TONY JANNUS AND THE WORLD’S FIRST COMMERCIAL AIRLINE FLIGHT STORY / RODNEY KITE-POWELL | PHOTOS / TAMPA BAY HISTORY MUSEUM
The fact that the Tampa Bay area has a long and interesting history should no longer be a surprise to most people. Our region’s recorded history dates back almost 500 years, and its human history stretches back to between 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. While that early history is very interesting, the area’s more modern history certainly seems more accessible to us today.
On January 1, 2014, we will be celebrating one of the more significant modern events in our area’s history. That date marks the 100th anniversary of the first commercial airline flight. That flight took place over Tampa Bay in a two seat seaplane piloted by Tony Jannus. The St. Petersburg - Tampa Air Boat Line lasted only three months, but it proved that regularly scheduled commercial airplane service was a viable enterprise. The first flight departed at 10 am on January 1, 1914, lifting off from the waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg near today’s Jannus Landing. Just before the flight, Percival Fansler, one of the main backers of the airline, made a brief speech, saying “What was impossible yesterday is an accomplishment today, while tomorrow heralds the unbelievable.” The seaplane landed in Hillsborough Bay and eventually docked at the foot of
Lee Street on the Hyde Park side of the Hillsborough River (near today’s Brorein Street Bridge, just south of the Tampa Tribune and Media General buildings). The first passenger was former St. Petersburg mayor Abraham Pheil, who won the ticket in an auction. He paid $400 for the round trip flight (over $8,500 in today’s dollars). Regular flights cost $5, equivalent to over $100 in today’s dollars, and the airline flew several flights daily, plus offered exhibition flights on the weekends. A one way flight usually took about 20 minutes, barring any mechanical troubles. Since it was a seaplane (dubbed an Air Boat at the time), if there was a problem Jannus could land in the bay and make repairs as needed. Jannus actually crashed the plane into the bay on a few occasions, but neither he nor his passengers were ever seriously hurt. The 20 minute flight time was an astounding achievement for the day. Until the Gandy Bridge opened 10 years later, the travel time between St. Pete and Tampa was 2 to 3 hours by boat. People could also take a 64 mile train trip around Old Tampa Bay or a bone-rattling automobile trip of roughly the 3 same length but probably twice
REENACTMENT OF THE FIRST FLIGHT At 10:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Fantasy of Flight CEO Kermit Weeks will fly his full-scale Benoist replica across Tampa Bay, reenacting the same flight Tony Jannus performed 100 years before him. Weeks has spent more than three years researching and building the plane in anticipation of the centennial flight. Weeks has chronicled the construction of the Benoist plane at www.benoist14.com/tag/fantasy-offlight/. For more information regarding events surrounding the centennial anniversary, call Flight 2014 president Will Michaels at (727) 420-9195. You can also check out www.airlinecentennial.org for updates.
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Commerce, the civic association still seeks ways to keep our business community engaged.
O
ctober’s drama with the house at 545 Severn drew some harsh criticisms for the Davis Islands Civic Association from non-islanders who made comments about it in social media circles. General perceptions about Davis Islands and its residents were mostly elitist and snooty.
This has been an exceptional year for your civic association. Membership has increased by 20%. Resident participation in its events has increased. We are seeing a more visible police presence in the fight to reduce speeding. Sea Plane Basin is getting cleaned up as more abandoned vessels are pulled out. The Roy Jenkins Pool, a unique gem of a landmark, was saved with the help of the DI Civic Association.
We all know that’s not the truth. One dissenter made the Davis Islands Civic Association out to be the heavyhanded homeowners association that forces people to comply with silly country club-like rules.
If you like what you have been seeing, reach out to let them know. Better still, head to their web page at www.dicivic.org and show your “DI Pride” by becoming a member to support the many causes they take up on your family’s behalf.
This is the farthest from the truth. The growing concern over the condemned home got attention from ThePOST’s Facebook page, where photos introduced the rest of its followers to what neighbors had been dealing with. The visuals were enough to draw the attention of other media outlets. The civic association didn’t lead the charge, but its presence became well known after resident complaints put a couple board members in the spotlight on television and at the code enforcement hearing. The DI Civic Association is a group of very caring resident volunteers who are dedicated to improving the quality of life in Tampa’s most desirable neighborhood. Some of DI Civic’s members have lived on the islands all their lives, while others, like my family, have been here fewer than five years. Civic association members include both renters and homeowners. Ages range from octogenarians to thirty-somethings.
Your civic association works hard to represent the neighborhood’s best interests to the city, to be your voice. It cannot enforce laws, impose fines or create silly country club-like rules. It can, however, effect change. A great deal of personal time has been spent by civic association volunteers and board members to make our streets safer, keep our waterfronts clean, provide better places for our pets to play, and to create ways for our residents to come together at family-friendly social events. Others visit with other civic association leaders to exchange ideas to make our neighborhood better and others have taken on the task of making sure future project plans are coordinated with the city and carried out to the letter. In the absence of a Chamber of
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Created by David P. Davis during the 1920s Florida land boom, the project made him wildly rich and nationally famous. He followed up Davis Islands with a subdivision twice its size in St. Augustine, which he named Davis Shores. Davis sold his Tampa development in August 1926 but slipped into debt.
