Tampa Taxi Shots

Tampa Loses Bid For 2015 Super Bowl To Arizona - That Sucks

Arizona was awarded the 2015 Super Bowl today. This sucks in many ways for cab drivers and local business. There is nothing like a Super Bowl to stimulate a local economy. I have worked two of them, and made big money. I wish it was here every year, but we are not the only location that has good weather.  Tampa has been a player in Super Bowls from the early days of the event. In fact, we have hosted four, including the famous "Black Sunday" game when the Raiders killed the Redskins in 1984.

Al Davis receiving the Lombardi Trophy in Tampa 1984

There is nothing like winning a Super Bowl. Tampa won one once in 2003; that seems like so long ago. The big game has now become an unofficial American holiday. The specticle that surrounds it makes it the biggest sporting event in the world. In 1984 it was not that big. Players used cabs to go to the stadium and the game was on at 1:00 in the afternoon like any other normal game. It is now the most watched event on television and on during prime time. It is so big that advertisers launch campaigns with the now famous "Super Bowl" commercials. 

I expect we will get the game again,in the future. I hope to be long gone from the taxi business by then. I just don't have the energy to keep kicking this dead dog called the cab business in Tampa Florida. The fact that Arizona gets it really reminds me of how poor things are.

I used to go to Arizona twice a year to attend the AZshootout. I have not been able to go since 2007 because there just is not money. I never could have imagined it would have gone on this long. 

We do, however, have the 2012 Republican Convention coming to Tampa. My understanding is that the economic impact is the same as a Super Bowl. So, that will be something that could be of a real help  next August during the slow season for tourism. 

I am just tired of putting my life on hold and waiting for a better day. I need to find a way to make the days better myself without waiting for things to just magically turn around. 

Thanks, but no thanks NFL. 2015 is too far off to even matter at this point. 

 

Flugtag In Tampa Bay Only United States Event In 2011

I have no idea why 100,000 people showed up for an evnt called Flugtag produced by Red Bull. I guess there is not much to do in Tampa during October when the weather is getting cooler. Flugtag is German for "flying days." That's the problem; nobody flies. All they do is crash off the end of a pier into the water without ever getting airborne. Red Bull says their product "gives you wings." Yea. Seems like a waste of time.

This was the only United States event this year. There were teams from all over the world at this event willing to launch their crafts off a diving board for five seconds. Some of them took months to build their flying machines. The wind was gusting today up to 20MPH; I was hoping some of these planes would catch big air and take off. That did not happen.

It really does not matter to Red Bull. As long as they can draw these crowds, they will continue to sell hugh amounts of energy drinks that people have been brainwased by advertisers to buy. they have convinced an entire generation that they are out of energy, and need the Red Bull product.

I don't know how the people got down to the Convention Center becasue we got very few calls at United Cab today. I did not even put 100 miles on the cab. I was hoping to make money. That really sucked.

They should go save the whales or something or "Occupy Wall Street."

Pasco County Florida Nude Resorts And Bigfoot

Model I shot at a Pasco Nude Resort

One of the major industries in Pasco County Florida is nudism. Pasco County is located north of Tampa and has a great climate, and year round sunshine. It is perfect for the international nude culture that has been established here.

People from all over the world come into Tampa International Airport and take a cab to one of the popular nude resorts in Pasco. Lucky me. Tourism is vital to Florida (The tourist capital of the world) and I am honored to take tourist anywhere they want to go.

I have been wanting to work a particular Bigfoot research area in Pasco which has had many skunk ape sightings. I just have not had the time to get up there. Today, I had the best reason ever. I got paid to go up there because my fare went there. I dropped them off after going onto the resort property to the luxury hotel. People everywhere were walking around naked, swimming,  playing tennis, and volleyball naked. They were just hanging out naked. Temps were in the nineties today, so why not. I would have joined them if I did not have something else to do!

This video below was shot south of SR 52 in rural Pasco county that has little population. I was hoping the only population I would see would be the big hairy guys, the skunk apes.

I will Bring Tampa Taxi Shots Back To Its Former Glory

I beleive I have worked out all of the software issues that have plauged this site for months. I've settled on a design I like because of the flash elements involved. Anyway, Tom and I did get to go to the Whitney Bank Club at the Trop for the Boston RedSox vs. Tampa Bay Rays baseball game Sunday night and it went 16 innings. Can you believe that? It was fun by the way. We were not so lucky on Saturday night...

