It's neighbor vs. neighbor in Ybor City. But they can't talk about it for fear of losing $10,000.
That's the cash prize for the Ybor couple who wins HGTV's Battle on the Block. A new series debuting April 11, it challenges neighboring families to rehab a room in one weekend, with the judges rewarding the most successful makeover. HGTV filmed in Ybor this month for an episode airing later in the spring.
I'd love to tell you more, but the security on this thing's tighter than a Jack Bauer black op. The contestants' names are public, at least: Ryan Clements and Jenna Becker; Steve and Lauren Erickson; and Tony LaColla and Jose Garboza. Tony, an urban planner, is president of the Historic Ybor Neighborhood Civic Association (HYNCA). When the producers contacted him to find out if there might be any residents interested in participating, he volunteered, and along with the other two couples went through casting interviews and screen tests.
"We were told that all of us who were selected had a lot of character," says Tony, "and Ybor City was so unique that it was hard to say no to casting us."
An avowed Ybor booster, he can't help but hope for some good publicity. "There will be some great shots of the neighborhood, so I hope when people are planning a trip to Florida they might catch a glimpse of Ybor City and say hmmm..."
But he can't say any more than that. I will tell you one thing, though: I saw their makeover, and it's absolutely PASSAGE CENSORED.
May the best bedroom win.
