I spoke at the Winter Park city commission meeting this evening. On the agenda was a resolution supporting commuter rail written for them by Metroplan (Harry Barley) who has prepared a similar resolution for every town/city in Central Florida to sign (including those not on the rail line). The plan is to then collect them and return to Tallahassee to press their case.
But Winter Park city commission was having none of this cookie-cutter, force-fed resolution. Three commissioners and the mayor all recognized that this was an attempt to use them to bolster support in Tallahassee for the state's assumption of CSX's liability.
Instead they rejected this resolution and decided to draft their own, perhaps supporting looking at alternative passenger rail plans utilizing Amtrak for the entire I-4 corridor.
It was a victory for true passenger rail proponents. Winter Park refused to be a pawn in the liability game. I expect other cities to follow Winter Park's lead.
You can view the resolution they rejected at:
http://www.cityofwinterpark.org/2005/govt/agenda_packet.shtml
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
I'm A Believer - In The Chop Shop's Burgers
"Now I'm a believer
Not a trace
Of doubt in my mind."
The Monkees "I'm A Believer"
Since Ty and Abby Starkey opened The Chop Shop on South Kentucky Avenue, I have been hearing about their great burgers. People rave about them. People rave about a lot of things, but they genuinely loved the burgers and atmosphere at The Chop Shop.
So, surrendering to the herd mentality my husband and I stopped in for dinner last night. The herd was right. The burger was succulent, cooked just right, and loaded with fresh toppings. The bun was grilled lightly and substantial enough to contain the juicy filling.
I am an unrepentant fan of all things considered deviant in the dietary world today. I love red meat - rare. I'm a fan of real butter, refined sugar (used to work for a company that makes the stuff) and caffine. I do love vegetables, too. But, when you're in need of comfort food, nothing beats a burger so juicy that you feel like you have to take a bath after eating it. Eating that burger at The Chop Shop was a luxurious experience. OK, my tastes are simple.
Because I also believe in moderation in (most) everything, I am glad to see vegetarian choices on
the menu as well. They have a good beer selection, although my husband pointed out that they didn't have Sam Adams.
The Chop Shop is fun and noisy and full of laughter and definitely worth a visit. One thing Downtown does have is a good selection of locally owned and operated restaurants and cafes. They all beat the pants off of the "chain gang" experiences.
Not a trace
Of doubt in my mind."
The Monkees "I'm A Believer"
Since Ty and Abby Starkey opened The Chop Shop on South Kentucky Avenue, I have been hearing about their great burgers. People rave about them. People rave about a lot of things, but they genuinely loved the burgers and atmosphere at The Chop Shop.
So, surrendering to the herd mentality my husband and I stopped in for dinner last night. The herd was right. The burger was succulent, cooked just right, and loaded with fresh toppings. The bun was grilled lightly and substantial enough to contain the juicy filling.
I am an unrepentant fan of all things considered deviant in the dietary world today. I love red meat - rare. I'm a fan of real butter, refined sugar (used to work for a company that makes the stuff) and caffine. I do love vegetables, too. But, when you're in need of comfort food, nothing beats a burger so juicy that you feel like you have to take a bath after eating it. Eating that burger at The Chop Shop was a luxurious experience. OK, my tastes are simple.
Because I also believe in moderation in (most) everything, I am glad to see vegetarian choices on
the menu as well. They have a good beer selection, although my husband pointed out that they didn't have Sam Adams.
The Chop Shop is fun and noisy and full of laughter and definitely worth a visit. One thing Downtown does have is a good selection of locally owned and operated restaurants and cafes. They all beat the pants off of the "chain gang" experiences.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
CSX Stuff You Gotta Read
OK, if anyone thought that I had a lot to say about the CSX issue, grab a snack. Aikane Leo's latest post is awesome so please read and share with your friends. The link to the blog is on the blog list at the top left of this page.
Parking in Downtown - Perception Is Reality
I attended a great meeting today with city folks, parking consultants and property owners. The subject: Parking in Downtown Lakeland. I will not bore you with all of the details of the meeting, but just know that it was constructive. Like any 100 year old urban core, Downtown Lakeland has its share of parking issues.
I am of the belief that the parking problem, to a certain extent, is really a perception problem. Sure, there is plenty of parking in Downtown. But much of the parking is away from the retail core, which makes the free and available parking the least convenient. Therefore there is a perception of not enough parking in Downtown. But for those of us who do not mind walking 100 yards or so when we don't get lucky enough to get that coveted spot right in front of where we want to be, there is not a parking crisis today.
But we have to look to the future as we work to get our retail core back on track and court more large companies to utilize our office spaces. I am in full support of building parking structures that incorporate retail, office, residential and parking all in one so that we do not fill our Downtown with more Main Street garages. I think that is where we are headed through public/private partnerships discussed today.
I am of the belief that the parking problem, to a certain extent, is really a perception problem. Sure, there is plenty of parking in Downtown. But much of the parking is away from the retail core, which makes the free and available parking the least convenient. Therefore there is a perception of not enough parking in Downtown. But for those of us who do not mind walking 100 yards or so when we don't get lucky enough to get that coveted spot right in front of where we want to be, there is not a parking crisis today.
But we have to look to the future as we work to get our retail core back on track and court more large companies to utilize our office spaces. I am in full support of building parking structures that incorporate retail, office, residential and parking all in one so that we do not fill our Downtown with more Main Street garages. I think that is where we are headed through public/private partnerships discussed today.
Monday, May 19, 2008
CSX Q&A in The Ledger
The Ledger's Q&A this weekend may have led readers to believe their questions were asked of all of the people listed. That is not so. In particular, the question about Lakeland was not asked of me. At the bottom I have included The Ledger's questions sent to me along with the responses I sent back to them. But first I would like to address the question and the answer given in The Ledger.
Q. Lakeland, fearing its downtown would be divided in two by freight trains, screamed murder at the commuter-rail plan. Did that win the city any friends?
A. Not really. Gernert, referring to tactics used by Lakeland opponents of the rail proposal, said a more widespread plan for commuter rail will "take more creative thought and compromise than placing a dunk tank and holding an anti-CSX rally in Munn Park. Are we willing to come to the table in a spirit of cooperation?"
Had I been asked the question, this would have been my reply:
First, I want to make clear that neither I, nor the Downtown Lakeland Partnership, speak for the city government. The city leaders can speak for themselves. Second, in no way did Lakeland "scream murder" at the commuter rail plan. But the Downtown Lakeland Partnership recognized early on that the ILC project would have negative impacts on Lakeland and other parts of Polk that appeared to be ignored. The DLP addressed the Lakeland City Commission in August 2007 and asked that they take action. When FDOT Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos met with Lakeland in December, the DLP asked her very directly why Lakeland was completely left out of this process. She had no answer.
Let's be very, very clear about Mr. Gernert’s statement above. There was no invitation from Winter Haven nor Orlando to sit down and discuss anything in a "spirit of cooperation". The sentiments of their comments were:
There is nothing you can do, it’s a done deal.
Lakeland's problems are just a red herring.
It's only four more trains, why is Lakeland whining?
LAKELAND is causing an East West divide in this county.
Those originally invited to the table – Winter Haven, Orlando, CSX and FDOT – certainly exhibited a “spirit of cooperation.” Let’s review:
Winter Haven sells 318 acres of land to CSX even thought they and CSX continue to speak of a 1200 acre project and all of its "benefits". Why 318 acres? That happens to be just two acres shy of what would automatically trigger a Development of Regional Impact review. The purpose of a DRI is to ensure that projects do not cause more harm than good and that unavoidable negative impacts are properly mitigated. When this two acre fudge-factor was pointed out, Winter Haven did not voluntarily agree to the DRI, they fought it. Even after it was pointed out that the "deal" they struck with CSX was going to have negative impacts on their neighbors, they fought it.
