Many northern cities have community gardens but it is not a concept that has gain a lot of traction here in Tampa. However, that may soon change. Robin Milcowitz, a member of the Business Guild of Seminole Heights (BGoSH) and owner of Greener Pixels, Graphic Design is trying to start a community garden in Seminole Heights.
She looking for people that want to be involved in the organization of, initiation and daily operations of a community garden located in or near Seminole Heights. She is also looking for business sponorships of the garden (donations of materials or monetary).
All levels of gardeners are welcome and appreciated. Other needs include grant writers and fundraisers. Even a brown thumb who is a good community organizer has a place in this project to green up the community.
"A community garden can be a place for neighbors to gather and become a community. A place to work the earth, learn about plants and vegetables while providing a source of nutritious food and interaction with neighbors and friends. It can be a place where children learn about the benefits of growing their own food (like reducing the family budget!). It preserves green space, helps to make the air cleaner and reduces city heat from streets and parking lots. It can be a place for community events, art and an educational spot for the local schools. And of course, the benefits of exercise and recreation are well known!"
If you are interested in this type of project, contact Robin at:robin@greenerpixels.com
Posted by www.atHomeintheHeights.com
Another example of what makes Seminole Heights a great place to call home. Think this might be the neighborhood for you? check out the listing of homes at www.atHomeintheHeights.com
Rick Fifer
Florida Executive Realty
The Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association will hold it's first quarterly meeting for 2009 on January 27th at 7 pm at the Seminole Heights United Methodist on the Corner of Hanna and Central Avenues. Come and learn about what is happening in Tampa's largest neighborhood association, Old Seminole Heights covers several sq miles and has nearly 550 members.
Guest speakers for the quarterly meeting will include:
David Bryant, presentation on the new Tampa Museum of Art
Dianne Patterson, on the new pre-school program at The Learning Center, at John Calvin Presbyterian Church
Robin Milcowitz, Seminole Heights Community Garden project
In addition, I am sure there will be news about the 11th Annual Home tour.
Seminole Heights is a wonderful neighborhood in the geographic heart of Tampa and a great place to call home. Centrally located for convenient travel to the University of South Florida, Downtown Tampa, Ybor City, Channelside and so much more.
To learn about available homes from your neighborhood real estate specialist, you can search MLS listings at www.HeightsBungalows.com
Rick Fifer, Realtor
The South Seminole Heights Civic Association (SSHCA) will hold its quarterly meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 13 at Common Ground Church, 4207 North Boulevard (entrance on Clearfield). Topics for this meeting will discussion about the association's five top priorities, including code enforcement issues and park beautification in Rivercrest Park. There is also concern about how to improve appearance of the neighborhood with foreclosures leading to overgrown lawns and vandalism when homes are vacant.
For more information about the SSHCA please go to http://www.geocities.com/oursshca/index.htm
For information on available homes in South Seminole Heights or any of the Heights neighborhoods please check www.HeightsBungalows.com
posted by: Rick Fifer 813-758-7444 Florida Executive Realty
Seminole Heights was featured and honored in the Winter edition of American Bungalow Magazine. Many of the homes featured are in the Seminole Heights Historic District but the story also includes discussion about the Hampton Terrace Historic District on the east side of Nebraska Avenue.
In the years since the interstate split Seminole Heights in two that great asphalt wall has divided the area. There are many who only think of the west side of the interstate when looking to move to Seminole Heights. That was the case when I moved into what is now know as Hampton Terrace in the early 1990's. Today when I encounter customers who are only familiar with the west side of the neighborhood and their budgets are more modest, I give them a little driving tour through Hampton Terrace and the Evelyn City sections of Seminole Heights. They are surprised by the homes and that they can get their chance to restore their own vintage home in one of Tampa's best Urban Core neighborhoods.
The American Bungalow issue is out at newstands but in typical Seminole Heights fashion, local businesses carry issues the sale of which benefits the neighborhood association. You can pick a copy up at Shrry's Yesterdaze on Florida Avenue or at Three Coins Diner on Nebraska Avenue. Discover the Heights!
If you are looking for a vintage bungalow or maybe a mid-century modern in Tampa's Urban Core, let me show you what our neighborhoods have to offer.
