can't move a property then you're out of luck. His fine white, southern-climate suit and shopping bag only slightly soften his approach. Where is his Panama hat? Next he may be swotting you right off the street. Let's just hope we turn things around and he can get back to movie-stardom retirement.

Shadow of himself: Behind Dorothy or the Pirate

Just a shadow, considering its options. Pulled. Torn. Uncertain. BEADS SODA SNACKS CIGS hangs over its head. And beads are so Ybor City. It could pose for a photo behind one of the headless carnival cutouts on either side of the door. Dorothy on the left or the pirate with muscles and chains on the right.
Ybor City is an eclectic place with many sides to its personality. Designated a National Historic District, it is renowned for its architecture, heritage and rich cultural diversity. In the late 19th century the stores, restaurants, homes and factories were filled with immigrants including Cubans, Italians, Spaniards and Germans. They are justly proud today of their city and its history. They were the economic engine that drove the world's cigar manufacturing industry. The finest tobacco was handrolled and machine-made into cigars by the tens of millions. Today's Ybor City continues to celebrate its cigar heritage, its Latin traditions, delicious food, and colorful mix of retail, restaurants and residences.
This corner market attracts tourists, locals and students...even an occasional shadowy character, stopped in mid-stride, indecisive, undecided. Captured in a fleeting digital frame. But its shoes seem rooted. Does it pose with Dorothy and the rainbow? Or go for the pirate's treasure? I just love the options in Ybor.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants