Tampa’s State of the City by Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn was held in a very historical Tampa landmark. The historical preserved Kress Building on Franklin Street.

The sky seems to be bright and clear heading for a major turn around for the big West Coast Tampa Bay area in jobs, business growth, downtown development and residential property ownership. Tampa is on the cusp of new positive progress. Changes are small but can be seen as on higher ground and more secure since the depressive 2009. It has taken well over 2 decades to try to kick start the old downtown area. Now 2 new boutiques hotels are to be opening in the newly created Arts District of Tampa in 2014. More high rise condos have already been presented for new construction. parks are being reinvented. The long talked about Riverwalk should be finalizing its extension for community appreciation. The new multi-family and shopping center, Encore is only blocks away from downtown.

At a recent conference of realtors, David Traynor of Tampa’s Smith & Associates presented positive figures in showing three downtown apartments at 98 percent leased and another rental building at 94 percent occupancy. Wow, who thought. The new downtown medical research building, CAML and speculation that Tampa will be the new home of the Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Team has sparked a lot of new possibilities. Medical research is a hot commodity. And has grant money available for research and development. A groundbreaking for another new downtown apartment building next to the Kennedy is set for late spring. Other major companies are looking to increase their presence in downtown Tampa.

I am an historical preservationists. But a major economic and development direction for 2013 in Historic Ybor City would be to sell and fill in all the empty lots with new home/townhouse construction. Too old of a community can die and dither away even in a good economic environment. New life/ building is needed. There is a very large abundance of empty lots in the historic Ybor district that needs to be built upon and not be used primarily for weekend parking lots for cars. Developers are needed to help in this project and to move Ybor City forward again.

2013 will be a very good growth year!

New lines of fashion swimwear have arrived. Kismiit, Unico, Pistol Pete, Whittail & Shon.

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The Annual GaYBOR Easter Bonnet Hop was held with great colorful bonnets amongst the partiers. Headed by officers Mike Olds and Mark Eary, the 10 stop hop helped raise money for the GaYBOR District Coalition. The large crawl bonnet leader with flowing wings and a butterfly head dress was Mama from Bradley’s on 7th. The forecast was for rain came but never materialized.

A special bar crawl guest was Intl model for famous swimwear and underwear company, Andrew Christian’s Danny S. He was stunning and adorable. He was here at the guest appearance of Honey Pot and G.Bar

The judged bonnet contest was won by Lynn, DQ Monte and YC Geeeky Gal. Thanks to all the participating bars; Bradley’s on 7th, Liquid, Barbarella’s Social, Ybor City Wine Bar, Hamburger Mary’s, Dog’s Bollocks, Gaspar’s Grotto, Reservoir Bar, Tequilla’s, and Crowbar.

Thanks for everyone’s help!

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THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WINE

By Lady Jayme

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of wine. Wine should not only be fun and fabulous, but enjoyable and memorable as well. Wine is not only about the quality of the taste but about the amazing company who joined you for that outstanding bottle. Having said that, the cost for a good bottle is all relative but the value of the experience should be priceless.

In selecting the perfect bottle, consider the occasion, guest list, time of day and of course any food or meal parings. The perfect wine selection for an outdoor spring afternoon will differ greatly from a winter holiday in front of the fireplace. Remember to keep in mind not only the food paring but the event pairing as well.

For your daytime events and occasions, I would stick to lighter, crisper, more aromatic varietals such as Rieslings, Sauvignon Blancs and Viogniers. And if the occasion warrants it, bubbles and sparklers are always in order to celebrate the festivities with an Italian Prosecco or Spanish Cava.

For your cooler evening selections, I would suggest pairing with stronger, bolder rich red varietals to keep you warm but still remain festive. Some good thoughts for this would be Malbecs from Mendoza, Shiraz from Australia and of course our very own full bodied Napa Cabernet Sauvignons. You can never go wrong with a good Napa Cab that pairs well with almost everything, especially another glass. No matter what wine you select, always remember that the most important part of the selection process is who you share it with. Excellent company will turn that good wine into a great wine worth a 100 points every time.

Until next time.

Cheers from the Ybor City Wine Bar,

Jayme Kosar
USSA Advanced Sommelier