Brass Bowl

In Curtis Hixon Park, there is a historical marker that is about two hundred feet from the construction fence. I don’t remember seeing this marker when the park was open prior to renovation. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t there.

(text of marker follows image)

GEN. ROBERT E. LEE, C.S.A.

In 1848 a Board of Engineers with Lt.Col. Robert E. Lee, USA as recording officer visited Fort Brooke (Tampa). Aboard the Schooner Phenix they made a survey of Tampa Bay; requested government reservation of the bay Keys and erection of defense works on Egmont Key.

Monday the southern most terminus of Tampa’s Riverwalk was dedicated.  I didn’t find out about it until after the fact, which, in retrospect, probably wasn’t a bad thing.  For one, there weren’t any crowds to block the picture of the structure.  The South Plaza, as it was referred to in the press, is located at the corner of Meridian and Channelside Drive, just to the north of the History Center.  It has a huge mural that I’m not even going to try to document via images.  You are going to have to visit it yourself to see the multitude of pictures. 

(click on the thumbnails for a 1200 x 900 image)

Do those columns in the second shot look familiar? If so, you have a good memory.  I took a picture earlier this year when they were being built.

Once a poster child for tripping hazards, Curtis Hixon Park has been made over in its own image.  The decking was stripped to bare concrete, the leaks sealed (it is the roof of a parking garage), the components cleaned and reinstalled along with new soil.  Paint and other restoration work has made this park into a prime lunch spot.  I can’t wait for it to reopen.

Tampa’s Downtown Market is open for the 2009 – 2010 season.  Lots more vendors, more space.  I was able to get ONE photograph before my camera batteries died (that’ll learn me!)

The city has closed off Madison Street from Florida Ave to Tampa St, giving a lot more room for vendors.  The market also extends down Franklin from Kennedy to Twiggs.  It will run every Friday until May of 2010.

Screaming Fuzzy Dave (SFD), the quintessential Bulls Fan, dragged me away from my desk to go to this rally. It was a very nice event, with finger food and wonderful people.

SFD tells me that this is USF’s new trailer.

USF Cheerleaders and the Sun Dolls (Dancers)

Rocky, the USF Bull mascot.

Mr.  Leroy Selmon.  His commitment contributed significantly to getting the football program rolling.    His accomplishments on and off the field are more than can be noted here.    He is, by any and all accounts, a yardstick for how to be a human being.

Many more behind the front line.  SFD is towering over everyone by the column.