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Old Southeast |
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The Old Southeast Neighborhood is proud of its rich ethnic and cultural diversity. The focal point and eastern boundary of the neighborhood is Lassing Park, 12.5 acres, fronting Tampa Bay from 16th to 22nd Avenues Southeast. Few city parks offer such spectacular water scenery coupled with the tranquility of a residential backdrop. Its landscaping has recently been upgraded with many palms and native plants clustered at the ends of avenues. It is a beacon for any who seek the delight of fishing, the space for games and walking or the solace to contemplate while seabirds and sailboats grace the waters. Another showplace of the neighborhood is Bayboro House on Beach Drive SE, a bed & breakfast, which the City designated a historical landmark in 1994. It was the home of the area's developer, C.A. Harvey.
The Old Southeast Neighborhood began in mid-1920 when C.A. Harvey and A.F. Freeman's Bayboro Investment Co. bought the land east of 4th Street between 7th and 19th Avenues South around Booker and Salt Creeks as well as Bayboro Harbor. Mr. Henry built a home, what is now Bayboro Bed & Breakfast, and resided there while the company continued to develop the area. Another early resident, Judge Robert B. Lassing, donated waterfront land to the City in 1924, with the proviso that it and any structures on it are to be used only for park purposes. The City acquired additional land in 1926, 1944, and 1945 for the park. On January 8, 1942, Lassing Park was dedicated and has continued to provide solace, enjoyment and beauty to the neighborhood residents and visitors.
Historic home styles in Old Southeast include Queen Anne, Craftsman Bungalow, Modernistic, Mediterranean Revival, Colonial Revival, American Foursquare, Ranch, and both Frame and Masonry Vernacular. The quiet brick streets are wide, and the lots are generous. Restoration activities are ongoing, and many opportunities abound. The Old Southeast Neighborhood Association is an active organization meeting monthly to discuss and plan projects in and adjacent to the neighborhood. The Old Southeast Gazette, which is the association's newsletter, is supported by dues and commercial advertising. The Association sponsors holiday activities (i.e. Christmas and the 4th of July parties in the park) and city organized home tours. The Association joined the City's Neighborhood Planning Program in 1991, prepared a neighborhood plan which was adopted by the City in 1993, and has been, to date, nearly fully implemented. The Association participated in the City's Certificate of Inspection Program and the neighborhood has been adopted by Bank of America for the Working to Improve Neighborhoods program.
The neighborhood received a grant of $9,000 in October 1997, for construction of a nine-foot tall neighborhood identity marker, designed by a resident, to identify the neighborhood. In 1993, the neighborhood received $100,000 for implementing the neighborhood plan. The Association elected to spend the funds for the old-style "theme" street lighting on 3rd Street between 17th and 22nd Avenues South, trees to be planted on these same streets and installation of street signs with the Association's logo throughout the neighborhood. The following projects identified in the neighborhood plan have been completed: rerouting all commercial traffic through the marine district by creating cul-de-sacs, hex-block rehabilitation, expanding reclaimed water service and landscaping Lassing Park. Old Southeast boundaries are 4th Street to Tampa Bay from Salt Creek to 25th Avenue South.
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