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Group Opposes New Tampa Library Name Change

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 4, 2008

NEW TAMPA - A group with ties to the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Board plans to lobby against an effort to rename New Tampa Regional Library.

Bernadette Storck, president of Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County Inc., said Wednesday that the group is opposed to making an addition or change to the name of the library.

The New Tampa Community Council wants the honor to go to Carol Poland, a longtime civic activist and crime watch leader in Hunter's Green. The Tampa City Council asked that the library be named for Jeri Zelinski, who is considered instrumental in prodding developers to donate land and in petitioning the county commission to build the facility. She died in 2002. The library board's eight-member bylaws committee will meet at 4 p.m. today to make its recommendation to the library board.

Kenneth Knight

Old Cars Will Bite The Dust

PLANT CITY - "Big Rick" Bliss and his friends have a pretty unusual way to have fun.

Once a year, they gather for barbecue - and to destroy old cars.

You can look, but don't get too close, as car engine parts will fly at the Dec. 13 Bill Thompson's Car Blow, now in its 27th year.

The public is invited to an evening that includes free barbecue, hot dogs and, for the kids, marshmallows, and a karaoke contest. But the biggest draw is the Car Blow.

"We drain the oil out of the crank case and coolant from the radiator," said Bliss, who hosts the event at his place, 3940 E. Knights-Griffin Road. We cut the fan belt and set the accelerator spring to hold the throttle wide open. Then we crank the car up and stand back until she blows."

For details, call Bliss at (813) 754-1766.

George H. Newman

North Bon Air Plans Yard Sale

TAMPA - In 1920, North Bon Air sprouted with about 10 homes, which makes it one of Tampa's oldest neighborhoods. The 1929 stock market crash temporarily put the brakes on its expansion - until the nation's post-World War II building boom.

Today, it is an enclave nestled in street grids from Kennedy Boulevard to State Street and from Dale Mabry Highway to Lois Avenue. The 2000 census counted about 500 households.

On Saturday, residents will hold a yard sale to help fill the coffers of the North Bon Air Neighborhood Association. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the public is invited to browse through collections on sale at 3920 W. Carmen St.

For information, contact association secretary Richard Reavis at (813) 873-7047.

Kathy Steele

Boat Parade Will Set Sail

RIVERVIEW - You don't have to join the flotilla to be part of the 25th annual Alafia lighted boat parade. Sea dogs and land sharks alike are welcome at Saturday's holiday party at the International Showmen's Association.

The party will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. at the association, 6915 Riverview Drive, and feature the boat parade, a chili cook-off, holiday music and live entertainment. Santa and Mrs. Claus will pose for free photos with kids, who also can keep busy with bounce houses, obstacle courses and carnival rides. Food and drinks, including alcohol, will be available for purchase.

Boaters must pay a $25 entry fee to participate. The prize for first place is $1,000, second place nets $300 and third place wins $200.

Enter the chili contest by Friday at the Riverview Chamber of Commerce, 10520 Riverview Drive. Ten dollars and three gallons of chili are required.

Admission and parking are free. For discounted food tickets or information, call (813) 731-2041.

Lois Kindle

Zoo Benefit On Tap Today

TAMPA - Here's a chance to do a little shopping while helping Lowry Park Zoo.

The first Jungle Boogie will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Saks Fifth Avenue in WestShore Plaza.

The private shopping event features a Brazilian lounge theme with food from P.F. Chang's, Nature's Table, and Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant; cocktails; entertainment; and a discount for attendees.

Kelly Feldman, chairwoman of the zoo's annual black-tie fundraiser, Karamu XXI, said Jungle Boogie is a way "to get people information on what Lowry Park Zoo is all about, how it is funded and about their black-tie gala."

Tickets are $35 at the door. For information, visit www.karamutampa.org.

Lenora Lake

Nominations Open For Award

TAMPA - Know someone who always is there to help the community?

Then nominate him or her for the Tampa Bay Buccaneer Community Quarterback Award. The Buccaneers will accept nominations through Dec. 22. For information or to submit a nomination, visit www.buccaneers.com.

Lenora Lake

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