Lose weight now...ask us how!!

There is nothing like getting free tickets to a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game. These are not just tickets, but Boston Redsox vsTampa Bay Rays tickets. In fact, they are too the Whitney Bank Club high price seating. This is where the fat cats and the bigwigs go to watch a game. These $175 tickets include free buffet style food and free booze. There is prime rib, shrimp, lasagna, and everything you could dream of. The wait staff serves your every need, and we Tom and I had tickets.

  My best taxi driver friend Tom Castros took a high-roller to the airport this morning and they businessman said he had the tickets, but his plans had changed and he wanted to just give Tom the tickets for the $25 fare. Tom took them in a heartbeat and called me on my cellphone. I said "hell ya! Lets go!" The game was set for a 4:15 start and we were both hungry. Free drink and food...I'm all over it! We would soon be surrounded by beautiful women and the rich and powerful in the Tampa Bay area. Wait till they get a hold of us.

 Since we are cab drivers, we know how to get within two blocks from the stadium without ever encountering traffic. I am not exaggerating on this. Most people are on the interstate and it is gridlock. We know a parking lot that charges only $10 to park, and you are in the shadow of Tropicania field. How cool is that? We walked right up to the stadium and got someone to take are picture. We were on our way and breaking all the rules We felt like Thelma and Louise. This was going to be awesome.

We walked up to the gate with our expensive, high baller tickets and proudly gave them to the ticket people. The lady scanned my ticket with a light and said, "I'm sorry sir; something is wrong with your ticket" I could not believe that. She did point out that we needed to go to gate 6 and perhaps everything would be all right. Tom and I headed over there. We could not believe that had happened and felt we would be fine over at gate six. Wrong. Now this was something out of a "Curb Your Enthusiasm" episode.

 

Sir...There is a problem Security said that the tickets had been 'forwarded' yesterday to another party. In short, these tickets were no good. There was nothing we could do. Its bad enough to get beat out of a fare, but to go through all this and get your hopes up so high is just cruel. David Shields was pitching and I really wanted to see how good he would be against this powerful Boston batting lineup.

 It was very hot and we just wanted to get to some kind of air condition. We had no water because we were going to get that in the club suite. When we went back to the parking lot, the guy asked us why we were leaving so early. We told him that we had been ripped off and he was good enough to give us a refund of the $10 parking fee. At least something went right.

On the ride home Tom's friend called and said that he has a special who gave him tickets to Sunday's night baseball game between the RedSox and the Rays and he could not go. He wanted to know if we wanted to use the tickets. We told him yes. He then said they were not just tickets - they were to the Whitney Bank Club and they were $175 which included free food and booze. Great! I can't wait for tomorrow night.

LandWarNet Is In Tampa

There is a massive Army trade show in Tampa this week called LandWarNet, and it is having a huge economic impact for the area. These are the kinds of events that will really put a few bucks in your pocket. This type of event has not been seen in Tampa in at least three years. I hope it is indicative of the recession coming to an end. knock on wood.

The military and defense contractors are at the Tampa Convention Center showing all their new high-tech gadgets to the brass, so they can use our ingenuity to kill the enemy before they kill us. A lot of computer guys, and hardware guys and everything electronic and james Bondish is for sell this week. The bad guys don't have a chance. It makes sense to have this in Tampa because the United States Central Command is located here at MacDill Airforce Base.

These people are also partying like animals at night, so we are busy round the clock. Talk about a stimulus plan.

...photo courtesy of US Army

OIL On Florida Beaches - Come Down And Enjoy

Oil is now destroying the coastline of Florida on Pensacola Beach. I am really glad that we have people in charge that can take care of this. Maybe they can rescue the dead sea turtle that you can see in this video. The oil is still spewing out of the hole on the Gulf Of Mexico Sea Floor with no end in sight. We are screwed. Hope and Change baby.

Little Manatee River State Park

 I got a ride down south and took advantage of that to check out Little Manatee River State Park.  There is a network of hiking trails that span the entire park. Most of them are horse trails that you can spot form the main road that circles thru the park.  I found a nice one that traversed a sand pine and palmetto area. I parked the taxi on the side of the road and was on my way. 

