I feel that we have enough Family Dollar stores in the surrounding area that we do not need any more.

Most people live in this historic neighborhood to get away from the big-box and strip-mall feel of the rest of the City as evidenced by the strong support of innovative local businesses like the Independent, Cappy's, the Refinery, the Front Porch, Jai Dee Yoga, etc. A Family Dollar smack in the middle of our little developing "downtown" of small businesses is hurtful to this vision and will be hurtful for other small business ventures in the area. The future of Seminole Heights is up to its residents and we need to speak out and actively pursue protests of this new development, or the little corner of the City we call home will take a serious turn in a direction most of us do not want.

Family Dollar is not going to gamble. The reason a store is going between Cappy's and the Independent is because the market research shows the area will support another store. Many residents need to understanad that the walled enclave sits in an economically depresssed neighborhood. You may not want another Family Dollar but most residents likely do. When you don't have a car, it's nice to be able to walk to the store. Listen to how elitist you sound. Get a grip and get worked up about something important.

I don't think being concerned about the small businesses in my community is elitist in any way. There are two or three small businesses being kicked out of that building in the next month to make room for a handful of minimum wage jobs and a store whose profits head straight to the headquarters in North Carolina. If you want to talk economically depressed... this plan doesn't make sense for positive local economics. A Family Dollar isn't going to boost local business or job development. I do understand the positive impact for residents that do not have access to transportation, but there are three or four other FDs within a mile. I've done spatial market research professionally and I think FD has slacked on this one.

Do the small businesses being "kicked out" pay above minimum wage? The jobs the provided were more than a 'handful"? It will boost job development because it will employ local people who will be happy to get a job. Your research is better than Family Dollar's? Really? They slacked? Are the other stores successful? Overall, we live in an economically depressed neighborhood with pockets of money. It would be interesting to see what the residents within a 1 mile radius of the store think. I'd be willing to surmise that a majority are in favor, or at least a plurality, as the majority might not give a shite.

You're right, most people don't give a crap about what goes in there or what goes on in their neighborhood either. There are pockets of people that do and that care about the types of businesses that line our streets and care about those businesses that will take an economic hit with a big chain store right next door. That type of data does not show up in market research performed in a corporate setting, and I do realize that FD is in the business of making money, not improving the culture of small business.

True. Family Dollar is a business. The store is likely going to open. Rather than try to stop it, the neighborhood would be better served by engaging in a dialogue with Dean Koutramanis, (forgive me if the spelling is incorrect) the local Family Dollar rep, and work with them re being a better corporate citizen.

I am not in agreement with a Family Dollar store in our area. It doesn't fit the format that Seminole Heights is trying to establish, and there are already enough of these stores. The newer structures are shiny and clean, but over time they become unkempt and unsightly. In addition, I don't think that our neighborhood is any more economically depressed than most of Tampa. What looks pretty does not often tell the true story in many of the upscale neighborhoods. The prices at Publix, SteinMart, Westshore Mall, International Mall, just to mention a few, tell a more wide-ranged story about the economy in general. There is hardly one store in town that is not boasting 40-50% off and buy-one-get-one, and these retail establishments service all of Tampa.

"There is hardly one store in town that is not boasting 40-50% off and buy-one-get-one, and these retail establishments service all of Tampa." Hardly one? Well! Hard times in Tampa town. (Hyperbolic statements don't advance arguments).

What about getting a grant from a local or federal government agency? Is there something like that which already exists? I mean, a program that encourages local enterprise, local employment, perhaps minority and/or local management? Would it be possible to find an investor interested in supporting such a goal who could outbid a company that is not locally-based? If outbidding Family Dollar is not possible, what about setting up a plaza or area that does encourage local ownership and management somewhere else in Seminole Heights?

yes there are too many Dollar stores allready. These stores incourage for people to buy more stuff which has caused pollution and has been transported from far away which has caused more pollution . This pollution has not been payed for by the company who causedc it. \Actually we all pay for it in a way and we can not tolarate it any longer. We have to buy locally, locally produced products which are more expensive but save us in the long run. Less pollution more jobs and purpous for people. So NO DOLLAR STORE

