Vélo Champ in Old Seminole Heights will host a party to celebrate its one-year anniversary on Thursday, May 17, from 7-10 p.m.

The local boutique bike shop opened its doors for business in a historic 1920s retail building space at 6112 N. Central Ave. on April 15, 2011, but owner Jordan Miller decided to mark the one-year anniversary a month late, with May being National Bike Month.

Miller said he is grateful for the support received from the Seminole Heights residents and Tampa cycling community.

“The neighborhood has been super receptive,” he said.

Miller said that recent efforts from citizen groups and the city to make roads safer for bicyclists have positively affected his business.

“People are getting more comfortable to be out there on a bike,” he said.

The one-year anniversary party will feature light refreshment with local craft beer, roasted coffee, soda, and Belgian waffles, and it will feature a Seminole Heights neighborhood circuit race, as well as the first installment of local artist Nicole Kibert's Bicycle Portrait project. The event is free and open to the public.

Born in Atlanta, GA, Miller, 29, has lived in Seminole Heights for more than 10 years. He started racing bicycles during his childhood. As he grew up, so did his passion for cycling.