It is very hot right now in Florida and the heat was getting to me. I'm glad some clouds rolled in that lowered the temperature somewhat. Many of these trails criss cross each other, and even with the trail map they give you, getting lost is easy. 

The trail I was on had a sign about a lake up ahead. I never found the lake, but I did get a nice view of the sand scrub and pine trees.  I was getting tired so I headed back...It is very hot with high humidity and you must bring lots of water or sports drink with you.  I always start cramping when I need water. Sometimes its just nice to feel and hear the solitude of the woods.  There is something very peaceful about doing this. It helps calm me down. 

 

The park is one of Florida's best kept secrets.  The Little Manatee River is one of the most scenic in the State. Canoe rentals are availbe and there is no better way to spend several hours than an easy canoe trip to the bay and back. The park also has some great camping areas.  What I liked about it was the privacy you have at each site.  The trees are thick enough that you cannot see the campers that are next to you. So you can chill out at your campfire at night and not have to look at RV's and strangers. 

 

Nudism Goes High Tech

 Pasco County Florida is the nudist capital of the United States. Nudist from all over the world come to Southwest Florida for the sunshine and nice weather. In recent years many have been using the internet to promote their camps. Now the task has become easier. There is a Facebook for nudist called Skinbook not as x-rated as you think. They allow no pornographic images, only upper torso photos, and no rude comments are allowed. In fact, only 10% of applicants are excepted because they can't follow these simple rules. The site is located in the UK which has a centuries long tradition of nudism, reports Time.

Skinbook seems to be attracting a younger crowd then normally found at nudist establishments (30 years instead of the traditional 60). Young people may be more into social networking and are more computer savvy, which may account for the difference. They are also more into hanging out an drinking beer. Most people may be put off by the fact that nudist merely look like average people. Few have magazine cover bodies. The spirit of nudism is not voyeurism, it is relaxing and enjoying life. Single men are traditionally denied access to keep the creep factor at a minimum. I took some people to a nudist resort a few years ago. It was no big deal. They did ask me to keep my clothes on, however. Strange 

In The Florida Jungle

Followers of this blog know that I like to hike in the remote areas of Central Florida and bring my video camera with me in case I encounter the Florida Skunkape or Bigfoot. I like the exercise and the fresh air. For over the last year it has been a hobby of mine.

It has been a good hobby. My YouTube Channel called fasanotampa has over 347 subscribers and a Blogger blog I started is getting steady traffic. However, it is getting difficult to try and make daily post for eight different blogs when Tampa Taxi Shots has been my longest running and most successful blog ever. I just need to consolidate and make this the Official Tim Fasano Blog or website. 

I don't know if you have a YouTube channel or not but you have to admit the flaming that goes on is beyond the pale. I have really lost my interest especially that someone has started a blog just to bash the videos I, and a few others, put up. Crazy if you ask me. 

Everyone has their own interest, and I have mine. This is a commercial site. Like I get paid to do this blog. I get a monthly check from advertisers and that pays for my blog. Simple, I got my reasons for this. 

We are going into the Memorial Day Weekend which is significant in Bigfoot History. Memorial day 1996 was the day of the famous bigfoot sighting in Washington State which was featured in the Hisotry Channel special Bigfoot Where Legend Meets Science with Dr. Jeff Meldrum.  Here this interview of him on Coast To Coast AM Radio.

A Strong Cup Of Coffee

Sometimes you just need a strong cup of black coffee. Taxi drivers keep the hours of pimps and we need the extra pick me up that only diner coffee seems to provide.  

This was at POT BELLIES in south Tampa just as they opened.  You can tell I am tired and have been working a lot of hours. 

Get the skillet with eggs over medium.  Add tobasco sauce and its a winner. 

The girls are great, with nice service.  They actually smile and seem to like their jobs. 

Cypress Point Park Looking For The Oil Spill In the Gulf Of Mexico

     There is a massive oil spill in the Gulf Of Mexico that is right now the size of Pinellas and Hillsborough county combined, and growing. This needs to be put under control fast. Part of the tragedy in all of this is that we need this technology of offshore drilling for our economy and National security. Period. Anyone that says otherwise has a death wish. Lets not turn this into a Three Mile Island. Lets put it to bed now.
     I went to Cypress Point Park in Tampa today during the lunch hour. Many people use this place to picnic, fish, swim, read books in the shade, and just relax and take it easy. I often come here to just walk the shoreline and meditate. It helps relax me. I hope it does not become covered with oil. 