As we continue to grow, we are looking to add more content and new sections to ThePOST. If you love writing about Davis Islands history, fishing, gardening, arts & crafts, school events or anything else, please send us a sample of your work to news@di-post.com. At this time we are only accepting contributing writers that will submit their work at no charge.
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Piloted by Tony Jannus, this Benoist air boat carried its first passenger, former St. Petersburg mayor Abram C. Pheil, across the bay in 23 minutes to become the world’s very first commercial flight. PHOTO / UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORDIA ARCHIVES
the duration. Though not very efficient, the airline demonstrated that there could be alternatives to the existing transportation options. Though Tampa was the bigger city, the first flight originated from, and the airline was based in, St. Petersburg. The airline’s backers originally approached Tampa’s city leaders, but they did not see a future in aviation so were reluctant to offer any financial assistance or a large piece of land along the water for a dock and hanger. St. Pete’s leaders were more willing to work with the fledgling airline.
did not lead to instant prosperity for St. Petersburg. In fact, Clearwater, not St. Pete, was designated as the county seat. The service lasted for three months and proved that the concept of commercial aviation was viable. Over the course of the airline’s service, the plane made 172 regular trips between St. Pete and Tampa, plus an additional 100 special trips. Aviation would continue to play
a significant role in the Tampa Bay area’s economy, particularly in the form of Tampa International Airport, which is regularly regarded as one of the top airports in the country, and MacDill Air Force Base, home to several military commands such as US Central Command and the Special Operations Command. Those sleek jets and massive transports can trace their lineage to that tiny Benoist plane and its pilot, Tony Jannus. n
The two cities were very different, and then, as now, people in the two cities took shots at each other’s towns, with quips about the flight time to St. Petersburg being faster because people want to get out of Tampa as quickly as possible and others wondering why anyone would pay $5 to go to St. Petersburg. Tampa was the business center for all of central Florida at this time, while St. Petersburg was earning a reputation as a winter home for retirees and the wealthy. There were political differences as well. Not the least of which was the recent creation of Pinellas County out of the western portion of Hillsborough County. Though spurred on heavily by St. Pete leaders, the creation of the new county
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Former St. Petersburg mayor Abram C. Pheil’s bid of $400 earned him the privilege of becoming the world’s first commercial passenger. Pheil took care of some business for his wholesale company and flew back to St. Pete; a round trip of about an hour and a half. PHOTO / CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG
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Tony Jannus sits aboard the famous Benoist 14 air boat that would make the 23-minute flight across the bay to Tampa. According to accounts, Jannus had to land the plane in the bay after the engine misfired, make an adjustment, and then resume the flight to Tampa. PHOTO / CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG
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‘55 HEISMAN WINNER HEISTED
LOCAL LEGEND STRIPPED OF A LIFETIME OF MEMORABILIA Davis Islands is home to one of Ohio State University’s most legendary alumni, 1955 Heisman Trophy recipient Howard “Hopalong” Cassady. The 79-year-old retired fullback and his wife, Barb, enjoy peaceful walks and casual meals in the village together. It is well deserved after the busy life he crafted as a professional athlete and entrepreneur after graduation. “Hop” enjoyed a fruitful NFL career with the Lions, Browns and Eagles and then went on to become a scout for fellow Ohioan and OSU alumnus George Steinbrenner, the colorful owner of the New York Yankees baseball club. Cassady coached a number of future Yankee stars including Bernie Williams and Derek Jeter while they played for the Yankees’ farm team in Columbus, Ohio, Cassady’s hometown. All those years working in professional sports afforded him the opportunity to amass quite a collection of memorabilia. On December 9, WFLA-TV reported that many of those cherished items were stolen from an undisclosed storage facility the Cassadys rented in the Bay Area. Tampa police have arrested 33-year-old Cameron Witherspoon, who has now been connected with other thefts at the same storage facility. Barb Cassady told WFLA that the items were considered part of their retirement. A professional athlete in the late 1950s and early 60s didn’t make a mountain of cash like modern athletes often do. Articles signed by Billy Martin, Mickey Mantle and Reggie Jackson hold great value.
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(L) Howard “Hopalong” Cassady and the form that made him a Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State University. (R) Hop’s hard-earned Heisman. (L) PHOTO / BUCKEYENATION.COM AND (R) PHOTO / KIM FATICA
No need to worry about Hop’s Heisman, though. ThePOST was fortunate to have been invited for a recent visit and it’s safe.
WATCH OUT FOR THE GRINCH
PACKAGE DELIVERY AN EASY TARGET FOR THIEVES STORY / HAROLD MOORE
Yesterday afternoon near my house I noticed something worrisome. A UPS delivery man was driving a golf cart pulling a flat trailer. Both were piled high with packages. While I commend UPS for being innovative at this time of year in populated areas I am concerned about the high visibility of the contents of what they are carrying. Previously, that TV, blender, video game or whatever you purchased online was concealed inside the delivery van until it was placed on your doorstep. Now it’s sitting right there on Joe Deliveryguy’s trailer for all to see. Thinking like a thief (and I find that so easy to do…it bothers me) I would cruise up to Joe’s rig while he’s busy delivering something and check out what he’s got aboard. If he’s got that latest thing I would like, packaged in eye catching graphics, I would discretely follow him until he delivered it at your doorstep, then help myself as he went along to his next stop. It’s bad enough that the folks delivering don’t sometimes use discretion. I have a planter near my front door where a small to moderate sized package can be placed and hidden from view of a
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passerby, but no…they put it directly in front of the door for all to see. Now they are making it obvious what they are carrying before they leave it on your doorstep in plain view. Therefore, I caution you once again to think of your options when you order online. If you are going to be home when the tracking email says they’ll deliver, fine. If you’re not, you may want to ask a neighbor to watch for it, or if it is very valuable, you may want to pick it up. OK... now that I’ve simplified your life, enjoy your day!
