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Gas Station May Sell Beer, Wine

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By KATHY STEELE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 13, 2008

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - A Hillsborough Avenue gas station owner has moved a step closer to beer and wine sales.

The city council approved an amended ordinance to grant a one-year conditional license and set March 6 for a public hearing and final vote.

This is at least the fifth time Neil Yildirim has applied for the license.

Neighbors and members of Seminole Heights Baptist Church, which is across the street from the station, have opposed him each time.

"I think we can give this gentleman a chance, and I think it's a very reasonable request," Councilman John Dingfelder said.

Susan Long, president of the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association, spoke briefly about the license during public comment Thursday, but the council said discussion must wait for the public hearing.

Residents say the station, 806 E. Hillsborough Ave., is too close to homes and that too many gas stations and convenience stores on Hillsborough sell beer and wine.

The council agreed to the conditional license with a stipulation banning single or quart-size beer sales.

Also Thursday, the council gave final approval to a beer, wine and liquor license for a proposed Sangria's Spanish Bar & Tapas Restaurant at 512 E. Hillsborough Ave.

The owners of the former South Howard Avenue restaurant plan to convert an auto repair shop next to the Starbucks at Hillsborough and Central avenues.

The South Howard location closed in December after a landlord dispute.

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 835-2103 or ksteele@tampatrib.com.

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