WTF Tampa

We are very lucky and can live almost anywhere we choose.  In Ybor City. there is a true sense of community that embraces and celebrates diversity here. That is why we picked to live in Ybor City. For the past 15+ years a small group, in the Ybor City Community, have come together to watch the 4th of July Fireworks. It is a very fun tradition to meet on the roof top of the parking garage to view the fireworks. This year there were a couple families with pickup truck that had their kid playing in the back. Senior Citizens had set up lawn chairs and neighbors were catching up on the latest news. Everything was quite and peaceful. There was No alcohol (red cups, beer cans etc.)  No loud Music. Just “O’s” and “WOW’s” as the Temple Terrace and Busch Gardens fireworks went off. Then the City of Tampa parking garage security came and told us we were loitering and need to “GET OUT NOW!!!!” Several people said that we were not loitering just watching firework.  The security said very rudely and loud GET OUT NOW OR YOU ALL ARE GOING TO JAIL!!!! In true Ybor fashion, we all showed respect and left. WTF TAMPA!!!!

While I am on this soap box. I would like to bring up that the City of Tampa are now charging $10 Special Event Parking every Friday & Saturday Night (as they did on Sunday, July 4th) in Ybor City. They are saying that it gets people out faster. Hum… but the gates are all down and everyone still has to stop and put the ticket in. This looks more like a way to drive business out of Ybor City.