You may do your part in reducing crime by becoming a part of our Davis Islands Neighborhood Watch. Send your contact information to me at mooretrux@aol.com to receive updates on happenings in our area.
Police had given chase on foot, but were unsuccessful. One of the bikes, a blue Specialized Rubaix road bike stolen from a home on Huron Ave., is valued at approximately $2,800. The garage door was left open and according to the District One police report, the serial number of the bicycle is unknown. If you have a smartphone, ThePOST is urging you to download Tampa PD’s app, TampaPD Mobile. With it you are able to register all of your valuables, including bicycles and their serial numbers. You are also able to report crimes and connect directly to Tampa PD. It costs nothing to download on to your phone and it provides residents with the opportunity to simplify their safety initiatives.
BIKES CONTINUE TO RIDE OFF
OPEN GARAGES ARE OPEN INVITATIONS FOR THIEVES The Thanksgiving holiday proved frustrating for a number of islands residents who discovered they were missing their prized bicycles. Tampa Police sergeant Martha Murillo visited the DI Civic Association’s December board meeting with news that four bicycles were stolen from Davis Islands homes on Sunday, December 1. The suspects were all juveniles and Murillo said that trouble is bound to happen when kids are out of school.
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ISLANDER PROFILE
ISLAND LIFE
SANTA MAKES HIS STOP ON DI DAVIS ISLANDS TOY DRIVE BY KIM FATICA
Monica Culpepper, proudly sporting her Plant High ball cap, received her immunity necklace from “Survivor” show host Jeff Probst on the November 13 episode of “Blood vs. Water”. Culpepper’s award was well deserved after the grotesque feast of worms, intestines and larvae she was forced to eat to remain in the game. PHOTO / PROPERTY OF CBS
STILL IN THE GAME MONICA CULPEPPER’S CONTINUES HER QUEST OF BECOMING “BLOOD VS. WATER” SOLE SURVIVOR BY KIM FATICA It was a grubby month of November for islands resident Monica Culpepper, but she’s choked down victory like a champ. With husband Brad eliminated from this season’s “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” on CBS, Monica was left to carry the family name to glory. Now a member of the unified tribe of Kasama, she showed her determination to remain in the game, albeit with a bit of disgust. The fun for our tough-as-nails neighbor began right away with an immunity challenge on the November 13 episode that played out more like a “Fear Factor” episode. After quaffing down a glass jigger of 40 restless mealworms in Round One, Monica went to Round Two and repeated the first effort by managing to down another serving of the white, squiggly worms.
immunity at that week’s tribal council. Monica won three consecutive immunity challenges, but became a target on the December 4 show when she found herself perilously close to losing a tribal council vote. As host Jeff Probst showed the vote tallies, it was going to be either Monica or competitor Hayden Moss. The tribe split down the middle between the two, a 3-3 tie, so there was a tie breaker re-vote with Monica and Moss sitting out of the voting. Surprise! A tie between the other four members’ votes made this only the second time in “Survivor” history that forced the drawing of rocks to determine who would head to Redemption Island. It was Katie Collins who drew the white rock and that sent her packing.
For 13 years local children have benefited from the generosity of Davis Islands residents, thanks to the efforts of Jeanne Lavettre, Stacey Brown, Debora Cock, Linda Walker, Patty Ragland and 20 more volunteers in various support roles. This year, residents gave more than 2,000 toys to the drive, which will be given to charities for distribution to local children. Santa’s route began at 4:00 at Farrell’s in the village and continued on to 21 more stops around Davis Islands. His visits last about 10 minutes before he has to move on and each stop hosts a mini party for nearby families. Bob and Carol Dunn’s home is located at the roundabout. For Stop 12 they had a bouncy house set up and their spotless garage cleared out for chairs and treat tables. Santa’s motorized entourage includes a festively lighted sleigh with “elves” in decorated golf carts and other support vehicles, including the use of three brand new Honda convertibles provided by Kuhn Honda. The caravan is an exciting display of holiday cheer and children
are always eager to run up to see Santa to give them their gifts or have a quick snapshot. Lavettre says she and her co-founding sister, islands artist Eileen Goldenberg, have a very focused objective for the DI Toy Drive. “The main function is to teach children the importance of sharing,” she said and the DI Toy Drive wasn’t always such an elaborate affair. “When we were younger we would go from house-to-house with a letter from Santa Claus that said he needs help trying to get more toys for less privileged kids. Children totally get it. They understand that not all of the children in Tampa are as fortunate as they are.”
You can follow what Santa and his elves are doing on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ DIToyDrive.
This season’s game got a whole lot more interesting.
