Category: News

Why I’m The ‘Logical’ Choice To Be The Next ‘Jeopardy!’ Host!

Those of us who have appreciated really hard trivia for the last 37 years are likely still mourning the Nov 8 passing of long-time “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek.

Trebek somehow lived two full years following his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, something of a feat in itself (although I’m no doctor, I have known several people who only lived a few months after receiving their diagnoses, depending upon the stage), but he was still taping his 37th season of “Jeopardy!” episodes up until a few weeks before he passed.

Trebek is a role model for not only every game show host, but also for a certain news magazine editor who auditioned to be on the greatest game show of all time (but didn’t make it) — twice — and who had what I’m hoping is a unique exchange of words with the late “Jeopardy!” host.

But First: A Little Background..

I don’t remember what age I was when I first was flipping through my seven original TV channels (CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS and the New York independent stations — Channels 5, 9 and 11) and saw the late, also great Art Fleming hosting the original “Jeopardy!,” which also featured the dulcet tones of announcer Don Pardo.

All I knew was that, as a youngster, I had finally found a place to unleash my truly “encyclopedic” knowledge of…well, as close to everything as I could get (which wasn’t very close, but still) — almost all of which was gleaned not so much from school, but from reading every individual letter edition and every year’s Year Book (beginning around 1963) from our World Book Encyclopedia set. Imagine me as a little smarter version of Joey on “Friends” who loved that my parents purchased more than just the letter “V” for us.

Most of my close friends were smarter and did better in school than I did, but I knew I was pretty good at writing and great at “Jeopardy!” I also knew that someday, I would get on the show, win some money and impress the producers enough to have them grooming me to replace Fleming — who couldn’t last forever, could he?

And, even though Fleming’s first run with the show ended when producer Merv Griffin’s original “Jeopardy!” was shut down in Jan. 1975, Fleming was brought back for a couple of other revivals of the show, which again ended in 1979. In 1984, Trebek’s first year as the host of the new syndicated version of “Jeopardy!,” I flew out to Los Angeles to audition for the show I knew I could win. “All I have to do is study up on some British royalty and classical music and I’ll dominate,” I kept telling myself.

Well, that trip from NYC to Hollywood didn’t have a Hollywood ending for me. At the 20-question test the producers give you during their regular L.A. “talent searches,” I felt pretty good about myself. All of the questions would have been $800 or $1,000 questions at that time (those were the highest amounts during “Double Jeopardy” back then), and I was happy to get 15 of 20 correct.

I totally had no idea about a European history question that had to do with Prussia or another about a Pope from the Middle Ages, and I only got one wrong I really thought I had correct…in the (gulp) Sports category (my best back then) about a baseball pitcher from the Old Negro Leagues who wasn’t named Satchel Paige (I think I said Don Newcombe). My 15 out of 20 correct missed by one to qualify me to get to play a mock version of the game. I think they selected 18 of about 120 people to do that.

Two or three years later, “Jeopardy” brought its talent search to Manhattan’s renowned Radio City Music Hall, where 400 or so people came to audition and they were going to limit the selection to only 50 or so people to advance to that mock game round.

This time, I got 16 of 20 questions correct but felt that the questions had something of a gender bias. Of the four $800 & $1,000 questions I missed, one was in the “Female Poets” category (of course, it couldn’t be Emily Dickinson), one was “Women in History” (and not Cleopatra, Helen of Troy, Amelia Earhardt or Golda Meir) and one was about tapestry making. Oh, and one that I got right was “Female Olympians” (Wilma Rudolph).

I knew, as soon as they said it took 17 correct answers to be called on stage that I hadn’t made it — and I was pissed. I called out to that super smooth, somewhat smug guy announcing those who had advanced “Yo, Alex.” To my surprise, he looked right at me and said, “Yes?”

“Ummm, do you notice anything similar about most of the people (more than 3/4 of which were women 40 & older, an apparently desired demo for the show) on stage? While other people yelled “Sour grapes,” all Trebek said was, “Better luck next time.” I don’t think I said, “I’ll have your job someday,” but I know I thought it.

So, even though I was never a contestant, much less a champ (like current interim host Ken Jennings) — really, who deserves the gig more?

I’m just kidding. I admired Alex Trebek a lot and wish that I could have done what he did, but no one will ever be able to truly replace him.

Jeopardy

Sweet! New Tenant Looking At Old Sweetbay

We’re happy to tell you that the one-time Sweetbay Supermarket in New Tampa, closed and abandoned for nearly eight years, is finally on the brink of a much-needed transformation.