It took a letter from the county commissioners to Secretary Tom Pelham at the Department of Community Affairs to get the DRI process going. But the DRI is only going to study the 318 acre project. In the spirit of all that is fair and honest, the additional impacts from the 1200 project will be ignored. Winter Haven and CSX continue to talk about the benefits of the larger project, yet no one is allowed to talk about or study its negative impacts.
Now for Orlando.
In the "spirit of cooperation” - and after the Orlando Sentinel began reporting about the problems in Lakeland - Lakeland city leaders were invited to a MyRegion.org meeting in March 2008 in Orlando (years after the project was publicly announced) where Lakeland's concerns would be addressed. But we were told that we could not say anything controversial, and the only questions that could be asked would be for clarification about something presented. Interested parties had about 5 minutes each to make their case. Central Florida Partnership opened the meeting. Winter Haven, Orlando, FDOT's Stan Cann, and CSX got 5 minutes. FDOT's Noranne Downs got 10 minutes. All of these are strong backers of the project. They received a collective 40 minutes plus. The City of Lakeland got 5 minutes. The only folks who could ask questions were the MyRegion board members.
After the meeting? Well in the spirit of cooperation several of us were invited to attend the Central Florida Fly-In to Tallahassee with the Central Florida Partnership to support commuter rail. I went. And the pep rallies in Tallahassee for commuter rail were nice. But not one of those Fly-In attendees wanted to listen to the facts regarding the freight super highway being created through Lakeland - forever. No one wanted to hear that the freight trains that Orlando so desperately wants to get rid of will not mysteriously disappear but will actually negatively affect a neighboring city that had no voice in the discussions about this project. Not one wanted to work together to try to solve the problem so that commuter rail could move forward and Lakeland could be spared.
But, finally we did get a response. Sen. Webster, when asked about Lakeland's concerns, said (and I'm paraphrasing) that Lakeland is rural and preference needs to be given to more metropolitan areas. Nothing about "yes, we need to look at that" or "certainly their concerns are valid and we want to work with them" or "They are right, we should not spend taxpayer dollars to help one part of the state while harming another".
You know the old saying, "With friends like these....
--
A local radio station contacted me about doing a 15 minute segment on the CSX project since the Downtown Lakeland Partnership has led the grassroots efforts of opposition. I suggested that the station ask Bob Gernert to do the show with me so we could have a lively but respectful debate. In the spirit of cooperation and working together, he declined.
--
We, in Lakeland, want nothing more than a spirit of cooperation. The Orlando Sentinel reported last week: "Members of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission said Friday they want to reach out to Lakeland. ... We will initiate conversations to make sure we can get everybody satisfied," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who heads the four-county commission that would operate the rail line. "I think everyone needs to be engaged."
Exactly, Mayor Dyer. Thank you. We have the time now to all get together in one room and address the need for passenger rail and the demands for freight rail in the entire region from Tampa to Orlando. With all parties working together, we are confident that a plan can be worked out.
--
This is the email I received and the responses I gave to the Ledger's Q&A:
To: senators J.D. Alexander and Paula Dockery, reps. Dennis Ross and Seth McKeel, city managers David Greene and Doug Thomas, Commissioner Gow Fields, executive directors Bob Gernert, and Julie Townsend.
Ladies and gentlemen:
The Ledger is trying to explain where the CSX commuter rail project, the ILC project and the likely freight routes to the ILC stand. We have sent a query to CSX but want to hear from you too.
Please send a return e-mail with your answers. If you don’t know the answers to some of the questions or don’t want to speculate, just leave that answer blank. We are planning a story for the weekend and hope to hear from you soon. Please keep your answers as short as possible.
Q:
What is your understanding of the status of the Winter Haven ILC? CSX says it is going forward with its plans to build the ILC. Do you think the company will build it? Are there any possible stumbling blocks associated with building the project?
