Cool Stuff in Other Cities

[popsiclebrandon]

On 12/10/2021 at 2:30 PM, spenser1058 said:

Rays spring training to Pasco?

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-sp-tampa-bay-rays-spring-training-facility-20211210-da54j3uotnabncmdj74cxioewq-story.html

From The Sentinel 
 

Haven't they suffered enough?

[spenser1058]

Broward County is restoring the Depression-era Coke plant in Fort Lauderdale to its former glory:

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fort-lauderdale/fl-ne-coca-cola-broward-county-20211209-txcmdlwz35ccrhk6xuy5oepdwe-story.html

From The Sun-Sentinel 

“Can’t Beat the Feeling “

UPDATE: I dug around a bit and found out Ocala has a remarkably similar building built in 1939 and designed by a Lauderdale architect. Apparently, at some point, the Coke bottling operations in Florida were controlled by the same family. I wonder if there are others around the state.

Interestingly, the Orlando plant on Gore is still there as In Bloom Florist.

It is much changed from what I remember although there are hints of  the deco silhouette (quite different than the Mediterranean style on the ones above).

 I only recall one story (we’re talking 50 years ago, though). It did have the windows to look at the bottling line but they were jalousies. I’m curious how Ocala seemed to have scored a better building although timing ( war shortages or something) may have affected that. Nevertheless, quite a blast from the past.

https://www.inbloomflorist.com/about/hours-locations/

 

Edited December 20, 2021 by spenser1058

[spenser1058]

The Jaxson takes on downtown redevelopment in Jacksonville and organic growth vs. big projects.

Yes, Virginia, more than a little of the debate is which comes first to change the dynamic, the chicken or the egg?

https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/what-shad-khan-gets-right-and-wrong-about-downtown

[orange87]

New laws going into effect in 2022 in Connecticut:

- Eligible workers can receive up to 12 weeks of paid family leave.

- Families can no longer rely on religious exemptions for childhood vaccinations.

- Automatic erasure of past marijuana possession convictions.

[spenser1058]

7 minutes ago, orange87 said:

New laws going into effect in 2022 in Connecticut:

- Eligible workers can receive up to 12 weeks of paid family leave.

- Families can no longer rely on religious exemptions for childhood vaccinations.

- Automatic erasure of past marijuana possession convictions.

Speaking of family leave, Publix announced it will be adding leave for new parents to its list of benefits  in 2022. No details yet. Given the chain’s conservative nature, look to see if it’s included for new fathers. They did say it also applies to new adoptions.

[spenser1058]

In the aftermath of the Christmas, 2020, bombing along downtown Nashville’s historic Second Avenue, many are suggesting it’s time to rein in the party and make downtown more of a community:

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/01/us/nashville-finds-opportunity-in-the-hole-a-bomber-left-in-the-heart-of-the-city.html?referringSource=articleShare

From The New York Times 

It’s an issue we’ve had echoes of in our own historic downtown core.
 

Edited January 1, 2022 by spenser1058

[spenser1058]

Tampa’s tree ordinance, one of the best in the state and hammered out after bringing all local parties to the table, appears to be on its way to being gutted by the Tallahassee Idiots:

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/florida/os-ne-tampa-tree-canopy-diminishes-20220103-daayj3irz5cbpoiqluuvkpvszi-story.html

From The Sentinel

What’s really ironic is the GOP used to be the ones regularly preaching about home rule.
 

[spenser1058]

Thank goodness, MLB has shot down one of the stupidest ideas in the history of baseball. The Rays cannot split time between Tampa and Montreal:

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-sp-mlb-kills-tampa-bay-rays-montreal-plan-0121-20220120-ptd5nmfesfa2hiv5cuc3jtccgi-story.html

From The Sentinel 
 

[AmIReal]

I'm not sure this falls into the "cool" category, but it is definitely interesting. Massachusetts is trying to force the suburbs to increase density and build MF. They have set up a new carrot/ stick program.

https://slate.com/business/2022/01/massachusetts-zoning-apartments-housing-transit.html

[spenser1058]

Ever wonder why The High, arguably the South’s signature art museum, sees no reason for a second location in downtown Atlanta?