Located right across Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from the AMC movie theater and next to Home Depot, the property the building sits on is currently under contract and, if things proceed as planned, a new tenant will begin the process of moving in by early 2021.

Who that new tenant will be, and what kind of business might be headed for the long-empty building, however, was still a mystery at our press time.

“I can tell you it has been under contract, but I can’t tell you who,” says John Neukamm, the attorney for KNK Tampa, Ltd., the California-based owners of the building. “Hopefully, within the next few months, you will see some changes up there.”

Neukamm wouldn’t give any hints about what kind of business might be filling the vacant building, which has more than 30,000 square feet of space.

It won’t be a bowling alley, which he confirmed after we jokingly took a wild guess, and Neukamm says it is unlikely to be another grocery-type store, considering that Sprouts just opened a little north of the location and an Aldi has begun construction directly across the street.

“I think the neighborhood will be happy,” he says.

Neukamm also says he is confident the buyer will be putting some “major renovations” into the project.

It will definitely need it.

The Sweetbay building closed in 2013 and since then, has been unoccupied while its parking lot has gone through various stages of disrepair, overflowing at times with tractor-trailers and parked storage trucks while also serving as a dumping ground for people getting rid of old furniture and appliances.

Tampa District 7 City Council member Luis Viera and his predecessor Lisa Montelione sicked code enforcement on the property’s lease-holder multiple times over the years.

“It has been a long road for New Tampa with this property,” Viera says. “Its inactive status has caused many challenges for New Tampa and I am happy that it is under contract and look forward to seeing what comes in here. The fact that this is under contract by itself is a good step for our New Tampa community, as this has been a problem site.”

The property currently is worth $1.5 million, according to Hillsborough County property records. KNK Tampa, Ltd. bought it in 2001 and leased it to Kash n’ Karry for a 20-year term beginning in November of that year.

Kash n’ Karry operated under the lease until June 14, 2006, when its Belgian parent company Delhaize America, Inc., converted it into a Sweetbay.

But, despite its rebranding, Sweetbay could not compete with nearby Publix or Walmart. When Delhaize announced it would be closing 22 stores in the Tampa Bay area, its New Tampa location was part of that group.

In October of 2013, Jacksonville-based Bi-Lo Holdings, the parent company of Winn-Dixie, paid $265 million for 72 Sweetbay stores, plus the leases to 10 other underperforming Sweetbay supermarkets that had already been closed. One of those leases belonged to the New Tampa location, which had six years remaining on it, but Bi-Lo Holdings declined to do anything with the property other than pay the rent.

Finally, it’s time for something new.

“Probably, by early next year, it will all be coming out; it will be obvious what is going on,” Neukamm says. “It is going to be an asset for the neighborhood.”

We asked our readers on our Neighborhood News Facebook page what they would like to see in the space currently occupied by the old Sweetbay, and they responded.

Some responded jokingly (we assume), by suggesting New Tampa could really use a giant Starbucks (hardy har har, Brandon Maldonado) or a combination pizza, burger, and self-storage facility (also real funny, Richard W. King).

Others were emphatic, with ALL CAPS!!!! (We get it, Chris King, you want a Trader Joe’s and as you said) “NOTHING ELSE IS ACCEPTABLE!!”

King, however, spoke for the most of those who responded. In fact, our readers really, really, really want a Trader Joe’s, even with Publix, Sprouts and soon-to-be Aldi all within walking distance. And, how much do people love their trendy grocery stores? Lucky’s Market, Fresh Market and Whole Foods also all received some votes.

Those other markets didn’t receive as much love, however, as Total Wine & More, which wasn’t too far behind Trader Joe’s when it came to our readers.

You want food and drink, clearly — although a good many folks also want something to do — and we concur! A bowling alley, roller skating rink and indoor go-kart place all received votes, although we were disappointed to see no one suggest a Dave & Busters (JCC) or a live music venue (GN).

Kevin Waters: I would love a Wright’s Deli somewhere in New Tampa/WC. Driving to S. Tampa is too far.

Pam Smith: Go carts, Fresh Market, Armature Works-like venue, Indoor small business venue

Diane Kelly Payne: Quaker Steak & Lube, outdoor music stage, car shows, etc…a fun place to go

Tara Fritsch Schmidt: Luekens Liquors or Trader Joe’s.

Donna Billie: A regular skating rink…not ice.

Lucy Meyer: Trader Joe’s, Fresh Market or Total Wine!

