Newsletter August, 2012 Tampa Palms - Urban / Suburban Vibe Celebrating The Best of Both Worlds It’s Location, Location, Location Recreation Abounds- Right Here In Tampa Palms Tampa Palms is uniquely situated at the edge of the ex- The Tampa Palms five-site park system for 4,000 homes panding university/medical/research zone that surrounds is an amenity that even many municipalities would be the USF campus. proud to call their own. Tampa Palms is both the gateway to the Each of the community-owned parks includes a unique thriving New Tampa area and a short mix of activities and events: commute to the front doors of Moffitt Compton Park - Swimming, tennis, Cancer Center, Haley VA, Florida Hospi- volley ball, meeting rooms, children’s tal and the University of South Florida. playground, playing fields, lake with It’s All Here dock and fountain. Hampton Park- Tennis, racquet ball, Recent newspaper articles suggest that those who do not volleyball, pavilion with restrooms, live in a downtown high-rise are doomed to shaded playground, picnic tables and drive hours for everything – not true at all in grills. Tampa Palms. Amberly Park - Walking trails with Groceries, salons, gyms, physicians, drug bench seating, lake with fountain, a stores, child care, dining, even appliance pavilion with restrooms, modern play- stores and much more are all located right ground. here in the community. Oak Park- Nature conservancy com- plete with walking trails and coveted Skate parks, movie theaters and recreation gopher tortoise habitat. centers are conveniently next door. River Park– Situated right on the beautiful Hillsborough River, this park Tampa Palms Is About Young Families provides fishing from the floating dock The 2010 census indicates that Tampa Palms continues to and canoeing from the launch area, serve the young professionals and young families: 21% of along with miles of nature trails, picnic the population in TP are children under 18 years old. areas with fire pits, a pavilion with restrooms, and a playground . There are also private recreation amenities in Tampa Palms such as the resort quality Tampa Palms Country Club with golf, ten- nis, swimming, athletic center, gourmet dining and guest accommodations. Urban / Suburban - it’s all here and more! AUGUST, 2012 PAGE 2 News From the TPOA Make Safety Awareness A Habit Watch Out For School Children A Message From the President of the TPOA It’s Back To School Tuesday August 21st. As the school year starts, the TPOA wants to remind all SAFETY OF A NEIGHBORHOOD is an important indi- community members to watch out for the children. cator of its overall economic and social health and a ma- jor contributor to “neighborhood value”. Thriving com- The excitement of seeing an old munities are those where residents are safe in their homes friend or teachers can make the and can move securely around the community. most level headed child forget where they are and bolt into traf- Residents of Tampa Palms enjoy a safe and secure envi- fic with no warning. ronment– one protected by the City of Tampa’s alert and ever-present police force, and the City’s well-maintained, In particular be very careful as well illuminated streets, sidewalks, and bike paths. you drive along Tampa Palms But community safety is not something that can be dele- Boulevard (both adjacent to Tam- gated to “someone else” to make happen. Safety at home pa Palms Elementary and near and in the streets is as much a result of citizen awareness Chiles Elementary), as well as, Compton Drive. There and action as law enforcement. is a tremendous volume of bus, parent and student traf- fic from 7:20-8:00 am and again from 2:15-2:30 pm. Let’s work together to make certain that Tampa Palms For those going into Tampa Palms Elementary and remains safe by making safety awareness a habit. wishing to walk their child to class, if all of the visitor parking in front of the school is taken, the TPOA makes the Compton Park parking lot available for over- flow school parking Check out the TPOA’s Neighborhood Watch web page for Plan The Route To School links to valuable tips about securing your home and person. You can find that information online at: One suggestion made during the Safe Routes to School http://www.tpoa.net/neighbor.html Training held last year in Tampa Palms was that par- ents “plan the path to school” and even take The Neighborhood Watch is valuable Tampa a couple of trial runs before the first day of Police Department program that keeps neigh- school. bors up to date on threats in the area. Although the focus was bicycles, the same If you do not know your village’s Neighbor- recommendation applied for children who hood Watch representative, or if your village does not have a walk to school. representative, contact Lisa Timmer for more information. (931-6541 or [email protected]) AUGUST, 2012 PAGE 3 Tampa Palms