Thursday evening after more than a five hour public hearing, Tampa City Council voted 4-3 ( a squeaker) to deny the commercial land use change requested by a Palm Beach developer.

So the 2-acre block (bounded by Swann, Magnolia, Bay and Brevard) in Hyde Park Spanishtown Creek will REMAIN RESIDENTIAL, for now.

The historic brick Bay Street will NOT BECOME A TRUCK ROUTE, for now.

More to come - because there's an appeal process that I must learn more about.

And there were many "foretelling" comments made by the 7-story hotel complex supporters who were disappointed about the result. 

So we will remain ever vigilant. As I've stated in the past, I do not oppose development. But the growth must respect the historic district guidelines for mass, density, setbacks, height and scale.

My deepest appreciation to all who signed our petition and shared the details to get friends, family and colleagues to sign. We are a community. And this petition really proved that. Thank you.