As if 80 mealworms for a snack wasn’t bad enough, the next course for Round Three was three ounces of grayish pig intestines. Monica, again, proved she had a stomach of iron and moved on to the last part of the immunity challenge. That final round came down to her and original first-season “Survivor: Borneo” competitor Gervaise Peterson. For Peterson, it was a nightmare repeated when show host Jeff Probst revealed he and Monica were to eat two very large live grubs. Grubs were a problem for Peterson 13 years ago in Borneo and now they were back to haunt him on Palaui Island in the Philippines. It took almost no time for Monica to choke and gag down the large larvae to win
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Children line up for a photo with Santa in front of his sleigh after he made his stop at the home of Bob and Carol Dunn. PHOTO / KIM FATICA
Monica Culpepper, gagging on a mouthful of large grubs, forces herself to polish off the meal to win the November 13 immunity challenge on “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” which airs Wednesday nights at 8:00 on WTSP-TV. PHOTO / PROPERTY OF CBS
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ISLAND LIFE
“Swimming with the Wind”, one of several design concepts presented to the city by artists at Cero Design & Built, Inc. PHOTO / KIM FATICA
“SWIMMING WITH THE WIND” ROY JENKINS POOL UPDATE STORY / PHOTO KIM FATICA The City of Tampa Art Selection Committee announced that Cero Design & Built, Inc. was selected to provide artwork for the exterior surface of the newly-constructed elevator shaft of the Roy Jenkins Pool. The city posted a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) earlier in the year with a July 19 deadline for application. Artists Robert Biaggi and Celso González presented an initial set of design concepts at a special workshop held December 2. According to the city’s RFQ, the selected art must highlight the historic significance of the facility and neighborhood. The design that seemed to be most popular with workshop attendees was called “Swimming with the Wind”. The artists’ description of the design read:
This art depicts a female swimmer with
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a classical look. The image represents the history of Davis Island(s) with the public pool as its main character. Its vintage look wants to respect the look of the pool and its architectural details. The art is a section cut through the pool so there is a defined water line. The sun and the sky are represented with color abstractions symbolizing the future to come. The water is seen moving in tones of blues. A budget of $25,000 has been allocated for the design, fabrication and installation of the final artwork, which should be visible at the south end of the pool where the elevator is located. No official date has been announced for selection of the final design. See more of Biaggi and González’s designs at www.cerodesign.com.
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NEW GALLERY ‘POPS’ UP
MEDI SPA HOSTS A COLORFUL DISPLAY OF ROCK LEGENDS AND SEA LIFE For a while now the storefront at 233 E. Davis Blvd has been a serene sliver of space between Islands Pizza and Serendipity Accents & Gifts. The business has been operating almost covertly, but that’s the vibe Dr. Nicholas Colorado and his wife, Dr. Kathleen Colorado, had encouraged at their dermatology and wellness practice in the village. The image of serenity pretty much changed on November 22 when a text message arrived notifying ThePOST about a new art gallery grand opening there that evening. The lively affair boldly announced the arrival of art from renown islander artist William “Bill” Munch.
Subway sandwich diet legend Jared Fogle provided a photo op with Tampa General Hospital’s Heart Walk team back on October 31. PHOTO / TGH
SUB-LEBRITY VISITS TGH
JARED FOGLE LEADS THE NOVEMBER 2 HEART WALK Jared Fogle, best known for dropping 245 pounds by sticking to a strict diet of healthy Subway sub sandwiches, dropped by Tampa General Hospital October 31. The sandwich spokesman met with TGH’s Heart Walk team to thank them and the hospital for their continued support of the annual American Heart Association event. Fogle stayed in town to lead the November 2 Heart Walk at Raymond James Stadium. It marked the 15th anniversary of his weight loss journey, which began while he was a student at Indiana University at a whopping 425 pounds.
Approximately 100 residents and friends enjoyed wine and cheese as well as food catered by popular islands eatery 220 East.
Colorado said the decision to liven up the spa was easy. “The colors are vibrant, they’re zesty, they’re cool,” he gushed. “It just connects with people, tells a story. It brings out emotions from me. A lot of people come in and really take to the art almost right away, like fish do to water.” The Colorados operate Colorado Health & Youth Dermatology Centers in Brandon and on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Tampa, but the DI location, they say, is special: It’s close to their home on Corsica.
WAR OF WORDS
YEOMAN’S WEDNESDAY GAME NIGHT RETURNS AT 6:30PM Rick “Bondo” Bond, co-owner of Yeoman’s Road Pub, said it all began with a war of words–Scrabble to be exact. “We just wanted to do something different, something fun,” Bond said. What could be more fun than games? A small group of passionate backgammon players are among the first gamers to take advantage of Bond’s invite. He emphasized that all gamers are welcome to bring their boards, cards and game pieces on Wednesdays starting at 6:30 p.m. “Players of all levels are welcome,” said islander Michael Sterns, an avid backgammon player and organizer of the local backgammon club. “It’s good for novices because they can really learn a lot from being around the more intense players.”
Wednesday night backgammon is being revived with the help from islands resident Mike Sterns (R). PHOTO / KIM FATICA
TGH has raised more than $700,000 for the American Heart Association since 2002.
