Local loos at Tampa Theatre, NOVA 535 lose out in national restroom contest

IN QUEST FOR BEST POTTY, WE'RE DOWN THE DRAIN

And now, the results you've been waiting on the edge of your, uh, seat for: Tampa Bay does not have the best bathrooms in the country. Posh potties at the Tampa Theatre and St. Petersburg's NOVA 535 were among 10 finalists nationwide in the Cintas Corp. America's Best Restroom contest. They made the flush from hundreds of entries, Tampa Theatre for its 1920s furniture and art, and NOVA 535 for its "bathroom suites" with birch doors and touch-free appliances. Alas, Tampa Theatre finished seventh, and NOVA 535 finished eighth. First place went to the Shoji Tabuchi Theatre in Branson, Mo. It has marble fireplaces, a hand-carved mahogany pool table, lion head sinks, leather chairs, stained glass and chandeliers. The theater folks got a plaque of recognition. Wonder where they'll hang it.