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Sangria's Clears Hurdle

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 19, 2008

TAMPA - It was after 10 p.m. when 20 or so Seminole Heights residents filed into city council chambers for a rezoning hearing.

Preliminary introductions by city land-use staff and the Hillsborough Planning Commission were quickly concluded for the proposed Sangria's Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant.

As architect Roger Grunke set up his easel and pulled out his drawings for the project in historical Seminole Heights, council Chairman Tom Scott had one question: "Anyone in the audience in opposition?"

Hearing nothing, he recommended a "CliffsNotes" version from Grunke on how Larry's 4X4 Auto Service, 512 E. Hillsborough Ave., would become home to Sangria's, as well as a pub, sushi lounge and retail shops.

The council got a Cliffs Notes of the CliffsNotes.

When several residents stood to speak at Thursday night's hearing, Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena had a question: "Show of hands for everyone in favor?"

Hands flew up; the council approved the rezoning. Seminole Heights had spoken.

The next step is a second hearing, likely in December, before the city's Architectural Review Commission, which gave a preliminary OK Nov. 5 and requested more details.

Kathy Steele

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