Do you people hear yourselves?
Amanda, How many jobs did the local business supplanted by Family Dollar provide? Do all locally-owned businesses provide fulltime positions with health insurance? Their prices are "that great" or they wouldn't have 3 stores in the neighborhood. How many local economically-depressed people have gotten their lives "back on track" because they were hired by a locally-owned business? Most of your points ring hollow. It will be years, if ever, before this neighborhood is Bayshore and Family Dollar businesses will avoid it. It is a neighborhood with pawnshops and discount stores for a reason. Rather than wasting energy trying to stop family Dollar, start a dialogue to encourage them to be better local citizens.
Elisabeth, pollution? Seriously? Everything locally-owned businesses sell hasn't caused pollution? "We have to buy locally, locally produced products which are more expensive but save us in the long run." Ha ha! You are so out of touch with the reality of many of our neighbors lives. Unbelieveable. Also, it's 'purpose'. Maybe you were thinking about 'pompous'. It would make sense.

How odd for those to complain about a store that is an easy walk. No gas. No pollution of the air. Exercise. I have seen some Family Dollars that have a nice exteriors that go along with the neighborhood. Maybe we should communicate with the company what we would like. Yes, they do carry items from China, but many items are U.S. made like cleaning products, pet food and their general food items. Voice our opinions of what we would like.

I am opposed to a store like Family Dollar when they just put in another one over near Armenia Ave. This is a neighborhood that is in transition in a positive direction and we need to decide if we really want that kind of store here. My vote is NO!

I'm just curious how many people vehemently opposed to the family dollar for "local" reasons are also equally as opposed to having a Starbucks in the hood?

I mean listen I feel that ugh feeling every time I see a hideous dilapidated family dollar. Also just the logo makes me cringe. I agree with that guy who says this whole issue is a bit ridiculous considering the mixed economic situations of our neighborhood. Im sure there's a mom out there who won't have to walk as far in the blazing heat to get stuff but yeah it's not like a local market with good food and quality products. But if you just ran out of detergent and are walking to the laundromat it would be nice to pay a decent price for laundry soap. I think the best thing would be to approach the local guy like they said and see If they can just make their store less fugly or there will be a firestorm of complaints. Id love to see some awesome local business there and it is a bit out of character considering the hipness of the independent. There's part of me that's just glad to see any signs of life in the miles of boarded up storefronts on Florida and Nebraska avenues.

Over 600 people are now in support of NO FAMILY DOLLAR on Facebook. Tens of thousands more have also fought against this corporation in their own communities nationwide. Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nofamilydollar

i own two buidldings in the area just up the street ....its better for property values to have on going businesses located in their neighborhoods then just sitting empty/idle or boarded up adding to the decay of the area....family dollar will attract other businesses to the area... business attracts business...it may not be exactly what u want but its a good step in the right direction ...good on you family dollar ...

Why would Dean Koutroumanis post the above? He works for Family Dollar. You do not aid your cause when you do assinine things like that. Use your own name. What a foolish endeavor. Idiots.

I'd rather have a Dollar Tree, they have relatively better merchandise and I'd shop there. dislike on FD.

Where exactly will people be parking in that location? Most of their stores look like dumps.

The truth is they are tired of getting ripped off by placing their stores so close to their target buyers. By placing their store in a better neighborhood, their taget buyers now have to drive to it and the walk-in shop lifters will be now have to take the bus.

The bottom line is, their stores don't reflect the needs of this neighborhood and have a bad effect on everything around them by the customer base they bring. Their customers are not going to walk out of FD and go shop at any of the local businesses ....cause they are too broke to buy quality goods or services!

Stores that target poverty demagraphices should fearlessly set up their store in those areas and live with the consequences of their marketing....Cause they certainly enjoy the profits of cheap off-shore goods sold to poor desperate people.

Let the hate begin!

I am opposed to a store like Family Dollar. I’ve dedicated sometimes sacrificed 13 years of my life and my income to create a cool vibe with local independent business on Florida Avenue and now that it’s all finally coming together with Candy Co, Sherry’s Yesterdaze, The Refinery, Forever Beautiful Salon and Day Spa, Cleanse Apothecary, The Barber Shop, Independent Brewery, Cappy’s Pizza and Microgroove. I am devastated to think that a Family Dollar Store could KILL and DISTORY the culture we’re just now developing. It would do absolutely nothing to improve our neighborhood. My vote is NO! IT MAKES ME SICK TO THINK ABOUT IT!!!!!!

