References:
Mark and Pamela Iusi, Neighbor
727-445-1193
Traci Johnson, Regional Sports Editor
St. Petersburg Times, St. Petersburg, FL
727-892-2900 (Office)
tjohnson@sptimes.com
Dr. Robert Dardenne, Director and Associate Professor, Department of Journalism & Media Studies
University of South Florida St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Florida
727-873-4613 (Office)
dardenne@mail.usf.edu
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Lauren E. Burg
1010 Regent Ave, Clearwater, Florida 33764
Website: Lightninggirl09.blogspot.com, E-mail:lburg@mail.usf.edu
Mobile: 727-644-5562, Home: 727-441-8162
Education:
B.A., University of South Florida St. Petersburg, Florida
Mass Communications with an emphasis on News-Editorial journalism, Expected December 2009
A.A., St. Petersburg College, Clearwater, Florida
Mass Communications, July 2006
21st Century Learning Center and Teaching Arts Academy, Largo High School, Largo, Florida, May 2003
Related Work Experience:
St. Petersburg Times, Correspondent, August 2007-present
Cover high school sporting events, interview coaches and submit game summaries and statistics for newspaper publication.
Tampa Bay Rays, Blog Writer- unpaid, July 2009-present
Cover Tampa Bay Rays games and write blogs for publication on MVN.com.
Internships:
Largo Leader , Largo, Florida, Sports Writing Intern, March 2003-May 2003
Interviewed athletes, coaches and general public to write community sports articles.
Worked with News and Editorial Staff to produce accurate, timely and interesting work.
Volunteer Work:
Friends of the Library Bookstore-Clearwater Main Library, Clearwater, Florida, June 2007-2008
Stocked shelves ran the cash register and helped customers with whatever they needed.
Sawgrass Lake Elementary, St. Petersburg, Florida, August 2006-present
Assist with classroom activities, grade papers and read with children.
Leadership Largo, Workshop Leader, Largo High School, Largo, Florida, May 2000 and May 2001
Created effective lesson plans and developed creative learning aids for up to three classes of 30 students per day.
Skills:
Key team member in facilitating a variety of leadership courses including Time Management and Team Building.
Interviewed athletes, coaches and general public to write community sports articles for the Largo Leader.
Created a Power Point presentation in high school for one of my courses.
Wrote articles for my high school newspaper, the Packer Press.
Achievements/Organizations:.
Harborside Activities Board, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, Florida, 2008/2009.
Freshman Representative, Student Government, St. Petersburg College, Clearwater, Florida 2004.
Principals Advisory Council, Largo High School, Largo, Florida, 1999-2003.
Women's vote goes both ways
In one week, residents of St. Petersburg’s Midtown neighborhood will join people all across the nation and vote in what has become this country’s most historic election. However, some of these Midtown residents supported Hillary Clinton and must now decide who to give their vote to now that she has withdrawn from this election. Presidential candidate John McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin, the female governor from Alaska, has not attracted women in Midtown to vote for him. An unofficial survey of residents of Midtown, a predominantly black neighborhood in St. Petersburg, reveals no women voters supporting McCain because of Palin’s presence on the ballot. Urban League volunteer worker and registered independent Edvyonne Hopkins said, “I will not vote based solely on a candidate’s sex and race.”
People are voting on issues, not whether one candidate is black or the other is a woman. According to most of the Midtown residents interviewed, “The main problems this country faces deals with either the economy or the war.” Hopkins, an Urban League volunteer worker and registered independent, stated that “she will vote for Obama because he (Obama) is against the war.”
According to Urban League of St. Petersburg director Ludell Hill, “Many Midtown residents will probably vote for Obama because they feel he (Obama) is the best candidate to get more jobs for people.”
Many residents in Midtown, whether registered or not, seem to vote more on the basis of what’s best for this country as opposed to the sex or race of the candidates running and their running mates. Midtown resident and unregistered voter Mayre Garcia said that “she would vote for John McCain because she feels that the society would take things too far out of context and riots could happen if Obama were to be elected.”
Unregistered Midtown resident and mother of three young children Stephanie Six said, “If I were to vote, I’d vote for Obama because he is looking out for the broker people whereas McCain wants women to make less money.”