[orange87]

On 1/26/2022 at 7:44 PM, AmIReal said:

I'm not sure this falls into the "cool" category, but it is definitely interesting. Massachusetts is trying to force the suburbs to increase density and build MF. They have set up a new carrot/ stick program.

https://slate.com/business/2022/01/massachusetts-zoning-apartments-housing-transit.html

Connecticut Dems are trying to do the same thing too unfortunately. They already implemented soft on crime policies in CT and they also are trying to find ways to fill CT's beautiful suburbs with the ghetto class. There seems to be this belief that allowing black people in CT to commit crime with little or no consequences and flooding CT's affluent suburbs with affordable housing is some sort of reparation to the black community. This is why one-party rule is so bad with either party.

[spenser1058]

An interesting history of Busch Gardens Tampa from its 1950’s beginning as a brewery:

http://bgthistory.com/attractions/defunct-attractions/anheuser-busch-brewery/

From BGT History 

What I really liked in the article was this quote at the dedication by Augustus Busch, Jr:

‘In constructing this new brewery, Anheuser-Busch wanted to more than just build a factory. It is our company’s belief that a modern industrial plant should also add to the area in design and landscape.”’

Even the Busch family “got it”.

A couple of things I wonder about: was Schlitz really bigger than Busch in the ‘50’s? If so,that certainly changed in the ‘60’s. Also, did the monorail really predate the train on the Veldt? That seems backward but certainly could be true (maybe the train came with The Old Swiss House?).

If you never rode BG’s monorail, it was sad. Instead of resting atop the beam like Disney’s, it hung below (almost to the ground in some places) and it was soooooo slow.

Even Rainbow Springs’ Forest Flite , which were open cars shaped like giant leaves, were better than BG’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 20, 2022 by spenser1058

[spenser1058]

The Jaxson takes a look at several of the Northbank restorations completed over the past decade in Jacksonville, and notes how improvements to historic building incentives has led to the plethora of projects now underway to save the city’s past and make downtown vibrant once again:

https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/7-big-projects-that-moved-downtown-forward-and-how/

Edited February 21, 2022 by spenser1058

[prahaboheme]

On 2/20/2022 at 11:40 AM, orange87 said:

Connecticut Dems are trying to do the same thing too unfortunately. They already implemented soft on crime policies in CT and they also are trying to find ways to fill CT's beautiful suburbs with the ghetto class. There seems to be this belief that allowing black people in CT to commit crime with little or no consequences and flooding CT's affluent suburbs with affordable housing is some sort of reparation to the black community. This is why one-party rule is so bad with either party.

Offensive post aside, what Massachusetts is doing is not what you describe above.

The Boston metro is such a successful hub that there is little room for growth and high density infill. If the metro is going to maintain a competitive edge, there needs to be widespread commitment to build up other urban nodes within the metro area.

CT does not have successful urban cities sans New Haven (which continues to still fall short in most areas despite an Ivy League and proximity to NYC).Most people would never choose to live in the urban center of most CT cities because the state does not care about them. 

[orange87]

14 minutes ago, prahaboheme said:

Offensive post aside, what Massachusetts is doing is not what you describe above.

The Boston metro is such a successful hub that there is little room for growth and high density infill. If the metro is going to maintain a competitive edge, there needs to be widespread commitment to build up other urban nodes within the metro area.

CT does not have successful urban cities sans New Haven (which continues to still fall short in most areas despite an Ivy League and proximity to NYC).Most people would never choose to live in the urban center of most CT cities because the state does not care about them. 

I think your assessment about CT's urban cities is outdated. Very few cities anywhere in the U.S. are going to compare to Boston, so that's not a fair yardstick.

