C.O.N.A. of South Pinellas County

Pulling together in threatening times.

Feb 12, 2003

The CONA February Meeting Location for
Wednesday, February 19th is:

The Sunshine Center
330 5th Street North, St. Petersburg

Doors Open at 6:00 p.m. Meeting Starts at 7:00 p.m.

THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Neighbors,

Congratulations to the Tampa Bay BUCCANEERS! I haven?’t seen a community come together better or faster than the Tampa Bay area with the BUCCANEERS?’ wins in the NFC playoffs and the Super Bowl. The pregame coverage by the media from all the different reporting viewpoints seemed never-ending, but after twenty-seven years, our team deserved to be in the spotlight. Congratulations to the BUC?’S and I hope that they can continue their winning ways next year.

I am writing this letter before our meeting with the Devil Rays, but we are working on having another ?“Neighborhood Night with the Rays?”. This was quite successful last year when we had over 2,000 members of different neighborhoods come to a home game. This year with a new coach and a different attitude from the players we could see the Devil Rays with a winning season. Let?’s support our home town team and make both sides of the bay proud with winning teams. I will let you know in plenty of time about the event so that it can be promoted as a membership drive for your neighborhood organizations. Let?’s strive for an even better turnout than last year. We are planning to schedule it for late summer in August or September.

It appears that City Council will put the airport up for referendum in November. Whether you want the airport as it is, the original master plan, the Mayor?’s compromise, or see it scraped and cleared, I encourage you to invite speakers on the above choices to your meetings to talk so that the voters are well informed. If you need names and numbers for the different groups, please give me a call and I will put you in touch with the different players.

This month Sally Eichler, Director of the Codes Compliance Assistance Department for the City, is coming to talk about codes and the issues that we all have in our different neighborhoods. Last month there was a great informational article in this newsletter. I hope that everyone was able to read it. If you have questions Sally will be able to answer them at this month?’s meeting.

Also on the agenda is County Commissioner Ken Welch. He will be at the meeting to discuss regulations, sales and use of fireworks in the County.

What do you want C.O.N.A. to do differently? How can we help your organization grow? Are there special issues that you want to address? We are here to help and direct you to the answers. C.O.N.A. dues are now due for 2003. We want all the neighborhoods to participate. If we know what you want, it will help us plan the agenda for the year. Is there interest in a Saturday morning planning meeting to set our goals? Let me, or any of our board members, know your thoughts.

Looking forward to seeing you at the meeting this month.

Your Neighbor,

Brent


FEBRUARY 19th MEETING AGENDA

Pledge
Approval of Minutes
Treasurer's Report
Committee Reports
Police
Neighborhood Office
Old Business
New Business

Guest Speakers: Sally A. Eichler, Director, Codes Compliance Assistance Department, City of St. Petersburg
Ken Welch, County Commissioner, Pinellas County


2003 CONA PAID MEMBERSHIPS

Dues are DUE NOW (officially they are due by January 1st of each year)! We?’re off to a slow start. Please pay your CONA dues promptly. Here is the list of current paid members:

Bahama Shores
Barclay Estates Broadwater
Causeway Isles
Central Oak Park
Edgemoor
Garden Manor
Grand Central
Greater Pinellas Point
Greater Woodlawn
Historic Roser Park
Isla del Sol
North Downtown
Old Southeast
Placido Bayou
Shore Acres


JANUARY BOARD OF DIRECTOR'S MEETING MINUTES

The January C.O.N.A. meeting was held on January 15th, 2003, at The Sunshine Center, 330 5th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida.