Tim Fasano Takes A Walk On Florida Trail

Somebody told me to take a hike.  so I did!  It sounded like a good idea, so I went up to the Florida Trail portion of the Green Swamp in Polk county on Super Bowl Sunday.  It was really nice.  The cool air felt good on my face.

 

Knights Of The Road

Two of the more interesting guys I have picked up in my cab in some time were hitch-hiking thru America.  They were two young guys from California and spend most of their nights out 'under the stars.'  On occasion, they take a cab to get away from a major metropolitan area.  Today, I got their call and they went up to State Rd 52 and I75 at the truck stop.  They had the $52 for the fare.  Not bad for two guys that ate a squirrel cooked over an open fire last night!

You can see them as they walk away on the on ramp to sr52 in Pasco County.  They are as free as the breeze.

Clearwater Motel Story

This was a nice motel located on Clearwater beach; it is run down now and and abandond.  Why? That is a same.  Check out the design.  Looks charming and you can enjoy yourself and have a nice weekend here.  Now, it is shadowed by tower cranes building high-rise condominiums.

Is that what we need?  Does that improve the experience people can have down here?

Many people will be going to the beach this weekend and if you go down some of the side streets, take a look at some of the charming "mom and pop" motels that I think gave this area its charm.

I was taking a couple from Poland to a motel across the street that is Polish owned. The owners were a husband and wife team that did all the work and housekeeping and need tourist to survive.  There is a swimming pool and it is located only two blocks from a world famous beach.  How can you beat that?

The owner told me a funny story that they first moved from Poland they would put up a sign that said "Rooms Free" for available rooms. People actually came by thinking the rooms had no charge!

I'm Back With The Texas Rangers!

I got in last night and went directly to United Cab. Guess what? My cab was being driven by someone else. It took to today to get it back.

One the cool things about travel is the interesting people you meet along the way. This is Bill. He is with "Terry's Texas Rangers." Who are they? you ask. They were the most famous unit in the Confederate Army, the legendary "Terry's Texas Rangers". In four years, the Rangers fought 275 battles in seven states. Only twice, in The War For Southern Independence, did a cavalry unit defeat an infantry army; Terry's did it both times.

Every year in Arizona they do a reenactment of the battles . I had no idea that the civil war was also fought out west. Check out the link I have provided.

I am glad to be home. I am ready to work. I am ready to move ahead. Lets go.

Lakeland Is Growing Up

When I lived in lakeland late '70s early '80s it was a sleepy little town. I am glad to see it is coming of age.

I had a ride over their from the airport and I could see new growth and a re-gentrifying that is typical of cities that have it on the ball.

I now looks like the place I wish it had been 20 years ago. Keep up the good work.

Lots of nice scenery in this city to photograph.

A View From 40,000 Feet

The plane was delayed about one hour so they could seal the doors because they where flying over water. Somehow my thought is if they have to ditch it in the drink we’re pretty much screwed anyway. I was able to get a window seat because I had “A” priority seating and got some great shots of the local Tampa area. MacDill AFB and The Gandy bridge and so forth.

I am writing this post at about 40,000 feet on my laptop. We have been in the air now for about 2 hours all I can still see is water. I did get some great shots of a tanker and an offshore Oil Rig. We must have south of New Orleans.

I am very excited about this shoot and meeting many of the photographers and models who will be there, some of them famous in their own right. Everyone will meet tonight at a strategy session called “the meet and greet.” The logistics of the shoot will be explained and teams will be formed.

The Vulcher Mine is a large but primitive place. We will have generators, a tent, an RV set up so the girls can go into makeup at 7:30 a.m sharp.

I am finally able to photograph mountains. I can see them from the window and that will have to do for now.

Arizona Highways

I will be leaving in the morn for Arizona. After a 5 hour flight I will go to the resort and get ready for the logistical meeting at 6:30. We should have delivery pizza and beer. I am really looking forward to working hard this weekend to get some great shots.

I will post every day to let everyone know how it is going.

I hear United Cab wasted no time in putting someone else in my cab. Oh well. Its just business.

