Residents, not just residential units

No, it certainly didn't unfold according to script, but the Towers of Channelside, as we have learned, has finally sold out. What had become a real estate flipper's nightmare is now a 257-unit sellout.

Sure, the prices were drastically discounted, and nobody made a killing. But at least there's one fewer Potemkin Village residential project. What's critically important for the Channel District/downtown region, however, is that today's bargain-hunter buyers plan to live there. That's certainly the word on the Towers.

Ultimately, any revitalization scenario -- from the arts to restaurants -- can never realize its potential without people living downtown. Curtis Hixon Park has now refuted the perception (OK, reality) that "There's no there there" in downtown Tampa. Museums and the noticeable infilling of the Riverwalk are integral pieces in the ongoing makeover.

But it's residents, not residential units and amenities, that make a city. The Channelside sellout may not yet be a towering trend, but it's a good sign. We'll take it.

This is, in part, a testimonial to the credibility of TIA chief executive Joe Lopano, whose pro-active work ethic and marketing acumen have been winning him accolades since his arrival earlier this year. Whether it's flying off on a trade mission to Panama or crossing the bay to talk regional reality.

As for the TDC, its willingness to kick in a six-figure advertising sum is a welcome acknowledgement of enlightened self interest. Tampa Bay must sell itself regionally. To do that, it must play as a team.

He and wife Susie are part of the pedestrian Snell scene pushing baby strollers. He likes hanging out at Dunkin' Donuts and Einstein Bros. Bagels. He's marketing manna for St. Pete.

But let's not overlook the ultra successful manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, Joe Maddon. He could live a lot of places. He's on this side of Tampa Bay.

Initially he rented a townhome on South Oregon Avenue abutting Hyde Park Village. Now he owns a home in Palma Ceia Park. And, yes, that was probably him bicycling along Bayshore Boulevard the other day. It's a favorite haunt, as well as the 717 South restaurant on South Howard and the Tiny Tap tavern on Morrison Avenue in South Tampa.

Back in the day, athletes used to routinely live in neighborhoods. In fact, back in my row house neighborhood in Philadelphia, we actually had the Phillies' starting shortstop, Granny Hamner, live two blocks away on the 2900 block of Magee Street.

These days athletes, especially the major sports celebrities, can't very well live in the hood. Everyone seemingly wants a piece of their time and some reflected glory.

Most of them understandably can't abide that scene unless they custom build a mansion that can minimize mingling -- a la Derek Jeter on Davis Islands.

But Dan Wheldon and Joe Maddon are not most sports celebs. They're involved in community and charitable pursuits -- not just racing cars and managing players. They gravitate to people outside their professional circles. They send out good-neighbor vibes that are reciprocated and respected.

They are winners -- even when they fall short of another Indy triumph or a World Series victory.

Even more impressive, however, was that success on the field was complemented by success in the classroom. Plant's comprehensive team grade point average (3.431) was the highest among Hillsborough County high schools.

Well done. Again.