Painting Company in Bayport, FL

The Shields Painting Difference: Perfection with Every Brush Stroke

Many painting companies in Florida rely on flashy marketing and big promises to try and attract new clients. But when it comes time to work, they fall short of their promises. This is often due to a lack of experience, qualified painters, and a drive to overachieve. At Shields Painting, we do things a little differently than other painting companies in Citrus County. We believe that a professional paint job should be as close to perfect as possible. Our goal is to leave you 100% satisfied, whether we're touching up an old residential paint job or performing a complex commercial project. It might sound simple, but we achieve that goal through honesty, hard work, beautiful results, and reasonable pricing.

As a family-owned and operated painting company in Bayport, FL, we strive to provide personalized, professional, and friendly service. Shields Painting has been in business since 1968 for a good reason. Whenever possible, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers are happy. Unlike some of our competition, we want to know all about your house or business painting project: your vision, your preferences, your challenges, and your goals. When we understand your needs, we can present you with a fantastic final product - one that you're proud to show off to friends and neighbors.

At Shields Painting, we combine our extensive experience with time-tested, meticulous painting processes, resulting in the highest quality painting results around. As a painting contractor in Citrus County, we can take on a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial projects in Florida.

A few of our most popular painting services include:

Interior Painting
Exterior Painting
Residential Painting
Commercial Painting
Cabinet Painting

Ceiling Painting
Fence Painting
Sign Painting
MUCH More!

Our commercial, industrial, and residential painting contractors take the proper steps to protect your property and belongings while we work. Our team will clean up after ourselves, so your property is left clean and free of debris when we're done. After all, we think there's only one way to do a job, and that's the right way.

Painting Services

Eco-friendly & clean work area.

PDCA Certified Member.

Your Go-To House Painting Company in Bayport, FL

Your home is a haven of relaxation and solitude. It is uniquely you - a place where you can express who you are through style and design. Whether you need interior touch-ups for your crown molding or a new exterior coat of paint, hiring a reliable painting contractor is the best way to get quality results.

At Shields Painting, we know how important it is to have a home that highlights your tastes and personality. That's why we offer an extensive array of residential painting services in Citrus County. As tempting as it might be to try a DIY paint job, without the proper skills and experience, there is a good chance that the results will turn out less than satisfactory.

High-quality painting requires skill, experience, and patience. If you're a homeowner who needs residential painting services but doesn't have the time, patience, or skills to handle the job, look no further than Shields Painting. We offer accuracy, precision, and longevity with each paint job we perform. Our customers choose Shields Painting for their home because they receive:

Free Quotes with Detailed Project Breakdowns
Affordable Pricing
Expert Painting Contractors
High-Quality Paint Products
Combo of Traditional and Modern Techniques

Well-Maintained Tools
Unmatched Craftsmanship
Friendly, Personalized Service
Good Old-Fashioned Hard Work!

The majority of our house painting services come in two forms: interior and exterior.

Interior Residential Painting

As an interior painting contractor with decades of experience, our expert technicians have developed an interior painting process that maximizes quality and emphasizes customer satisfaction. We understand that interior painting goes beyond aesthetics. It protects your ceilings and walls and helps you sustain a healthier place to live for your family. When only the finest craftsmanship will do inside your home, Shields Painting is here for you.

Our seasoned team of painting experts and craftsmen is dedicated to respecting your space and providing you with the look and feel you're craving inside your home. Whether you bought a new house and want to make it your own or need minor touch-ups but have no time, Shields Painting is ready to tackle the job, no matter how small or large.

Unlike some painting companies, our interior house painters take the time to get the details right, every time. For instance, color is only one aspect of your interior paint job. The paint sheen or finish is just as important. Certain finishes are better for living rooms and bedrooms than in kitchens and bathrooms. We'll help you find the right finish and paint colors for your home, so you don't have to worry about touch-ups or repainting.

Some of our most popular interior house painting services include:

Ceiling Painting
Popcorn Ceiling Removal
Living Room Painting
Bathroom Painting

Basement Painting
Color Consultations
More

Cabinet Painting

Citrus County cabinet painting deserves its own section on this page because it requires more time, skill, and quality paint than most sections of your home. If your home's cabinets are built into its woodwork, replacing them can be obnoxiously expensive. Compared to the cost of installing new cabinets, painting your kitchen cabinets is much more affordable.

