Devon Ingandela (right) on the steps of Centro Ybor in Ybor City, Florida. Credit: Photo c/o Devon Ingandela

Every city has a district like Ybor City, why can’t we just own it and appreciate it for what it is?

Every time I open up my Tampa news feed there’s some new article on zoning woes and closures of a bar or restaurant that had been in business for years (RIP Boneyard). Nashville has Broadway, Memphis has Beale Street, New Orleans has Bourbon Street… Tampa has 7th Avenue and Ybor.

A healthy night life is good for the city. Bars and clubs and restaurants are what we need to keep young minds in Tampa and stop the “brain drain” that might send our productive human capital elsewhere.

I truly believe that zoning 7th Avenue as “wet” could solve several issues. I’m sure sales would go up (along with it tax revenue). I am not an attorney, but there could be some opportunity with the open availability of alcohol I believe you’d effectively be banning firearms from that “wet” zone.

“Florida statutes specifically prohibit bringing a concealed weapon into “any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption.” —Devon Ingandela

To commemorate the leap year, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay asked readers and local leaders to chime in on what Tampa Bay needs to be a better place in four years. These are some of the results of the “What Tampa Bay Needs” survey.

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