The Unofficial IKEA Tampa Poster has Arrived!

If you would like a larger version of this image, so that you can print your own IKEA Tampa poster at home, just send me an email. Enjoy!

The Secret IKEA Tampa Plans

OK, so they aren't really a secret...but we were able to catch a quick peek at the working blueprints for the new IKEA Tampa store, during the recent groundbreaking.

Displays at IKEA Tampa Groundbreaking

IKEA ordered the items pictured below from the IKEA Orlando store, and had them shipped to Tampa for the groundbreaking. After the groundbreaking, the items were donated to the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County.

IKEA Tampa Fan Blog "Featured" in Local Tampa Blog

IKEA Tampa Fan Blog is pleased to report that we have been featured (aka linked to :) in a blog about IKEA fanatics, written by Tampa's very own funny man, Clark Brooks. You can read the original blog here, and also read the posting on Sticks of Fire here. I am flattered that Mr. Brooks chose to link to this blog, and my hope is to convert Mr. IKEA Hater to a Swedish-meatball-lovin'-allen-wrench-using-flush-up-for-number-one-and-down-for-number-two IKEA groupie, even if it means several trips to IKEA Orlando dragging him kicking and screaming...

IKEA Groundbreaking Treats

Treats included Ballerina Cookies, Kex, Anna's Swedish Thins, Dalecarlia Chocolates, Daim, Swedish Fish, and Gille Cookies.

IKEA Tampa Groundbreaking Posters

These posters were on display at the groundbreaking...

IKEA Tampa Groundbreaking Souvenir

Here is a picture of the very cool IKEA Tampa Groundbreaking souvenirs that we each received. I know that I will personally be buying a STRIND side table to permanently display mine on.

Groundbreaking Photo

From left to right: Councilman John Dingfelder, District 4, Michael Maier, IKEA Eastern Real Estate Manager, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, Councilman and Chairman Thomas Scott, District 5, Joseph Roth, IKEA Director of Public Affairs, North America, Charlie Miranda, District 6, Unknown and B-G Holmberg, Honorary Swedish Consul of Florida. 

With Movement of Shovels, IKEA Inches Closer

There were only three of us who attended the groundbreaking yesterday that were obviously not part of the media, city or county government or sent to represent our place of employment. The St. Pete Times reporter, Emily Nipps, sought us out as she wanted to write about the excitement that is brewing around the new IKEA Tampa store. I was busy taking a million pictures and Charlene was saving our second row seats, so Claire took it for the team and gave Emily a great interview which you can read here.

 

June 4, 2008 Groundbreaking Day

Hej IKEA Tampa groupies! I am pleased to announce that as of today, Tampa now has its own official, unofficial place for all things IKEA Tampa. I was thrilled to be able to attend the groundbreaking today and will be posting the photos and more details from the big event very soon. In the meantime, enjoy this short video excerpt from today's event...