President's Message

Hola -

Spring is such a great time of the year in Ybor. A cool breeze and bright sunny skies are the perfect setting for our most up-scale event - Ybor Aficionado Days. Our volunteers have developed a truly unique special event over the past half-dozen years. It features the best of Ybor - a Tapas Trail of our home-owned restaurants, a rousing After Party at the historic Italian Club, a genuine Ybor Smoker and an over-the-top Spanish Brunch at the world famous Columbia Restaurant. And, if this was not enough, we have chauffer driven transportation "Powered by Chevy."

We especially appreciate the participation of our member restaurants that make this special event possible. The winner of the people's choice award for the "best restaurant tapas" was Sunday's Fine Dining for the second year in a row. Chef David Sunday's restaurant is in the 1900 Block of Seventh Avenue. A special thanks to Bright House Networks, which is not only our Presenting Sponsor, but also one of our Media Sponsors. Andrea Gonzmart, John Trujillo and the Aficionado Committee did a great job with over 300 guests on the Trail and another 130 at the Brunch. Sickles High Senior Crystal Guy won the amateur Tapas Cooking Challenge. I understand she is off to the Culinary Institute of America this summer.

As you all know, Michele and I love to visit American cities and enjoy taking the train when we can. It's all part of a comprehensive research program (ha ha) to bring the best to Ybor City. Two weeks ago we needed a break, so we took the train to Winter Park for a long weekend. For me, it was a trip back in time. I lived in Winter Park on Lake Kilearny, just north of Orlando, when I was little bitty kid. This is a great mini get away. To my surprise I learned that Winter Park was actually established a few years before Ybor City (the train track got there first).

We stayed in a very nice Best Western Inn within walking distance of Park Avenue, where all the shops and restaurants are located. Winter Park's downtown doesn't look as historic as Ybor City, but it has more stores and a larger number of professional offices. I learned last time I was there that Winter Park is an "incorporated City," so they can exercise a great deal of control over landscaping, zoning and code enforcement. While we were Florida's first industrial town, they were one of Florida's first locations for up-scale winter homes.

The last event on the Chamber's spring calendar is our Annual Golf Tournament to be held at the Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club on Monday, May 21st. The Golf Committee, led by John Nertney and Dr. Shawn Robinson, is going for a record 100 players. If you love golf, this event is for you. Contact Anna Ramos for details about Sponsorship and fielding a team. Will the new "traveling trophy" move from its current home at the headquarters of Ybor's Radiant Group?

Ciao, Tom Keating

Chamber Happenings

May 8- Annual Installation Luncheon, Tues. 11:45AM- 1:15PM- Join us Tuesday, May 8th for our Annual Installation Luncheon.  This is the one time of the year when the Chamber recognizes its own.  New Officers and Directors will be sworn-in and the out-going and in-coming Chairs will speak.  This once-a-year changing of the guard has been conducted for 82 years.  The Installation is a formal sit-down affair where Past- Chairs & Presidents are recognized for their service.  Preregister with Anna Ramos by calling 813.248.3712 x22 or on-line when you receive your e-notice.  

May 17- PM Networking Event at GameTime, Thurs. 5:30PM- 7:30PM- Anyone feel up for a game of air hockey or facing off in a race at Daytona Speedway?  At the next chamber PM Networking Event, you can do just that with fellow chamber members. Come out and get acquainted with members while you enjoy a few complimentary nibbles and drink specials, and then see what you are made of when you have a joystick in your hand. 813.248.3712 x25

May 21- The Ybor City Chamber's Annual Golf Tournament, Mon. 11:00AM - For the golfers in our ranks, this is your opportunity!  The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce's Annual Golf Tournament is being held at the Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club. Sign up to be a sponsor or register as a team from your company. By sponsoring this event you will not only be introducing your company to local professionals but also supporting the Ybor Chamber's HCC - Ybor Campus Scholarship Fund.  To sign-up call Anna Ramos at 813.248.3712 x22 or email her at aramos@ybor.org.