President Brent Fisher called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. leading us in our pledge to the flag.
?˜ Brent invited the members of our current CONA Leadership class, (42 enrolled), to stand and introduce themselves.
?˜ The President then called for approval of the December Minutes as published in our January Newsletter. [Approved]
?˜ Libby Steele gave the Treasurer's report of $2,796 for our General Fund and a negative report of $439 for the Leadership Account.
?˜ Our newly elected neighborhood representatives introduced themselves.
?˜ Theresa McEachern, (Harbordale), announced circulation for our signatures of a "Get Well" card for Rosemary Grasso, and a "Birthday" card for Andy Meacham, our neighborhood reporter at the Times.
?˜ Mayor Rick Baker then presided over the swearing-in of our newly elected CONA Officers: President Brent Fisher, First V.P. Karl Nurse, Second V.P. Theresa McEachern, Treasurer Libby Steele, and Secretary Conrad Weiser
?˜ Kathleen Michaels of the City's International Relations Committee told us of a student exchange program with our Sister City in Japan, Takamatsu. She invited neighborhoods to serve as hosts for these "Summer Ambassadors." High School Juniors are invited to apply to the program by February 12th.
?˜ The Mayor Baker then shared with us an annual report "State of the City" a comprehensive review of progress and plans by our city government.
?˜ The Mayor next presented a position paper that elaborated on plans that he and his staff have proposed for the development of Albert Whitted Airport.
?˜ Presenting a contrasting proposal, Jack W. Tunstill, speaking for several pilot's groups urged continuation of an Airport Master Plan submitted to City Council earlier. This plan includes extension of the main runway, (6-24) into Tampa Bay to safely accommodate larger business aircraft.
?˜ Peter Belmont, an Environmental Attorney, offered some illumination on the issue of City Charter requirements that may impose a public plebiscite on city proposals for airport development.
# Moved, (Clemmons/Danner), CONA supports the Mayor's proposal to fund a study (of perhaps 1 year duration, not to exceed an expense of $80,000), of alternative development plans for Albert Whitted Airport that will include scheduling citywide Charettes to gather public input. [Approved]
# Moved, (Sherman/Sheahen) to table previous motion. [Defeated]
?˜ Theresa McEachern reminded us of CONA Night reservations, ($25/$35) for the February 22nd performance of "The Manhattan Casino" at the Coliseum.


OLD BUSINESS:

# Moved, (Wilson/McWilliams), CONA urges City Council approval of the Traffic Calming Plan jointly developed by city staff and our CONA Traffic Committee. [Approved/Unanimous]


NEW BUSINESS:

# Moved, (Clemmons/O`Sullivan), CONA supports the City Council petition to revise the name of Ninth Street to that of Dr. M.L. King Jr. Drive posted along its entire length. [Approved/Unanimous]
?˜ Booklets were distributed which listed all currently scheduled activities celebrating our joint 100/300 year founding with St. Petersburg, Russia.

Our meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Conrad Weiser, Secretary


DRUGFIGHTING POLICE OFFICER AWARD: December 19, 2002

Recipient: Officer Roy Olsen
Given By: Turn Around St. Petersburg - The Write Process
Presenters: Council Member Earnest Williams
Drugfighter Christina Shearer
Sgt. Kevin Noonan, 1st Recipient
Drugfighting Police Officer Award
Andy Garr, TASP Coordinator & Co- Founder Turn Around America
Officer Roy Olsen, 2nd Recipient
Drugfighting Police Officer Award

Background: Officer Olsen has gone beyond the call of duty in helping to take back the Jamestown and Methodist Town neighborhoods from drugs and crime.

He has understood instinctively how to use the anti-drug marches as a tool to stop the terrorism of drug trafficking. He has consistently used creative and innovative approaches in fighting drugs and crime. He has wholeheartedly supported the drugfighters and helped with TASP-WP efforts in Tampa and Court Watch.

His ability to positively engage the good neighbors and their children has embodied the true meaning of the drugfighters chant, "save the babies, save the children". He demonstrates what community policing is all about--putting the community in community policing.

The drugfighters and citizens of St. Petersburg thank Officer Roy Olsen for his joyful commitment and hard work in helping to rid our city of drug dealers. Up with hope, down with dope!


PINELLAS COUNTY SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT for 22nd Avenue N. Plan

Pinellas County's Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) wants to involve business owners and residents in developing a "22nd Avenue North Corridor Strategy Plan." The plan will require extensive study of traffic congestion and its possible solutions for roadways between 30th Avenue North and 13th Avenue North (northern/southern boundaries), and between 68th Street North and 9th Street North (eastern/western boundaries). Better traffic signal coordination, enhanced transit service and accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians are examples of strategies being evaluated.

In its efforts to involve the community, the MPO will offer a speakers bureau, a web site and a series of public meetings. Professional, civic and social groups may arrange for a speaker by calling MPO project manager Jairo Viafara at 464-8200. A website has been set up to provide information on the project at www.co.pinellas.fl.us/mpo/22ndAvenueNorth.htm. Details about public meetings, scheduled to begin in March, will be posted on the project's website. The Tampa engineering firm of Tindale-Oliver and Associates has been retained to assist in the study.


WHAT IS A CHARRETTE?