However, husband and unregistered voter Steven Six said, “I would probably vote for Obama because he believes in more of the same things that (Hillary) Clinton believed in.”
Unfortunately, however, most of the Midtown residents I spoke to were either unregistered or choosing not to vote for a variety of reasons. Hopkins feels that residents choose not to vote because they are either “uneducated or don’t have the time to make an educated decision.” She (Hopkins) was careful to say, however, that “a majority of voters are educated” and that “those with a college education are more likely to vote than those without a college education.”
It can be said that the sex of the candidate, in this case Palin on McCain’s ballot, does not sway the voters in St. Petersburg’s Midtown neighborhood, even those voters who had previously supported (Hillary) Clinton, as much as the issues that particular candidate supports and what may happen to our country in the years to come if that particular candidate were to be elected into office.
NOTE: Stephanie and Steven Six and Mayre Garcia were interviewed with Director Ludell Hill present at the Urban League of St. Petersburg office.
People are voting on issues, not whether one candidate is black or the other is a woman. According to most of the Midtown residents interviewed, “The main problems this country faces deals with either the economy or the war.” Hopkins, an Urban League volunteer worker and registered independent, stated that “she will vote for Obama because he (Obama) is against the war.”
According to Urban League of St. Petersburg director Ludell Hill, “Many Midtown residents will probably vote for Obama because they feel he (Obama) is the best candidate to get more jobs for people.”
Many residents in Midtown, whether registered or not, seem to vote more on the basis of what’s best for this country as opposed to the sex or race of the candidates running and their running mates. Midtown resident and unregistered voter Mayre Garcia said that “she would vote for John McCain because she feels that the society would take things too far out of context and riots could happen if Obama were to be elected.”
Unregistered Midtown resident and mother of three young children Stephanie Six said, “If I were to vote, I’d vote for Obama because he is looking out for the broker people whereas McCain wants women to make less money.”
However, husband and unregistered voter Steven Six said, “I would probably vote for Obama because he believes in more of the same things that (Hillary) Clinton believed in.”
Unfortunately, however, most of the Midtown residents I spoke to were either unregistered or choosing not to vote for a variety of reasons. Hopkins feels that residents choose not to vote because they are either “uneducated or don’t have the time to make an educated decision.” She (Hopkins) was careful to say, however, that “a majority of voters are educated” and that “those with a college education are more likely to vote than those without a college education.”
It can be said that the sex of the candidate, in this case Palin on McCain’s ballot, does not sway the voters in St. Petersburg’s Midtown neighborhood, even those voters who had previously supported (Hillary) Clinton, as much as the issues that particular candidate supports and what may happen to our country in the years to come if that particular candidate were to be elected into office.
NOTE: Stephanie and Steven Six and Mayre Garcia were interviewed with Director Ludell Hill present at the Urban League of St. Petersburg office.
Game
Photo courtesy of Google ImagesIt was a punt return with eight seconds left in the game, ninety yards to go and I could smell victory literally seconds away. All we had to do was keep the Florida Gators out of the end zone. They tried everything possible-laterals, backward passes and forward passes. They could not get anything to work. Instead, they fumbled one of the laterals and we picked it up and ran it into the end zone as the clock reached 0:00 which made the game look as though we were beginning to run away with it instead of fighting for our lives the entire game. Oh well, we will take the style points.
Once the clock reached 0:00, I could taste the victory and it was the sweetest taste ever in my life. We had just knocked the Florida Gators from the realm of the unbeaten and back down to Earth. We had also, in a sense, put ourselves right back in the thick of things and in National Title contention.
I could hear the Auburn fans, or maybe that was my mom and I, going crazy knowing that we had damaged not only the pride of the Gators but also hurt their chances of making it to the National Title Game in Pasadena, California. I could also hear Coach Tommy Tuberville’s words after the game, which still ring in my ears today. “This is the first time one of my half-time speeches worked!” Well Tubby, it worked and you might have given your team new hope for this season-a hallmark of a wonderful coach!
I just saw my team knock off the lone unbeaten team in the Southeastern Conference and it was wonderful. We played our butts off-in the second half especially-and it paid off. We were rewarded with not only a win, but a win over our second rivals and a much needed win at that. We shut up all the nay-sayers-at least for a little while- who said that we could not beat the Number 2 team in the nation, at least not after being outplayed and beaten badly on our home field by then un-ranked Arkansas. This goes to show that you can’t take anyone in the SEC lightly or you will be beaten!