Rick Fifer
Florida Executive Realty
It is that time of year again. The nights have cooled to make an evening under the stars enjoyable. For those in the Seminole Heights area it becoming a new tradition as hundreds from the Heights neighborhoods, Sulphur Spring and beyond gather at the foot of the Josiah Richardson Water Tower on the banks of the Hillsborough River. The water tower is a Tampa landmark seen by thousands rushing to and from on 275, here is a chance to take a detour.
I know that I have enjoyed these events at the tower park and usually take my neighbor who is in her 80's. Ususally we run into not one or two neighbors but dozens of neighbors.
Target's Pops in the Park
Friday, October 17, River Tower Park in Sulphur Springs, 7:00 pm
Come discover that makes Tampa's river neighborhoods special.
For information about homes in the area please visit: www.atHomeintheHeights.com
Rick Fifer, 813-758-7444
Florida Executive Realty
Specializing in bungalows & vintage homes in Seminole Heights, Ybor Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights. Neighborhoods noted for their charm, tree shaded brick streets, riverfront parks & more
Originally from the suburban Philiadelphia area, I came to Tampa in 1983. My undergraduate degree is from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. I have two graduate degrees from the University of South Florida. Prior to going into real 
estate, I spent 20 years in social work doing eveything from case management, supervision, contract management, and as a program director. I currently live in the Seminole Heights neighborhood with my two dogs, Homer (from the Humane Society) and Cicero who I adopted at a neighborhood yard sale over 10 years ago.
My first home was in the Hampton Terrace section of Old Seminole Heights and Seminole Heights has remained my home 15 out of the past 17 years. I have completed renovations of my third bungalow home in Seminole Heights. But there is a character and charm in vintage homes that I can't resist. Some might say that makes me a glutten for punishment but I have come to love the challenge. Each time I say I'm staying put life has a way of introducing change. So will this be the last personal home renovation? Who can say. Even the two years I moved back to Philly, I had to renovate a home while I was living 
there. I think it is an addiction.
Along the way I gained a bit of knowledge and learned a lot of new skills. This has often proven helpful when working with customers since my speciality is historic and vintage homes.
During my years in the Seminole Heights area I have actively worked with many equally dedicated neighbors to bring positive changes to our central Tampa community through volunteering in a number of ways. As a former President of both the the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association (OSHNA) and the South Seminole Heights Civic Association (SSHCA), I have seen tremendous changes made within all of the Heights neighborhoods over the years. I was an early supporter of the Seminole Heights Business Alliance when it formed.
While I am dedicated to providing excellent service to all of my customers. When you start talking about Seminole Heights is when you really see my passion and commitment to community. To search for homes in: Old Seminole Heights , South and Southeast Seminole Heights Or maybe you are like me and are drawn to Vintage homes, well I have a search that will match your budget, however modest or grand. Just visit: Vintage Homes
My first and foremost I strive to provide each of my customers with superior customer service. That applies to both my buyers and sellers. I don't disappear after listing your home but I keep you informed with feedback until your home sells! As a buyer, it is not about getting you into contract and moving on, I am very hands on involved in making sure everything runs smoothly. Whether you are a buyer or seller, the words of my past customers below speaks best to my commitment to my customers.
Tampa has many unique neighborhoods just like any city. My goal is to help you get the home you want in the neighborhood that meets your needs and budget. However, my speciality is bungalows and older homes in Seminole Heights, Ybor Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights and Ybor City. These neighborhoods are noted for their historic homes, brick streets, riverfront parks and historic districts. Bungalows from the Craftsman era are the most common of the historic homes and can be found each of the Heights neighborhoods. In that sense I am selling
not just a house but neighborhoods and communities to which I am deeply committed.
Historic Districts. Tampa has 6 designated historic districts: Hyde Park, Ybor City, Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, West Tampa, and Hampton Terrace. I love the charm, character, and craftmanship that can be found in older homes. Some have been neglected and abused but they have stood the test of time. And personally, I don't think they still build them the way my great-grandfather and his generation did. But of course he didn't build in hurricane alley or in termite heaven.
First time buyers. Years ago when trying to buy my first home, the downpayment and closing cost were a hurdle that kept me from buying. I would talk to agents and even some lenders who wouldn't give me the time of day or point me in the right direction. I haven't forgotten those days and so I try to connect my first-time buyers with resources to purchase their first home. Using these programs require a greater investment of time on the part of buyers and mine as their real estate agent; generally take a bit longer to go from contract to closing (one reason many lenders and real estate agents don't get involved with them). However, for buyers who are really wanting to own instead of rent, I have the resources to help you navigate down payment assistance programs.
