Lot of Bull in SOHO
Krewe Rugby expanded on the Pamplona Bull Runs with their own pub crawl version in SOHO. This spirited group wore the traditional white with red as they guided their own bull down South Howard Avenue.
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Soccer at Macdintons
It was a great game as Germany and Spain battled in the European Finals 2008 of soccer. It had been over 40 years since Spain had won, so even the one point victory seemed huge. The game kept you on the edge of the seat, but Germany just seemed to fail to really get an offense going. The very crowded MacDintons was the place to be to watch the event in SOHO. The spirit of fans from all teams is what makes the games at MacDintons the best.
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POOL HALL OPENS IN SOHO
At a City Council meeting just over a year ago, Tommy Ortiz (owner of Cheap, Hyde Park Café, Tacqueria Quetzlcoatl, and the Kennedy) indicated his plans for the 300 block of South Howard would clearly be a restaurant oriented facility. He was seeking a wet zoning (serving liquor) for the entire block. At that time his comments centered on his plans for a restaurant oriented block. City Council very closely looks at bars and clubs.
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Artist Emporium Celebrating their First Year
Under the direction of Shelby Boggs, the Tampa Artist Emporium in Old Hyde Park Village has earned a reputation of quality works at reasonable prices. Each month the Emporium has held a free showcase event with lots of creativity. The June event featured music, fashion, photography, and more. Just a few months ago, it was unclear whether they would remain in the Village due to planned construction of residential space, however, the soft real estate market has put that construction on hold until another day.
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Pets Get Special Treat at Pets About Town
It was hot, a typical dog day afternoon. BUT not for the dogs. Wag Pet Boutique provided some special doggy ice treats and the everyone seemed yappy happy. Over 40 pets brought their owners for some great music and fun as the pets had their special day at MacDintons in SOHO. This free monthly event organized by SOHOTampa.com is getting more popular every month.
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PILOTS AND PETS, what a Combo !
Our May Pets About Town event was a big event. The extra boost came from the Air Force, Army, and Navy Pilots that arrived looking for fun after the MacDill Air Fest. Over 30 pets and their owners crowded the MacDintons deck for a perfect afternoon of music and fun. This FREE monthly event is always well attended, and this was no exception.
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SOHOTampa.com Editor and Davis Islands Community News Publisher asked to stay away.
This evening I received a call from Tommy expressing his displeasure with my article. As I have always said, he is a very easy person to talk. He indicated that my comments were a “cheap shot” and that I was not his friend.
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Islands Fest Grows Again
The family oriented Islands Fest was held at the Seaplane Basin Park on Davis Islands to a crowd of almost 5,000. This free, family oriented event featured entertainment from 10 am until 4 pm. Activities included bounce houses, a gyrosphere, pets parades, fashion show, free airplane rides, pram races, an art show and plenty more. Over 35 artists participated in the event and all were enthralled with the beautiful view and perfect day along the waterfront. Over 40 different exhibitors provided plenty to do and see. RV’s and cars were on display at the park and classic airplanes and helicopters were on display at the Peter O. Knight airport.
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Last Days of SOHO Sushi
The last night of business for SOHOSushi was full of spirit and excitement. After a record week of business, this popular restaurant will be relocating to the West Kennedy Blvd area. The long debate as to when and how they would close is finally over. The continuing effort by Tommy Ortiz to take full control of the block had kept a thundering cloud over SOHOSushi for sometime. They hope to move to the former Jasmine Thai location at 3218 W. Kennedy Blvd. Watch for an opening soon.
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Taste of South Tampa
Some of South Tampa’s most popular restaurants participated in this annual event organized by the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce. This Sunday afternoon eating frenzy has a perfect location in the Old Hyde Park Village shopping district. Plenty of food selections were available. Several hundred attended with proceeds going to various local charities. Great job to the organizing committee, but mostly to the many restaurants and staff that provided their contributions for free.
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Earth Day Celebration in SOHO
Introducing VODKA 360, eco luxury vodka, was a lot of fun, especially when held at Ceviche and raising funds for environment projects in Tampa Bay. Lots of sumptuous tapas dishes kept flowing along with the Vodka 360 drinks. Many SOHOTampa.com online friends arrived to say hello adding to the fun.
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New Concept Opens in SOHO
The service industry has always been alive and well in Tampa, but the recent opening of Salon Lofts offers each professional with the opportunity to run their own business. 26 various studios of hair styling, massage, grooming advice, and lots more is open at 2511 W. Swann Avenue. The concept is pretty simple, a large space is cut into smaller studios for each professional. Each studio provides their own customized services at their rates and times.
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Winefest is Great for the 11th Time
Quality occasions are clearly synonymous with the name of Bern’s in Tampa, and for the 11th Annual Bern’s Wine Fest there were plenty of quality wines, vodkas, champagnes combined with incredibly artistic food and culinary delights. The multi day event was totally sold out days before the start. The Saturday night soiree featured the Lounge Cats with dancing tunes and an upbeat sound.
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Pets Had a Clear Day for their Event
The rescheduled April Pets About Town was a lot of fun. Due to a total deluge the week before, the pets cleared their busy calendars to gather at MacDintons for SOHOTAMPA.COM’s monthly event. Sponsored by Wag Pet Boutique of Davis Islands and Tailored Pet Sitting, there were plenty of great giveaways and more.
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BREAD FACTORY BECOMES CONDO LOFTS
Remember driving the Crosstown or driving near Hyde Park and smelling the just baked bread smells of the Merita Bakery ? If you do, then you will be amazed with the now completed Seybold Lofts. You can even have the original oven in your living room ! A recent Grand Opening at the Seybold featured music, drinks, hors doeuvres and many guests.
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The French Takeover SOHO for a Night
The French American Business Council of West Florida met for dinner and wines – French, of course - at Chateau SOHO this week. Over 50 members and friends enjoyed a special dinner meeting and get together at their Annual Meeting. The 10 year old group has provided a great introduction to international business for many during those years.
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St. Pat’s 2008
One day a year everyone becomes Irish, St. Patrick’s Day 2008 was a perfect day to party. The weather was perfect as almost every bar had expanded their outdoors space to handle the increased crowds. Falling on Monday this year did not dampen the enthusiasm as the local Irish clubs were packed.
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Easter Bunny Seen In Old Hyde Park Village
A sunny day had the kids looking for eggs and fun at Old Hyde Park Village. Balloons, face painting, pictures with the Easter Bunny and more added excitement to the upgrading shopping village. Learning Express and Color Me Mine were the main stops for the day.
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