A:
I believe at this time they plan to build it, but whether that happens remains to be seen. The DRI process is not complete. The lesson here is to not assume it is a "done deal".
Q:
Do you think the CSX/commuter rail deal from Poninciana to DeLand will still happen? Why so or why not?
A:
There has always been support for the concept of commuter rail. This project, however, was formulated to favor and accommodate CSX, not the citizens. Just because Orlando's delegation says it is a good plan does not make it so. The facts need to be discussed and debated by all affected communities, not just those who stand to benefit. It has a better chance of happening if less power is thrown around and more cooperation is exhibited.
Q:
What could be done to help the deal along?
A:
It has a better chance of happening if less power is thrown around and more cooperation is exhibited.
Q:
What could be done to stop it?
A:
Can't show all the cards just yet.
Q:What is your understanding of how much state money is slated to be spent on the CSX commuter rail deal and other rail improvements around Florida?
A:
My understanding is that at least $1.1 Billion will be spent. That does not include the blank check the state has waiting for the first seven years of operating cost.
Q:
Where is that money now?
A:
Some is already in the FDOT budget, but I would imagine that the 7 years of operating cost is not yet figured into any budget since there has not been a dollar amount determined. The Federal dollars HAVE NOT been allocated.
Q:
Is there a sunset for spending it?
A:
The state's deal with CSX expires June 2009.
Q:
In the absence of commuter rail in east-central Florida, it appears to be a shorter trip (35 miles is a guess) on the A line from Jacksonville, through Orlando to Winter Haven than from Jacksonville on the S Line through Ocala and Lakeland to Winter Haven. Which line do you think CSX will use for southbound freight? Would they use both?
A:
It is hard to say. CSX has changes their story so many times. Gary Sease, CSX spokesman said in writing in Oct 2007 that both lines would be used equally because, without state money, the improvements to the s-line could not be immediately done.
Q:
If/when the ILC opens, will freight rail from Tampa and the Port of Manatee come to the ILC through Lakeland or Mulberry?
A:
One would expect that to happen. That is why this is such an important issue. Sen. Webster claims that this in a "local" issue for Orlando and the other counties involved in the commuter rail project. On no one's planet is this a local issue. This deal redistributes freight traffic forever and changes Central Florida's economy. It needs to be dissected and re-worked so that the best interest of Florida is at the forefront, not CSX.
The Link to the Ledger's Q&A:
http://www.theledger.com/article/20080518/NEWS/805180338
Q. Lakeland, fearing its downtown would be divided in two by freight trains, screamed murder at the commuter-rail plan. Did that win the city any friends?
A. Not really. Gernert, referring to tactics used by Lakeland opponents of the rail proposal, said a more widespread plan for commuter rail will "take more creative thought and compromise than placing a dunk tank and holding an anti-CSX rally in Munn Park. Are we willing to come to the table in a spirit of cooperation?"
Had I been asked the question, this would have been my reply:
First, I want to make clear that neither I, nor the Downtown Lakeland Partnership, speak for the city government. The city leaders can speak for themselves. Second, in no way did Lakeland "scream murder" at the commuter rail plan. But the Downtown Lakeland Partnership recognized early on that the ILC project would have negative impacts on Lakeland and other parts of Polk that appeared to be ignored. The DLP addressed the Lakeland City Commission in August 2007 and asked that they take action. When FDOT Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos met with Lakeland in December, the DLP asked her very directly why Lakeland was completely left out of this process. She had no answer.
Let's be very, very clear about Mr. Gernert’s statement above. There was no invitation from Winter Haven nor Orlando to sit down and discuss anything in a "spirit of cooperation". The sentiments of their comments were:
There is nothing you can do, it’s a done deal.
Lakeland's problems are just a red herring.
It's only four more trains, why is Lakeland whining?
LAKELAND is causing an East West divide in this county.