... we wanted to live in Seminole Heights, but we weren't sure which realtor to use. We chose Rick because of his expertise in this area, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. Rick is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, and he is an excellent listener as well! After just a few conversations with Rick about our preferences and needs, he found us a number of houses that met all of our criteria. We ended up in a great house that's in a perfect location for us. Rick helped us immensely throughout the entire process, and even though we closed over a year ago, we still go to him for advice about home improvement and recommendations for skilled laborers. He is always ready to offer his expertise, and we consider him an invaluable resource. Jennifer Bosson and Dave Davisson neighbors in Old Seminole Heights
"Thanks Rick for showing us all the properties,... we were really glad the first seller didn't respond on time, it gave us time to find the perfect home with your help. ...my wife was really glad you knew so much about all the different plants in the courtyard. And thanks for being so professional ... I would not of had the patience you did. " Randy and Penny Dean, new homeowners in Carrollwood Village
"...thank you for helping me through this home buying process. I really do love the house and couldn't have made the move without your compassionate help and guidance." Jamie Pilarczyk, first time homebuyer
"Rick was an absolute joy to work with. As a first time home buyer this was an exiting yet unnerving experience for me, so having a reliable and knowledgeable agent was key. It was clear to me that he has strong ties to the Seminole Heights community and genuinely cares for the neighborhood and its residents. Most importantly, I think Rick listened to all of the specifics I was looking for in a home, and found the perfect match for me. I couldn't be happier, or more satisfied. I feel completely confident recommending his services to anyone interested in buying or selling a home." Courtney Ellison, Hampton Terrace resident.
"We wanted to express to you are gratitude for helping us sell our property. We sincerely feel that we could not have done it without you. You went far above what would be considered standard realtor effort to make sure everthing was perfect. Your knowledge of the marketplace, your eye for detail and your integrity are certainly a winning combination. Over the last couple of years we have had many experiences across the country in real estate and by far dealing with you has been the best experience that we could ask for. We can highly recommend to anyone that when they hire you... they are hiring the best! Please have any of your potential clients call us if they need a referral." Tom & Andrea DeFrancisco, Lake Wylie, SC sellers, 912 W. Idlewild
"Although it has been a couple of months since the closing on my new home, I have not forgotten how you helped me fulfill that dream. Four realtors later, and me at the end of my wits, is when I met you. I will admit I was skeptical at first...however, you immediately gained my trust and the rest is history. Your patience and determination prevailed as you kept looking for the perfect home for me and then we found my "Gingerbread House!" With all said and done, your diligence, perseverance and patience was outstanding. I truely believe you were operating in my best interest and for that, I am most grateful." --Linda "Lou" Gomes, first time home owner
We had worked with two other realtors who could not find what we were looking for. Our participation in the city's first-time homebuyer program presented several challenges, but Rick met them all. My dad even told me "I never saw a real estate agent work so hard for his client." We were so pleased with his abilities that we have recommended him twice, once to a friend who he helped into her own first house, and later to my sister when she wanted to sell. They were both as happy as we were with the experience, and we would recommend Rick to anyone." --T.J. Weekes and Chris Schad, first time buyers
"I wanted to thank you for all of the wonderful service you provided me over the last year in my house hunt, and my recent purchase of a home. It took me over a year to purchase a home and I greatly appreciate you're patience, and consistently providing me with prompt and courteous service that whole time. I think most other Realtors would have become fed up with me after showing me house after house and I either wasn't interested in making an offer, or by the time I made up mind and decided I wanted to make an offer, the property was already under contract. In spite of all my hemming and hawing you stuck with me and remained positive and supportive and encouraged me to do what I felt was right, and didn't put any pressure on me to buy something I wasn't sure about. Thanks again for all of your patience, advise, and good service on the purchase of my wonderful home. I've already been recommending you to all of the people I know who are interested in either buying or selling a home." Cole Talty, CPA south Tampa.
"You made selling our house a calm and even fun experience. Your knowledge, support, and customer service led to a quick and profitable sale. While we are both happy with 'quick and profitable,' it is your guidance and honesty we'll remember forever!" - Marky Spies and Ed Van de Wall
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