October SOHO News

It has been a very tumultuous month in SOHO.
First, the biggest story was when the owner of Reborn Couture and VisionTech Components, Shannon Wren, appeared on the front page of local papers and in tv headlines when he was charged with
conspiracy, trafficking in counterfeit goods and mail fraud by Federal authorities. The charge involved an estimated $15 million from sales of counterfeit integrated circuits to the military. The store and other personal assets were seized by the Federal government.

Second, the fallout may have continued from the appearance of local bar owner Tommy Ortiz on the Bubba the Love Sponge Show. We covered that story last month, but a St. Petersburg Times story on September 5th raised more questions of racial discrimination at Ortiz’s Hyde Park Café. The issues raised centered on dress codes and possible discrimination.

Third, the owners of the Bric at the corner of Platt and Howard threw in the towel. The hour restrictions imposed by City Council made their /concept unworkable. But the location is now about to become the Hooker Tea Company. They currently have one successful location in St. Petersburg that has been recognized for a quality tea collection. The SOHO location hopes to open in early October and will also feature micro brew beer and ales. FREE Wifi will be available as well. This is a concept that might just work. Get more info at www.hookertea.com

Fourth, the transition has been underway for over a year. Cork started with the idea of being a wine bar, it just didn’t quite work. They have been enhancing their outdoor space and have been gradually shifting to being more of a brew and beer pub. The change should be complete on October 1 with the opening of the Yard of Ale. The inside and outside have been touched up with a gothic castle looking theme and the menu for beers will be expanding dramatically. (NOTE: the first ad for Yard of Ale is in this issue of the South Tampa Community News - with a valuable coupon as well)

Fifth, World of Beer is in progress. Work is underway to convert the former Tacqueria Quetzlcoatl, Mateo’s to a World of Beer location. Original plans had it opening in October, but it looks like it will take longer for that to happen. We understand they were caught by surprise at the change at Cork. Now SOHO will have two places for a large beer selection. Now, if we can only get a real sports bar.

Sixth, believe it or not. The blighted building at the corner of Swann and Howard, formerly occupied by Heidt and Whiskey SOHO, may finally be about to be developed. Owned by international real estate developer – Post Properties – original plans called for a combination of residential and commercial space. The residential plans have flipped flopped from condos to rentals a few times. Watch for some clean up at the property as your sign that something is underway. Could be before the end of this year.

Seventh, remember the former apartments at Howard and Palm Avenue, just a short distance from Bayshore ? Townhomes had been planned, but the economy short circuited that plan. Watch for construction soon on a senior care facility dedicated to alzheimer’s patients to be built by Horizon Bay group. They also have under construction a retirement facility in Hyde Park on South Boulevard. Is South Tampa changing from chic to senior ?

No one covers SOHO like we do. See you on the street.