Finally, I can feel the excitement in the air at Auburn’s Jordan Hare Stadium. We have just put ourselves smack dab in the center of the National Title race again. Sure, I feel for the Gators-it happened to us the week before. Our previously unbeaten season-gone up in smoke. However, I will enjoy this victory and hold it in my back pocket and Gators, I hope to see you again in Atlanta for the SEC Title Game! For now, though, I will take this win and store it as a memory of a wonderful birthday weekend given to me!
Once the clock reached 0:00, I could taste the victory and it was the sweetest taste ever in my life. We had just knocked the Florida Gators from the realm of the unbeaten and back down to Earth. We had also, in a sense, put ourselves right back in the thick of things and in National Title contention.
I could hear the Auburn fans, or maybe that was my mom and I, going crazy knowing that we had damaged not only the pride of the Gators but also hurt their chances of making it to the National Title Game in Pasadena, California. I could also hear Coach Tommy Tuberville’s words after the game, which still ring in my ears today. “This is the first time one of my half-time speeches worked!” Well Tubby, it worked and you might have given your team new hope for this season-a hallmark of a wonderful coach!
I just saw my team knock off the lone unbeaten team in the Southeastern Conference and it was wonderful. We played our butts off-in the second half especially-and it paid off. We were rewarded with not only a win, but a win over our second rivals and a much needed win at that. We shut up all the nay-sayers-at least for a little while- who said that we could not beat the Number 2 team in the nation, at least not after being outplayed and beaten badly on our home field by then un-ranked Arkansas. This goes to show that you can’t take anyone in the SEC lightly or you will be beaten!
Finally, I can feel the excitement in the air at Auburn’s Jordan Hare Stadium. We have just put ourselves smack dab in the center of the National Title race again. Sure, I feel for the Gators-it happened to us the week before. Our previously unbeaten season-gone up in smoke. However, I will enjoy this victory and hold it in my back pocket and Gators, I hope to see you again in Atlanta for the SEC Title Game! For now, though, I will take this win and store it as a memory of a wonderful birthday weekend given to me!
Where Am I?
It is a beautiful Sunday afternoon in late October and I am peering out my window at the cars passing by us. As we exit off Ashley Drive, I can see the house standing there alone to our right, crying out for neighbors. As we weave our way throughout the streets, barely missing pedestrians by the skin of our teeth, I see more and more people walking towards the big building which now looms straight ahead, towering over all others in that same area.
As we get closer, I begin to hear music floating through the crowds of people and hitting my ears like an angel singing to me. Outside the St. Pete Times Forum, I got so many black beads I began to look like the bead lady. We also walked over to the shark tank and watched all the little kids who wanted to pet the sharks for some reason and their parents telling them “No. The sharks aren’t for petting.”
Next, we went to go inside and, of course, had to get patted down first like we were fugitives on the run or something. They then checked my purse and also patted me down to make sure I wasn’t hiding anything under my clothes, as if you wouldn’t be able to see that from further away. Heck, I’m surprised we weren’t forced to strip right then and there!
Once we were finally allowed to enter the building, we stopped by the team store-upon my request, of course before heading to find our seats. I found three different shirts that interested me, and I wanted to buy them, but they were so expensive I could have bought three or more of the exact same thing at either Target or Wal-Mart for the price it cost to buy one there. We then quickly left and went to find our seats before I could find something else I wanted, or claimed to want, so very badly. As I sat down in my seat, I was so excited I felt like a little kid back at the circus again. At that time, I also noticed people all around me screaming-or was that me? I dug around for my camera as the lights dimmed and Thunder bug appeared. He was riding a tricycle around the ice and reminded me of the four-wheelers at the three ring circuses I went to when I was little. I began to snap photographs of him, all the while feeling like a little kid at her first circus. A few minutes later, the lights came on, practically blinding me and I heard the announcer say “Here are YOUR Tampa Bay Lightning…and the San Jose Sharks.” My boys then stepped onto the ice as everyone screamed crazily and busily snapped photographs of them, all the while acting like this were the last time they would ever see them.