NOW ON BOARD
DI CIVIC ANNOUNCES 2014 BOARD MEMBERS
SIGN OF THE TIMES
At its December 3 board meeting, The Davis Islands Civic Association voted to accept two new board members and approve continuing tenure for the following persons:
SERENDIPITY HOSTS HISTORY BOOK SIGNING
A line formed early at Serendipity Accents & Gifts December 4 to get an autographed copy of Rodney Kite Powell’s book, History of Davis Islands. The book-signing event allowed islanders to meet the curator of the Tampa Bay History Center and get the real story behind some of D.P. Davis’ visions for a utopian neighborhood. Shop owner Liz Wessel has kept stock of the book for the holiday season, along with numerous other unique Davis Islands-themed gifts. Kite-Powell will be contributing a monthly history article to ThePOST, a request by many readers.
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The peaceful clinic now pops with Munch’s vibrant and eclectic paintings that might only be described as modern impressionistic pop art with a rockand-roll flair. Munch’s passion for fishing and rock music are evident as fish and some of Munch’s favorite rock legends (Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison included) appear throughout the space and in the front window. Large, handpainted Rapala fishing lures hang from the ceiling. Nicholas Colorad described Munch’s “School of Fish” display as a “creative explosion.”
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Tampa Bay History Center curator Rodney Kite-Powell with his book, History of Davis Islands, December 4 at Serendipity Accents & Gifts. PHOTO / KIM FATICA
Antonio Amadeo, Traffic Safety Chair Bill Besselieu, Newsletter Chair Carol Rubin, T.H.A.N. Liaison Carolyn Bigley, Events Chair Cristan Fadal, President Dan Pepper, Membership Chair Debbie Zomermaand, Treasurer Denise Cassedy, Secretary Dottie Womble, DI Garden Club Liaison Ira Cohen new, Code Enforcement Chair Janice Davis, Vice President Jeannine Wish-Yeko, Green Initiatives John Wolfe new, DI Stewardship Liaison Kathy Maguire, Business Dist. Liaison Kim Fatica, Communications Chair Kim Miller, Member at Large
(Right) World-renown artist and islands resident William “Bill” Munch prior to the official launch of his gallery in the La Vida Bella Medi Spa November 22. The painting on the left is “JFK”, which sold in advance of the opening. PHOTO / KIM FATICA
Leslie Stein, Member at Large Michael Palori, Member at Large Mudra Kumar, Member at Large Stephen Stanley, Zoning/Land Use Civic Association president Cristan Fadal recognized several former board members at the organization’s annual celebration held November 12 at the DI Garden Club. Most notable was Jeanne Wolfe, who had served on the board for many years, most recently as its secretary. Carolyn Bigley, DI Civic’s Events Chair, received the “Right Hand Man Award” for being so active in many areas and for hosting numerous successful social events in 2013. Andrew Ledford, now living in New York, was recognized for starting Movies on the Lawn, which will be returning. Outgoing Green Initiatives Chair T.J. King was also recognized for advocating for park cleanups and involvement from the Sustany Foundation.
‘BREAK’ THE CHAIN
BEADS ACROSS THE BASIN LOOKS TO BREAK WORLD RECORD Tampa’s biggest holiday is drawing closer, meaning that if you attend Gasparilla, you’ll amass a ton of beads and the next day you’ll pack them away and forget about them. Here’s an idea: Why not gather up all of your beads and try to break a world record for Longest Chain of Beads? That’s what DI Civic Association Events Chair Carolyn Bigley wants to shoot for in February, following Gasparilla. Bigley says that the idea behind the event came from seeing the huge number of beads that fall in to the
water during the Gasparilla invasion down Seddon Channel. “It’s not a big deal until you realize that plastic contains toxic chemicals that release in to the water as the plastic breaks down.” Those toxic chemicals can have an adverse affect on marine life. Plastic also attracts bacteria and algae. Bigley wants to raise awareness about the effects of plastic litter through the event. The current Guinness World Record for Longest Chain of Beads (5.39 miles) was set back in February of this year in the United Kingdom. Approximately 1.44 million beads were used in the chain. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer coordinator for the event, give Bigley a call on her cell phone at (980) 722-3633.
SPREADING CHEER HOLIDAYS KEEP DI GARDEN CLUB BUSY
If you’ve noticed how festive the village looks, thank the Davis Islands Garden Club. With a little help from the City of Tampa to reach the higher spots, seven ladies from the club hung wreaths and garland at the apex park and along the village on November 25. On December 11, members from the club visited Hudson Manor to sing Christmas carols and share some holiday goodies with the residents. The Garden Club extends an open invitation to all to visit their grounds at 81 Columbia Drive. They meet the first Wednesday of every month. Call (813) 251-3123 for more info or head to their website at www.digclub.org.
