'Light the Heights:' Donate Christmas lights to Seminole Heights
TAMPA, Fla. - A movement that combines the safety of a well-lit neighborhood and decorating for the holidays is underway in Tampa's Seminole Heights neighborhood.
Residents and volunteers are spearheading the "Light the Heights" event to encourage the people of Tampa's Seminole Heights neighborhood, which has been on edge since the recent murders of four people in a one-mile radius, to light up their homes and businesses at night.
Courtney Bumgarner and Lindsay Guyer are organizing the event, which is accepting donations of Christmas lights with the goal of putting up lights on every home in southeast Seminole Heights to help police patrol the area.
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Not only will it help by lighting up the neighborhood, it's festive, and a way for the neighbors and volunteers to come together as a community to feel safer.
In addition to new and used Christmas lights, the group is in need of donations of outdoor extension cords and solar or battery-powered lights for vacant homes and lots, yard stakes, holiday light or other projectors. The group is also accepting monetary donations through the Southeast Seminole Heights Civic Organization and volunteers are also needed to help put up the lights up.
A map posted on the group's Facebook page shows which areas will be decorated on which day and volunteers will help patrol the zones while people are putting up their lights outside.
The group hopes to have all the lights up by December 10, when the entire city will be invited to enjoy the lights, live music, and meet Santa. Click the "Learn More" button on the group's Facebook page to make a monetary donation: https://www.facebook.com/Lighttheheights/
The locations in Seminole Heights that are accepting donations are:
Southern Brewing & Wine Making
Ella's
Fodder & Shine
Richard's Automotive Service
Front Porch
Ebisu Sushi Shack
Christmas Tree Lot at Seminole Heights United Methodist Church
Jai Dee Massage & Yoga Studio
The Mermaid Tavern
Two Broke Spokes
Those wishing to donate should check the business' hours of operation before they go.