"I am devastated to think that a Family Dollar Store could KILL and DISTORY the culture we’re just now developing. It would do absolutely nothing to improve our neighborhood. My vote is NO! IT MAKES ME SICK TO THINK ABOUT IT!!!!!!" Really? A Family Dollar could "KILL and DISTORY the culture"? I hadn't realized that. I don't know what distory means but it can't be good. Elizabeth, do you honestly become phsically ill if you think about a family Dollar between Cappy's and The Independent? You poor dear. In light of these revelations, I want a yard sign toot sweet! I wish that I had dedicated 13 years of my life to developing a cool vibe with local businesses. I'm worthless as a human being.

Doug, at the beginning of this you had some good points to make and I'm glad you did. At this point, you're just being a jerk to people that obviously feel strongly about something that you don't think should be getting this much attention. Agree to disagree. Lay off the sarcasm, please, and continue to contribute to the conversation with valid points.

Autumn, I am making valid points. My sarcastic comments are clarifying how silly it all this. Do you honestly believe that ridiculous hyperbole aids your cause? People should debate intelligently or not at all.

Making fun of sentiments (however poorly expressed) is not intelligent debate either though, is it? I'm just saying that the mocking tone isn't adding anything but negativity. Debate the points and facts, not the sentiments. I'm sure there are things you are passionate about that others would think are "silly."

I’m not a writer. I’m a dreamer and when I bought and developed my commercial property, moved and restored two historical buildings. I envisioned a charming, unique locally and ran owned business district. Cute little mom and pop stores where everyone knows your name. Not a corporate Family Dollar store. So I’m sad and dishearten to think that my dream is being destroyed. Especially since it’s so close to coming true.

I was wrong and apologize for my insensitivity. Best of luck to all in your endeavor.

The Post Office is now commerical....Been in the "hood" forty-two years and I shudder at all the USED CAR businesses....would you prefer a car "Dump" or stacked tires??? Florida Ave is a main thoroughfare after all

Thanks for all of the dialogue everyone. Anyone driving through Seminole Heights can see that this issue is on a lot of people's minds. We'll do our best to keep writing updates on this issue.

Is there a story idea or angle you would like us to pursue? Or, do you have a question around this issue that remains unanswered?

FYI - Back in June, Pinellas County Commissioners shot down a zoning request that would have allowed a Family Dollar Store to be built at the corner of Virginia Ave. and Alt. 19.
Here is a link to the story: http://palmharbor.patch.com/articles/family-dollar-store-zoning-denied#photo-10471091

We'll include this link in future stories, but I wanted to post it here in this discussion.

It's a bad idea. There are, as has been pointed out already, enough dollar stores in the neighborhood. They are not well-kept. They sell cheap crap. It is not the direction we want the area to go.

Family Dollar tried to justify the new store by making a comment that Starbucks has multiple stores within 5 miles of the Seminal Heights store. That may be true, but the closest one is just over 4 miles near downtown. Family Dollar has 2 on Nebraska within a mile. I can walk to either of them. I'm not interested in a third store that saves me just a few blocks.

This sounds a lot like all the hype that tried to keep Starbucks out of the neighborhood a few years back. No one's complaining now. I think it's unfortunate that only a select few get to voice their opinion. I would be that for every person who has joined a page or made a comment opposing this store, there are five who don't even know the discussion is happening and would have an opinion if given a shot. I wouldn't take all the noisemakers to be the majority.

Family Dollar screams "depressed neighborhood" Seminole Heights is an area where the majority fight, starting with their homes, to rise from that catagory.....this move will just serve as a kick in the teeth. "I won't shop there"

Call us silly, or elitists (both seem like ridiculous labels for people who care enough to want to restore their historic community), but we're not alone. The negative impact these types of stores can have on communities is documented all over the country and all over the web. Before you make any assumptions about the motives of those who oppose the Family Dollar, it might be beneficial to do a little reading. Most of the "pro Family Dollar" comments I've seen (bringing jobs to the community, encouraging new business growth, improvement of the property, etc.) can quickly be refuted with a little research. I’ve found nothing that gives me even the slightest hope that Family Dollar has anything to offer Seminole Heights. Here is just one of many articles dedicated to this subject…
http://jtbarnstormer.com/2012/02/16/neighbors-say-stay-out-but-is-anyone-listening/
It sounds like some folks consider Seminole Heights a lost cause. That’s a shame. I’d hate to live in a community I felt that way about.