As we get closer, I begin to hear music floating through the crowds of people and hitting my ears like an angel singing to me. Outside the St. Pete Times Forum, I got so many black beads I began to look like the bead lady. We also walked over to the shark tank and watched all the little kids who wanted to pet the sharks for some reason and their parents telling them “No. The sharks aren’t for petting.”
Next, we went to go inside and, of course, had to get patted down first like we were fugitives on the run or something. They then checked my purse and also patted me down to make sure I wasn’t hiding anything under my clothes, as if you wouldn’t be able to see that from further away. Heck, I’m surprised we weren’t forced to strip right then and there!
Once we were finally allowed to enter the building, we stopped by the team store-upon my request, of course before heading to find our seats. I found three different shirts that interested me, and I wanted to buy them, but they were so expensive I could have bought three or more of the exact same thing at either Target or Wal-Mart for the price it cost to buy one there. We then quickly left and went to find our seats before I could find something else I wanted, or claimed to want, so very badly. As I sat down in my seat, I was so excited I felt like a little kid back at the circus again. At that time, I also noticed people all around me screaming-or was that me? I dug around for my camera as the lights dimmed and Thunder bug appeared. He was riding a tricycle around the ice and reminded me of the four-wheelers at the three ring circuses I went to when I was little. I began to snap photographs of him, all the while feeling like a little kid at her first circus. A few minutes later, the lights came on, practically blinding me and I heard the announcer say “Here are YOUR Tampa Bay Lightning…and the San Jose Sharks.” My boys then stepped onto the ice as everyone screamed crazily and busily snapped photographs of them, all the while acting like this were the last time they would ever see them.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
2007-2008 Student Government Elections
It’s that time of year again. Time for you to fish out your student ID’s and go down to the student lounge and vote for your student government president for the 2007-2008 school year.
One candidate is Christopher Buckler. Buckler joined USF St. Petersburg Student Government in 2003, when he promptly gained respect as a College of Business Representative on the Capital Investment Trust Fund committee, where the Residence Hall One and Parking Structure were birthed. In his participation in the Athletic Fee Committee, Chris Buckler worked to moderate an athletic fee increase proposed by Lee Roy Selmon. Towards the end of 2003, Buckler was a founding member of SAFE TEAM, a student run program that works with University Police to help promote and ensure campus safety, at USF St. Petersburg. Buckler was also among the legislators that brought the SAFE TEAM proposal to the table. From 2003 onward, Buckler earned the respect of his constituents and peers.
In 2006, Buckler established the Student Government Department of Marketing and Public Affairs, enabling a new era of marketing within SG. The department will be responsible for promotions about student events and SG sponsored projects.
When students demanded more campus improvement, Buckler took initiative as a founding member of the Outdoor Recreation Courts Workgroup to establish a campus beautification project that includes two sand volleyball courts and two basketball courts, where the rubble from the Fountain Inn demolition once was.
The other candidate running for presidency is Mindy Smith. Mindy started out as a senator in the 2005/2006 term. Along with the rest of Student Government, she had a hand in the building of Residence Hall One and the new parking garage. They also surveyed students and got the ball rolling again with the concept of a much needed Student Union. They lobbied senators in Tallahassee, and finally they believe they are being heard!
During the 20065/2007 term, she started out as Secretary and was later voted to serve as Vice President of Student Government. While serving in this position, she chaired the Homecoming Committee and Community Outreach Committee.
To build a better bond with our community and share our Bull Pride, she, along with the rest of Student Government and the USF community, incorporated a food drive into the homecoming festivities. They received hundreds of cans of food that were donated to a local women’s shelter. Student Government also made relationships with several businesses in our local area, which they nurtured throughout the year, in hopes of starting their own version of Tampa’s “Bull Market” next year, which she hopes will eventually generate more revenue for students to use.
She also worked closely with the Ronald McDonald House, Junior Achievement, local charities and shelters, the Museum of Fine Arts, Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Race for the Cure and several others to increase the awareness and student involvement in volunteering and the outside community. She put in several hours and helped many in need with these organizations.
She was also in charge of the Clubs and Organizations Council. In 2006/2007, they created an incentive program for new clubs and organizations on campus and far have over 30 registered groups. However, they are working hard to increase this number continuously. Anyone who has been around for the last two years can tell you there has been a drastic change in student life. We are quickly and surely getting out of that “commuter campus” status.