A French term, a Charrette is a workshop made up of individuals who want to develop a master plan brought forth from their many different and individual visions. A Charrette provide the participants the opportunity to meet with city engineers and planners, commissioners, architects, landscapers, artists, bankers, developers, and citizens interested in putting together a master plan for improvements. This master plan will determine and guide revitalization initiatives designed to better address current and future residential and commercial community needs.


MEETING OUR MAYOR
by Rebecca Saylor, North Kenwood N/A, CONA Class of 2003

On January 15, 2003, I had the great pleasure of speaking with Mayor Rick Baker before his speech to C.O.N.A. The interview was an introductory review of the "chain of command" and the roles of each division within City Hall. Mayor Baker explained his roles in our city events, daily routines with city council, and also expressed his excitement regarding citizen's involvement in programs including C.O.N.A. We had just a few minutes to speak before his presentation, but I greatly appreciated his time.

His speech to C.O.N.A. included a brief overview of things accomplished in St. Petersburg, new things to come to our city, as well as the debate regarding the fate of Albert Whitted Municipal Airport. For those of us that attended the meeting, we know of the time spent on the speeches, not only from the Mayor, but also from our guest speakers, Mr. Peter Belmont and Mr. Jack W. Tunstill. We are also aware of the commitment and sincerity of each speaker's presentation and also the guests who came to the meeting to express their views. For those of you who could not attend, let me put into words the environment and emotion during this meeting which was filled with this year's elected officers, Presidents of many Neighborhood Associations, The St. Petersburg Times "Neighborhood Times" editor, and residents of St. Petersburg.

The Mayor started off his speech with accomplishments and improvements made throughout our city in the past year. The impressive renovation of Sunken Gardens/Great Explorations, the plan of cleaning up Lake Maggorie to make it livable again for plants and fish, and continuing the tree-scaping plan throughout the city in which new trees, including flowering trees, will be planted in neighborhoods and along the interstates to show beauty all year long, were just of few of some of the improvements mentioned. Mayor Baker also commented on the new dog and skate parks that have been built. Five dog parks have recently been completed and Mayor Baker said more will come. He likes building these parks. Dog parks serve a great function for our pets, but it's also an excellent chance for neighbors to get to know one another. Skate parks provide a safe and exciting activity for our school children.

Mayor Baker's priorities for St. Petersburg include maintaining its integrity, natural beauty, and attraction, as well as constant clean up and restoration of our historic sites. There are five historic properties downtown to be restored, and the ground breaking will start at the end of January. Street-scaping has already been completed in that area. Mayor Baker spoke of the need for performing arts centers and theaters downtown, a proposed access from US 19 to I-275 within the next 10 years, the need for more parking garages for those employed downtown and leaving the street parking for customers, and also speeding up the process of the permits department. More improvements and restoration can be accomplished sooner with a quicker permit process.

Another popular issue among residents is the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Mayor Baker has no intentions of selling the baseball team, even though there has been out of state interest in the team. USF has the opportunity to grow with the purchase of more campus site farther south. St. Petersburg's College will also have a campus downtown. The Mayor also expressed his support and faith in the mentoring program as well as the "3 arrest= felony", which means after three drug arrests, the offense is considered a felony. There is also an option of drug rehabilitation. Hopefully this is a new deterrent for drug offenders and will help get us farther in the war on drugs.

Mayor Baker also spoke with such excitement about the 150 events already planned for this year, with more to come probably by mid-year. The 100/300 Celebration is one of the events in St. Petersburg to top the list. The anniversary of the city of St. Petersburg, Florida, as well as the anniversary of our sister city St. Petersburg, Russia, is quite a memorable celebration, not only for our city but for the country as well. This may be an opportunity for better communication between the United States and Russia and a chance to establish an international agreement between the cities and Chambers of Commerce.

During Mayor Baker's speech, the room was filled with attentive ears and focused attention on the Mayor's words. From listening to this speech I could genuinely hear the sincerity of the Mayor's goals. Whether you agree with the Mayor's perspective and/or choices regarding issues in our city or not, you cannot deny that he truly believes in doing what's best for our city and residents. I believe that is a trait of a strong leader; a trait which Mayor Rick Baker possesses as well as the ability to listen. He commented on the number of phone calls received by City Hall regarding the issues of water restrictions. He hears the voices of St. Petersburg, when we're happy and when we're not. He has instituted a monthly performance report from each department of City Hall to help keep him informed and monitor the production of our city government departments.

