Dear Mr. Hooper:

I share my communities interest in wanting to change the negative concepts of Nebraska Avenue. However, I do not feel that a name change is what is needed. In our city's past, we have had streets with bad reputations that are now safer, more attractive, and commercially successful, i.e., Kennedy Boulevard and Dale Mabry Highway.

The residents of Seminole Heights have worked diligently over the years to correct the negative reputation of Nebraska Avenue by helping to eliminate the problems: prostitution and street level drug activities. With the involvement of Southeast Seminole Heights and Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Watch groups, we have developed a very active Vehicle Patrol. We have an excellent working relationship with the Tampa Police Department. With their focus on the Nebraska Avenue problems, we are experiencing a dramatic improvement in both prostitution and drug problems on this corridor. It is now possible to travel Nebraska Avenue during the late evening and not see a single prostitute or drug transaction.

Another concern I have with the name change is the apparent disregard for the history of the original naming of the street. Research shows us that ancestors of the Benjamin family were early pioneers in Tampa. It is they who chose the name ''Nebraska'' Avenue, because their family roots were in the state of Nebraska. Kelly Benjamin, a local resident, can give you more details on this development.

Another consideration is the problems that the city would create for our local businesses, if they choose to rename Nebraska Avenue. All types of business advertising, letterhead, and even maps would become ''incorrect and out of date.'' There are considerable expenses related to this type of change. We should not create needless burdens for our business community along Nebraska Avenue.

I believe we are seeing the positive changes we all want for Nebraska Avenue evolving right now. The planned redesign and enhanced lighting of the street will further advance these efforts. The best way to change the perception of Nebraska Avenue is to continue these types of positive programs and to respect the history of the original naming of Nebraska Avenue.

Beverly A. Morrow
Southeast Seminole Heights

By Beverly Morrow

Nebraska Ave Name Change

A rose by any other name?…?…..

It is not the name that changes the reputation or perception but the changes made.

GTE changed their name to Verizon because the reputation for quality and customer service for GTE was ruined over the years through company policy and the company felt that a name change was the quickest way to change the publics perception. They changed the name but that was the only thing. The perception remains the same.

We changed the name from Buffalo years ago to honor a civil rights activist yet to many it is still referred to as Buffalo. The honor was momentary yet the reputation has only changed through hard work and time.

I see the same for Nebraska should we change the name. As a compromise, how about keeping the name Nebraska but also giving it an honorary name. By doing so we could build upon the past yet still honor a person that was important to the area. -jeff
Jan 4, 2005

Nebraska Ave Name Change

Hi Mr Hooper,
I am just a resident who lives five houses off of Nebraska. It is a street with which I am very familiar. I also head the patrol in SESH (Southeast Seminole Heights) that has worked diligently with TPD to remove the Stroll and return this street to the neighborhood. While I realize a simple name change will not change the complexion of the road it self. I do believe that things are being changed by caring, working people, and I see the reward for that work, as a fresh start. A name associated with what is, not what was. I support a name change. I am not sure if Ray Charles Blvd is the answer but I think it is time Nebraska goes the way of other street names that have been changed over the years, As to History, I believe there is probably a bit of history attached to all of our older streets. Some significant and some not. Kennedy Blvd for instance, used to be Lafayette Boulevard for a very long time. I agree with Scott Banghart that history is fluid. I urge the Mayor to seriously consider a name change for Nebraska Avenue.

SS
Jan 4, 2005

Nebraska Ave Name Change

I, for one, have been against the Ray Charles Blvd. I feel that is not inclusive of our neighborhoods. Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, VMYbor have long been plagued by crime, drugs and prostitution. Why on earth would a street be named after a ''singer'' that had a drug addiction himself...and, his ties being to St. Petersburg. (And don't get me wrong Ray Charles was a talented musician.)

For once can't a street be named for something decent. Can't we find a name to honor the ''True Hero's'' that have put their blood, sweat and tears into making change along Nebraska Ave... Our current residents! There has to be a word that defines the hard work that these people have put out to make a difference. Why not honor the ''living'' people that actually made the change possible. A word that describes their spirit and hard work.

While the article mentions that the Mayor has received 150 letters of support, I bet you can find another 300 against Ray Charles Blvd. While most will agree it is time to change the name, few will agree that this is the proper change.

I am a huge fan of changing the name. However, I do feel that it MUST NOT be a person. I think it should be a sign of change that reflects on where we are going... not the horrible past we have endured. It is in part to the residents of the past 10-15 years that we see the strides being made along this Avenue. While residents have won their token awards and such, why not reward them with a significant part of their hard work!

SL
Jan 4, 2005