I live on branch just 2 blocks from where the family dollar will go. Wilder ave is already a cut through street for too many cars going to Hillsborough high school or just cutting through our neighborhood. Many drive too fast and don't care about our quaint little neighborhood and those of us walking our dogs or taking a run. In the past I have frequented the local family dollar and been harassed by people asking me for money for hotel rooms or food. Right!! So I don't go there any more. This family dollar will bring more traffic and more transients to our neighborhood. We don't need this here!! I vote NO!!!!

We're working on a lot of angles for you this week around this issue. We pulled together some links to help people get involved, if they want. Let us know if we missed anything. http://patch.com/A-wG2z

Oy vey... and I dive back in. I am not 'pro-Family Dollar'. I am pro-Seminole Heights. The Times article about the meeting was embarrassing to me, my wife and 25 year old daughter as residents of the community. "The group was young and old, but its one similarity became starker when Stephanie Roberts, the only African-American, walked in.
"Forgive my ignorance," she said. "But what's the real reason we don't want the Family Dollar? Is it aesthetics?"
"Yes," the crowd responded.
"Is it the people?" she asked.
"Yes," the crowd replied.
"What kind of people is that?" she asked.
Michelle Baker, an owner of the Refinery, headed off the conversation.
"I think everyone has their own reasons," she said.". Fortunately Michelle Baker isn't stupid and saw what was coming or it could have appeared even worse. Who organized that meeting? If you can't guarantee some non-white faces that fully support the cause, don't have the meeting. You might not like it, but perception is reality. Ferrel Alvarez said, "I actually wanted to pull her (Roberts) aside because she saw it as almost racial in tone," Ferrell said. "It's not racial in tone." Whether it is or isn't racial in tone is irrelevant. When you have a sea of white faces discussing an ethnically diverse neighborhood issue, the perception is racial. Of course she saw it as racial in tone. Who wouldn't?

"Veronica Vellines, owner of the Independent, said a Panera Bread was about the only chain she could stomach. She worried her property value would decrease.
"I serve some of the best beers in the world," she said, "and for people to get to my place, you have to go by? It's going to detract and discourage others from investing in the neighborhood." The horror! Someone will have to see a Family Dollar in order to drink some of the best beers in the world! Can you honestly saw that that statement didn't make you cringe? Again, whether meant as a classist statement or not, it certainly sounds classist in tone.
On her Facebook page Molly Miller posted, "Someone should post the google map and picture of this. It is on my walking route to the Independent, and Cappy's, and we would have to look at it from the deck of the Refinery.". No! You'll have to look at a Family Dollar from the deck of the Refinery? Again, these type of "arguments" don't help your cause and they certainly don't put Seminole Heights in a positive light.

Several people have said that the Family Dollar will destroy our community. Destroy? Hyperbolic comments make us look like out of touch fools. Speaking of appearing out of touch with the reality of many of our neighbors' lives, I offer this gem from above, Elisabeth Bezemer, "We have to buy locally, locally produced products which are more expensive but save us in the long run.". Seriously?
Am I being sarcastic and mocking? Yes. But that is my point. The neighborhood risks looking bad just attempting to stop Family Dollar. Public comments like those cited guarantee it. I am angry at being humiliated by my neighbors poorly conceived comments.Why not work with Dean Koutroumanis and Family Dollar to make them better citizens? That's a damned sight better than some moron posting here as Dean Koutroumanis speaking in favor of No Family Dollar.
The supposedly reasoned arguments ring hollow.1) Low wage, part time, no health plan jobs is what Family Dollar will bring. No offense but that also describes most locally-owned businesses. 2) It is a chain. The neighboorhood is full of them. Do you shop at Publix? 3) It's dirty and the architecture doesn't fit. So the abandoned buildings and car lots are clean and historic?
You are good people but you need to realize how this appears. Again, why not start a dialogue with Mr. Koutroumanis and encourage you friends to lay of the embarrassing public comments? What binds us all together is our pride in our neighborhood.