The majority of the evening was spent discussing Albert Whitted Airport. This topic has turned quite hot in our city. The Mayor admits when it was first brought to his attention, he did not consider it to be a top priority at the time. Homeland security, the budget, and keeping jobs secured in our area were some of the issues at the top of his list. And you can't blame him for being concerned with those topics. But because of the lack of involvement from City Hall, the residents became restless, demanding support from the Mayor to change or not to change the airport...to sell or not to sell. Now the Airport has become a topic in which any given week an article is printed or a conversation may be overheard throughout the city. The Mayor's plan to conduct a survey regarding the fate of Albert Whitted Airport was supported by C.O.N.A. after much debate and motions brought to the board. This motion was not received blindly. There were guest speakers and residents, as well as C.O.N.A. members that expressed their disapproval of the Mayor's plan. And even though the Mayor's plan was "under attack" by some in the meeting, the Mayor himself never lost his composure and remained open-minded to all the discussion around him. And that was probably my strongest impression of our Mayor. I was impressed by the strength and confidence he holds in his proposals, without forgetting that there are other opinions or oppositions regarding the fate of our city and the issues presented that night.

As we all know, the Mayor and all his deputies as well as City Counsel work for the citizens of St. Petersburg. Their priorities, responsibilities, and achievements in this city are based upon the citizens and city's needs to thrive. Not everyone may have the opportunity that I had to speak one-on-one with Mayor Rick Baker, because he is a very busy man! But I encourage everyone to take the time and attend the meetings, listen to him speak. The fact that he is busy translates how involved and dedicated he is to our city: a dedication that can be seen in our trees, our parks, neighborhoods, downtown, and even our airport.


Editor?’s Note: Becky Saylor is a member of C.O.N.A. Leadership Class of 2003. She graciously accepted the assignment to contribute this article to the C.O.N.A newsletter. Read about Becky in the Neighborhood Spotlight. It is due to the enthusiasm and participation of individuals such as Becky that C.O.N.A continues to grow and remain a viable voice in our City.


NEIGHBORHOOD BRIEFS

Walk Your Dog/Fight Crime Event
Residents of the Greater Woodlawn Neighborhood will hold a ?“Walk Your Dog/Fight Crime?” event Saturday, February 15th beginning at 8:00 pm. The walkers will meet at Wilson's Book World, 9th Street & 24th Avenue N., and walk south to 13th Avenue, cross 9th and walk back to 24th Avenue. Besides their dogs, the walkers will also bring flashlights and video cameras to record any drug or prostitution activity they see. It is hoped that this will become a regular event and that the presence of a group of people will discourage illegal activity in the area. Residents of other neighborhoods are welcome and invited to participate. Dogs are not a requirement.

Weekly Drug March
Don?’t forget that every Wednesday night is ?“Drug March Night?”. If you?’d like to participate, meet in the parking lot on the north side of City Hall at 6:00 p.m. For more information call Andy Garr, City of St. Petersburg, at 893-4110 or E-Mail him at Andy.Garr@stpete.org.

WANTED: Crime Watch Information. Can You Help?
Carol Griffiths, Secretary of Disston Heights N/A, has requested Crime Watch information from any neighborhood who has a Crime Watch in place. Disston Heights had several vehicles stolen during the Christmas holidays, and they would like to implement a Crime Watch group. Help Carol by contacting her at 522-7706, or cgriff6721@aol.com.


ST. PETERSBURG ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

Our City, St. Petersburg, is Florida's fourth largest city, with a population of a quarter million inhabitants. It was incorporated as a city by the Florida State Legislature on June 6, 1903. During 2003, St. Petersburg celebrates its 100th anniversary, and shares this celebration with St. Petersburg, Russia, which is observing its tricentennial.

In the Sunshine City, a year-long calendar of activities will commemorate the 100th anniversary, including events that highlight business, commerce, technology, education, international relations and trade, recreation, sports, the environment, tourism, arts, culture and the community as a whole. Official delegations from each city will exchange visits, while the two St. Petersburgs share their similarities and embrace their unique contrasts.

St. Petersburg, Florida, enjoys a rich hundred-year history. It was founded in 1888 when the Orange Belt Railway chugged into the Gulf coast settlement for the first time on June 8th. Peter Demens, an aristocrat from St. Petersburg, Russia, was the entrepreneur who built the railroad and is credited with naming the Florida city.