Members of the Davis Islands Garden Club spent November 25 decorating the apex park and the village for the holidays. From left: Marcia Kochis, Jean Freeman, Liz Ackerman, Carol Dunn, Toni Burcham, Dawn MacDonald, Bette Whitley. PHOTO / KIM FATICA
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HANDWRITTEN GIFTS OF LOVE KIDS CHERISH MOM’S WORDS OF REFLECTION STORY / PHOTO BY MONIA SWAANS
A few weeks ago, while I was cleaning up my son’s room, I ran into a scroll carefully wrapped in a familiarlooking satin purple ribbon with the word “Serendipity” repeatedly imprinted in gold letters on it. The beautiful sight of the scroll among my son’s cherished memorabilia, he collected over the years, was like air gently blown into the flute of my soul. When I carefully untied the ribbon, I found not one, but three hand-written letters neatly set, like a cherished treasures, one inside the other. While I stared down at the letters, I felt warm loving emotions twirl within my heart. Three years ago, I started a new tradition. Each Christmas, I took the time to reflect upon the departing year and hand-write a letter to each of my two kids in order to tell them what I appreciate about them and highlight their virtues. Every word I wrote in the letter came from my heart with the purpose of bringing out the best in my son and daughter. I considered it a nice stepping-stone to transition into the New Year. It was the closing note of a departing melody and an opening one to a brand-new year’s beautiful symphony—the gift of love that I gave of myself to them. A few days later, I walked into my daughter’s room to see the cutest
little girl’s face smiling at me from a picture sitting on the desk. I smiled back and grabbed the photo. Once again, I saw my hand-written Christmas letters neatly stacked on my daughter’s desk beneath her favorite childhood picture with the now familiar “Serendipity” ribbon carefully folded and laid upon them. Although my daughter has long been gone to college and has been living in a different town, the message she left behind shined as brightly as the beautiful sun and filled me with a tender and loving feeling. I could almost hear her softly whisper in my ear, “These are the memories I treasure, Mom”. Three years later, all of the previous Christmas gifts have faded in the background. Long after the toys have broken, the clothes have gone out of style and no longer fit my kids, the three letters are still intact with “Serendipity” imprinted all over them. It’s amazing how karma never ceases to circle back. You never give without receiving. In fact, I’ve come to understand over the years that giving and receiving are embedded in each other. You can’t have one without the other. So this holiday season, I invite you to give of yourself, for this is the truest form of giving. The gift of love and care is always well-fitted and well-
fitting. It mends and strengthens relationships, and makes everyone’s heart sing. The cherry on the top, love is always in style. May the gift of love fill your hearts and your home, and remain everpresent all year long.
Monia Swaans is a writer and a Davis Islands resident. For more heart-warming, inspirational and motivational stories, visit her website at www.Secretus.org.
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PRESS RELEASE
HOLIDAY EVENTS CALENDAR PROMISES DECEMBER TO REMEMBER IN TAMPA BAY PRESS RELEASE / VISIT TAMPA BAY TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 14, 2013) – From swimming elves and trampoline jumping with Santa to outdoor ice skating and an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas Stroll, a holiday in Tampa Bay includes tons of fun for visitors of every age and interest. AIRHEADS TRAMPOLINE ARENA Thanks to the AirHeads Trampoline Arena, you can see Santa fly this year without the help of his reindeer. Hit the trampolines and jump along with jolly old St. Nick himself on select Sundays in December (Dec. 8, 15 and 22) from noon to 5 p.m. Unlimited jumping is just $16.95 per person. CHRISTMAS TOWN Christmas Town transforms Busch Gardens® Tampa into a holiday wonderland of wintery surprises and all things Christmas for 18 select nights, Nov. 29 through Dec. 23. Special Christmas entertainment, live music, festive treats, holiday shopping and thousands of twinkling lights will fill the senses with seasonal sights, sounds and flavors to create a memorable new family tradition. Everyone’s favorite attraction, SnowWorld® Presented by Coca-Cola®, returns with three times as much snow! Christmas Town is a separate-ticketed night event, and families with children ages 3 to 9 will enjoy special $10 advance tickets for their youngest members. THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM The Florida Aquarium will host Holiday FantaSea, a family-friendly celebration featuring real snow, dazzling holiday lights and more. From Dec. 26-30, Santa and his swimming elves, as well as special holiday mermaids, will swim throughout the massive tanks alongside all the amazing aquatic creatures each night
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during Holiday FantaSea. In addition, the Florida Aquarium will host two dazzling light shows each night, a huge holiday model train display, and extended hours during the Holiday FantaSea event. TAMPA DOWNTOWN ON ICE Enjoy ice skating at Tampa Downtown on Ice – the area’s only outdoor ice rink. The rink is open daily from Nov. 22, 2013 to Jan. 5, 2014 in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Admission is $10 per person for a 90-minute session and includes rental skates. WILD WONDERLAND AT TAMPA’S LOWRY PARK ZOO Meet Santa and his merry mammals – real reindeer – at Wild Wonderland at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Animated displays, a million twinkling lights, free Zoo rides and traditional holiday treats create a whimsical world of holiday magic from 6:30-10 p.m. on Dec. 7, 13-15, 17-23 and 26-30. On Dec. 13, you can also celebrate the season with the Zoo’s primate family as the primates open special presents from Zoo staff and docents as part of their enrichment program. The Presents for Primates is included free-of-charge with Zoo admission. INTERNATIONAL PLAZA If you’re traveling with your dog or cat, stop by the International Plaza to get your pet’s photo with Santa on Nov. 17 and 24 from 7-9 a.m. HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET, A TAMPA TRADITION Shop more than 150 merchants at The Junior League of Tampa’s 10th Annual Holiday Gift Market, A Tampa Tradition. Located at the Florida State Fairgrounds,
