California and that South Florida was also very supportive with contributions. When asked if people here bring up the subject of the stolen election of 2000 she said yes.
Rumors abound in Ybor City that The House of Blues is interested in purchasing the Badcock Building on 7th Avenue, which is on the same block where the Hampton Inn is being built. The House of Blues is a nationwide nightclub chain that could be a strong draw for the historic district. Orlando is the closest location of a House of Blues. The company did not return our call of inquiry on the rumor.
We hear that Penet Land Corporation is interested in selling its Ybor City property located on the corner of 7th Avenue and 15th Street for around $2 million. The land was the site of the Blue Ribbon Supermarket, which burned down a few years ago. The Penet Land Corporation wanted to build a large nightclub/office building on the property but backed off those plans after strong local opposition formed over the designs, which resembled a cruise ship.
So far the Democratic Primary race for president has been lackluster. Locally, few Democrats have made a firm commitment to any of the candidates and fundraising for all of them is soft. The lack of interest in the Democrats up to this time is not a reflection on them, but instead is caused by the general perception that President Bush will win reelection. Why should anyone pay attention to the Democratic candidates if they can't win?
Well, all that is about to change. The president's approval numbers have been going south. With no end in sight to the Iraq mess and the economy still stagnate, this trend is likely to continue. Polls this week for the first time show that President Bush is beatable. As word of his vulnerability spreads, look for the voters and media to take a more serious look at all of the Democrats.
The presidential race has just begun.
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