Pirate Ship Off Clearwater Beach

After getting a nice ride to Sheppard's Beach Club. I got this nice shot of the pirate ship from the side parking lot.

I imagine it's something that mostly tourist concern themselves with, and my there are a lot of them in Tampa Bay right now. With the beautiful weather we have been having, they are flocking down here.

Oh well. I just thought it was cool looking ship.

Sheppard's Beach Club Is HOT

Say hello to Carrie. She works at Valentines. Seems appropriate for today plus the fact that today has the lowest temperature of the year. I thought I'd post something a lot warmer.

Sheppard's Beach Club is a place where tourist and locals hang out when the weather is warm and the Bikini contest are in full swing.

If you like to kick back in the sun and like beach bars Clearwater is the place to go. Remember the south side is the party place. The main beach is the "family" beach.

I recently spent a nice weekend there and of course took many photos. I also got a shot of me at sunset.  Clearwater does have some of the nicest sunsets in the world. You can count of that.

Even though It may not be the classiest place in the world, you can definitely have a good time here.                                                                  

St. Pete Pier, Great Views And I Got A New Job!

I got another ride across the bay again. I have not actually been to the Pier since Julianne and I used to go(She was thrown out of Cha Cha's not me). I parked my car by a place called Pioneer Park. I read some of the plaques. Apparently St. Pete has a pioneer history. That might make a good post some day.

It was an unbelievable nice day. The bay was spectacular! Sailboats everywhere. No Wonder people migrate to this state.

I walked to the pier, past the hot dog vendor at the entrance to the boardwalk. Told her I'd buy one when I came out. It was a nice walk. People everywhere. It was about 80 degrees. Fantastic.

Up ahead there where people fishing and boats hanging out. What amazes me are these Pelicans that hang out here. They are the most efficient fisherman in the world but they behave like skid row bums begging for food.

I continued my walk around to the back and I saw this really cool looking sailing vessel. It had the sails and mast of an Eighteenth Century Clipper ship. Wow! I had no idea there was such a thing here in St. Pete. The name of the vessel was "THE BOUNTY." Is that like mutiny and the Bounty? I don't know.

I tried to go up the gang plank but they said there was a $5 cover charge. Oh well, I can still take photos. Check this out. There was a sign posted stating EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.  Cool. I need a change of pace. Just click the sign "Deck Hands Needed." It says "long hours." "low Pay," but "The opportunity of a Lifetime." Cool. That's all me baby. I always wanted to be in the Navy!

I hope I don't have to work to hard. Maybe they will just let me lay back smoke a cigar and let someone else do the work. That would be great.

Out back there where just outstanding views of Tampa Bay. They had a band that was getting a lot of attention.

I went to the elevator. There was an aquarium on the second floor. Not to bad. I've seen better.

Now the main attraction was the top floor. Cha Cha Coconuts! Now get me a cold beer! I then saw what had to be one of the ultimate shots of St. Pete. Maybe this has been done before. But not like was about to do it. Even while drinking a beer. I did put it down though. I could not help but notice I was not alone. the area was crowded. Every table taken. The help staff looked stressed. Oh well.

When I left, I did see the hot dog lady again and it was sauerkraut with mustard  and a coke for 3 bucks. A square deal.

Over all I wish I had more time, but I wanted to get home and see the championship games on TV. Next year the bucs will be in it for sure.

Cheap Parking At Tampa Internationl?

There are more cheap parking spots at Tampa International Airport (TPA) than ever before.

A $71 million economy parking garage offers travelers 3,300 covered spaces. This is in contrast to most cheap parking spots, which are usually uncovered and on the fringes of airports.

Why the new spaces? More cars. The facility was built, “due to increased demand for parking and parking garages,” says Louis E. Miller, Tampa International Airport’s executive director. “We can now offer a new option for parking that’s affordable and maintains the highest-level of customer service.”

Cheap is a relative term. $14 to park close to the airport, $7 for the "cheap lot."

Did you know most travelers  that are taken to the TPA by Taxi are less than $20 fares. And we take you "curb to curb for your convenience. You don't have to wait in a "cell phone" lot and hope that a shuttle picks you up on time. It would seen logical that people take advantage of the outstanding service cabs provide in the Tampa Bay area.