Ybor and Channelside

[Fold FB Invest in BB]

Took a day trip to Tampa this weekend with the Family and I was impressed with what has become of Channelside and Ybor and especially areas in between. If my memory serves me correctly,10 years ago, that area was pretty rough. I should qualify my statement with nearly all of my time spent there was under the influence.

 

Can any long time local Tampons confirm my observation?

[Apis Bull]

I haven't seen it lately, but you're right the area between the two used to be very rough.

[Gismo]

If you go to Ybor at night is like a circus side show, not a place for the family. I was just there three weeks ago. 

 

Haven't been to Channelside in about two years but heard it has declined and the bars there are going out of business, that Howl at the Moon and some others closed. Is this true?

[Bull Matrix]

I drive by that area every day going to work and you are correct that it has improved tons. They built a lot of condos and appartments in that area and there is just more life to it now. Channelside is struggling with businesses because of the high rent,. Eventually it will be booming there with all the peeps moving in. 

[cmhatter]

yeah a lot of bars in channelside going out of biz.

[Fold FB Invest in BB]

Also noticed this:

 

http://www.sbdctampabay.com/

 

Coincidence? Ithink not.

[Fold FB Invest in BB]

One thing that hasn't changed: traffic at I-4 and 275. New interchange, same result.

[Gismo]

I want to add to my comments, Ybor is nice in the day time. I meet a friend there forunch from time to time, but at night the freaks come out and it's like a sideshow, would not take kids.

Also a short few years ago while i was a student even some USF students were mugged in Ybor and a friend of friend was victim of attempted robbery (er murder, the criminals gun misfired/jammed) while in his car and actually shot the robber with his CCL. Also girl friends coworker at her las job someone attacked her in an Ybor parking lot, the office was in Ybor.

I don't consider Ybor really safe at night, wouldn't go off of 7th Ave.Very nice in the day time.

Edited November 12, 2013 by Gismo

[Ghost]

Ybor is great during the day. Great food and places to shop and hang out. At night, I would stick to Central Ybor. Wouldnt do too much venturing. Definitely not a place for family at night though. 

 

Channelside is struggling. The area is nice but the shops just arent getting enough business and the rent is lulzy at best. You keep hearing about efforts to revive the place but nothing has come of it yet. 

[zarnozdabull]

Most 21+ students rather go to the South Howard strip of bars over Channelside. You'll see half of USF at McDittons or Hyde Park for Friday happy hours.