At Shields Painting, we specialize in transforming old cabinets into new, gorgeous features that are just as usable as they are beautiful. Each step of our cabinet painting process is meticulous and thorough. And we'll take care of the entire job, from cleaning, prep, and sanding to priming, painting, and reassembly. This unique service lets you enjoy a brand-new look in your kitchen without having to go into debt by replacing your cabinets.

Whether your cabinets are new, but you want to change their color or you'd like to transition wood cabinets to a painted finish, Shields Painting has the expertise and experience to give you a new look you'll love.

Exterior Residential Painting

Your home - it's a place that not only keeps your belongings safe. It protects your family and loved ones, too. It's one of your largest investments, and like anything else of value, it should be protected. However, Florida weather can take a toll on your home's structure and paint, lowering your home's value and even putting your family at risk.

While it's true that a beautiful exterior affects your house's value, it shouldn't take thousands of remodeling dollars to make a positive change to your home. There's a fine line between reasonable pricing and top-quality painting, and that sweet spot is what Shields Painting aims for. If you want to transform how your friends and neighbors see your home, never underestimate the power of a professional paint job.

Our exterior residential painting services are designed to boost curb appeal, give your home a fresh look, and help it stand up to Florida's unique weather. But we provide more than that. When you hire Shields Painting for your outdoor painting project, you will enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your home is in truly capable hands. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and help bring out the best in your property, whether you need to re-stain your deck or remove old, peeling paint from your siding.

If you're on the hunt for the very best exterior painting contractor in Bayport, FL, look no further than Shields Painting.

Some of our most popular exterior house painting services include:

Vinyl Siding Painting
Deck Painting and Staining
Stucco Exterior Painting
Wood Exterior Painting
Porch Painting and Staining
Soffit Painting

Fascia Painting
Window Painting
Front Door Painting
Thorough Painting Prep
More

The Premier Commercial Painting Company in Bayport, FL

When it comes to first impressions, your businesses' appearance plays an important role. Your commercial property's paint job factors into its overall aesthetics. A great-looking, well-maintained paint job can mean the difference between a customer walking in your storefront and passing by. Conversely, an old, worn-out commercial paint job can send the wrong message to prospective customers. If you can't take the time to keep up your property's appearance, why would a customer spend their hard-earned money on your products?

The same goes for your businesses' interior paint. Would you want to do business with a company that has peeling paint or unsightly crown molding? At Shield's Painting, our goal is to create a beautiful environment that your customers and employees will love inside and out. When you work with our business painters, you can rest easy knowing we treat your business like it were our own. We always clean up after ourselves and know that operations cannot come to a halt just because we're painting. As such, we'll work with your busy schedule to ensure the job gets done right the first time without disrupting your day-to-day commitments.

With decades of commercial painting experience, we know the demands of a commercial painting project necessitate a disciplined and focused approach from the start. Our team of business painters is committed to delivering quality, on-time results on every project, every time - no excuses

We offer professional business painting services to a variety of building types, including:

01

Industrial Painting

A high level of care and finesse are required to effectively paint an industrial property. At Shields Painting, we know that industrial paint jobs involve much more than aesthetics. That's why our industrial services are customized to your specifications, using industrial-grade materials that stand up to heavy-duty operations.

02

Retail Store Painting

Our commercial painters apply effective, yet appealing interior and exterior paint that stand up to the daily rigors of busy retail environments.

03

Small Business Painting

Do you own a restaurant franchise? Have a small "mom and pop" location that needs a fresh coat of paint? Shields Painting has the resources and reliability to efficiently get the job done the first time. That way, you can focus on serving your customers, not having your business repainted.

04

Healthcare Location Painting

From walk-in clinics to long-term care facilities, Shields Painting is sensitive to your patients' needs. We know you must protect your patient's privacy while maintaining productivity. Our approach to healthcare location painting centers around your schedule to avoid disruptions in care.

05

Apartment Complex Painting

Erase signs of wear and make your apartment complex or multi-family building a more desirable place to live with a stunning, professional paint job.

Florida's Most Trusted Painting Contractor

Shields Painting has been in the business since 1968. In a world where so much has changed, we are proud to uphold the ideals that make us successful: hard, honest work, getting the job done right, and excellent customer service. Providing you with trustworthy, quality work will always take priority over rushing through a project to serve the next customer. That is just not the way we choose to do business.