Dannieal Cooper: Indoor go-carts and arcade. Well kept with food and beverages

Kim Channels: A bowling alley or Spaghetti Warehouse

Geraldine Gomez: Kohl’s, Total Wine, PF Chang’s or Trader Joe’s!!! No more storage units!

Armando Rivera: Is a Medieval Brothel a possibility…asking for a friend.

Christie Frederick: A really good seafood restaurant. (There are) none around New Tampa

Doug Smith: A micro brewery!

Nagesh Nayak: Raquetball Court.

Barry Doupnik: Anything!! It’s a dump and an eyesore.

Tim N Catia Notarpietro: Planet Fitness! We need one up here!

Gina Arkell Tim Stokes: Just not another gym.

Richard Spencer: Bowling & arcade. Or trampoline park.

Nicolette Marie: Lucky’s Market!

Ivant Liberty: Cabela’s

Here are some of the other suggestions we received:

Smoke-Free Karaoke, Pool Tables & More?

I’m not bragging, but I have spent time in every bar that has opened in the Pinebrook at The Grove plaza on C.R. (aka S.R.) 54. I remember the original Fatheads Pub, Skinny’s Sports Bar and of course, our long-time advertiser, Joe Whiskey’s Sports Bar.

The only reason Jannah and I, until now, haven’t spent more time at Joe Whiskey’s is because it has always been a smoker-friendly bar inside. Well, when bars were allowed to reopen during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic a couple of months ago (under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order), Joe Whiskey’s reopened as a smoke-free bar with a covered outdoor patio for those who still want to smoke.

Inside, Joe Whiskey’s is now smoke-free, for those of us who want to shoot pool, sing karaoke (with karaoke jock Allan Hudson Brady), play darts or video arcade games and/or watch football (or hockey) games while enjoying a drink at the premium, full-liquor bar with great prices (and with Jessica, one of our favorite bartenders, top left photo above) — without the thrill of having to breathe in second-hand smoke. Allan has a great karaoke list and he’s currently there every Thur.-Sat. evening.

Joe Whiskey’s (27429 C.R. 54) is open noon-2 a.m. every day. For more information, call (813) 973-8336 . — GN

Joe Whiskey's

Corley Says 2020 Vote Smoother Than Hoped

Despite worries nationwide about the voting process in 2020, due to taking place in the middle of a pandemic and concerns raised by President Trump about the validity of mail-in votes, Pasco’s Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley said the county’s efforts this past election were about as smooth as could be.

“Overall, it exceeded my wildest expectations,” Corley said.

Roughly 304,000 votes were cast in Pasco County, including 302,621 votes for president. President Donald Trump received 179,621 votes, or 59.4 percent, while President-elect Joe Biden received 119,073, or 39.4 percent.

Nationally, however, Biden defeated Trump by more than six million votes and in the Electoral College 306-232.

The 304,000 votes cast in Pasco represented 78 percent of the eligible voters, far exceeding 2016’s totals of 244,950 ballots cast and a 73-percent turnout.

Despite the record-setting numbers, Corley said the ability to secure six gymnasiums countywide for early voting and the influx of mail-in votes prevented some of the 3-4 hour long waits in line he feared beforehand.

In fact, only 65,000 votes (21% of all ballots cast) were cast on Nov. 3. Twice that number, 113,000, were cast during early voting, and more than 121,000 were mail-in votes, compared to 68,178 in 2016.

“The mail-in votes were a great safety valve and allowed for the in-person voting to be less crowded,” Corley said.

Corley added that mail-in voting has been growing in popularity since Florida started it in 2002, “but this year it was on steroids because of the pandemic.”

Despite President Trump’s disinformation campaign against mail-in voting (except in Florida, where he said it was okay), Corley thinks the mail-in numbers will only grow in the future.

“It got politicized, and that is very unfortunate,” he said.

Not surprisingly, Pasco County remained red, as Republican candidates went 9-0 in the vote, including Gus Bilirakis (U.S. Rep., Cong. Dist. 12), Danny Burgess (State Sen. Dist. 20), Randy Maggard (State Rep. Dist. 38), Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning and County Commissioners Jack Mariano and Kathryn Starkey.

For complete Pasco County 2020 General Election results, visit PascoVotes.org. — JCC

2020 2020 election election

Diverging Diamond Delay

Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) chairman Mike Moore has always taken great pride in his efforts to expedite the construction of the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at the busy junction of I-75 and S.R. 56.

