May 8 Open House

Members of the Task Force: (left to right) Renee Meehan, Jeffery Siewert, Phyllis Pacyna, Terry Cullen (City of Tampa Planning Commission, AICP, Executive Planner Tampa Planning Team ), Renae Tvedt, Lorraine Smith, Dennis Cavenaugh, Lee Medart, and Shelia Spicola. Members not pictured: Gary Brown, Lisa DeVitto and Charner Reese.

To Educate and Engage

Those were the goals the Davis Islands Task Force set for the May 8th Open House Meeting at Davis Islands Baptist Church. To educate the public on the conclusions and values drawn from the June 2002 community-wide meeting, the 20 study circle meetings held during the fall and to engage in discussions that could burnish these conclusions and values.

First, let me say that my brother lives in Japan. From all he has told me (and from my own observations) it seems to me that people there are inspired to believe in things, even before they know a lot about them. It’s as if they go into a new situation hoping and expecting that it will be fun, rather than assuming the worst.

They get excited about being excited. They love-to-love things and they feel better when they’re enjoying things rather than hating them. And who doesn’t? They don't have that “been there, done that” attitude, it’s more like “WOW! What’s next? It’s going to be fun!” And that’s my favorite kind of attitude. That’s what the meeting’s 75 attendees seemed like. Totally the opposite of cynicism. And I think the format really encouraged it.

Flexible Format Worked

“The open house format worked well because it was flexible to meet busy schedules,” said Task Force member Charner Reese. “They could find out what we have been doing and give us their thoughts on what the community's values are.”

The format also made interaction the number one priority. The Task Force wanted to make the open house both fun and educational, and in that they certainly succeeded. It was laid-back, informative, and enjoyable, like the time my friend John and I met a WWII vet in a Wesley Chapel pudding bar that explained to us about how he invented the expression, “like a bull in a china shop.”

Meeting was Next Step

The meeting was the next step in the Task Force’s mission to formulate a neighborhood plan that reflects the community’s ideas on growth, historic preservation, municipal services, and quality of life.

After signing in, residents were directed to the education area. Dubbed, “Where we’ve been and where we’re going,” this section featured maps of existing and future land use and a timeline for the entire process.

Those community values were the focus of the next exhibit in the education area. Here, Renae Tvedt discussed the values that the Task Force determined to be important through past events and meetings. Attendees were encouraged to think about the values they consider to be important and how closely the two align.

Daily Paths of Davis Islanders

From here, the meeting was all interactive. Residents traced their daily paths on an aerial photo of Davis Island and talked about the experiences they’ve had. These will help the Task Force better realize some of the areas residents are particularly drawn to or avoid.

“I like walking up Channel Drive,” said Hoyt Palmer. “The water is right there and there’s usually a nice breeze that makes for a pleasant walk.”

Another table featured photos taken by the Task Force of various DI landmarks. Groups were asked what they liked about the photos and why these things appealed to them. Discussions sprang up like rhododendrons, but I couldn’t help thinking, despite the beauty and convenience contained in most photos, Saint-Exupery had it right: “What is essential is invisible to the eye.”

"Mayberry Island"

At the next table, Sheila Spicola lead participants through a metaphor exercise, asking them to come up with one word to describe Davis Islands.

“Mayberry Island” said one participant. “A Mediterranean Oasis,” added another, belying the one word rule, but perfect nonetheless.

“I like to think [Davis Islands] is a lot like the movie ‘The Burbs,’” said David Mace. “Except without Corey Feldman, unfortunately. But it’s very tight-knit and friendly.”

These extemporaneous thoughts were written down and used to create a slogan for Davis Islands that would be both droll and felicitous.

But if I had to pick one word to describe the Task Force, I’d say a raft. They’re buoyant, spirited, and diligent. I encourage everyone to climb aboard.

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