As professionals dedicated to perfection, we strive to provide a unique painting experience for every customer - one that focuses on their needs and desires instead of our own. Whether you need residential painting for your home or commercial painting for your business, we encourage you to reach out today to speak with our customer service team. Whether you have big ideas about a new paint project or need our expertise and guidance, we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Free Consultation

State-by-state look at every player selected in the NFL Draft over the last 10 years

Over the past 10 years, 2,620 players have had their dreams of being drafted in the NFL realized. On Thursday, 32 more players will join that fraternity, becoming a first-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas. When the three-day event is complete, 262 players total will have been drafted.Of the more than 2,600 selections over the past decade, Florida stands above all states in terms of producing NFL talent with 326 players taken. Texas is the next closest with 284, while California (257), Georgia (192) and Ohio (115) are ...

Of the more than 2,600 selections over the past decade, Florida stands above all states in terms of producing NFL talent with 326 players taken. Texas is the next closest with 284, while California (257), Georgia (192) and Ohio (115) are the only other states with more than 100 players selected over the last 10 years.

The Sunshine State has had some remarkable draft classes, including 2018 where guys like Lamar Jackson, Sony Michel, Shaquem Griffin, Marquez Valdez-Scantling and Calvin Ridley were among those chosen. In 2014, 44 players were chosen — the most ever selected by one state in a draft over the last 10 years — led by Devonta Freeman, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Carlos Hyde, Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles, Ryan Shazier, James, White and Khalil Mack.

Florida has had the most selections in six of the past 10 drafts (2021, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2013) while the Lone Star State has three times (2020, 2016, 2012). Georgia (2017) and California (2013) have one time. Florida and California tied for the most in 2013 with 27 selections each.

St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) has the most selections by a school as the Raiders have had 18 players taken since 2012. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) and Northwestern (Miami) are the only other schools to have more than 10 players selected. The Ascenders have had 14 players selected while the Bulls have had 11 players chosen. IMG broke the record for most players selected in one draft last year with seven selections.

Allen has had the most players selected by one school from Texas with eight headlined by Kyler Murray who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2019.

Serra (Gardena) headlines California with nine players selected led by Robert Woods and Adoree' Jackson.

Alaska and Vermont are the only two states that have not had a player drafted over the last decade.

*In order by states with the most draft selections.

Florida (326)

2020 (22)

North Carolina (91)

South Carolina (59)

South Dakota (5)

West Virginia (3)

North Dakota (2)

Rhode Island (1)

The Highest Rated Brunch Restaurants in Tampa, According to Trip Advisor

Many people consider brunch to be the best of two worlds. Brunch means you can get up late if you like, and you can enjoy foods from both breakfast and lunch. Many of us enjoy brunch on weekends when we don't have to hurry to school or work.According to Smithsonian Magazine, the word "brunch" first appeared in print in an 1895 article in Hunter's Weekly. Accord...

According to Smithsonian Magazine, the word "brunch" first appeared in print in an 1895 article in Hunter's Weekly. According to the Washington Post, by the 1960s, cookbooks for brunch recipes began to emerge. And by the 1990s, Americans were regularly brunching on weekends.

Tampa has plenty of places that offer brunch. But which are considered the best by locals and tourists? The website Stacker wanted to know the answer to that question so it used data from Trip Advisor to compile a list of the top 30 brunch restaurants in Tampa. You'll see that the list is geographically diverse. There are many independently-owned options and a few chain restaurants as well.

Here is the list, from the lowest to the highest.

#30. Bahama Breeze

Address: 3045 N Rocky Point Drive East, Tampa, FL 33607-5802

#29. Zudar's on Platt

Address: 201 W Platt Street, Tampa, FL 33606-2304

#28. Trip's Diner (Tampa)

Address: 6416 N Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604-6008

#27. 1823 Kitchen and Bar

Address: 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa, FL 33607-1479

#26. Yeoman's Cask and Lion

Address: 202 N Morgan Street, Tampa, FL 33602

#25. Pane Rustica

Address: 3225 S Macdill Avenue, Tampa, FL 33629-8171

#24. Mom's Place

Address: 4816 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33614-6510

#23. Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Address: 13121 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618-2457

#22. Metro Diner

Address: 4011 West Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33609

#21. Maggiano's Little Italy

Address: 203 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, FL 33609-1810

#20. Water + Flour

Address: 1015 S Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606-2431

#19. Pinky's

-Address: 3203 W Bay To Bay Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33629-7105

#18. Doc B's Fresh Kitchen

Address: 2223 N West Shore Boulevard, B-206, Tampa, FL 33607-1411

#17. Gaspar's Grotto

Address: 1805 E 7th Avenue, Ybor City, Tampa, FL 33605-3807

#16. Seasons 52

Address: 204 N West Shore Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33609-1918