Those originally invited to the table – Winter Haven, Orlando, CSX and FDOT – certainly exhibited a “spirit of cooperation.” Let’s review:
Winter Haven sells 318 acres of land to CSX even thought they and CSX continue to speak of a 1200 acre project and all of its "benefits". Why 318 acres? That happens to be just two acres shy of what would automatically trigger a Development of Regional Impact review. The purpose of a DRI is to ensure that projects do not cause more harm than good and that unavoidable negative impacts are properly mitigated. When this two acre fudge-factor was pointed out, Winter Haven did not voluntarily agree to the DRI, they fought it. Even after it was pointed out that the "deal" they struck with CSX was going to have negative impacts on their neighbors, they fought it.
It took a letter from the county commissioners to Secretary Tom Pelham at the Department of Community Affairs to get the DRI process going. But the DRI is only going to study the 318 acre project. In the spirit of all that is fair and honest, the additional impacts from the 1200 project will be ignored. Winter Haven and CSX continue to talk about the benefits of the larger project, yet no one is allowed to talk about or study its negative impacts.
Now for Orlando.
In the "spirit of cooperation” - and after the Orlando Sentinel began reporting about the problems in Lakeland - Lakeland city leaders were invited to a MyRegion.org meeting in March 2008 in Orlando (years after the project was publicly announced) where Lakeland's concerns would be addressed. But we were told that we could not say anything controversial, and the only questions that could be asked would be for clarification about something presented. Interested parties had about 5 minutes each to make their case. Central Florida Partnership opened the meeting. Winter Haven, Orlando, FDOT's Stan Cann, and CSX got 5 minutes. FDOT's Noranne Downs got 10 minutes. All of these are strong backers of the project. They received a collective 40 minutes plus. The City of Lakeland got 5 minutes. The only folks who could ask questions were the MyRegion board members.
After the meeting? Well in the spirit of cooperation several of us were invited to attend the Central Florida Fly-In to Tallahassee with the Central Florida Partnership to support commuter rail. I went. And the pep rallies in Tallahassee for commuter rail were nice. But not one of those Fly-In attendees wanted to listen to the facts regarding the freight super highway being created through Lakeland - forever. No one wanted to hear that the freight trains that Orlando so desperately wants to get rid of will not mysteriously disappear but will actually negatively affect a neighboring city that had no voice in the discussions about this project. Not one wanted to work together to try to solve the problem so that commuter rail could move forward and Lakeland could be spared.
But, finally we did get a response. Sen. Webster, when asked about Lakeland's concerns, said (and I'm paraphrasing) that Lakeland is rural and preference needs to be given to more metropolitan areas. Nothing about "yes, we need to look at that" or "certainly their concerns are valid and we want to work with them" or "They are right, we should not spend taxpayer dollars to help one part of the state while harming another".
You know the old saying, "With friends like these....
--
A local radio station contacted me about doing a 15 minute segment on the CSX project since the Downtown Lakeland Partnership has led the grassroots efforts of opposition. I suggested that the station ask Bob Gernert to do the show with me so we could have a lively but respectful debate. In the spirit of cooperation and working together, he declined.
--
We, in Lakeland, want nothing more than a spirit of cooperation. The Orlando Sentinel reported last week: "Members of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission said Friday they want to reach out to Lakeland. ... We will initiate conversations to make sure we can get everybody satisfied," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who heads the four-county commission that would operate the rail line. "I think everyone needs to be engaged."
Exactly, Mayor Dyer. Thank you. We have the time now to all get together in one room and address the need for passenger rail and the demands for freight rail in the entire region from Tampa to Orlando. With all parties working together, we are confident that a plan can be worked out.
--
This is the email I received and the responses I gave to the Ledger's Q&A:
To: senators J.D. Alexander and Paula Dockery, reps. Dennis Ross and Seth McKeel, city managers David Greene and Doug Thomas, Commissioner Gow Fields, executive directors Bob Gernert, and Julie Townsend.
Ladies and gentlemen:
The Ledger is trying to explain where the CSX commuter rail project, the ILC project and the likely freight routes to the ILC stand. We have sent a query to CSX but want to hear from you too.