Stamford's economy is booming and is a very desirable place to live. It's a short drive away from NYC and is basically a mini-Manhattan.

New Haven obviously has Yale and is a global research, medical and education hub and is rapidly becoming gentrified.

CT's capital city of Hartford is the insurance capital of the world, and it has made great strides towards cleaning up its blighted areas.

For a state of CT's size, to have three cities with that much economic and historical importance is impressive.

[prahaboheme]

44 minutes ago, orange87 said:

I think your assessment about CT's urban cities is outdated. Very few cities anywhere in the U.S. are going to compare to Boston, so that's not a fair yardstick.

Stamford's economy is booming and is a very desirable place to live. It's a short drive away from NYC and is basically a mini-Manhattan.

New Haven obviously has Yale and is a global research, medical and education hub and is rapidly becoming gentrified.

CT's capital city of Hartford is the insurance capital of the world, and it has made great strides towards cleaning up its blighted areas.

For a state of CT's size, to have three cities with that much economic and historical importance is impressive.

I didn’t make the unfair comparison between Boston and CT cities though, you did right?

I’m very familiar with CT cities. Obviously I was speaking in a bit of hyperbole there as a response to your statement  that the situation  in CT is any bit the same as Boston.

Good to hear that Stamford is now a “mini-Manhattan”. Whats changed since I drove through on Saturday? :p

[jack]

On 2/20/2022 at 11:40 AM, orange87 said:

Connecticut Dems are trying to do the same thing too unfortunately. They already implemented soft on crime policies in CT and they also are trying to find ways to fill CT's beautiful suburbs with the ghetto class. There seems to be this belief that allowing black people in CT to commit crime with little or no consequences and flooding CT's affluent suburbs with affordable housing is some sort of reparation to the black community. This is why one-party rule is so bad with either party.

Nah, it is the understanding that we have a housing shortage created by entrenched communities that block any and all housing that is perceived dense. Property rights be damned. Additionally, there is no proof that market rate rentals bring down property values in these communities. F*** those people. 

I can't speak to any specific proposal CT, but new luxury housing has people with salaries that exceed some of the surrounding neighborhoods. They choose to rent because they are younger or are not ready to buy. 

[spenser1058]

If you emphasize growth over what made your community interesting in the first place, what are you left with?

The Tampa Bay region asked leaders of cities like Austin how to save the cities’ soul:

https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2022/03/02/can-tampa-bay-keep-growing-without-losing-its-soul/

From The Tampa Bay Times 
 

[jack]

On 3/5/2022 at 10:32 PM, spenser1058 said:

If you emphasize growth over what made your community interesting in the first place, what are you left with?

The Tampa Bay region asked leaders of cities like Austin how to save the cities’ soul:

https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2022/03/02/can-tampa-bay-keep-growing-without-losing-its-soul/

From The Tampa Bay Times 
 

If you talk to long time residents of Austin, they will tell you the magic is gone. 

[JFW657]

On 3/8/2022 at 1:12 PM, jack said:

If you talk to long time residents of Austin, they will tell you the magic is gone. 

Funny Austin would be mentioned in that regard, as it is also mentioned in an article I was just about to post concerning overrated cities....

__________________________________________________________________________________________

So, I happened across a link to an article on a website called ActiveBeat, that is ostensibly concerned with matters of health.

"ActiveBeat connects health-conscious individuals with important news and information in the fast-paced world of health. From recalls and outbreaks to diet, ..."

The article from last November, is titled The 12 Most Overrated Cities in the US.

Naturally, I was curious, not so much as to IF Orlando made the list, but mostly as to what position we were ranked.

Turns out that, counting down backwards, we were first (last place) on the list. So I guess that makes us the least overrated of the most overrated cities in the US...?

Despair not, though.

We are in some pretty good company.

12. Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida, is a go-to travel destination for many families and is well known for its Disney World parks and Universal Studios amusement park. While these attractions are certainly worth a visit, Orlando doesn’t have much to offer beyond them, making it one of America’s most overrated cities.