Women’s Club Swings Into Action For the Fall Kicking Into High Gear Come Join “The Gang” The Women’s Club returns to action in September after a The Tampa Palms Women’s Club uniquely combines brief summer recess. civic service and good old fashioned fun. The hard working 2012 Board, lead by Presi- Each month the friends get dent Ginny Welch, will welcome back the together to hear interesting members for the first post-Summer general speakers, share luncheons and meeting scheduled for field trips to nearby Florida attractions, along with a host of September 6th - 10:00 Social and 10:30 activities such as bridge and bowling. General Meeting Compton Park, in the General Purpose Room. On Sept 20th members will visit the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. New members and returning stalwarts will be welcomed at the New Member Brunch following the Sept 6th meeting. Sign up at the Sept 6th General This is a festive tradition for the TPWC– enjoyed by all. For Meeting. Hoa Daniel and Karen more information on joining contact please call Audrey at Zicht are coordinating the plans. 971-3294. Calling All Crafters and Artisans This unique and very special Tampa Palms event will again be presented at Market Square at Tampa Palms– the BJ’s shopping center. SAVE THE DATE! Saturday and Sunday October 20th and 21st BJ’s Parking Lot In Market Square This exciting happening will feature artisans displaying their original works of pottery, jewelry, flowers, paintings, wood carvings and something unique for that pooch or kitty in your life. Do you know an artist interested in participating? Applications are currently being accept- ed from local craftsmen and artists. Interested artists may obtain an application www.tampapalmswomensclub.com, subject Arts & Crafts Under the Palms. For any additional questions, contact coordinator Stella Hardman at 977-2261. PAGE 4 AUGUST, 2012 Tampa Palms Elementary Teach, Reach, & Inspire …. .All of Our Students A message to the Tampa Palms family from Tampa First Day of School Palms principal, Ms. Kimberly Keenan. Everyone is excited! Happy New School Year! The first day of school is We are excited to embark on our Mission to Teach, Tuesday, August 21st. Reach, and Inspire all of our students. The teachers and staff are looking forward to partnering with you so Classes begin at 8 AM and end that we can create the very best instructional environ- at 2:15. ment for your child Safety-Our Number 1 Priority Meet The Teacher Afternoon Your child’s safety is of the up most importance to our staff. Please assist us in Families are encouraged to meet their classroom teach- keeping your child safe by ers on following the school’s safety Monday, August 20th procedures. From 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM School uniforms will be sold on the Parents should only pick up 20th from 1:30-3:30 pm as well. their children in the car rider line. Thank you for This is a wonderful opportunity for your cooperation. parents and students alike to get ready for “the big day”. Important Anti—Bullying Information It is the policy of Hillsborough County Public Schools Honoring Grandparents that all of its students and school employees have an The administrative staff and teachers are thrilled to educational setting that is safe, secure, and free from announce that we will be harassment and bullying of any kind. hosting an exciting Grandpar- ents Movie Night. On Friday At Tampa Palms the anti-bullying program is entitled September 7th, grandparents “ Be a Buddy, Not a Bully!” and grandchildren are wel- 1 We will not bully others. come to attend a free movie - Bullying is cruel-not cool. night. The movie will be from 5:30-7:30pm in the cafete- 2. We will try to help students ria. Please bring comfortable lawn chairs to enjoy the who are bullied. special evening. - Say it is wrong and NEVER join in with the bully. Tampa Palms Open House 3. We will try to include chil- Tampa Palms Elementary School dren who are left out. Open House will be held on: - It’s better to be a buddy, than a bully. 4. If we know that someone is being bullied we will Thursday, September 20th tell an adult. From 5-6PM & 6-7PM We are requesting that all families help to support our Please note this informative evening is designed for par- Be a Buddy, Not a Bully program by discussing these ents to get an overview of the curriculum, assessments, guidelines for behavior with their children on a regular and classroom procedures. basis. PAGE 5 AUGUST, 2012 Phase II Water What Is Tampa Palms’ Restrictions Lifted Value to the City? In May SWFWMD issued an emergency water use order Residents have inquired of the TPOA and CDD as to the that restricted most irrigation to weekly and placed re- financial (tax) value of Tampa Palms and New Tampa to strictions on other uses of water such as roof or building the City of Tampa.