#15. Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi

Address: 601 S Harbour Island Boulevard, Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33602-5735

#14. Oystercatchers

Address: 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa, FL 33607-1479

#13. La Teresita Restaurant

Address: 3246 W Columbus Drive, Tampa, FL 33607-1818

#12. Wright's Gourmet House

Address: 1200 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33629-5009

#11. Rusty Pelican - Tampa

Address: 2425 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607

#10. Miguel's Mexican Seafood & Grill

Address: 3035 W Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33609-3136

#9. Bulla Gastrobar

Address: 930 South Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606

#8. Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe

Address: 5119 N Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, FL 33603-2365

#7. Wat Mongkolratanaram Thai Temple

Address: 5306 Palm River Road, Tampa, FL 33619-3746

#6. Datz Tampa

Address: 2616 S Macdill Avenue, Tampa, FL 33629-7220

#5. Nicki's Omelette & Grill

Address: 6805 W Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, FL 33634-5001

#4. Samaria Cafe

Address: 502 N Tampa Street, Tampa, FL 33602-4806

#3. Oxford Exchange

Address: 420 W Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33606-1413

#2. First Watch

Address: 520 N Tampa Street, Tampa, FL 33602-4806

#1. Daily Eats

Address: 908 S Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606-2419

Highest-rated fine dining restaurants in Tampa, according to Tripadvisor

(Stacker) — With the advent of Big Data, it’s now easier than ever to quantify what people like around the globe. And when it comes to food, Americans seem to have specific opinions. Dining brands in the U.S. have a long and storied history—and whether they’re fast food, fast-casual, high-end, or super cheap, U.S. restaurants offer something for almost everyone.What&r...

What’s clear about U.S. dining habits is that people love options. Restaurants across America are chock-full of variety, mixing ethnicities, food regions, and cultures into steaming melting pots of (often) fried deliciousness.

Stacker compiled a list of the highest rated restaurants in Tampa that are listed as “fine dining” on Tripadvisor. Locals are sure to see some favorite eateries and classic go-to restaurants. Keep reading to see if your favorite restaurant made the list—and to see which spots you haven’t been to yet.

#28. Flor Fina

– Rating: 4.0 / 5 (10 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Caribbean– Price: $$ – $$$– Address: Hotel Haya 1412 E 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605– Read more on Tripadvisor

#27. Meat Market Tampa

– Rating: 3.5 / 5 (68 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (3.5/5), Value (3.0/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Steakhouse– Price: $$$$– Address: 1606 W Snow Ave, Tampa, FL 33606-2837– Read more on Tripadvisor

#26. Mise en Place

– Rating: 4.0 / 5 (17 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)– Type of cuisine: Contemporary– Price: $$$$– Address: 442 West Grand Central Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606– Read more on Tripadvisor

#25. Maestro’s Restaurant

– Rating: 4.0 / 5 (92 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: American– Price: $$$$– Address: 1010 N W C Macinnes Pl, Tampa, FL 33602-3720– Read more on Tripadvisor

#24. Tampa Club

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (37 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Bar– Price: $$$$– Address: 101 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602-5179– Read more on Tripadvisor

#23. Cipresso

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (23 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: Italian– Price: $$$$– Address: 5223 North Orient Road Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Tampa, FL 33610-4114– Read more on Tripadvisor

#22. Firestick Grill

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (58 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: American– Price: $$$$– Address: 401 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602-5400– Read more on Tripadvisor

#21. The Melting Pot

– Rating: 4.0 / 5 (119 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: American– Price: $$$$– Address: 13164 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618-2406– Read more on Tripadvisor

#20. Crystal Dining Room

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (70 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Contemporary– Price: $$$$– Address: 905 N Florida Ave Floridan Palace Hotel, Tampa, FL 33602-3805– Read more on Tripadvisor

#19. CW’s Gin Joint

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (58 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Bar– Price: $$$$– Address: 633 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602-4424– Read more on Tripadvisor

#18. Ciro’s

– Rating: 4.0 / 5 (244 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Bar– Price: $$$$– Address: 2109 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606-3155– Read more on Tripadvisor

#17. Restaurant BT

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (131 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: French, Vietnamese– Price: $$$$– Address: 2507 S Macdill Ave Tampa Florida 33629, Tampa, FL 33629-7255– Read more on Tripadvisor