A correction. I meant to say Molly Miller's comment is on the No Family Dollar facebook page. I regret the error but am unable to edit.

no more family dollars I don't even like to go in the 4 around me and its not because its a chain. its because they have bad service and old or damaged products and nothings a dollar.

SRoberts, thank you.

Ms. Davis, my pleasure! I am a teacher, after all. I'll begin my 27th year soon.
I respect your opinion regarding my sarcasm but how about my main points? Again, I am involved because I care about Seminole Height's reputation.
I also appreciate your keyboard psychology. Now that I am aware of my HUGE shortcoming (the caps were subtle - not!), I finally understand why my wife has affairs. All this time I assumed that it was my arrogant pomposity.

Mr. Carter: Why do you WANT Family Dollar? Specifically you, and specifically that store, and specifically that location. You may have felt that my views were hollow, but after reading these posts, I still have no idea what it is specifically about Family Dollar that you like, and or want. Originally you had claimed inexpensive prices, but what else? If their prices are so fantastic, the location on Nebraska next to the Mega Mart should be packed- and it's not...

Hi everyone,

Can I jump in real quick? I'm curious to know, do you feel there is anything in particular that Family Dollar could do to make coming into the area more acceptable?

2) It is a chain. The neighboorhood is full of them. Do you shop at Publix?
Just in case you missed the above reply, Ms. Davis. Where do I say anything about the architecture of Publix on Nebraska?

that's my mistake; and I am mature enough to own up to it. It doesn't make you any more of a respectful neighbor. This is supposed to be for discussion - not for one-upping anyone who opposes your view.

Hi, it's Chris again. I wanted to let you know that we reached out to Chris Salemi and Dean Koutroumanis for a follow up story. We have also been talking to the City of Tampa today about some other details. I'll be sure and post links to the new article(s) when they post. Thanks for being on Seminole Heights Patch. If you have any ideas for story ideas or anything else for the site, you can email me, Chris.Taylor@patch.com.

I have a simple question: why has this discussion turned into a "Doug Carter column?" This is a waste of energy. Let's refocus to the issue.

Simple answer? Because Doug Carter makes logical points.
I just read a comment on the Facebook page from a Michael Bailey. He tells a tale of a "getto (sic) rat" he saw at Family Dollar. I tried to thank him for making my neighborhood look intelligent but I couldn't comment. I guess those types of comments are acceptable but admonishing people for it isn't. This will likely get ugly, folks.

The only points you have made are of resignation to the FD opening and how bad we all lok to have pride in our neighborhood .
To start a protest againest a business that we don't feel is appropriate in "our neighborhood" is our right and our duty. We have a vested interest in what happens here in Seminole Heights.
If we had bought behind University Square Mall, then I could see where we would have no say in what comes into our neighborhood. But we all live in an area that is in transition and unless we chose to get involved in the development of our area, it will not change for the better.

To wellcome with open arms those businesses that prey on the lower income people will just encourage more absentee landlords to invest in the area,as the goods and services (payday loans,pawn shops,cheap goods stores,etc) will be in close proximity to them to fill their needs. It is a downward spiral that anyone who has invested here, doesn't want to see!
I have been here 23 years and love the choice I made to invest here. I also try to support as many local businesses as possible. I look forward to more local stores opening to add to "our neighborhood".
there are plenty of areas available for "box stores" to locate at. Straight up at Waters & Florida there are plenty of empty store spaces available. Family Dollar's targeted demagraphics do not, a far as I have seen, include the majority of residents of Seminole Heights.

And Mr Carter....It appears you have been suffering withdrawals from not being able to grade some papers ....so I deliberitly missspelled some words so you can admonish me for my grievious misspellings and dismiss the legitimacy of my points.

