The Tampa Trib writes about new efforts to bring the Centro Asturiano back. Read some about its history and current plans here.

Centro Asturiano leaders are on a campaign to increase membership, especially among young professionals.

The organization has 400 members, but the average age is 72, said Al Frederick, who began this month as executive director.

Yesterday’s Cigar Heritage Festival accomplished a historic feat: the world’s longest cigar. The Gonzalez Habano Cigar Co. was behind this laborious task and was part of one of the many events throughout the day. The question still remains: who will smoke this thing?

 In other news, our HYNCA General Membership Meeting will be held tomorrow Monday the 20th at 3 Amici @ The Bunker coffee-bar. See you all there! The agenda is attached to the calendar entry (just click on the Nov. 20th).

Gala Corina takes on new digs every year, usually in a raw space in an
emerging part of Tampa. This year it’s an old factory and warehouse at 1925 E
Second Ave. in Ybor City.

This is a little late but this year, the most important art event in Tampa, is being held in our very own backyard. This can’t-miss event runs a week starting on Friday 10th through this coming Friday. 

The department was on the hook to beautify the area because the road crosses Ybor City, a national historical landmark district.

The feds required noise barriers and enhanced landscaping to make the
interstate compatible with the neighborhood. But state transportation
officials say they’ve surpassed those requirements.

I-4 has been the great divider in Ybor since its construction. Much of Ybor was leveled back during the "Urban Renewal" period in the 60’s to build it. It is good to see some effort is being made to add character to the new and improved interstate section that crosses our neighborhood.

In Ybor City, a budget of more than $2.7 million lost about $40,000 earmarked for improvements at Centennial Park and for one block of streetscaping.

Centennial Park will see improvements, but, like other areas hit with cuts, work there will not be finished as quickly as hoped.

Unfortunately, our city council forgot the impact their decision would have in this and other CRA neighborhoods. See more of this story here.

This is the second stabbing reported in the past couple of weeks. There have been several complaints related to violence perpetuated by the crowds attenting Empire and Fuel nightclubs. As a reminder to all our neighbors, we urge you to contact the TPD if you see any suspicious activity at 813-231-6130. Please make sure to attend the upcoming meeting as we will be discussing the latest wave of incidents and what can be done to prevent them.

Once upon a time, many years ago in the land of Ybor, an odd group of creative artists and writers were gathered together by the great pied piper of the bizarre-o, Bud Lee, who wanted everyone to work on something that was serious fun, and they all decided to host a Ball. And so the legend of the Artists and Writers Ball began….

After many years, this interesting celebration is back in the neighborhood. Please see the official invitation here.

Hi Neighbors,

Those of you who have been in Ybor a while might want to know about this….

Tampa makes 1st noise arrest
By MICHAEL A. MOHAMMED
Published September 23, 2006

YBOR CITY - Tampa police made their first arrest Friday morning under the city noise ordinance passed in February, which instituted harsher penalties for bar and nightclub managers who violate volume restrictions.

Stewart Skipper, 25, manager of the dance club Amphitheater, was arrested at 12:15 a.m. Friday and charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. He was given a notice to appear in court. If convicted, Skipper faces a $500 fine or up to 60 days in jail.

Owner John Santoro said he would “vigorously defend” against the charge, but, on his lawyer’s advice, declined to comment further. According to Santoro, the club was operating Thursday night the same way and at the same volume that it has for 13 years.

Under the previous noise ordinance, violators would receive a warning, and would receive a citation only if they broke the rules again within 72 hours. Under the new rules, however, violators can be arrested if they break the rule within a year of being warned, and repeat offenders can face jail time or risk having their wet zoning suspended or permanently revoked.

[ read more ]

The Tampa Tribune had an article on what exactly is in the second story of the 7th ave businesses. It was always a question for me and I am glad it is now answered.

This is an article from the "Tampa Bay Life" written in July 1992. It begins:

Despite efforts by city officials and redevelopment groups, individuals with small businesses and big dreams are giving Ybor City new life on their own.