#16. Cena

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (125 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: Italian– Price: $$$$– Address: 1120 E Kennedy Blvd Suite 112W, Tampa, FL 33602-3580– Read more on Tripadvisor

#15. Timpano Italian Chophouse

– Rating: 4.0 / 5 (307 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: Italian– Price: $$$$– Address: 1610 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606-2555– Read more on Tripadvisor

#14. Malio’s

– Rating: 4.0 / 5 (329 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Steakhouse– Price: $$$$– Address: 400 N Ashley Dr Ste 310, Tampa, FL 33602-4300– Read more on Tripadvisor

#13. Elevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar

– Rating: 4.0 / 5 (307 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: American– Price: $$$$– Address: 1207 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606-3101– Read more on Tripadvisor

#12. Donatello Italian Restaurant

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (362 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: Steakhouse, Italian– Price: $$$$– Address: 232 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609-1237– Read more on Tripadvisor

#11. Rusty Pelican – Tampa

– Rating: 4.0 / 5 (854 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Seafood– Price: $$$$– Address: 2425 Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607– Read more on Tripadvisor

#10. Texas de Brazil

– Rating: 4.0 / 5 (584 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: Steakhouse, Brazilian– Price: $$$$– Address: 4112 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607-5740– Read more on Tripadvisor

#9. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (414 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Steakhouse– Price: $$$$– Address: 5223 Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 33610-4114– Read more on Tripadvisor

#8. Mise En Place Restaurant

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (423 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: American, International– Price: $$$$– Address: 442 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606-1494– Read more on Tripadvisor

#7. Ruth’s Chris Steak House

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (464 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Steakhouse– Price: $$$$– Address: 1700 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, FL 33607– Read more on Tripadvisor

#6. Oystercatchers

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,091 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Seafood– Price: $$$$– Address: 2900 Bayport Dr, Tampa, FL 33607-1479– Read more on Tripadvisor

#5. Edison: Food+Drink Lab

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (430 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: American, International– Price: $$$$– Address: 912 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606-1934– Read more on Tripadvisor

#4. Bern’s Steak House

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (4,639 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: French, American– Price: $$$$– Address: 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606-3197– Read more on Tripadvisor

#3. Charley’s Steak House & Market Fresh Fish

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,511 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: Steakhouse, Seafood– Price: $$$$– Address: 4444 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607-4007– Read more on Tripadvisor

#2. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (518 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Steakhouse– Price: $$$$– Address: 4322 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607-5717– Read more on Tripadvisor

#1. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (843 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: Seafood– Price: $$$$– Address: 4400 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607– Read more on Tripadvisor

Civil War shipwreck at Bayport delays pier replacement, multiplies cost by 10

BAYPORT — Locals and visitors who have long enjoyed fishing and scenic vistas from the pier at Bayport are eager to see the structure rebuilt after Hurricane Hermine destroyed it in 2016.But a Civil War shipwreck on the site — known by historians, but news to Hernando County commissioners — will delay the re-opening. And the new price tag is 10 times the original estimate — in part due to the historical concerns.The wooden pier was built on the site of several clashes between union ships from Tampa and C...

BAYPORT — Locals and visitors who have long enjoyed fishing and scenic vistas from the pier at Bayport are eager to see the structure rebuilt after Hurricane Hermine destroyed it in 2016.

But a Civil War shipwreck on the site — known by historians, but news to Hernando County commissioners — will delay the re-opening. And the new price tag is 10 times the original estimate — in part due to the historical concerns.

The wooden pier was built on the site of several clashes between union ships from Tampa and Confederate militia at Bayport, with a major battle in 1863, according to local historians. Assessing the impacts of construction on any artifacts is now part of the construction process, commissioners learned recently.

In early 2017, commissioners discussed replacing the damaged pier using money earmarked for protecting and maintaining environmentally sensitive lands, sparking controversy. Ultimately, commissioners moved some of the tax funds to the new "Quality of Life Fund" that didn't have such strings attached.

At the time, commissioners were discussing a cost of about $80,000.

Since then, the county had to tap the Quality of Life Fund to help balance its budget, forcing the commission to find a loan to pay for rebuilding the pier. On July 10, the County Commission agreed to use a $799,460 line of credit for the project.

That includes a construction contract with Midcoast Construction Enterprises, of Largo, totalling just under $660,000. Another $77,000 will go to Cardno, an international engineering company with a local office, for the cultural resource assessment and inspection services. The remainder of the money will pay for the completed damage assessment, as well as engineering and project oversight by Cardno.