Finally, Mindy also worked hard to help build the outdoor recreation facility. With the addition of the two basketball courts and two sand volleyball pits, USF is now able to hold more intramural activities and host tournaments with fellow area teams. There is also room for other ideas in the grassy area, such as a picnic area, grills and seating.
Mindy also says that if she is chosen as the next Student Government President, she will try and do the following things to help better the USF St. Petersburg community and campus:
--Continue to work hard to increase student activities and participation.
--Work with the USF St. Petersburg Police and others to increase campus safety.
--Work closely with the treasurer, senate, students and administration to work through our current budget, working to make it more cost sufficient and geared to what’s best for all students at USF St. Petersburg.
--Push hard for a much needed Student Union, the living room of the campus.
--Continue to help our awesome intramural, fitness, waterfront and sailing programs grow.
--Continue to help our clubs and organizations flourish. Create incentives for volunteering to increase community outreach.
--Encourage the improvement of student facilities currently on campus. (gym, club room, game room)
--Help to straighten out the structure of our current Student Government to make ourselves more efficient, credible and more student-centered.
--Create more opportunity for students to get involved and be heard.
Students, it’s time to make your decision and go vote for your Student Government president for the 2007-2008 school year.
One candidate is Christopher Buckler. Buckler joined USF St. Petersburg Student Government in 2003, when he promptly gained respect as a College of Business Representative on the Capital Investment Trust Fund committee, where the Residence Hall One and Parking Structure were birthed. In his participation in the Athletic Fee Committee, Chris Buckler worked to moderate an athletic fee increase proposed by Lee Roy Selmon. Towards the end of 2003, Buckler was a founding member of SAFE TEAM, a student run program that works with University Police to help promote and ensure campus safety, at USF St. Petersburg. Buckler was also among the legislators that brought the SAFE TEAM proposal to the table. From 2003 onward, Buckler earned the respect of his constituents and peers.
In 2006, Buckler established the Student Government Department of Marketing and Public Affairs, enabling a new era of marketing within SG. The department will be responsible for promotions about student events and SG sponsored projects.
When students demanded more campus improvement, Buckler took initiative as a founding member of the Outdoor Recreation Courts Workgroup to establish a campus beautification project that includes two sand volleyball courts and two basketball courts, where the rubble from the Fountain Inn demolition once was.
The other candidate running for presidency is Mindy Smith. Mindy started out as a senator in the 2005/2006 term. Along with the rest of Student Government, she had a hand in the building of Residence Hall One and the new parking garage. They also surveyed students and got the ball rolling again with the concept of a much needed Student Union. They lobbied senators in Tallahassee, and finally they believe they are being heard!
During the 20065/2007 term, she started out as Secretary and was later voted to serve as Vice President of Student Government. While serving in this position, she chaired the Homecoming Committee and Community Outreach Committee.
To build a better bond with our community and share our Bull Pride, she, along with the rest of Student Government and the USF community, incorporated a food drive into the homecoming festivities. They received hundreds of cans of food that were donated to a local women’s shelter. Student Government also made relationships with several businesses in our local area, which they nurtured throughout the year, in hopes of starting their own version of Tampa’s “Bull Market” next year, which she hopes will eventually generate more revenue for students to use.
She also worked closely with the Ronald McDonald House, Junior Achievement, local charities and shelters, the Museum of Fine Arts, Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Race for the Cure and several others to increase the awareness and student involvement in volunteering and the outside community. She put in several hours and helped many in need with these organizations.
She was also in charge of the Clubs and Organizations Council. In 2006/2007, they created an incentive program for new clubs and organizations on campus and far have over 30 registered groups. However, they are working hard to increase this number continuously. Anyone who has been around for the last two years can tell you there has been a drastic change in student life. We are quickly and surely getting out of that “commuter campus” status.
Finally, Mindy also worked hard to help build the outdoor recreation facility. With the addition of the two basketball courts and two sand volleyball pits, USF is now able to hold more intramural activities and host tournaments with fellow area teams. There is also room for other ideas in the grassy area, such as a picnic area, grills and seating.
Mindy also says that if she is chosen as the next Student Government President, she will try and do the following things to help better the USF St. Petersburg community and campus:
--Continue to work hard to increase student activities and participation.
