Neighborhood Notebbok

By RON MATUS and SUSAN THURSTON
© St. Petersburg Times
published November 15, 2002

Police seek suspect in attack on woman

GANDY -- Tampa police are looking for a man who reportedly raped a woman at Camden Bayside apartments on West Shore Boulevard recently.

About 5 a.m. Nov. 3, the man, armed with a knife, entered her apartment through an open window, said Tampa police spokesman Joe Durkin. Later in the week, apartment managers sent a crime notice to tenants, urging them to "take precautions for your protection."

The attacker is described as a Hispanic male between 25 and 30 years old with short brown hair, 6 feet 2 and 180 to 190 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black fleece zip-up jacket (Nautica brand), with blue jeans and white socks.

Garden center event features fashion show

BAYSHORE GARDENS -- The annual Holiday Harvest Bazaar is set for Nov. 22 and 23 at the Tampa Garden Center.

Proceeds benefit the Tampa Federation of Garden Club Circles.

More than 40 vendors -- selling jewelry, clothing, plants and more -- will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

The event is free. A lunch and fashion show Nov. 22 costs $15.

Saturday features children's events and seminars on roses, bromeliads, oaks and bees.

The garden center is at 2629 Bayshore Blvd. For more information, call 251-5059.

Miller's 'The Crucible' to be performed at school

INTERBAY -- The Robinson High School drama department performs Arthur Miller's The Crucible tonight and Saturday night in the school auditorium.

Tickets, available at the door, are $7 for general admission, $5 for children and those with Robinson ID.

The Crucible is a fictionalized version of historical events in Salem, Mass., in 1692, when teenagers accused people of witchcraft.

The shows run from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Holiday lights winner to get party on yacht

DAVIS ISLANDS/HARBOUR ISLAND -- It might lead to a whopper of a power bill. But the winner of a holiday home lighting competition gets a free party.

The competition, sponsored by the Downtown Tampa Attractions Association, asks waterside residents of Davis Islands or Harbour Island to decorate their homes by Nov. 28, and then light them up every night from dusk to 11 p.m. through Jan. 1.

Celebrity judges aboard Yacht StarShip will judge winners. First prize is a private party for 50 aboard the yacht. Second prize is a private party for 125 at The Florida Aquarium.

Registration deadline is Nov. 26. For more information call 223-7999.

Dog wash is Saturday at West Shore Starbucks

CARVER CITY/LINCOLN GARDENS -- Fido not smelling like a rose?

Then take him to the drive-through Starbucks on West Shore Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Starbucks employees and volunteers are hosting a "Dog Wash" in the parking lot for donations of $5 or more.

Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

For information, call Starbucks at 639-9677 or visit the store at 1508 N West Shore Blvd., just north of the WestShore Plaza.

Gandy Civic Association chooses a new leader

Al Steenson, a 24-year resident of Gandy Gardens, this week was named president of the Gandy Civic Association for 2003.

Steenson, who worked in the road and bridge construction industry for many years, replaces David Gutcher.

As president, Steenson plans to focus on transportation issues, code enforcement and crime. He also wants to increase the association's membership.

Steenson, who has been active in the debate over the Gandy Connector, favors building a tunnel under Gandy Boulevard rather than constructing an elevated highway or a bypass through communities.

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