Each month we will publish the upcoming events associated with the 100/300 Year Anniversary Celebration as space allows.

February

2/14 - 4/30 ?• ART FOR THE PEOPLE: SOVIET REALISM ?• Florida International Museum ?• Portrait and genre paintings from many of the 13 former USSR republics during the Soviet era ?• 100 2nd St. N. ?• 727-822-3693

2/15 ?• CUPID'S CASINO ?• Port of St. Petersburg ?• Live auction, music and entertainment and other festivities to celebrate the power of volunteers working together ?• 250 8th Ave. S.E. ?• $50 ?• 727-895-5018

2/15 & 2/16 ?• PROGRESS ENERGY DEVIL RAYS FANFEST ?•Tropicana Field ?• Meet the players, tour the clubhouse, play interactive games and more! ?• Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun. noon to 4 p.m. ?• One Tropicana Dr. ?• Free admission and parking ?• 727-825-32422/16 ?• A TRIBUTE TO AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY ?• Sunken Gardens ?• 1825 4th St. N. ?• 10 to 4 p.m. ?• 727-551-3100

3rd Monday of Feb-Jun, 2/17, 3/17, 4/21, 5/19, 6/16 ?• THE FLORIDIANS ?• American Stage ?• Two St. Petersburg theater companies, American Stage and LiveArts Peninsula Foundation, present six new short plays and six new folk songs by and about Floridians ?• 7 p.m. - 211 3rd St. S. ?• $7 ?• 727-823-7529

2/17 ?• GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT ?• Vinoy Country Club ?• Golf Tournament ?• 600 Snell Isle Blvd ?• $1,000 per foursome ?• 727-894-7749

2/20 ?• GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG BLACK TIE GALA ?• Renaissance Vinoy Resort ?• Black tie event with dinner, dancing, live and silent auction ?• 501 5th Ave N.E. ?• $150 ?• 727-894-7749

2/20 to 3/1 ?• THE MANHATTAN CASINO ?• Coliseum ?• Original musical that celebrates the legendary jazz club on 22nd St. S. ?• produced by the LiveArts Peninsula Foundation ?• 535 4th Ave. N. ?• 727-565-0196

2/21 to 2/23 ?• GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG ?• Downtown waterfront ?• World class international auto race, CART-sanctioned event on a 1.7 mile racing circuit ?• $45 to $105 (3- day admission) ?• 727-894-7749

2/21 ?• BIG FAT GREEK FESTIVAL ?• St. Stefanos Greek Orthodox Church of St. Petersburg ?• Greek food and pastries, music by Greek Tycoons, Kefi Dancers and many vendors ?• 3600 76th St. N. ?• 727-345-8235

2/22 ?• RUSSIAN MUSIC BY THE SUNCOAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ?• Palladium ?• Some of the world's most beautiful and exciting music written by Russian composers ?• 253 5th Ave. N. ?• 7:30 p.m. ?• Free ?• 727-397-3832

2/27 ?• AMERICAN/RUSSIAN CELEBRATION ?• Mahaffey Theater ?• Swan Lake ?• Gershwin ?• Variations on "America" ?• performed by the Tampa Bay Symphony ?• 400 1st St. S. ?• 8 p.m. ?• 727-867-6505

2/28 ?• BAND CONCERT ?• St. Petersburg College Music Center ?• Russian masterworks and transcriptions ?• 6605 5th Ave. N. ?• Free ?• 727-341-4301

2/28 ?• DEVIL RAYS VS. ECKERD COLLEGE ?• Progress Energy Park/Al Lang Field ?• Spring Training Opener ?• 230 1st St. S. ?• 1 p.m. ?• 1-727-888-FAN-RAYS2/28 & 3/1 ?• TODAY'S PLEASURES, TOMORROW'S TREASURES ?• USF Activities Center ?• Suncoast quilters feature quilts with a Russian theme ?• N.E. Corner of 2nd St. and 6th Ave. S. ?• 10 to 4 p.m. ?• $5 ?• 727-521-4294

March

3/1 ?• A CONCERT OF RUSSIAN PIANO MUSIC ?• St. Petersburg College Music Center ?• Piano works of Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev and Mussorgsky ?• Performed by Dr. Luis Sanchez ?• 6605 5th Ave. N. ?• 8 p.m. ?• Free ?• 727-341-4360