--Work with the USF St. Petersburg Police and others to increase campus safety.
--Work closely with the treasurer, senate, students and administration to work through our current budget, working to make it more cost sufficient and geared to what’s best for all students at USF St. Petersburg.
--Push hard for a much needed Student Union, the living room of the campus.
--Continue to help our awesome intramural, fitness, waterfront and sailing programs grow.
--Continue to help our clubs and organizations flourish. Create incentives for volunteering to increase community outreach.
--Encourage the improvement of student facilities currently on campus. (gym, club room, game room)
--Help to straighten out the structure of our current Student Government to make ourselves more efficient, credible and more student-centered.
--Create more opportunity for students to get involved and be heard.
Students, it’s time to make your decision and go vote for your Student Government president for the 2007-2008 school year.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Palm Harbor University=29, Clearwater=14
Here is the link to another one of my St. Petersburg Times high school football articles!
http://hometeam.tampabay.com/blog/2009/nov/06/4642-palm-harbor-university-29-clearwater-14/
http://hometeam.tampabay.com/blog/2009/nov/06/4642-palm-harbor-university-29-clearwater-14/
Bay Walk Revitalization Article
The sidewalk on the Second Avenue North side of Bay Walk has always been a popular gathering place for St. Petersburg residents, but the city would like to make it easier for patrons to access other attractions in downtown St. Petersburg.
Some of the attractions the city is referring to include the waterfront district, the shops along Beach Drive, etc. They would also like to make Bay Walk an easier place to access. In a July 14, 2009 memorandum between Rick Mussett, senior administrator for the city of St. Petersburg and current St. Petersburg mayor Rick Baker, Mussett outlines what the city envisions doing with the revitalization of Bay Walk.
On page six of this memorandum, Mussett states that, “The sidewalk area on the south side of Second Avenue is an important link to program and manage. This can be achieved by granting Bay Walk a Special Event Permit to use the portion of the sidewalk within the right-of-way on the south side of Second Avenue North.”
Mussett then goes on to state that “it is thought that the Special Event Permit would be available during Bay Walk’s high-utilization periods, which are as follows: Thursday and Friday evenings beginning at 5 p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday.”
The city is also pushing to have the sidewalk on the north side of Second Avenue vacated. According to Mussett on page six of his July 14, 2009 memorandum to Baker, “C.W. Capital would like to manage the sidewalk area along the north side of Second Avenue North between First and Second Streets North.”
Mussett then added on page six of his memorandum that “East and west pedestrian access would be kept along the south side of Second Avenue North.”
Basically, the city is trying to fill the upstairs section of Bay Walk to make it a better place to visit. If all goes smoothly, the upstairs part of Bay Walk should be filled by the end of next summer. On page eight of the memorandum between Mussett and Baker, it is stated that “C.W. Capital is considering investing up to $6 million to revitalize Bay Walk.” The plan involves possibly turning the outside ticket booth at Bay Walk into something else or at least relocating it to a different area.
Many St. Petersburg residents are in favor of vacating the sidewalk on the north side of Second Avenue. Gregory K. McNutt, Property Manager of Ciminelli Real Estate Services at Bay Walk said, “We started enforcing the curfew (that says that if you are under 18 years of age without an adult, you can’t be on the Bay Walk premises after 9 p.m. and if you are between 18 and 21 years of age without an adult, you can’t be on the Bay Walk premises after 10 p.m.) because a lot of guests of Bay Walk quit coming because of teenage loitering.”
According to Rick Mussett, Senior Administrator for the city of St. Petersburg, “We recommended it (the Bay Walk revitalization) because we think that the vacation (of the north side of Second Avenue) is crucial to get more tenants into Bay Walk. This would allow Bay Walk’s customers to get in and out without obstruction. It isn’t hurting First Amendment rights (of the people of St. Petersburg) because the residents can still gather across the street.”
Owners of shops along Beach Drive and the downtown waterfront area are also in favor of Bay Walk’s revitalization. They, however, would like to see more of the residents of St. Petersburg visit their shops.