Commissioners learned in June about the complications caused by the shipwreck. The matter came up when the county applied for a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, explained deputy county administrator Jeff Rogers.

Commissioner John Allocco asked why the archaeological assessment was needed, since there was a pier there before.

"If we find a shipwreck do we get to open it up as a new park with glass-bottom boats?'' he quipped.

The agencies want to ensure that new supports and other work on the pier don't impact the historical remains, Rogers said. He also was realistic about what that meant.

"Whenever you hit a historical area,'' he said, "it costs you a lot of money and time.''

There is one Civil War shipwreck near the pier and multiple shipwrecks in the general area of Bayport, according to David Letasi, a member of the board of Hernando Historic Preservation.

Artifacts from surrounding areas have been collected and preserved in the past, he said, including a port hole and a swivel arm used for a sink. Letasi said he was sure the county will protect the shipwreck site, but said residents need to let that happen in the proper time.

County Commission Chairman Steve Champion said he was eager to see the pier rebuilt, but shocked at the cost increase.

"This is what happens when government gets in the way," he said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is expected to reimburse the county for some portion of the pier costs. Several months ago, before learning of the shipwrecks, FEMA told the county the pier replacement would cost $332,953.

The county has offered no time line for when construction will begin or be completed.

Contact Barbara Behrendt at bbehrendt@tampabay.com or (352) 848-1434.

Bayport-Blue Point shows balance in victory over Sayville

The Bayport-Blue Point girls lacrosse team embraces a strength-in-numbers mentality. And this can give opposing coaches nightmares.The Phantoms don’t have just one or two prominent players they run their offense through. It’s everybody on the field. Take away one player, another emerges.“We’re a by-committee type of offense,” coach Ryan Gick said. “There’s no one player we are running through. It’s not one person I’ll tell you to watch, there’s seven kids and to me, th...

The Bayport-Blue Point girls lacrosse team embraces a strength-in-numbers mentality. And this can give opposing coaches nightmares.

The Phantoms don’t have just one or two prominent players they run their offense through. It’s everybody on the field. Take away one player, another emerges.

“We’re a by-committee type of offense,” coach Ryan Gick said. “There’s no one player we are running through. It’s not one person I’ll tell you to watch, there’s seven kids and to me, that’s a dangerous team.”

Bayport-Blue Point demonstrated that again with an 11-8 victory over Sayville at Greeley Avenue Field on Monday. The Phantoms had eight goal-scorers, with Haydin Eisfeld, Aubrie Eisfeld and Mikaela Mooney each leading the total with two goals.

“We move the ball around and try to find [the opponent’s] weaknesses,” said Keira Rooney, who had a goal and an assist. “We have so much talent everywhere. They don’t know who to guard on each play.”

Subscribe to Newsday's high school sports newsletter.

Newsday's weekly newsletter takes you on the field and inside the high school sports scene across Long Island.

Rooney scored a free-position goal with 14:05 remaining in the second half to give Bayport-Blue Point a 6-5 lead, the first of three unanswered goals for the team. Rooney, a junior committed to play at Florida, enjoys knowing that there are playmakers all over the field.

“I love it because the pressure isn’t all on you,” she said. “You can pass it around and spread it around.”

Bayport-Blue Point (3-0) opened an 11-6 lead with 3:59 remaining in the second half as the Phantoms outscored Sayville 6-2 in the first 19 minutes of the second half.

Natalee Frabizio added a goal and two assists and Katie Clare had a goal and three draw controls in the win. Ally Reilly and Brigid Manning each had three goals for Sayville (3-1).

The Bayport-Blue Point defense, including Madison Weybrecht, Emma Brown, Christine Dannenfelser and Tessa Orgonas, played a key role in slowing a strong Sayville offense the majority of the game.

“We have a really good relationship with each other,” Weybrecht said. “We think defense wins championships and we just work together to do our best.”

“We do rely on our defense to be our backbone,” Gick said. “And usually our offense flows off that.”

Bayport-Blue Point is coming off a 17-0 season, including winning its first Long Island title after defeating Manhasset, 6-5, in the Class C final. There were no state championships last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so the Phantoms hope to take their season even further this spring.

“Every year the goal is the same,” Gick said. “I think this group is still trying to figure out their identity. We lost three good leaders last season and we have a good leadership group this year. I think we are just trying to figure out who we are.”

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.