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the Market includes merchants selling everything from clothing, jewelry, and handbags to food, art, and children’s items. STRAZ CANTER If you can’t make it to New York, you can still catch The Rockettes in their Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Dec. 12-29 at the Straz Center. VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS STROLL Experience the warmth and charm of an old-time holiday at Henry B. Plant Museum’s 32nd annual Victorian Christmas Stroll, Dec. 1-23, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. There are 14 exhibit rooms, each dazzling with trimmed trees uniquely designed in 19th century themes and antique holiday accessories. This year there will also be a special exhibit, Toys Then and Now, showcasing antique toys and toys from modern times. Complimentary spiced cider and savory cookies will be served on the veranda every day, and each evening carolers will perform. Admission is $13 for adults, $11 seniors and $7 youths (4-18 years). Discount Days are Dec. 2, 3, 9, and 10 when admissions are reduced to $9 adults, $8 seniors, and $5 youths. YBOR CITY’S SNOW ON SEVENTH HOLIDAY PARADE Ybor City’s historic holiday spirit kicks off with a Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 20. Festive crowds will enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and listen to the sounds of the season from live carolers and performers as they count down to the dramatic lighting of the 34-foot tree in Centro Ybor. On Dec. 14, arrive early for front row seats for the Snow on Seventh Holiday Parade, which begins at 6 p.m. Floats, marching bands
and more entertain as snow falls throughout the parade route. OUTBACK BOWL NEW YEAR’S EVE PARADE Football fans and families from across the country can root on the home team during the Outback Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade and Pep Rally and Battle of the Bands competition on Tuesday, Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve), starting at 5:30 p.m. MORE EVENTS Other events include Snacking with Santa at the Armed Forces History Museum, holiday concerts by the Opera Tampa Singers, The Nutcracker performed by The Great Imperial Ballet, and The Florida Orchestra’s Holiday Pop Series. ABOUT VISIT TAMPA BAY Visit Tampa Bay leads the effort of economic development through tourism. The mission of Visit Tampa Bay is to create vibrant growth for the Tampa area by promoting, developing and expanding a united visitor industry. The independent not-for-profit organization represents more than 700 businesses throughout Tampa Bay and promotes the area as a choice destination for conventions and visitors.
For more information and events calendar, go to VisitTampaBay.com, or follow us on Facebook (Visit Tampa Bay) or Twitter (@VisitTampaBay).
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DOG PARK
SON’S GOOD DEED EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT FOR DOG PARK BY KIM FATICA
It’s not every day a father has the opportunity to write a story about his son’s good deeds, but this is one I am proud to share. I’m not just taking editorial freedoms because, as the editor, I also happen to be a co-owner of this little paper. On my honor, I tell you I agonized over how much play I was going to give this story for fear of showing favoritism.
Life Scout and islands resident Noah Fatica spent part of his day cutting back sea grape overgrowth with his friend and neighbor Keiler Schroeder. Schroeder earned his Eagle Scout rank in 2012. PHOTO / KIM FATICA
There are a lot of good young men living in our neighborhood and many of them have come through my Boy Scout troop where I am an assistant scoutmaster. None, however, have planned and executed a community service project for Davis Islands. My son recognized this almost two years ago. He’s had numerous opportunities to do service projects all over Tampa, but he didn’t care for any of them. It was Davis Islands or nothing. When the opportunity came to help the Friends of Davis Islands Dog Parks, he was all over it. They wanted a pet memorial wall and he was determined to get it for them and without a penny spent out of their bank account. What the Friends of Davis Islands Dog Parks didn’t know is they would get so much more.
Life Scout and islands resident Mikel Peel works with Troop 22 Assistant Scoutmaster Ron Gaines to disassemble and remove one of two warped and rusted park benches. PHOTO / KIM FATICA
Billed as a “Pooch Party”, the Friends of Davis Islands Dog Parks sponsored a celebration at Fountain Square. Jen Fadel and Carolyn PHOTO / KIM FATICA
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The park was in need of trimming; shade structures built by Parks and Recreation workers over the summer needed to be painted; the shade bench was missing pieces and was looking weather worn; two old park benches were warped and very rusty
and the fire hydrant was faded, rusty and leaning at an odd angle. Oh, and the 12-foot by 8-foot memorial wall had to be built. Noah had raised nearly $500 from ClickStartMe, a Tampa-based crowdfunding site. It was enough to pay for the day’s supplies like paint, brushes and boards. It also fed a hungry crew at lunchtime. As a good Boy Scout should be, he was frugal with his spending, leaving some extra money for the organization to purchase some buttonwood trees for shade at a later date. His project was a great example of community involvement. He enlisted several of his Boy Scout buddies and leaders who are also residents of the islands. Even bigger was the fact that he was able to recruit an islandsbased business to help him construct the memorial wall from city-approved plans. He even got his little sister, Olivia, to help out. She worked as hard as any Boy Scout that day. People visiting the park throughout the day kept asking what was going on. When they found out, they were thrilled and complimentary of the work the scouts had been doing. The next morning I went up to the park with my daughter to check out the work that had been done. Two women were having a conversation as their dogs played together. I overheard them say how wonderful the park looked.
Friends of Davis Islands Dog Parks have begun taking orders for plaques to be mounted on the memorial wall. The plaques are five inches square. PHOTO / KIM FATICA
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“Wow! I can finally see the water,” one exclaimed, referring to the trimmed-back sea grapes along the southern fence line.