Hey Mr. Bill, are you actually the stop motion character from vintage SNL or do you have a name? So you are okay with your neighbors characterizing Family Dollar's clientele with terms such as 'getto (sic) rat', 'transients', 'dirty', grungy', 'trash', etc. on this and other public forums, such as the unofficial official Seminole Heights blog, the No Family Dollar facebook page and the Times article comment section.? You, Mr. Bill, said this: "The bottom line is, their stores don't reflect the needs of this neighborhood and have a bad effect on everything around them by the customer base they bring. Their customers are not going to walk out of FD and go shop at any of the local businesses ....cause they are too broke to buy quality goods or services!". Are you proud of that statement, Mr. Bill? Then attach your name to it.

People have characterized the employees of Family Dollar, many of them our neighbors, as 'lazy', 'uncaring', 'trashy', etc. on public forums. But I am the bad guy? Where are the Seminole Heights activists condemnations of these disgusting comments? You folks are unbelievable.

Tim, if you were at the meeting and the Times article is as inaccurate as you say, then I am certain that you have contacted Justin George's superior, complained and presented compelling evidence which will result in a retraction. If unethical journalism presented the meeting so badly, then the attendees wouldn't rest until they had satisfaction. I await reading the correction and apology in the Tampa Bay Times.

And just to be clear, I am not pro-Family Dollar-- I just hadn’t flushed out exactly why at that point, that’s why I went to that meeting, hoping to hear other opinions that might cover things like parking inconveniences/would neighbors demand FD maintain architectural aesthetics?, and God-knows what other logical reasons not to like the idea of them moving in that I hadn’t thought of. I now suspect that at THAT moment in time of the whole issue, most there were not yet as unified and focused in their points as at THIS point in time.

What I heard was more than half of the voices that spoke seemed to have focused their reasons of disapproval based on sweeping prejudices & distastes for the things inside those stores and for the people that work there, and I guess the people that they feel those stores attract. Is the store on Nebraska the cleanest in Tampa? Not by a long shot. Are the insides of many of these types of stores as shopper-friendly as, say, a Whole Foods? Hardly. Are all FD employees models in outstanding customer service like, say, ANYTHING Disney-related? Honestly, I’m chuckling to myself at the extreme differences. But the stores are not exactly the scum of the earth, as many (MANY, as in SOME, NOT ALL) at the Refinery meeting and on these discussion boards make them out to be. And, I’m guessing many establishments have, out of their ENTIRE customer base, a percentage of littering, loitering, ...

loitering, inconsiderate folks who don’t respect our environment/other people’s property.

While listening, I heard what sounded like exaggeration for the sake of bold point-making, which I realize could be based on people’s personal experiences. I respect the fact that everyone has the right to express their opinions. At the time I left, it was hard to separate the ‘box-store’ haters from the ‘people-who-shop-at-a-box-store’ haters, from the ‘David vs. Goliath/corporate chain-vs.-small local independents who more directly give back to the community’ movers & shakers.
So, to me, sure that meeting at that time had both classist than racial undertones, but I now know they weren’t the majority, just the loudest voices there, because also at that meeting were some voices that called for the need to hone the battle points into a more plausible strategy. Thank goodness it seems those are the voices now steering this cause.

Look, I’m not looking for a side-fight on this issue, I just want to clarify, maybe even curtail any misled negativity towards the reporter for what he wrote.

DC,
Publix may be a chain but they are regionally based and donate to many, many community events - I've yet to run in a FD 5K sponsored race or take my kids to a park that FD employees helped rejuvenate . Publix also provides the option for benefits, stock and the ability to rise through the company for a career - haven't seen that opportunity discussed in many, many article written on the web regarding FD.

Thank you for bringing up Publix, anon. How about using your actual name? If you can't own your words, then refrain from expressing them. So you say that some chains are acceptable for the location, eh? If that is true then it is both hypocritical and classist. Hypocritical because if the No Family Dollar focus is on protecting the local independent businesses being evicted and the jobs they provide then no chain would be acceptable. If the only difference in this situation were Trader Joe's instead of Family Dollar, there would be no resulting No Trader Joe's campaign. You think Trader Joe's is a poor analogy? I don't, it's right up NFD folks alley. But okay, fine. Replace TJ with an acceptable chain. Starbucks got in, so there would be one. If you accept Trader Joe's (or whatever) but not Family Dollar, then you are a hypocrite because both would be evicting local independent businesses, taking existing jobs, are out of state corporate chains with low wage part time jobs, increased traffic and parking. You are a classist because TJ (or whatever) is your type of business with the right kind of prices, products, employees and customers but FD is not. Nothing wrong with that, just admit it. It is a requirement of logic to be consistent.
And again, anonymous posters have no credibility. Have the courage to express your convictions or keep them to yourself.