Please send a return e-mail with your answers. If you don’t know the answers to some of the questions or don’t want to speculate, just leave that answer blank. We are planning a story for the weekend and hope to hear from you soon. Please keep your answers as short as possible.
Q:
What is your understanding of the status of the Winter Haven ILC? CSX says it is going forward with its plans to build the ILC. Do you think the company will build it? Are there any possible stumbling blocks associated with building the project?
A:
I believe at this time they plan to build it, but whether that happens remains to be seen. The DRI process is not complete. The lesson here is to not assume it is a "done deal".
Q:
Do you think the CSX/commuter rail deal from Poninciana to DeLand will still happen? Why so or why not?
A:
There has always been support for the concept of commuter rail. This project, however, was formulated to favor and accommodate CSX, not the citizens. Just because Orlando's delegation says it is a good plan does not make it so. The facts need to be discussed and debated by all affected communities, not just those who stand to benefit. It has a better chance of happening if less power is thrown around and more cooperation is exhibited.
Q:
What could be done to help the deal along?
A:
It has a better chance of happening if less power is thrown around and more cooperation is exhibited.
Q:
What could be done to stop it?
A:
Can't show all the cards just yet.
Q:What is your understanding of how much state money is slated to be spent on the CSX commuter rail deal and other rail improvements around Florida?
A:
My understanding is that at least $1.1 Billion will be spent. That does not include the blank check the state has waiting for the first seven years of operating cost.
Q:
Where is that money now?
A:
Some is already in the FDOT budget, but I would imagine that the 7 years of operating cost is not yet figured into any budget since there has not been a dollar amount determined. The Federal dollars HAVE NOT been allocated.
Q:
Is there a sunset for spending it?
A:
The state's deal with CSX expires June 2009.
Q:
In the absence of commuter rail in east-central Florida, it appears to be a shorter trip (35 miles is a guess) on the A line from Jacksonville, through Orlando to Winter Haven than from Jacksonville on the S Line through Ocala and Lakeland to Winter Haven. Which line do you think CSX will use for southbound freight? Would they use both?
A:
It is hard to say. CSX has changes their story so many times. Gary Sease, CSX spokesman said in writing in Oct 2007 that both lines would be used equally because, without state money, the improvements to the s-line could not be immediately done.
Q:
If/when the ILC opens, will freight rail from Tampa and the Port of Manatee come to the ILC through Lakeland or Mulberry?
A:
One would expect that to happen. That is why this is such an important issue. Sen. Webster claims that this in a "local" issue for Orlando and the other counties involved in the commuter rail project. On no one's planet is this a local issue. This deal redistributes freight traffic forever and changes Central Florida's economy. It needs to be dissected and re-worked so that the best interest of Florida is at the forefront, not CSX.
The Link to the Ledger's Q&A:
http://www.theledger.com/article/20080518/NEWS/805180338
Saturday, May 17, 2008
What Do You Want From Us?
Allow me to introduce myself - I'm Ellen Simms, and I own FastFrame on South Kentucky. My store's been open a little more than three years. My husband, Michael, and I live in the South Lake Morton neighborhood - so my life pretty much revolves around Downtown Lakeland (some say that's sad).
I've been deeply involved with the DLP and am probably a thorn in the side of the status quo. Julie Townsend is letting me blog because she's tired of me nagging her to write certain things.
Maybe you come to Downtown regularly or maybe it's been a while, but we want your opinions about what is here and what you'd like to see added.
Coming very soon on South Kentucky - SugarRush - it's a confectioner's that will feature homemade fudge and wonderfully, sinfully delicious ice cream. Just think, the walk to the parking garage will keep those pounds off!
Linkster's Taproom, on Main Street, recently opened. It's a great neighborhood bar. gather your friends and visit. If you don't have any friends, make some at Linksters.
GOSH! is still in the works for North Kentucky.
