We are very lucky to have good friends in Ybor who have been here for many years. One of the fun stories we were told was about the former building that was next to what is now The Honey Pot…
DISHING WITH MARK AND CARRIE
Nephew of the Week: Michael-David Carpenter
The owner of Michael-David Designs, Michael doses it all. From furniture to interior designs, staging, holidays and painting, he has it all under control. Michael’s smile and positive, can-do attitude is contagious.
You Just Can’t Make This Stuff Up!
We are very lucky to have good friends in Ybor who have been here for many years. One of the fun stories we were told was about the former building that was next to what is now The Honey Pot. It was a famous photo studio, “Burgert Brothers Photography”. Many of their photos live on today in the historic archives including the special collection at USF and the Tampa Bay History Museum.
Anyway, back to the building. After the Burgert Brothers moved out, the building remained empty for many years. The building on the other side had been torn down. The dilapidated Burgert building’s roof collapsed and started to lean very badly. It became the joke of many locals. There was even a pool betting on when it would fall down. Then on a Sunday at 2 a.m. the building started to fall over. The phones started to ring out all over Ybor City, “the building was falling down!” At this time antique bricks were very valuable.
People came with wheelbarrows and pickup trucks to pick up the bricks. By noon that day the building was almost gone. Every brick was stolen! In the photo on the right side you will notice the windows of The Honey Pot today.
Exciting News for Mark and Carrie
This week we received the fantastic news that we both have been accepted to this year’s Tampa Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy! We will be starting the first week of October. Over the next eight weeks, we will be learning the daily police activities and the functions that are performed to ensure the safety of our community. This should be some very interesting “Dishing.”
Did you know our Tampa Police Department has a facebook page? It’s full of important, must-know updates and some humor too. Become a fan today at Facebook.com/TampaPD
Caught in GaYBOR
Relaxing after a concert tour, Colleen Orender was spotted on the Hamburger Mary’s balcony. This Nashville sensation is known for her bluegrass voice and country stage presence, performing with Rick Springfield, as part of the opening of “Always Patsy Cline,” and much more. Her new band The Sheagles features eight beautiful women musicians. They always play to sold out venues. For more information: sheagles.populr.me/colleen-orender
Tampa Baseball Museum Gets Deed
Under very overcast skies, the Department of Transportation Monday gave the deed of the famed Al Lopez House to the City of Tampa, that then transferred it to the Ybor City Museum Society. Al Lopez was a famous Tampanian and Yborite who was the first Tampa native to be signed into the Major Baseball League and was also the first Hall of Fame player from Tampa.
The new Tampa Baseball Museum, opening in the spring, will be next to Centennial Park. Also, the future Law Enforcement Museum will be housed in a bungalow house next door to the Al Lopez House on 19th Street in Ybor City.
The many exhibits will feature various articles from The National Baseball League, such as clothing from past Tampa baseball teams, including Major League teams, area Semi-Pro teams, cigar factory baseball teams, the Negro Baseball League, high schools and college teams from Tampa Bay!
