Relics of a Bygone Era - Black and Whites of Downtown Tampa

I've always been drawn to the past; especially when I see old black and whites of people from a bygone era. Those relics of the not so distant past still survive and bring me into another place. With each shutter click my mind is taken to a surreal space that can't really be described in words. It's the images that speak with a powerful darkness that haunts me from within. Underlying tones of nothing lasts forever reek the images you are about to embark on...

ABOVE: Downtown Tampa is littered with buildings erected shortly after Tampa Electric Company started cranking out power in 1899. Some of those old building were torn down for new steel and glass; others remain standing, yet deteriorating in all their glory.

Caffeine - appropriate name for a coffeeshop

The mom and pops used to be my favorite places to frequent when I lived in Tampa Bay from 2000-2009. The younger generation prefers the souless Starbucks and mindless chains. Relationships with owners is forever forgotten...I used to love this sandwich shop with their once tasty authentic Cubans.

Shoe hospital. Sounds severe.

A documentary about Fred Rogers plays at the 1927 Tampa Theatre. One of the few historic buildings that is open 365 days a year. Go there if you get a chance.

An ibis munches on trash outside a local Jamaican restaurant.

Funky old building

The Kress Building is one of my favorites. It would be a great restaurant or night club/apartments, but the owner wants too much money. In fact the owner owns most of the old buildings downtown but doesn't give a shit. She's loaded. Years ago we approached her for buying some of the old buildings and she was out of her mind with price. So they just sit. It's not about politics...it's just about filthy money.