3/2 to 3/4 ?• SYMPOSIUM: THE TWO ST. PETERSBURGS 1703 - 2003 ?• Eckerd and USF ?• The early years of St. Petersburg, Russia and the final years of Tocobaga, Florida; the Napoleonic Age in Russia and Florida; the early 20th century in the two St. Petersburgs; and the present and future prospects ?• 3/2 & 3/4 ?• 4200 54th Ave. S. ?• 3/3 ?• 140 7th Ave. S. ?• Free ?• 727-864-8235 3/7 to 4/25 ?• EXHIBITIONS - IMAGES OF THE SPIRIT, WATERMELON CHRONICLES ?• Arts Center ?• Installations, mixed media, paintings and photography by contemporary African American artists ?• 719 Central Ave. ?• Free ?• 727-822-7872

3/7 to 4/25 ?• WORLD ART TOURS ?• Arts Center ?• Docent guided "World Art Tours" of Spring Cultural Exhibitions as field trips for school students K - 12 with specially designed hands-on project as part of the Arts Center Adventure ?• 719 Central Ave. ?• Free ?• 727-822-7872

3/14 ?• JUNG AT HEART: A MUSICAL REVUE ABOUT POP PSYCHOLOGY ?• Palladium Theater ?• Creative musical revue taking a look at the foibles of pop psychology, boasting 23 delightful songs in a dazzling variety of styles from pop to country and ballad to polka ?• 253 5th Ave. N. ?• 8 p.m. ?• $12 - 15 ?• 727-321-0350

3/15 ?• RUSSIAN FESTIVAL AT YOUR LIBRARY ?• Main Library ?• Russian folk tales, music, food, children's crafts ?• 3745 9th Ave. N. ?• 2 to 4 p.m. ?• Free ?• 727-551-3380

3/15 ?• SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUMMER GAMES (AREA 6) ?• Lakewood High School ?• Special opening ceremonies and parade of athletes; Russian entertainment in Olympic Village plus displays ?• 1400 54th Ave. S. ?• 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ?• Free ?• 727-462-1556

3/16 ?• BUDS AND BUDDIES: A FAMILY FUN DAY IN THE PARK ?• Museum of Fine Arts & Straub Park ?• Vendors, exhibitors, children's activities ?• 255 Beach Dr. N.E. ?• 11 to 3 p.m. ?• Free ?• 727-822-9502 3/19 to 23 ?• SPIFFS SALUTES TWO ST. PETERSBURGS ?• Bayfront Center ?• Five day event with presentations by 40 member groups at the 28th annual Folk Fair: The Russian Connection ?• 400 1st St. S. ?• $4.50 - $8 ?• 727-551-3365


PARTNERSHIP NOTES
Neighborhood Partnership Program of St. Petersburg

Reminder to All Associations
Please contact Sharon Cimarik with the Neighborhood Partnership Department at 892-5141 when a new president is elected. This will allow us to keep the presidents' list current.

Guide to Neighborhood/Tour of Neighborhoods on Website
It's not too late to submit any revisions or new summaries to Bernice Darling (bernice.darling@stpete.org), 727-892-5289 (fax), 893-7473 (phone) or c/o Neighborhood Partnership; City of St. Petersburg; P.O. Box 2842; St. Petersburg, FL 33731. If you do not see your neighborhood on the city's website, the association did not submit a summary to us.

Florida Neighborhoods Conference 2003
Mark your calendars for September 11 - 13, 2003, to attend the Florida Neighborhoods Conference in Sarasota. This year's conference will offer more opportunities to network with neighborhood representatives from throughout the state and see other communities throughout the Greater Sarasota area.

Susan P. Ajoc, AICP, Neighborhood Partnership Director
Neighborhood Partnership Program
City of St. Petersburg, P.O. Box 2842, St. Petersburg, FL 33731
Phone: (727) 892-5141 ?• FAX: (727) 892-5323 ?• Susan.Ajoc@stpete.org


QUOTE OF THE MONTH

"Character is power."
Booker T. Washington


THE VIEW FROM MY FRONT PORCH
by Chris Kelly, President, Roser Park Neighborhood Association

Celebrate Black History Month
Until 2 or 3 years ago, ?“Black History Month?” was always an abstract concept for me. I understood that Booker T. Washington, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and untold others had made important contributions to humanity, but I never understood the need for a differentiated celebration of history. In the last year or two my eyes have opened, and I now understand fully the need for a month-long period of analysis, study, introspection and ultimately, celebration.

