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Restroom Awards Hope To Be Flush With Nominees

Tribune file photo

A spokeswoman for Tampa Theatre believes the venue's restrooms are the best in Tampa.

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By KEITH MORELLI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 9, 2009

Aaaahhhh. Consider the restroom.

The one at the Mons Venus has an attendant that accepts tips, like the rest of the Mons employees. On certain days of the week in the fall, lines form outside the ones inside Raymond James Stadium.

And the women's restroom at Banana Joe's at Channelside, or so the story goes, rocks.

But for most of the piddling and pooping public, the room with the toilet is a utilitarian place where one goes to do one's business.

Not any more, urinal cake breath.

There's actually a competition that is in full swing now, seeking nominations for "America's Best Restroom Award." And it's not new. This is the eighth year of the posh award that bestows honors on bathrooms with a view or an air of sophistication.

People who venture into the public restroom now can rate them. Take into account the ambiance of the tiled space, whether the graffiti is funny or insightful; if the odor is refined or level of splash back.

Make your nominations by March 31 and cross your fingers.

The contest is sponsored by Cintas Corp. out of Cincinnati. Nominations may be made at www.bestrestroom.com.

To catch a glimpse of what a real nice bathroom is like, just make a cyber visit to the samples at www.youtube.com/user/BestRestroomAwards.

Among the more interesting restrooms in the Tampa Bay area are the ones at the Tampa Theatre.

Tara Schroeder, community relations director for downtown historic movie house and concert venue, said the restrooms there would win the Tampa vote, hands down.

"We've got the best restrooms," she said, "And the ladies' rooms are even better. Have you ever been in the ladies' room? Our restrooms have a certain je ne sais quoi."

She said they are clean and "have character too."

"Even our restrooms," she said, "have entertainment value."

The best bathroom contest goes like this:

Cintas judges will view nominations and pick 10 finalists, which will be announced in June. From there, the Internet public will visit the potties online and cast their ballots. The champ will be announced in August.

"The winner," says a news release announcing the contest, "will receive the coveted America's Best Restroom plaque of recognition from Cintas."

And, the top five vote-getters will be thrust into the "America's Best Restroom Hall of Fame."

The contest is open to any non-residential restroom that is free of charge and open to all.

"Past champions have boasted breathtaking skyline views, unique décor and sparkling fixtures," the release said.

Previous winners include potties at Notre Dame University, The Grand Casino in Biloxi, Miss., Kohler Art Center in Sheboygan, Wis. and the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.

Reporter Keith Morelli can be reached at (813) 259-7760.

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