Here's the rest of the list, synopsized for your convenience....

11) Atlanta - heavy traffic, backwards mentality, crime.
10) Nashville - too crowded, heavy traffic, rowdy parties.
09) Boston - unfriendly and snobby.
08) San Francisco - pretentious, expensive.
07) Portland - too youth oriented, few job opportunities.
06) Austin - too hot, tries too hard to be different.
05) Asheville - disgruntled residents.
04) NYC - expensive, rude and boisterous.
03) Las Vegas - debaucherous, cheesey.
02) Los Angeles - all style & no substance.
01) Miami - vain, judgemental people, few job opportunities.

https://m.activebeat.com/travel/12-most-overrated-cities-in-the-us/?utm_campaign=AB_FBK_US_MOBI&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=facebook&utm_pagetype=var-multi&utm_acid=353188713474792&utm_caid=23850777192310678&utm_agid=23850777192290678

Congratulations Orlando!!!!  

[orange87]

[jgardnerucf]

Ye ole channel 2 early bird foolery. Every year...

Edited March 25, 2022 by jgardnerucf
Same ole

[spenser1058]

Miami is going all in on crypto, even going so far as commissioning a Bull very much like the one on Wall St.  (it’s competing with NYC for the industry’s favor). One big difference - it has the “laser eyes” favored by crypto types.

Miami is bullish on crypto

The annual Bitcoin conference in Miami begins today, bringing about 30,000 cryptocurrency devotees to a city whose mayor pitches it as a global crypto hub. Miami’s mayor, Francis Suarez, has been competing with Mayor Eric Adams of New York City to attract crypto companies, with both recently converting their paychecks to digital currency to show support for the industry.

This morning, Suarez is upping the ante, DealBook is first to report, presiding over the unveiling of an 11-foot, 3,000-pound statue of a charging bull, reminiscent of the iconic Wall Street piece but updated with the “laser eyes” that crypto enthusiasts sometimes favor on social media. “The future of finance is in Miami,” Suarez told DealBook in a statement. “The Miami Bull is a physical representation of our city’s commitment to propelling our position in the world’s financial market, notably in the advancement and adoption of cryptocurrencies.”

Miami’s crypto ambitions are grand, and so far Suarez’s plan seems to be working, thanks in part to Florida’s low taxes, good weather and relaxed restrictions during the pandemic. Venture capital investment in Miami-area crypto companies rose to $745 million in 2021 from $6 million in 2020, according to PitchBook. But that’s still far below San Francisco and New York City, where last year crypto companies raised $7.4 billion and $4.7 billion, respectively.

About that bull … The Miami Bull was commissioned by TradeStation, a South Florida company that makes trading platforms, and was created by ad and branding agencies working with an artist and studio. It is constructed of mixed resin, a “unique futuristic material, which is symbolic of the progression of the future of finance,” according to its creators. The statue will live on a campus of Miami Dade College.

From DealBook at The New York Times 
 

[spenser1058]

A major expansion of I-95 in St. Johns County (one of the fastest growing counties in the 2020 census) and into south Duval has been proposed by FDOT.

Thankfully, John Mica wasn’t around to get them to try and toll it:

https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/plan-to-widen-i-95-into-st-johns-county-proposed

From The Jaxson 
 

[spenser1058]

Manhattan is coming to grips with how work-at-home options among its major employers is going to change how things in the borough work:

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/11/nyregion/remote-work-hybrid-manhattan.html?referringSource=articleShare

From The New York Times 

It was once assumed that post-pandemic everything would go back to the way it was. That’s proving not to be the case as many workers ask why they need to return to a commute that is increasingly expensive, not to mention time -consuming. 

Increasing housing costs are causing workers to rethink the city. And it’s not only housing - a Library of Congress worker in D.C. found her parking space went from $120 to $400/month while she was away due to the pandemic (source: WaPo).