Do you know there is this facebook page as well that is not specifically related to Seminole Heights:
https://www.facebook.com/BoycottFamilyDollar

Pat, do you know that there are Facebook pages and websites calling for action against many businesses? You post might be relevant if, when word got out about the proposed Family Dollar, some people said, "Hey! They have employee safety problems. Let's get a meeting organized!", instead of "Hey! I'll have to look at it and it's cleintele! Let's get a meeting organized!".
The other issues were added later. Remember the meeting? "Is it the aesthetics? Yes! Is It the people? Yes!"
By the by, my wife is painting our bedroom and sent me out for 2 venetian blinds. I went to Family Dollar as that is where we buy them. Upon checkout, the clerk abruptly looked at the screen and said, "Wait a minute" and called the manager to come up. It seems that the register charged $8.50 each and the clerk thought that they were $5.50, which they are. The manager, who arrived quickly, agreed. Wow1 What excellent customer service. I didn't have a chance to point ti out, the employee, probably a neighbor, was right on it. We laughed about it and funnily enough, I left my reading glasses on my forehead, misread the screen, and accidently canceled the transaction! I made a joke about how i should wear my glasses right or don't wear them. The neighbor behind me in line, gave me a look, pointed at her glasses and said, "We're all getting old". Me, the clerk, the manager and the other 2 customers all laughed. What a nice experience in our neighborhood.

This was at the Neb. Ave. store by Publix. It was clean and friendly. I noticed the plywood many have complained about. Big deal. A couple sheets of plywood. I went to the FD by Mega Supermarket first, our usual, but they didn't have the right size. It was clean and friendly as always. We don't go often but would go more if it was in walking distance. Easy to pick up things you need. Our 25 y/o daughter shops there often due to her financial necessity. Before I left for FD, we discussed the NFD movement. She said shopping at Family dollar is how most of her old gang (pre-rehab/NA) managed to afford the Independent. I laughed my arse.

This issue has forced me to do something I swore I'd never do- start a Facebook page. Seminole Heights Residents for Equality and Discourse (www.facebook.com/shredseminoleheights) is there to offer a balanced reply to the No Family Dollar movement and to resist any initiative that puts the interests of business and profit above the interests of the residents of our neighborhood. The page is sparse right now but it will be full of info soon. Go there and download our flyer and let them know how you feel. Our neighborhood is awesome- let's keep it that way!

I just wanted to point out some new coverage of the issue.

Frequent commenter Doug Carter penned an open letter to the 'No Family Dollar' movement in a blog post: http://patch.com/B-ckS2

Also, I added some new links from Patch and other local media to our "Family Dollar Issue: Complete Coverage" page: http://patch.com/A-wG3H

Lastly, We welcome all types of local voices to use our blogging platform as a way contribute to the conversation in Seminole Heights (not just about Family Dollar). If you would like to have your own blog on Patch, you can get started here: http://seminoleheights.patch.com/blog/apply

everyone screaming about family dollar not being local and taking money away from the community (don't get me wrong, i strongly oppose another family dollar anywhere in seminole heights) but how many of the new 'local' mom and pops are residents of seminole heights or even tampa? it's my understanding that the owner of the independent lives in st pete and the owner of the 'coming soon' red rock star does not live in tampa either, someone told me he lives in plant city.... not sure about domani, but i think south tampa.... so there seems to be quite a few of 'carpetbaggers' moving into seminole heights motivated by the possible profits from our community only to take this money outside of the community.... i know sherry at yesterdaze is a seminole heights resident, but what about the others that are coming into the area? no seems to mind their money leaving the area with these folks and i do admit they do bring an improvement to the neighborhood...

When was the property sold to Family Dollar?

Thanks, Sharon Short, for pointing out that we placed the location a bit too far south in this early article on the topic. I made a correction and added a note. Thanks again!