As a father, I couldn’t have been more proud. This is what service to your community and being a good citizen is all about.
“The park really looks great,” said the second woman.
This was the very last thing my son needed to finish on his trail to becoming an Eagle Scout–a third generation Eagle Scout. Only five percent of the boys that join the Boy Scouts ever attain that pinnacle. Don’t ever let anyone tell you the Boy Scout movement is dead. Your dog park is proof that it’s still very much thriving in your own neighborhood.
A couple days later I received this note from City of Tampa landscape architect Laurie Potier-Brown: I LOVE the sea grape trim! It is so much better for visuals and air movement! Thank you and the scouts for all your hard work!
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Life Scout and islands resident Brian Nazareth helps Fatica replace boards missing from the shade bench in the southwest corner of the dog park. Nazareth is planning his Eagle Scout project for early 2014. PHOTO / KIM FATICA
The 12-foot high memorial wall will eventually display more than 100 plaques commemorating pet owners’ furry family members. PHOTO / KIM FATICA
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Community Health Education Programs
IN HYDE PARK VILLAGE • 740 SOUTH VILLAGE CIRCLE, TAMPA 33606 Wednesday, December 4, 2013 5:30 PM Check-in / 6:00 PM Program
Wellness Workshop: Current Trends in Muscle Conditioning*
Friday, December 6, 2013 THIS PROGRAM AT TGMG FAMILY CARE CENTER LOIS
10:00 AM Check-in / 10:30 AM Program
HeartMath: Technology for Inner Balance & Stress Relief
Suzan Mekler, AHFS, PRCS, NS, CPT, Community Health Educator, Tampa General Hospital
Kimberly Gray, RN, LMT, CHTP/I, Integrative Healthcare Program Coordinator, Tampa General Hospital
Strength and muscular endurance conditioning have always been essential components of a well-balanced physical fitness program. Many people are confused about some of the new trends happening both in and out of gyms today. This workshop is designed to educate you about the basics of proper strength and endurance programs, focusing on the current trends toward functional movements.
Over 20 years of research performed by the Institute of HeartMath on stress and the effect our emotions have on our body has told us that it is the quality of the emotion that affects how our body responds to stress. The HeartMath System helps you harness the power of your heart rhythms to manage your emotions. Doing this reduces stress, improves health, increases focus, enables us to communicate better, and allows us to be more creative to achieve more balanced interactions, which in turn, improves relationships.
*This event is held at our Tampa General Medical Group Family Care Center Lois, located at 2106 S. Lois Ave., Tampa, FL 33629.
Thursday, December 5, 2013 1:00 PM Check-in / 1:30 PM Program
Solutions to your Resolutions: Setting Goals Suzan Mekler, AHFS, PRCS, NS, CPT, Community Health Educator, Tampa General Hospital Wouldn’t it be wonderful to not make the same old New Year’s resolutions “again” and still be able to enjoy family celebrations and festivities? This presentation will provide great information and tips for “savoring the flavors” of the holiday season guilt-free by finding ways to set and keep activity goals as a solution to our resolutions.
Thursday, December 5, 2013 6:00 PM Check-in / 6:30 PM Program
Navigating the Nutrition Highway: Tips for Holiday Eating Jamie Vespa, MS, R/D, LD/N, Clinical Nutrition Specialist, Tampa General Hospital The holiday season is a time for family gatherings and celebrations. Unfortunately, the holidays can also pose a risk to even the healthiest eating plans. According to the National Institutes of Health, holiday eating can result in an extra pound or two every year. Over a lifetime, those pounds can add up. You do not have to gain weight at the holidays. Join us to learn a few simple tips to help you balance food, activity and fun during this holiday season.
Thursday, December 12, 2013 1:00 PM Check-in / 1:30 PM Program
Holiday Stress and the Exercise Connection Suzan Mekler, AHFS, PRCS, NS, CPT, Community Health Educator, Tampa General Hospital It is well known that stress can greatly impact our lives both positively and negatively. And while the holidays can be a time of great joy, they can also be highly stressful. Join us to learn how regular exercise can help manage holiday stress.
Thursday, December 12, 2013 6:00 PM Check-in / 6:30 PM Program
Aging, Fertility and Menopause Barry Verkauf, MD, Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine As you age, your chances of getting pregnant decrease. Women are experiencing age-related infertility at a higher rate because, for a variety of reasons, many wait until their thirties to start a family. While women today are healthier and taking better care of themselves, improved health does not significantly offset the natural age-related decline in fertility. Also, as baby boomers age, more women are entering a stage of life associated with menopause. Join us for an informative discussion on fertility in mid-life and menopause.
Monday, December 16, 2013 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM By Appointment Only
SCREENING
Posture Screening Visit www.tgh.org for a complete listing of community health education programs Free parking
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Convenient location
Good posture is essential for coordination, all body movement, balance and healthy organ functions, including our lungs and digestive system. A posture screening may provide an opportunity to identify problems that can greatly impact our overall health. This is a preliminary screening, not a diagnosis. Please wear comfortable clothing.
Seating is limited • Register for these FREE programs via phone at 1-800-822-3627 or online at www.tgh.org