According to Philip Anthony Weber, a St. Petersburg resident and co-owner of Davis Anthony Home and Garden on Beach Drive, “There is a huge sign for Bay Walk on the interstate.” “It (the Bay Walk advertisement) needs to say that St. Pete has great shops that are privately owned. In other cities, small shops lose their character to big chains,” he said. Weber also adds that “we have an urban vibe here (in St. Petersburg). We are very pedestrian friendly and offer products and service.” He sums everything up by saying that “consumers need to support the small businesses along with the big chains because supporting us keeps us in the community.”
Finally, the city of St. Petersburg city council will be voting on the issue of vacating the sidewalk on the north end of Second Avenue on October 1, 2009 beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the public hearings beginning at 9 a.m. The city urges all residents who have any interest in the Bay Walk revitalization project to attend this meeting. If you have anything to say regarding this project, you are also urged to attend this meeting and speak your mind.
Some of the attractions the city is referring to include the waterfront district, the shops along Beach Drive, etc. They would also like to make Bay Walk an easier place to access. In a July 14, 2009 memorandum between Rick Mussett, senior administrator for the city of St. Petersburg and current St. Petersburg mayor Rick Baker, Mussett outlines what the city envisions doing with the revitalization of Bay Walk.
On page six of this memorandum, Mussett states that, “The sidewalk area on the south side of Second Avenue is an important link to program and manage. This can be achieved by granting Bay Walk a Special Event Permit to use the portion of the sidewalk within the right-of-way on the south side of Second Avenue North.”
Mussett then goes on to state that “it is thought that the Special Event Permit would be available during Bay Walk’s high-utilization periods, which are as follows: Thursday and Friday evenings beginning at 5 p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday.”
The city is also pushing to have the sidewalk on the north side of Second Avenue vacated. According to Mussett on page six of his July 14, 2009 memorandum to Baker, “C.W. Capital would like to manage the sidewalk area along the north side of Second Avenue North between First and Second Streets North.”
Mussett then added on page six of his memorandum that “East and west pedestrian access would be kept along the south side of Second Avenue North.”
Basically, the city is trying to fill the upstairs section of Bay Walk to make it a better place to visit. If all goes smoothly, the upstairs part of Bay Walk should be filled by the end of next summer. On page eight of the memorandum between Mussett and Baker, it is stated that “C.W. Capital is considering investing up to $6 million to revitalize Bay Walk.” The plan involves possibly turning the outside ticket booth at Bay Walk into something else or at least relocating it to a different area.
Many St. Petersburg residents are in favor of vacating the sidewalk on the north side of Second Avenue. Gregory K. McNutt, Property Manager of Ciminelli Real Estate Services at Bay Walk said, “We started enforcing the curfew (that says that if you are under 18 years of age without an adult, you can’t be on the Bay Walk premises after 9 p.m. and if you are between 18 and 21 years of age without an adult, you can’t be on the Bay Walk premises after 10 p.m.) because a lot of guests of Bay Walk quit coming because of teenage loitering.”
According to Rick Mussett, Senior Administrator for the city of St. Petersburg, “We recommended it (the Bay Walk revitalization) because we think that the vacation (of the north side of Second Avenue) is crucial to get more tenants into Bay Walk. This would allow Bay Walk’s customers to get in and out without obstruction. It isn’t hurting First Amendment rights (of the people of St. Petersburg) because the residents can still gather across the street.”
Owners of shops along Beach Drive and the downtown waterfront area are also in favor of Bay Walk’s revitalization. They, however, would like to see more of the residents of St. Petersburg visit their shops.
According to Philip Anthony Weber, a St. Petersburg resident and co-owner of Davis Anthony Home and Garden on Beach Drive, “There is a huge sign for Bay Walk on the interstate.” “It (the Bay Walk advertisement) needs to say that St. Pete has great shops that are privately owned. In other cities, small shops lose their character to big chains,” he said. Weber also adds that “we have an urban vibe here (in St. Petersburg). We are very pedestrian friendly and offer products and service.” He sums everything up by saying that “consumers need to support the small businesses along with the big chains because supporting us keeps us in the community.”
Finally, the city of St. Petersburg city council will be voting on the issue of vacating the sidewalk on the north end of Second Avenue on October 1, 2009 beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the public hearings beginning at 9 a.m. The city urges all residents who have any interest in the Bay Walk revitalization project to attend this meeting. If you have anything to say regarding this project, you are also urged to attend this meeting and speak your mind.
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