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    What is happening to North Florida Ave? After years of plateau existing, Seminole Heights my friends is on fire! New eclectic businesses are opening along the old warehouse district South of Hillsborough Ave, New eateries are moving north of that area too. New great eateries have popped up and include the Independent, Cappy’s Pizza and award winning the Refinery. The Refinery is right across the street from the artsy Red Star Rock Bar. All have made a score in this up and coming transitioned Tampa neighborhood.

    We stopped by to see our ol bartending Ybor blonde bombshell gal, Karen who now works at Red Star Rock Bar on Thursdays. Brian Bosco, who was formerly manager of Gasper’s Grotto, is the proud owner of this kindred bar establishment. We were there to testify and experience the place. It is going to be a favorite hangout for the varied trending walkers and neighbors to patronize.

    The outside open patio area is ready for sound and live musicians to perform. It is the escape from the inside rock jukebox.  The patio has a wall of many unfamiliar beer and ale tin placards. Most signs were from breweries outside of Florida. One I spotted was from my home town brewery in Stevens Point, Wisc. The deep blue Point Beer sign  stood out to me. It was like a familiar youthful past 1980’s neighborhood stop.

    The area is bustling with new digs to create the new Seminole Heights local shopping experience. From the dozen new creative fusion restaurants, coffee shops  and vintage stores. But this isn’t your regular bar. This is a fungy, fun, rest your hat “Cheers” bar. We recognized a lot of the afternoon happy hour’ers. Owner Bosco was present along with Mathieu Stanoch, John D. and the owners of many Ybor City properties were visiting smiling bartending Karen. The other 2 dozen were from the area stopping in.

    We were told that food trucks are arranged around the back side parking lot for tasty treats on weekends and during the day.

    “Try the BBQ food truck outside. It is out of this world. ” Karen instructed us.

    We give the Red Star Rock Bar 5 classic guitars. 5210 North Florida Avenue.  www.redstarrockbar.com

    Our Sis, Flora in Savannah loves to go out to paint, relax and have a few glasses of wine at the same time at area classes. Often a wine distributor expert explains the complexity of the nights wines the amateur artists are drinking to.

    That very similar place of tranquility is now open right in Seminole Heights called Vintage Post Marketplace. They call this weekly special wine night, “Paint n Sip.”   How convenient too, next to Red Rock Star Bar on Florida Ave.

    The owner, Mellesa Clements was very friendly and willing to show us around the large fashion and consignment warehouse decorated shop.

    A shop full of an array of a local vendors, home made crafts, antique and brushed furniture, paint & supplies, jewelry, consignments and specialty hand crafted gifts. The time we were there had a lot of shoppers. Interesting wall pieces and even an area for new women’s clothing.

    Always a transformation of items in store as they sell fast. www.VintagePostMarketplace.com