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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 9, 2008

Updated: 02/07/2008 08:11 pm

DOWNTOWN - Frank Saia and Bob Langlois settled in just fine after moving to the SkyPoint high-rise in June. In fact, they already want a larger unit.

But trading their one-bedroom with a city view for a two-bedroom unit may be tricky for the life partners. They have a house to sell first in Riverview.

"With the housing slump, it may take awhile," said Saia, 47, project leader for Wachovia Bank's retirement services.

But he's sold on SkyPoint, where he uses the fitness room at lunchtime and enjoys the terrace pool area in the evening. Langlois, 47, a registered nurse at St. Joseph's Hospital who has a 10-minute commute, exercises there on his days off - he works three days a week.

Saia has crunched commuting numbers. He estimates he's saving $500 a month by living about seven blocks from the bank. He strolls instead of paying $3 a day in tolls, $65 a month for parking and hundreds of dollars for gasoline.

Saia and Langlois frequent downtown's Fly Bar & Restaurant, Malio's Prime and Spain Restaurant & Tapas Bar. Saia would like to see more mid-priced places; he said First Watch Restaurant is always packed for Sunday breakfast.

"So I know the crowds could support some more restaurants open weekends," he said.

Saia and Langlois, who have been together for 18 years, have no fear of walking at night, hiking as far as the Channel District.

"It may be desolate in some areas," Saia said, "but it's safe."

Janis D. Froelich

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