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Ceviche Tapas follows its neighbors' wishes

By Eric Smithers, Times Staff Writer
In print: Friday, August 1, 2008

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HISTORIC HYDE PARK

Ceviche Tapas follows its neighbors' wishes

It has only been in Historic Hyde Park for about six months, but Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant has already stirred up some controversy among its neighbors.

Nearly two months ago, the neighborhood association approached the restaurant owners to inform them that their 3 a.m. closing time was in violation of the zoning plan development for that area, said president Dallas Coffield. The move now has Ceviche closing its bar and shutting down service at 1 a.m.

Jim Snyder, senior managing partner at Ceviche, said it's not on their license to close at 1 a.m. and that the neighborhood association presented then with "an old neighborhood clause." He said it bothers them, but said "we're not trying to make waves in the neighborhood."

"The neighborhood association is very vigilant and noticed we were open too late," he said. "We agreed we'd abide by the rule, so we've been giving last call at 1 a.m."

Coffield said previous tenants have also violated the plan development and said the combination of late-night parties and parking violations pushed them to confront Ceviche.

"Everybody loves having them there, but all we ask is they abide by their zoning," he said.

TAMPA

Workshop wants ideas about transportation

The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority is hosting a series of workshops to discuss where possible transportation improvements should occur.

Its next stop? Hillsborough County.

Plans by the county's Metropolitan Planning Organization call for several light rail and commuter rail lines to run through Tampa and parts of Hillsborough.

The meeting will discuss whether any types of changes, such as road expansions, light-rail, commuter rail, water taxis and expanded bus service, are desired by citizens.

The workshop will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the DoubleTree Hotel, 4500 W Cypress St., Tampa. For more information, call 217-4048.

PALMA CEIA

Former church site to become offices

Plans for a 31,000-square-foot office building at the southeast corner of Himes Avenue and Bay to Bay Boulevard are under way.

The site, previously occupied by Palma Ceia Christian Church, will bring in attorneys, lawyers and other professionals, said developer Jim Burt of Capstone Group.

The space is now being offered for preconstruction lease or sales, which Burt says is required to receive building permits. The architecture will be a Mediterranean design and will include something rare in South Tampa: ample parking of more than 100 spaces.

Burt said the owners are confident there's a market for commercial space in South Tampa despite a tough economy.

"The location is really a very good location," he said. "The interest we've gotten so far must mean we're correct."

The building should be up in about 18 months, he said.

If you know of news in your community, contact Eric Smithers at esmithers@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3339.