With help from state legislators, what was originally scheduled for a 2024 completion was moved up and expected to be finished by the fall of 2021.

However, that date is now very much in question, which has riled Moore, who represents District 2, which includes most of Wesley Chapel.

“It’s very, very disappointing,” he says.

Armed with letters from constituents and his own daily experience driving through the congestion at the under-construction interchange, Moore is disappointed to hear that the project — originally expected to cost $18.5 million but now carrying a $33-million price tag — could now drag on until the spring of 2022 or even later.

Which is why, when Moore drives by the project now and sees workers, well, not working, it makes him seethe.

His frustration was on full display at a BCC meeting last month, when Moore delivered a blistering attack on the company, D.A.B. Constructors, Inc., in charge of the project.

Moore said he recently drove through the interchange and took pictures of the general malaise happening. He said he saw two workers standing next to a truck doing nothing, and a second group of construction workers standing on a hill.

“On a project of that magnitude, those are the only people I saw working on a Monday, a sunny Monday, at 1:30 in the afternoon,” Moore said. “I think that’s insane, that’s ridiculous, that’s embarrassing.”

More than 100,000 vehicles pass through the interchange on a daily basis. The eagerly-anticipated DDI is designed to create fewer conflict points at the interchange, and despite looking like a confusing, diamond-shaped jumble of roads in pictures, Florida’s first Diverging Diamond Interchange (at Exit 210 of I-75, in Sarasota) has been lauded for being safer and more efficient than your traditional junctions.

Businesses Are Unhappy, Too

The Wesley Chapel DDI will be Florida’s second, and Moore isn’t the only one disappointed that it is so far behind schedule.

In September, the Cypress Creek Town Center Property Owners Association (POA) — which includes the Tampa Premium Outlets, Costco and more than 20 other businesses located west of the interchange, sent a letter to Moore and District 3 Commissioner Kathryn Starkey expressing concern about the progress of the interchange.

The POA, which said it has spent $25 million over the last 15 years “reconstructing and widening miles

of highway in the State Road 54/56 corridor” to offset the additional traffic the Town Center attracts, said it reached out to the Florida Department of Transportation when it was becoming clear that the project was falling behind schedule.

It asked FDOT to accelerate the DDI during Covid-19, due to the reduction of traffic, but were told material deliveries had hindered the project and that D.A.B. Constructors “did not feel any substantial gains could be made.”

The POA wrote to Moore and Starkey that they were told the project was at least 200 days behind schedule — pushing the completion date to late summer of 2022.

“It’s very unfortunate that this is happening,” said Comm. Starkey, “but at least FDOT is doing as much as they can to push it along.”

Pasco County has no control over state road projects like the DDI, but Moore and Starkey both reached out to David Gwynn, the FDOT secretary for District 7, after receiving the letter from that group of angry businesses.

FDOT has taken efforts to remedy the situation, and could impose more penalties. Gwynn wrote back to Moore telling him if D.A.B. Constructors can’t meet the contracted end date, “liquidated damages, of $9,837 a day, will be assessed for every day that the contractor is late in completing the project.”

That means that for every month they are behind schedule, D.A.B. Constructors would incur a $300,000 fine.

Pasco’s BCC chair Mike Moore says D.A.B. Constructors “can’t handle it” when it comes to finishing the diverging diamond project on time.

The DDI construction kicked off in early 2019, and had an original schedule of 800 days, resulting in a finish date of April 2021. That did account for delays due to rain and holidays (though not for something like Covid-19, which did cause delays for materials for many area projects).

Gwynn wrote that in roughly 20 months, D.A.B. Constructors had been granted 99 days for weather, 34 days of holiday time and 30 days for unforeseen conditions. All told, that added 163 days to the contract, changing the end date to August 26, 2021.

“Ninety-nine rain days? I don’t how that is, but okay, I guess?,” Moore said. “I guess if it sprinkles outside they don’t work?”

Moore also found 34 days off for holidays “extreme.”

Moore wants to see FDOT come down hard on D.A.B. Constructors, including fines and heavy pressure. He went as far as to suggest D.A.B. “sub out every little piece of the project going forward…cut their losses, and get out.”

He doesn’t want the company used on any more projects in Pasco County, where it is currently working on 10 other projects, including the widening of State Roads 54 and 52.

“They have so many projects going on right now they can’t handle it,” Moore says.

Starkey worried that any further delays could impact the traffic for yet another holiday season in 2021, further hurting businesses in the S.R. 56 corridor.

DDI diverging diamond interchange Wesley Chapel