The DLP and the LDDA are working on attracting new retail to Downtown. There's a lively debate about what should come first - recruiting new stores or branding Downtown. I won't tell you who is on what side of that issue. Would you rather have more shopping or cute slogans? (Uh oh, did I just give you a clue as to where I stand?)
By the way - it's not fair to stand on the sidelines and snipe at anyone trying to do anything. So, get involved, speak your mind. We'll be happy to tell you if you're right or not. (Just kidding!)
Friday, May 16, 2008
Sen. Dockery's Letter to DCA Secretary Tom Pelham
Please read lakeland local's blog post about Sen. Dockery's letter. The link is in the left column of this page.
FRESH CHOICE PLUS LOWERS PRICES!!!
That's Right! Soloman has gone CRAZY and Said is NOT HAPPY about it!!
Gas prices are UP, food costs are UP! And Fresh Choice Plus.... LOWERS PRICES!!!!!
For a limited time, Fresh Choice Plus is offering Mon-Sat Lunch at $4.99
including the fountain drink!!! (not valid with any other other)
Hurry in before Said knocks some sense into Soloman!!!!!!
Fresh Choice Plus • 119 S. Kentucky Ave. • 686-8574
ALL YOU CAN EAT
SALAD BAR • SOUPS • PASTA • DESSERTS • BAKERY • PIZZA
PLUS...
Complimentary glass of Wine on Mediterannean night. Saturdays 4 - close. ( Offer good on Saturday, May 17 & May 24.)
Gas prices are UP, food costs are UP! And Fresh Choice Plus.... LOWERS PRICES!!!!!
For a limited time, Fresh Choice Plus is offering Mon-Sat Lunch at $4.99
including the fountain drink!!! (not valid with any other other)
Hurry in before Said knocks some sense into Soloman!!!!!!
Fresh Choice Plus • 119 S. Kentucky Ave. • 686-8574
ALL YOU CAN EAT
SALAD BAR • SOUPS • PASTA • DESSERTS • BAKERY • PIZZA
PLUS...
Complimentary glass of Wine on Mediterannean night. Saturdays 4 - close. ( Offer good on Saturday, May 17 & May 24.)
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Blog Links Added - Take A Look
Take a look at the top left corner of the blog page, and you will see I've added some links to other local bloggers. They are far better than I am at keeping fresh material up, so I will be referring to them often. Many are regular bloggers about CSX, so take a few minutes to read what they have written - Lots of good stuff there.
Also there is GREAT Mayfaire coverage. Again, not yet thinking like a blogger, it did not occur to me to take photos at Mayfaire and post them. (I'll get there one day.) But truly, these guys did an awesome job, so really....why reinvent the wheel. Plus, I can help them out by driving traffic to them. IT'S A WIN WIN!
I'll be getting some other DLP members to blog with me, too. We want info about what is happening Downtown, so I will need more eyes and ears.
Lakeland Local did a great piece pn Mitchell's Coffee House's 10 year anniversary. CHECK IT OUT.
Also there is GREAT Mayfaire coverage. Again, not yet thinking like a blogger, it did not occur to me to take photos at Mayfaire and post them. (I'll get there one day.) But truly, these guys did an awesome job, so really....why reinvent the wheel. Plus, I can help them out by driving traffic to them. IT'S A WIN WIN!
I'll be getting some other DLP members to blog with me, too. We want info about what is happening Downtown, so I will need more eyes and ears.
Lakeland Local did a great piece pn Mitchell's Coffee House's 10 year anniversary. CHECK IT OUT.
Downtown AT Dusk - Thanks Hyatt Place!
The Downtown at Dusk - DLP Networking Social - was a big success!!! Big Thanks to Hyatt Place for hosting! If you have not yet attended one our our D@D events, the next one is August 12. Location to be determined. So I'll keep you posted - literally.
In the Dog House
Ok, so I have broken the cardinal rule and not blogged regularly. SO I will try to be better. Here goes.
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