The turning point for me came some months back, when my 12-year-old son Patrick and I attended a meeting in City Hall. On the way home I had the opportunity to show him the one mural located in the stairway to the second floor, and why and how the other mural was removed. We talked on the way to the car about the right to petition government for redress of grievance, and how Black Americans came to realize that their petitions were not being addressed. In the 1960?’s I was in diapers, but I related what I could, and told Patrick how some groups espoused nonviolent answers and others leaned towards more direct action.

Turning from First Avenue south onto M L King Street, I stopped at the Second Avenue South stoplight and told Patrick of the 1914 lynching of Edward Watson, and how a white mob removed Watson from the downtown jail, brought him to this corner, hung and riddled him with bullets.

As we turned left off M L King Street onto 8th Avenue South, I pointed out to Patrick the former homes of Mamie Brown and Rosa Jackson, black women who fought adversity to triumph and gain respect as pillars of the community. After I pulled into our carport, I told Patrick as well about Benjamin Barish, a previous owner of our home who co-founded the Greater St. Petersburg Council on Human Relations, an interfaith, interracial group devoted to promoting understanding and equal opportunity. A Russian Jewish immigrant, Barish joined the NAACP, marched in demonstrations and took part in picketing segregated restaurants and theaters in his determination to leave the world and St. Petersburg a better place. Dozens, perhaps hundreds, of meetings were held in my living room during Barish's 35 years of activism.

For me Black History month has transcended the well-known dates and people, and become a celebration of the people, sidewalks, streets and neighborhoods that compose our City; a celebration of the great enterprise that is the pursuit, despite great adversity, of equality for all Americans.


THE TIME IS RIGHT!
Learn more about St. Petersburg's African-American community and its musical history by attending the musical production of "The Manhattan Casino". Performance dates at The Coliseum Ballroom are Feb. 20,21,22,27 & 28, March 1 at 8 p.m.; Matinee Shows at 2 p.m. on Feb. 22, 23, March 1 & 2. Tickets are on sale now. Call Ticketmaster at 898-2100 or the Coliseum at 892-5202.


NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
by Rebecca Saylor, North Kenwood Neighborhood Association

My name is Rebecca Saylor. I am a member of the North Kenwood Neighborhood Association as well as the C.O.N.A. Leadership Program. My husband, Jason, and I are still considered newlyweds and became first-time homeowners in July 2002. Between us we have three wonderful children, ages 8, 4, and 14 months. I am originally from the Washington, D.C. area, but my husband is a graduate of St. Petersburg High School.
Our home is quite unique! It is directly across the street from the house my husband lived in from childhood until venturing off to college in Texas. His mother and step-father still live in their home and are thrilled to have their grandchildren so close!
My husband has fond memories of his childhood and this neighborhood. Jason took me on a tour of the area, pointed out homes of childhood friends, places where they played sports, and walked to school. This was a neighborhood where parents knew each other by name because their children were on the same team, or school function, or the neighbors cooked out together on Sundays.
We moved in with the excitement of raising our children from the same roots and background as my husband's: hoping for similar closeness and lovable, laughable memories. Obviously things change over time and some of the changes were not for the better. So we quickly became members of the association. After our first meeting I told Jason, "There's got to be more I can do. Instead of looking out my window complaining about my view, I need to do something." And that's when I was introduced to Ingrid Comberg. After two minutes on the phone, I think she could hear it in my voice the need to get involved. She told me about C.O.N.A. Leadership and I knew this program is what I was looking for.
I am a full-time mother with the availability and desire to devote my time to others. In the past few months, I've met people I probably would have never met before, with some of the same interests and concerns regarding their areas as I have with mine. I've met the proper contacts for codes and law enforcement for my area. Since joining C.O.N.A, I've not only learned in detail about our city government, I actually met and interviewed Mayor Rick Baker, Deputy Mayor Mike Dove, and City Council Members Virginia Littrell and Bill Foster. Needless to say, in my idea of doing more, I never expected it to include having a conversation with Council Member Bill Foster regarding my neighborhood meetings and ideas on how to get more people involved.
I hope those of you involved in C.O.N.A. and your neighborhoods are getting some of the same satisfaction and results that my husband and I have. Not only are we proud parents and homeowners, we are also proud citizens of the city of St. Petersburg, and we hope to pass this on to our children who will some day be future parents and homeowners as well.